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I'm talking about the physical effects of endometriosis. The things that made me think that there was something wrong with my body, the things that drove me to go see a doctor (time and time again).
So what were the things that made me front up to the local surgery?
1. Pelvic pain (cramping) for up to a week before my period, which was not relieved with over-the-counter painkillers and a hot water bottle.
2. Cramping so bad on the day before my period, and the first day of my period that I could barely walk/sleep/do anything.
These symptoms got progressively worse as I got older.
There's a few more symptoms I have realised are due to endometriosis since my diagnosis.
3. Fatigue. (While I was definitely aware of this before my official diagnosis, I had no explanation for it and didn't realise endometriosis could cause it.)
4. Random stabbing pains in my pelvic area, at unpredictable times. (If been around me you've probably seen me stop and regain my composure because of these.)
5. Diarrhoea/constipation depending on how my gut is reacting to the endo.
6. Heavy periods (I didn't realise that mine were classed as heavy, I thought it was normal to bleed that much.)
7. Flank (lower back) spasms with severe pain.
8. Bladder pain (when it's full, when it's emptying, after it's empty, when it's slightly full, you name it.)
9. Severe bloating around my period.
10. Nausea
I have also experienced extra symptoms (and although some are mental symptoms, they do have physical manifestations - eg lethargy, insomnia, heart palpitations, anxiety attacks) at least in part linked to treatments I have had for endometriosis.
11. Depression
12. Anxiety
13. Weight gain
14. Breast tenderness & growth
15. Spotting
16. Impaired immunity
So, physically, you can see that endometriosis is not "just bad period pain"! This is not a definitive list of symptoms, just the ones I experience.
Linking up with A New Kind of Normal for Blogging for Endometriosis Awareness.
Thanks for linking up for Blogging for Endometriosis! I have been so encouraged this week reading other endo warrior's stories and knowing that I am not alone!
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