The pain scale

The pain shows in our eyes.

One topic that comes up regularly with my Endo sister's is the so called pain scale. Presenting to the ER or the Doctor's office with severe pain and trying to convey that you are at your worst,  that you are in agony and physically cannot move or think straight from the pain is a somewhat difficult task. Many women find that they are given the "oh you're just looking for drugs" talk or look and are left feeling angry, hurt and humiliated.

So how do we describe our pain? Searing, stabbing, burning, pulling, tearing, shredding, ripping. Etc?
Should we be extremely proactive here and do a fly on the wall situation where we will have a camera capture our every waking moment, but this will only work on those extreme days when the pain grabs home and we let it be seen on our faces. Should these intimate moments be made public? Should the world see what it's like to live with Endo? How do we achieve that?

I am aware I've thrown out alot of questions today but I am curious as to what your feelings are on this topic.

Yesterday I posted some pics of myself while I was having a flare up. Not my worst pain ever. In fact today I actually fell to the floor because I felt a "pop" on my ovary. (I get the occasional burst cyst). It took me by surprise and honestly I'm still in pain now but this is the time to write I feel.

When I'm going through the flare ups, the pain, the bad days. To spread awareness is not just to write about the symptoms but to share how it affects us in our daily lives. On a positive note here's my Mum and I wearing our "Yellow for Endo" on the 01st of March.

So for me 1-10 doesn't work but next time I may just bring a photo along to the Doctor along with my Endo diary. Let the image speak for itself.

If you have a scale or way of measuring your pain please comment.

As always, stay strong my Endo Warriors.

My Endo face

This is probably the quickest post I've ever done as I had the roughest night and am in a serious amount of pain today.

I've decided a while ago through other Endo sister's inspirational efforts that a picture really can tell the story.

So here you are; no touch ups, my raw pain.

Stay strong my warriors.
Xxxx

Real Men Wear Yellow

Happy Friday everybody!

So I've been having a lot of different debates and discussions about Endo with people of all walks of life, all ages and surprisingly both sexes. The amount of  men I've have spoken to in the past two weeks all of whom are currently single that have taken an interest in this illness has really given me hope for the future of Endo. I know, I know I sound preachy but one guy in particular said "if my Girlfriend/Wife was going through this I'd want to know the signs and symptoms even if she didn't so I could help her get diagnosed". I continued our conversation and explained what March 01st was representing. He had no at all getting involved. So I thought I would dedicate this post to my very nice, caring Irish friend and the below pic is quite appropriate.

It got me thinking that while we may be afraid to broach the subject when entering a relationship due to the complicated nature of this illness if more people as a whole were aware there would be a greater understanding and much less taboo.

I'm sure parents who have had Endo do make their daughters aware of the illness. Well my Mum did anyway right from the start and believe you me she watched me like a hawk with regards to any signs I was showing that something was not the average shall we say.

I know in the future, if I ever do take that plunge and have a biological child (there is a very strong genetic link of Endo in my family, my Grandmother, my Mother and five Aunts)  I would make them aware girl or boy of this illness. Too many young girls suffer with horrendous amounts of pain needlessly, all because they think it's a "normal" part of being a woman. They feel embarrassed about seeing their Doctor about their periods as they are afraid they will be told it's something they just have to deal with or that they're making something out of nothing. If I had a son I would certainly want him made aware so he could be knowledgeable and pass that wisdom on.

We need to create a link, throughout families, friends and our extended circles that will continue on for generations. This year is our year to #EndtheSilence so let's do it!

Million Women March 13th March 2014

Ok lads, I'm trying to get people of all ages, sexes and abilities together for our first annual "March for Endo".

Here are the details so far;

Registration will take place at 19:00 p.m at the Spire on O'Connell Street. €2 per person.

Prize will be given to our top fundraiser. (All sponsorship cards and funds must be handed over prior to the walk please)

If you want a sponsor card e-mail belladonnaheather@gmail.com with your name and details.

T-shirts will be available to purchase on the day or you can wear your own.

Please wear sensible walking shoes, trainers.

Allow for bad weather, dress appropriately.

Above all my Endo Supporters enjoy the walk, make some friends and lets raise awareness,

Caution! Fun will be had