The Implications of Endo

Written by Daisha Smith

Daisha Smith

I’ve had endometriosis since I was nine years old. It wasn’t until I was 20 that I was properly diagnosed. I remember that day so well, it was like a sigh of relief…my truth was finally true. But even with a diagnosis, endometriosis still robs me of so much. There’s a pain that will forever linger inside of me. Embarrassment, refusing to travel far, missing major events – all in fear that it will surface and debilitate me like it has always done.

For many, endometriosis is a silent label that stifles you from really living life. It’s an invisible bottleneck that stops you from going too far out of your comfort zone. It’s not just “your cousin from Redbank” that visits for seven days and leaves. Endometriosis is always there. All month. Nonstop. It’s more than a period. It’s a painful restraint that sits in the back of my mind every time I try to make plans.

Now at 26, I am learning to live with that restraint. Working outside of its consciousness by eating healthier, drinking water, downing supplements that promise a smoother cycle…you know the type. Sacrificing important events that line up with my cycle. All just to appease my comfortability and my endo’s roaring essence. It takes work and years of practice. But I am learning to be okay with this balance.

I begin with using only paraben-free soaps. This includes hand soaps, shampoos, and even lotions. Why parabens? Well, they’ve been linked to cause infertility, cancer, and skin rashes in several studies. I then set strong disclaimers to when forming relationships. I tell people right off the bat that my endometriosis causes me to become bedridden for a couple of days. This absolutely sucks, especially for those (…often men) who are not familiar with the disease. Most shrug it off until my sickness presents itself. Ironically this usually coincides on the date of an important event.

Lastly, I am working on decreasing my process food intake. I am constantly reminded that a paleo diet would make a dramatic difference in my health. The Mayo Clinic describes the paleo diet as a dietary plan based on foods similar to what might have been eaten during the Paleolithic era, which dates from approximately 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. But honestly, Chick-fil-A has a hold on me. It’s something about those waffle fries.

A part of me knows that my food or skincare options may not influence my endometriosis gets but choosing to be healthier does provide me with a sense of comfort. It allows me to take some control of my life. No matter the myth, fad, or practice I want 2022 to be the year I reclaim the implications of endometriosis. That begins with venturing outside of my norm while being prepared for debilitating cramps. It also means keeping “safety kits” full of pads, tampons, clothing, and most importantly medicine everywhere I go. Having these tools at my disposal is bound to make all the difference this year.