WeAreEndo.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Endometriosis

Dying slowly inside....

Another day and here I am... hurting inside but on the outside I look fine. How much longer am i to hold this all in. Believe it or not even my therapist dropped me due to attendance. Funny shit right? Now I can honestly say I feel totally alone. My heart hurts and yearns for things... children, understanding, someone to hold me and say I hear you and believe me i feel your pain. Instead I get my therapist dropped me, my family turned on me and has used my illness as daggers against me, my man sometimes tells me i dont keep up with me wifely duties (not sex) but all others, and the list goes on n on. I cant sleep, and when i do i sleep for days not even hours. Is this a life? Should I continue living like this? Is this a burden to all around me? Why cant i just find a lil bit of happiness? I have a chatroom for me, family, friends and anyone else who else wants to come along to talk about ANYTHING, we play games, we listen to music together and just cry on eachothers shoulders and you are all welcome to come on over if you think you can contribute, help me, or just need someone to help you.

http://xat.com/LOVE_TRUST_LOYALTY

that is the room... just mention you are from this site. anyway im just crying again as usual.... same problems different day and i needed to vent. hope you all are well. And i also hope to see you all in my room saying anything u need to say.

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Heart ache that just wont subside

So here I am again.... I had a surgery done on dec 11th where they were supposed to have gone in to look around and also take away some of the scar tissue to ease some of my pain. To my surprise the dr only looked around and closed me up. He later explained to me that it was a mess in there and there was nothing he could do. He wants and says i need to get a hysterectomy :(

Reason behind it is because I am on Lupron and have been for 2 yrs straight and he doesnt want me on it any longer. But stopping the Lupron would mean my period comes back and my period causes me to have kidney failure because the endo has attached to my kidneys. So the only way around this is to have my uterus removed. Only problem with that is that I do not have children. :( Always wanted one, Im great with them but now it seems that dream is drifting farther and farther away.

Today I went back to the dr and he said hes ready when I am ... to do the surgery. he explained he has to open me up for this he can not do it thru my belly button cuz its too dangerous. the endo is attached to my reproductive system, my kidneys, my ribcage, my gall bladder, my intestines and god only knows where else. Its completely taking over my body as well as my life. I cant sleep, I eat cuz i have to, I cry ALOT, I dont work anymore, this is the longest I have concentrated in a long time, and now I have all these meds I have to take.

Speaking of meds, I have been taking vicodin for the chronic pain for years straight. Today I was told that i can keep taking the vicodin but they are also trying something more long term . its called oxymorphone also known as OPANA. I know nothing regarding this medication only that it is another controlled substance and it is an opiate. I was wondering if anyone that reads this knows anything about that med? Got any good stories to tell me? bad stories? side effects? opinion on if I should try this or not? anything would help me right now since i cant really concentrate, or even work on this myself.

Sisters... my heart hearts. The emptiness I feel inside is scaring me. I dont understand why everyone keeps telling me that God never gives u more than u can handle and yet I am here feeling like I cant fight anymore. I feel like my mind is ready to shut down. So I think that God may not have forgotten me but I think he threw this at me and went on to take care of the world and it has been overlooked that I can NOT deal with this. This cross is harder and harder for me to carry on my own. So I ask my sisters to help me at this time. I dont want to give up the fight. I dont want to lose my will to live but it is slowly fading. I know someone out there has felt like this or feels like this. Please someone i ask you to save me or at least try. I am sinking fast and cant take the emotional strain this has on me. I hope you are all  well... and i also hope u all have a pain free new year... thanks for listening sisters!!!

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Herbs That Heal Endometriosis

Hi Everyone,

I’ve listed some very useful herbs that are currently being used by a successful herbalist to heal endometriosis. I hope you find this information useful.

Endo-Healing Herbs

Chasteberry

Chasteberry has been used for centuries in Western and Chinese Medicine to treat gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis. Combined with Dong Quai it makes a powerful treatment for balancing hormones and reducing the pain of endometriosis. When Chasteberry is combined with Wild Yam it relaxes the uterus, reducing cramps and spasms.

