Many people who hear my story are often surprised to learn that, even after ten years of fighting, I’m still struggling with my health. What they may not realize is that my journey isn’t just about recovery—it’s about navigating a disease that was always there, hidden, until trauma forced it to the surface.
My car accident didn’t just leave me with physical injuries; it triggered an incurable disease—endometriosis—that had been silently lurking in my body. Before that moment, I had no idea it existed. But the trauma awakened it, unleashing a cascade of symptoms that have rippled through my body ever since.
Last spring, I attended a virtual endometriosis conference, expecting to gain some new insights—but I had no idea just how much it would change my perspective. I thought I understood the disease that has taken over my body, but I quickly realized there was still so much I didn’t know. That experience was eye-opening. It made me question what symptoms are truly caused by my endometriosis and what might be separate, unresolved pain issues that I’m still struggling with. Since then, I’ve felt a renewed determination to dig deeper—to truly understand my body, separate the pieces of my pain puzzle, and find the answers I’ve been searching for.
Despite how common it is, there is still so much we don’t fully understand—including why it affects some people so severely while others remain undiagnosed for years.Determined to educate myself, I dove deep into research and uncovered some shocking truths.
Did you know that endometriosis is as common as asthma and diabetes? Yet, it remains widely misunderstood and often dismissed. Endometriosis isn’t just a reproductive disease—it can impact the entire body. It can cause lung collapses, breathing issues, diaphragm dysfunction, and even heart palpitations. In some cases, it can silently cut off kidney function, meaning that regular monitoring of vital organs is crucial for those with the disease.
What really caught my attention was learning that endometriosis can cause SI joint dysfunction, hip pain, IT band and TFL pain, glute pain, pelvic pain, and even full-body pain—often affecting just one side of the body. Sound familiar? That’s me! These parallels between endometriosis and the pain I’ve been struggling with for years have only deepened my need for answers.
The endometriosis conference I attended opened the door to a wealth of resources, including a Facebook group called Nancy’s Nook. This group provides self-led education and a list of vetted endometriosis specialists—a game-changer for those struggling to find proper care. For those who may have endometriosis, know someone who does, or simply want to learn more, here’s a link to Nancy’s Nook:
OR the website
During my research, I discovered something incredibly frustrating: the so-called "top endo specialist" in British Columbia—the surgeon who did my procedure—is known for missing critical disease. This was a devastating realization, but one that has fueled my determination to seek the right surgeon for my next surgery.
I’ve consulted with several true endometriosis specialists, each of whom agreed that my long list of symptoms and pain could very well be tied to my endometriosis. And each one recommended another surgery. This is, unfortunately, a common reality for endo patients—because there is no cure, endometriosis can grow back, and repeat surgeries are often needed. However, the conference I attended emphasized that with the right specialist, multiple surgeries shouldn’t be the norm. If the disease is thoroughly and correctly excised, recurrence rates drop significantly.
After extensive research, I’ve finally found the surgeon I trust to do my surgery: Dr. Vidali. The only catch? He’s in the United States, and the surgery will cost tens of thousands of dollars. Canada, unfortunately, is severely lacking in proper endometriosis care and skilled surgeons who specialize in deep-excision surgery. Many Canadian women, including myself, are forced to travel abroad and pay out-of-pocket for the care we desperately need.
Here’s a Canadian article that explains the lack of knowledge and care for women with endometriosis in Canada—and why so many of us are left with no choice but to seek treatment elsewhere.
This original article was written in French, I pushed the translate to English button. If you are wanting to read this straight from the website here is the link https://ici.radio-canada.ca/recit-numerique/9583/endometriose-douleur-sante-feminine?fromApp=appInfoIos&fromMobileApp=ios&marketingCloudId=88110581797099505115163479992079228257
March is Endometriosis awareness month, and in honor of that, would you be willing to share this post to get the word out about Endometriosis?
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