My thoughts after

My thoughts after exploratory laparoscopic surgery for my 17 year old daughter...

When the doctor looked at us today and said she found "tons of endometriosis" it took my breath away. With validation, with relief.... and with that mama bear instinct, protection and assurance. I cried for her, for me, and truly for so many women who deserve to feel heard and seen. And she was the same surgeon who changed my life. It took me years to not only get a diagnosis, but find true relief through appropriate treatment. When I started seeing the same issues with my own daughter, I didn't ever question her pain, her emotions, and her concerns. I struggled with all of that, and I see it with so many of my patients in my office. It is not acceptable, and so many women live with it for YEARS, or they are disregarded and misdiagnosed, and I really can not say it enough... It is not normal. It is not normal that your quality of life is affected by debilitating pain and bleeding, not normal to feel so exhausted, mentally and physically. The issues can quickly become more concerning, affecting bowel and bladder function and even fertility. It is not OK, it is not "just a bad period" or an endometrial issue. It is a neuroimmunological disorder. Research is limited, yet one in ten women suffer. Women are stuck in a vicious cycle of being prescribed medications that not only don't work, but cause multiple side effects. So if you think I was aggressive with getting my daughter diagnosed and treated, you bet I was. I recognized her issues well over a year ago. We tried some medication options, as well as multiple natural treatments for pain and inflammatory relief, so don't jump to the conclusion that I resorted to surgery too quickly. There is nothing that matches the strength and debilitating symptoms of endo, and if it is suspected it should be excised, without delay. Without question, and sadly, surgery is the only treatment, but even more concerning, is that endometriosis must be removed by a specialist that is experienced with what it entails to excise it completely. Every person (nurse/ anesthesia/ surgical/ team member) today commented about how young my daughter is to be dealing with this (among others I have encountered). Yes, it's true, she just turned 17- but do you know, or can you imagine how many other young women are dealing with this without a diagnosis or relief in sight? It is beyond sad. You bet I am being aggressive. I know how it feels to be desperate for answers, and when you have the ability to be the voice for even one person, especially your daughter, it is truly gratifying. We will see what the future holds for her, but this is really just starting a fire in me to become a stronger voice for others.