Living with Endometriosis: A Journey of Pain, Perseverance, and Advocacy
Hello everyone, welcome to my blog. My name is Karen P Doherty, and I am an endometriosis dietitian and advocate. My journey with endometriosis has been long and arduous, filled with pain, misdiagnoses, and finally, a diagnosis that came after years of suffering. I want to share my story with you, hoping to provide insights, support, and inspiration.
The Beginning of My Journey
It all started with pain—severe, debilitating pain that would leave me doubled over, vomiting, and at times, even passing out. Despite countless visits to doctors, I was repeatedly dismissed. I was told my pain was normal, or that it was simply digestive issues. My husband, having lost his mother to ovarian cancer, knew something was wrong and encouraged me to seek answers. His persistence and love gave me the strength to keep pushing for a diagnosis.
The Diagnosis
On April 1st, 2000—April Fool’s Day, no less—I was finally diagnosed with grade 2 endometriosis. Surgery at Belfast City Hospital revealed extensive endometriosis, mostly on my right side. Despite numerous ablation surgeries and hormone treatments, the journey was far from over. Just five weeks before my wedding, I had my final ablation surgery and was advised to start a family as soon as possible due to the condition of my reproductive system.
A New Chapter
I decided to invest in myself—focusing on nutrition and stress management rather than pursuing IVF. To my surprise and joy, I became pregnant in September 2005, and we welcomed our beautiful baby in June 2006. This experience taught me the importance of self-care and holistic approaches to health.
Becoming an Advocate
Fast forward to today, my daughter, now a teenager, began showing symptoms of endometriosis. It felt like déjà vu as we faced the same dismissals from doctors. Determined to fight for her, I leveraged my experience and knowledge as a health professional and advocate. I refused to accept “it’s normal” as an answer and sought the best treatment for her.
Moving Forward
My journey has been filled with challenges, but it has also been rewarding. I’ve learned the importance of advocating for oneself and loved ones, the power of nutrition and stress management, and the need for better medical education and awareness around endometriosis. As a mother, a health professional, and an endometriosis advocate, I am committed to sharing my story and helping others navigate their journeys.
I provide nutritional and lifestyle updates on Endometriosis. I share Endo’s experiences, tips, and advice on managing endometriosis.
I want to create a supportive community and raise awareness of this misunderstood condition. Thank you for reading, and remember, you are not alone.
Stay strong and stay informed,
Karen @thenutridoctor
