By Samantha Bowick
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining is found in other places like ovaries, Fallopian tubes, bladder, bowels, as well as other locations. There is no cure and many doctors don’t understand it or know what the gold standard of treatment is (excision surgery performed by an endometriosis specialist).
There are also other conditions that come along with endometriosis like adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, pelvic floor spasms, interstitial cystitis, fibromyalgia, as well as others. Unfortunately, it’s our job to make our doctors aware of what we are going through. Having endometriosis is exhausting and life changing. Adding advocating for ourselves during doctor appointments can be daunting.
Going to doctor appointments is often riddled with anxiety when you have a chronic illness like endometriosis. Many doctors dismiss the symptoms their patients are experiencing and make them feel like their pain is all in their head. Having a doctor do a pelvic exam can cause severe pain along with adding to anxiety. Know that it’s okay to switch doctors as many times as you need to in order to receive the care you need and deserve, which will hopefully decrease anxiety.
Because of having multiple doctors and/or switching doctors, it’s important that we keep track of the doctors that we see, the tests and procedures we have done, the symptoms we are experiencing (even between appointments), medications, medical history, research, as well as other necessary information. It can be difficult to remember all of this information, especially when doctors are rushing in and out of your room in ten minutes or less.
I decided to create the Living with Endometriosis Workbook and Daily Journal, which is a companion to Living with Endometriosis: The Complete Guide to Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Options. My desire was to make it long enough to hold a year’s worth of information all in one place. This was important to me because I remember going to multiple different types of specialists and trying to keep up with all of my appointments, what my doctors were telling me, the tests I was having done, etc. and it was a lot to keep up with along with living everyday life. It’s something people can take with them anywhere they go including to doctor appointments. It’s not a calendar with set days of the week, meaning you can start using it at any time of the year. This is something I wish I would have thought of or had when I first started my period, or even when I was first diagnosed with endometriosis.
I hope you find this information helpful. Know that you are not alone. Sending hugs and love.
Samantha is an author, podcast host, writer, and blogger. She hopes to use her experiences to help others who are suffering with endometriosis and other chronic illnesses.
Facebook: Samantha Bowick
Instagram: @skbowick
Twitter: @skbowick
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