It’s approved by the German Commission E for family physicians and gynecologists to use for menstrual conditions. In fact, a German study reported that 52% of women taking this herbs reported a complete reduction in symptoms. Another German study reported 93% of women noticing a significant decrease in PMS symptoms.

Chasteberry is rich in essential oils and flavinoids. It works by stimulating the body to decrease estrogen levels and increase progesterone levels, leading to decreased occurrences in endometriosis.

Dong Quai

Dong Quai is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat female reproductive health complaints, including endometriosis, fibroids, PMS and infertility.

A Taiwan medical study found that Dong Quai inhibited tumor growth by 30%. Chinese Researchers found that the polysaccharides in Dong Quai improved the immune system by activating the T cells.

NYU School of Medicine found that the water-soluble components in Dong Quai had an anti inflammatory and antibacterial effect.

The Fourth Military Medical University in China found that Dong Quai prevented the blood cells from clumping together and improved the circulation of blood.

Wild Yam

Wild Yam has been used in the West since the 18th century to treat menstrual cramps and other gynaecological condition such as endometriosis. It is rich in diosgenin, a substance used by the body to create progesterone.

Wild Yam is effective for balancing estrogen levels, and researchers in Taiwan found that its phytoestrogens (a weak form of plant estrogen) bind to estrogen receptors in the body, replacing the stronger and more dangerous forms of estrogen such as xenoestrogens.

Psychiatrists in China reported that Wild Yam reduces anxiety levels, and its anti inflammatory and anti spasmodic effects are excellent for maintaining uterine health. When combined with Chasteberry and Cramp bark, Wild Yam is a powerful natural remedy for immediate relief from endo symptoms.

Cramp Bark

Cramp bark has been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans to treat pains and muscular cramping in the body. It is used to relax muscles, and is particularly effective on the smooth muscle cells of the uterus.

It also has anti-inflammatory effects and calms and soothes the nerves, reduces excess bleeding and provides great relief for dysmenorrhea.

It also has wonderful effects on irritable bowel syndrome and researchers at Lviv National Medical University, Ukraine found that it was an effective treatment for gastrointestinal damage.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for thousands of years in Chinese Medicine to reduce nausea, reduce pain, treat digestive complaints and to boost energy levels. It has been effectively used in India to improve allergic response, due to its anti inflammatory effects.

Doctors in Bangkok found that Ginger reduced nausea and vomiting in pregnant patients, while Scientists in Pakistan found that Ginger enhanced the travel of food through the intestine.

It is also good for preventing endometrial growths, as Doctors at the China Medical University, Taiwan proved that Ginger prevented blood cells from aggregating. Researchers at Seoul National University also found that the gingerol and vanilloids in ginger had anti-tumor properties.

Echinacea

Echinacea helps combat endometriosis by boosting the immune system, helping the body to get rid of stray endometrial cells, and by reducing inflammation and infections associated with endometriosis.

Echinacea works by enhancing immune response, encouraging the white blood cells to destroy foreign substances. Australian researchers found it is also a powerful antioxidant.

The beneficial effects of Echinacea on the immune system are well documented; one study carried out at Karl Franzens University, Austria demonstrated the effect the herb had on the innate and adaptive immune system. Research at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, Oregon also confirms this fact.

Echinacea is used to improve conditions caused by imbalances in the immune system. The University of Marche in Italy found the herb effective and safe for treating patients suffering from an autoimmune condition.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal has been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans for its anti bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is particularly useful in endometriosis as it relaxes the uterine muscles, helps to reduce excessive bleeding, including bleeding in between periods, hemorrhages, and ruptures of endometrial growths.

Its anti-bacterial effects were documented by the University of Illionois, and the berberine in Goldenseal, along with Echinacea are both effective for clearing the body of infections and inflammations that cause painful endometriosis symptoms.

Calendula Flower
Calendula is very effective for boosting the immune system (especially when combined with Echinacea), repairing connective tissue, and improving the circulation of blood. It is also a natural pain killer.

