I am in no way complaining about my affliction as I believe that it is a tool in the Masters hand to mold and shape me into His image. Romans 8:29.

 But I will share this article sent to me from my friend Shelly who also suffers from Endo. I hope that people may better understand what Endometreosis dose. I pray that God would strengthen those who have it and give them The peace that surpasses all understanding which will gaurd their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Endometriosis - The Silent Enemy

 

 Im posting this for all my Endo sisters and friends to pass on to those who don't understand what we are going through and for those who wanted more information. We need to spread Awarness

 

Please take a few minutes to read this.

 

Endometriosis affects countless women in countless ways, but one common thread is we all dread its wrath upon us. It manifests itself in our mind, body and soul. Endometriosis contributes to health problems, infertility, relationship difficulties, and interferes with careers, just to name a few. Due to the severity of these issues, it's of extreme importance we utilize our resources and knowledge to combat this destructive disease.

 

 It's estimated by The Endometriosis Research Center that endometriosis affects over five million females worldwide, however, some other studies show that it's a much larger number. Endometriosis is a disease in which endometrium tissue is found outside the uterus. These implants respond to hormonal changes, triggering them to break down and bleed. However, unlike the lining of the uterus, the tissue cannot exit the body. This causes internal bleeding, tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas and formation of scar tissue. To this day there is no known cure for endometriosis.

 

   The cause of endometriosis is also unknown. Studies show that sisters are eight times likelier to develop endometriosis. Although these studies suggest inheritance, the relation remains unknown. Immunological changes have been demonstrated by endometriosis, however, it is uncertain whether immunologic findings are responsible for the endometriosis or are a result of endometriosis. No one theory has been proven.

 

   The most effective way tofight this disease is to locate a specialist who treats it. It's best to be explicit with the doctor about the symptoms, therefore informed decisions regarding treatment can be exacted. It's a progressive disease, progressing in 47-64% of women without therapy and approximately 20% with therapy. Sufferers can experience different symptoms to different extents, therefore, treatment that assists one patient, may not necessarily assist another. It's best to explore all avenues.

 

Although painkillers and perhaps the birth control pill may help sufferers, The pill has also been known to worsen symptoms.. It should be noted that there are many other powerful ways to fight endometriosis. Limiting ones self to medical treatment may not be effective.

 

 Reducing stress is essential.  Nutrition, mediation, herbs and exercise are also very purposeful. Things to avoid are stress, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, salt and excessive exercise. Childbirth is known to trigger one of two things. It may either lessen the effects of endometriosis or worsen them, sometimes severely. A common treatment is surgery. A hysterectomy is often suggested. In other words, if the sufferer agrees, she is ridden of her female organs, which will often leave a woman feeling like she is no longer a woman...she has lost her womanhood. What does this do to the state of mind? Knowing that there are little to no answers and no known cures, it leaves the sufferer panic stricken and grasping at straws.

 

   Some sufferers have no symptoms, while others have debilitating pain and even infertility. Some consequences of endometriosis are dysmenorrhea, infertility, miscarriage(s), ectopic pregnancy, dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), backache, nausea, vomiting, tenderness around the kidneys, shortness of breath, constricting chest pain and/or shoulder pain, fatigue, allergies and other immune system-related problems. It's possible to have some, all, or none of these systems.

 

   When endometriosis attacks it causes nausea, insomnia, restlessness, pain and anxiety causing disruption of daily living and at times loss of employment due to numerous sick leaves. Mere physical contact with the body can cause excruciating pain surging up the spine. The amount of pain the sufferer endures is mentally exhausting to say the least. This relentless diseaseinsists on continuous visits to the doctor's office.

 

Many sufferers test several types of medications, painkillers and birth control pills before finding any relief of pain and freedom from endometriosis. It is one of the most highly misdiagnosed diseases and is often brushed off as just complaints of " normal " menstrual pain.

 

Sometimes after a sufferer has endured years of no solid answers, no direction and no adequate help she may finally be diagnosed only by a laparoscopy or a laparotomy. The laparoscope is a surgical tool that can be used for definite diagnosis of endometriosis. Laparoscopy, when used correctly, is usually 100% accurate in diagnosing endometriosis. The procedure requires anesthesia, some incision(s) and a period of recuperation. Although it may be accurate, it seems heart wrenching to offer surgery as the only opportunity to reach an answer. Only if a woman is willing to endure surgery can she be properly diagnosed and therefore treated. This can be compared to Chinese torture, as it seems endless and insane.

 

   This disease often referred to as " The Silent Enemy " is intrusive, striking and without mercy. It can rob a woman of her ability to have children, it can cause excruciating pain that severely disrupts everyday life, and these frustrations are further aggravated by the numerous misdiagnoses that appear to be almost acceptable in the medical community. It is also vital that women take an active role in the medical treatment they are receiving and demand doctors pay the utmost attention to their concerns. The only way to stand up against the existing apathy in the medical field is to obtain knowledge, speak out and no longer tolerate dismissal of pain.

 

Endometriosis is powerful and destructive in so many ways. This is the exact reason we must fight it, whether it be through medications, nutrition, meditation or by any means the sufferer chooses. Endometriosis will one day be defeated and will no longer cause so many women pain, suffering and mental anguish.

 

Thanks Nettie for sharing about these incredible "beast".  It is good to educate people about what all goes on in our bodies, especially if it is such a misunderstood disease as fibro.  Praise beto God that one day we will have our perfect heavenly bodies and we will live with Our Jesus for all eternity.  Hallelujah!

 

Lord Bless,

Leti