The first time I heard about endometriosis was from my mom, who was diagnosed after giving birth to me and Lar. So as a teenager, I understood it to mean I would always have painful periods. I didn't think of it as anything more than that.
Through my twenties the pain got worse, moving from my uterus to my colon. Sometimes it got so bad I felt like I would pass out, and I still told myself it was just a normal painful period. Watching Lar go through her surgeries is what made it real for me. For the first time I understood our pain was justified.
I had laparoscopic surgery in 2015 and was diagnosed with Stage II endometriosis. Recovery wasn't simple, and living with endo has been a lifelong marathon, not a sprint. Semaine is part of how I take care of myself now. Sharing our stories is how we make sure other women don't feel as alone as we once did.
