“Can you come watch a movie with Mommy this morning?” I ask my daughter with as much cheerfulness as I can manage.
“Sure! Can we watch The Grinch? No school today?” she replies, a hint of confusion in her voice.
“Not this morning. Mommy is in too much pain to take you to school right now. How about you come upstairs and rest with me?”
Her tiny hand reaches out, and I grasp it gently. “Yes, Mama. I’ll hold your hand,” she says sweetly.
As we ascend the stairs, I feel a wave of emotion rising within me. Endometriosis is an invisible ailment; it doesn’t manifest visibly, aside from the faint scars on my abdomen from previous surgeries. The pain is often internal, flaring up during ovulation, PMS, or menstruation, but it can strike unexpectedly, incapacitating me for days.
It’s not just a mild inconvenience; the agony is like the worst cramps you can imagine, multiplied exponentially. Over-the-counter pain relievers barely make a dent in this suffering. No one experiencing this is exaggerating or weak.
In the past, this condition has sidelined me from work, errands, and even family meals. However, not being able to drive my daughter to school elevated my frustration to a new level. Witnessing how my condition affects her is heart-wrenching—mom guilt washes over me.
As we reach the top of the stairs, I want to scream in agony. The pain feels akin to enduring a prolonged contraction, and I fight to keep myself upright. “If something happens to Mommy, like if I fall or can’t wake up, please go outside and ask a neighbor for help,” I instruct her. The thought of her trying to revive me is unbearable; I can’t help but worry about how that would traumatize her.
Once we make it to the bedroom, she starts the movie, and I let out a sigh of relief to be lying down. She snuggles close, looking up at me with concern. “Is it because you’re bleeding again?” she asks innocently. My husband and I have tried to explain my periods to her, but we must have missed something important.
“Yes, sweetheart,” I reply.
“Will I have to bleed like that when I’m older?” she asks.
“Kind of, but not exactly. You’ll bleed from your vagina, but you won’t have to hurt like Mommy does,” I reassure her, though I know deep down that this isn’t entirely accurate.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, affecting organs like the ovaries and intestines, leading to chronic pain, severe menstrual symptoms, and even infertility. There’s a genetic component—this condition can run in families.
While I want to shield my daughters from the pain I endure, it’s impossible. They witness its effects firsthand. My role is to advocate for better understanding and research into this disease, pushing for solutions that could spare my daughters and others from suffering.
Women like Lena Dunham and Padma Lakshmi have bravely shared their experiences with endometriosis, showcasing resilience rather than weakness. Yet, many healthcare professionals still lack understanding, often dismissing the pain of women suffering from this condition.
Consider a young girl experiencing severe cramps, only to be told to “toughen up” or questioned if she’s faking to avoid school. This is the reality for many women and girls.
We need to shift this narrative. It’s vital to support those affected, to unite in sharing our experiences and advocating for research funding. We must strive for better treatment options and ultimately a cure, as there is currently no definitive solution for endometriosis.
As March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month, let’s commit to helping the women and mothers in our lives who are battling this disease. We can make a difference for future generations, ensuring that girls have a chance for a healthy, fulfilling life without the burden of this condition.
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Summary:
Endometriosis is a painful and often misunderstood condition that affects many women and can impact their roles as mothers. In this blog, we explore the challenges faced by mothers living with endometriosis, the importance of understanding and support, and the need for continued research to find effective treatments. Awareness is crucial, especially during Endometriosis Awareness Month, as we strive to ensure future generations are spared from its debilitating effects.