Calendula is used to treat wounds, and is rich in plant antioxidants which protect the body from the free radicals that damage cells. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties, which are very useful for keeping endometrial growths under control.

This is a great herb to have in any formula, as it improves the delivery of other herbs into the blood and lymphatic system, giving faster and more efficient benefits.

Where To Get These Endo-Healing Herbs

A herbalist I know, Amina Christy works with clients suffering from a range of illnesses including endo. She’s very talented and knowledgeable and gets great results. I often refer difficult cases to her, because I know she’ll make a huge difference to their health. She normally gives her clients herbs to boil up at home, but has started to encapsulate her formulas.

I have persuaded her to make a VERY SMALL QUANTITY of her formula available online. If you’re thinking about trying out her herbs, I suggest you take action quickly as her small stock will sell out in 48 hours.

You can get her formula, EndoClear from her website, www.EndoClear.com

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ENDOMETRIOSIS STAMP

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stamp-out-endometriosis/sign.html

Please take a moment click the above link and  share your name for this petition.  Small things in life like a stamp can make a difference. 

Whereas Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility, chronic pain, immunologic disruption and pelvic surgery in the United States, we the undersigned respectfully request the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee to approve an Endometriosis Stamp honoring the estimated 10 million American women and girls suffering from this insidious, as-yet incurable illness.

This petition is consistent with public opinion and represents a broad National interest, and features a highly relevant subject affecting the American female public, their loved ones, and the health professionals who strive to treat them. Coinciding with the ERC’s ongoing “Endometriosis Awareness Month” campaign, it is our further hope that such a stamp may be unveiled to the American public in the month of March.

The Endometriosis Research Center, a volunteer based 501(c)3 tax-exempt, tax-deductible foundation, wholly supports this interest and cause, and freely gives our Internationally recognized symbol, the “Endometriosis Awareness Angels,” created and donated to the ERC by artist Christine Marlow, to this effort as a representative mark of this important and crucial campaign.

By signing this petition I demonstrate my support of the ERC’s efforts to campaign for creation of an Endometriosis stamp and express my willingness to allow the ERC to use my name and any subsequent information provided by me in furtherance of their mission to secure a United States Postal Service Stamp honoring the lives of the millions of American women and girls struggling with this disease and to bring about widespread National awareness which will hopefully lead to better recognition of Endometriosis, more effective treatments, and ultimately – one day – a cure

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Painful intercourse and endo

Quite a few of the women in our endo community want to know about
how to restore the physical side of their relationships, as
intercourse can be very painful with endo. 

For example, Felicity B. writes:

Hi.  I'm 24 and have been married for 4 years, and have had
endo since I was 17.  Because of the fatigue and pain, I've found
that I've lost interest in sex.  It can be so painful sometimes.
My husband is not happy about the situation and it's really
affecting our relationship.  We have arguments over little things.
I'm afraid he might have an affair one day.  Any advice?

I'm no relationship expert, but I know some men feel unloved when
the physical side of their relationships start to dwindle. 

Even if sex is impossible at the moment, being physically
affectionate can go a long way.  Holding hands, hugs, kisses on the
cheek, telling him you love and appreciate him, can let him know
he's being loved, and remind him that you have a physical condition
that he needs to show patience with.

Communication is also helpful.  One of my clients told me her
husband thought she was sleeping with someone at work, and had lost
interest in him.  It's amazing how people's minds make up wild
explanations when a situation is not well explained.


Here are some tips other women wrote in with:

Marie G. wrote in to say that just after menstruation and before
ovulation is a good time to have pain-free intercourse.

Sarah T. does a combination of careful positioning and painkillers
Being on top helps to control the depth of penetration, thus
lessening the chance of getting hurt.

Most side to side positions allow for shallow penetration
Using lubricants can help a lot if you're experiencing dryness.

And of course, there are other ways to have sex that don't include
penetration!

Thanks for reading, I hope you have a great day!

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