With minimal guidance on alternative ways to gain pain relief and medical gaslighting, I desperately sought relief wherever I could. Painkillers, birth control and the IUD created problematic relief. Doctors finally thought it was time to investigate with an ultrasound and a laparoscopy at age 24 & 12 years later, endometriosis was confirmed.

At first, I was obsessed with the condition, consuming every bit of information I could. However, denial and self-sabotage jumped in, leading to an unhealthy lifestyle and isolation. It took a lot for me to leave the safety of my home.

It was the last straw when all the different sensations when moving the body in her simplest ways (e.g. sneezing, walking) took a toll. The pressure, dull ache, anxiety and inconsistent depressive states to the tugging, pulling, twinging, stabbing and piercing feelings. As of 2021, I surrendered to my health, exploring outside of Western medicine, turning to natural and ancient medicine. Through naturopaths, psychotherapists, acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I gained invaluable knowledge and began to see results.

Acknowledging my thoughts, emotions and physical health allowed me to shift my narrative. By understanding my cycle, diet, movement and emotions, I’ve created a life I never thought imaginable. While I experience some endo-related symptoms (SIBO), I have drastically reduced what once was debilitating.