Endometriosis is a painful condition. What causes pain is not clear yet. Eleni, from Greece, was told at the age of 14, when she started having pain during periods, that her pain was probably caused by the medication she took. She was also told by her doctor laters on when her symptoms became worse, that she was overreacting.
I had a lot of pain, especially on the first and second day. Symptoms became worse as the years went by. My doctor told me that it was normal and I was overreacted.
Although her parents were sympathetic with her, they were listening to their family doctor.
Years went by, 14 to be more specific, when two months before her wedding Eleni had an urgent surgery for a cyst. The same doctor that she was seeing since she was 14 and saw nothing wrong with her, tells Eleni’s mother that she has endometriosis and she will likely need IVF to conceive. On the good side, the doctor informed Eleni’s mother that endometriosis was causing her symptoms (pain and heavy bleeding).
I was suggested to stop my periods for 6 months
What treatment option could be offered when a doctor believes that endometriosis is connected to menstruation? Stop your periods.
Eleni took her doctor’s advice and she stopped her periods for 6-7 months. Of course, it did not help. She now had cysts on her both ovaries. She was informed that there is no cure for endometriosis and she should get used to living in pain. Luckily, she managed to become a mom with the help of IVF.
After having her daughter, now almost 18, Eleni used to stop her periods for at least 6 months a year, because of how painful they were. This went on for 6-7 years.
"Suddenly one day I just said NO MORE"
After living in terrible pain for years, Eleni said no more. So she began her journey into finding a doctor that will help her. She searched for a doctor in Thessaloniki, where she was living at that time.
I still remember his face when he examined me
23 years after her symptoms began she had her first surgery for endometriosis
Two weeks after seeing the said doctor Eleni had surgery. Although her recovery was hard, 3-4 months later, she started to feel a bit better. Then for 7 years her periods were less painful, something that for Eleni was a miracle.
I really felt that these 7 years were the best of my life.
Eleni did not have only painful periods. She also had bowel issues as well. These issues become worse after 7 years. She was in Athens at that time. She started looking for doctors and she came across Dr Kyriakopoulos.
How was Eleni’s life with endometriosis?
“The only thing that stays in my mind is PAIN! There were times that I fainted, others that I felt nauseous and others that I stayed in hospital.
I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t work, I couldn’t live for 2-3 days every month. I had never heard about endometriosis, since my first surgery”.
The impact of endometriosis
The impact of endometriosis is well known. From missing school to being afraid that you will lose your job. As far as she remembers, Eleni was always that sick girl.
I couldn’t relax, I couldn’t be happy. I was always afraid of pain. I couldn’t always follow my friends, my boyfriends, or my family.
It was really difficult at work. I was counting my period days to get the day off so nobody realised my problem. I was afraid of losing my job!
But the worst thing of all, was when my daughter watched me crying in pain. She held my hands and told me to be strong. I didn’t want her to look at me in this condition, it hurt me deeply.
Finally on that road to a better life
Having surgery can come with a range of emotions. For Eleni, as she says, it was the final countdown to cure. Not only was she excited, she strongly believed that she would be free to live!
After surgery with Dr Kyriakopoulos, Eleni lives her life. Excision is without any doubts the best method to treat endometriosis. In Eleni’s case, she felt the difference as soon as she came out of surgery. Despite being in hospital, Eleni was calm.
Everyone treated me perfectly, from the nurses to the doctors. Excellent experience, excellent services.
The aftermath of her experience left her traumatised and in fear. She is doing therapy, but the feeling of fear is still with her.
All these bad years affected me psychologically, and I feel fear for my health in general. I have been seeing a therapist for the past two years. I’m getting better but I know that this fear will never go away.
Travelling in time to a younger self
If she would be able to travel in time, Eleni would tell her younger self to speak loud. To insist on being seen. And to anyone that is new to endometriosis, Eleni would like to tell you that You are not crazy. Listen to your instinct, research.
Noone helped me, everyone thought that I was overreacting, that I wanted attention. It’s really sad knowing that there are still women out there, feeling the same as I did a few years ago.
I mean, come on, it’s science, there is a cure. And every woman with endometriosis must know it. What emotions, what memories came out.
Endometriosis is a disease that requires endometriosis specialist and as Eleni says:
Simple gynaecologists can’t help us. Let the specialists do their job.
