For more than three years, while my partner and I tried to get pregnant, doctors repeatedly told me, “Nothing is wrong—just keep trying.” During that time, I endured five heartbreaking miscarriages, multiple surgeries and injections, and countless moments of hope, grief, fear, and anger. I also struggled with digestion in my early 20s in 2014, which was dismissed as IBS, along with food sensitivities and chronic discomfort that no one could explain.
In 2022—confident in my own research that I had endometriosis but told by several doctors there was a “zero percent chance” I had it—I begged a skilled surgeon to perform an exploratory laparoscopy. The procedure turned into a four-hour excision surgery of stage IV endometriosis that the surgeon said was “absolutely everywhere.” For the first time, I had an answer, a path forward, and hope that my body could heal.
In the months following, my health improved dramatically. Many of my longstanding food sensitivities resolved completely, and for the first time, my fertility began to respond. My partner and I conceived naturally twice and gave birth to two miracle babies—our son, Cason, in 2024, and our daughter, Peyton, in 2025. Experiencing the joy of motherhood after years of uncertainty was transformative but also deeply humbling. I will never forget the many moments when hope felt impossible as endometriosis profoundly impacted nearly every aspect of my life.
Physically, it often showed up as fatigue and digestive issues, with occasional pain, though most of the time I assumed it was just what “normal” felt like. The symptoms could be unpredictable, and because endometriosis isn’t visible, it wasn’t always easy—for others or even for me—to recognize what was actually going on.
Emotionally, endometriosis was exhausting and, at times, demoralizing. The constant uncertainty about my health, the unpredictability of flare-ups, and feeling unheard by medical professionals took a toll on my confidence and mental well-being. I found myself wrestling with anxiety, frustration, and anger, and there were periods where it felt like my body had betrayed me.
Socially and professionally, endometriosis forced me to navigate boundaries carefully. I had to learn how to communicate my needs clearly and advocate for accommodations while balancing expectations from colleagues, friends, and family. It challenged me to be vulnerable about my limitations and to seek support without guilt.
But endometriosis also shaped me in unexpected, positive ways.
It taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of listening to my body. I developed deeper empathy for others facing chronic illness and learned the value of self-advocacy and persistence in seeking care. It pushed me to prioritize my well-being, build support networks, and engage with communities that understand the lived experience of this disease.
Endometriosis changed the way I approach life, relationships, and self-care. While it has brought pain and limitations, it has also given me strength, awareness, and a sense of purpose. Living with endometriosis has inspired me to contribute to the community, support others navigating similar challenges, and advocate for awareness, understanding, and better care for those affected.
This is what I want others with endometriosis to know:
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Trust yourself, advocate for yourself, and never stop seeking answers. Too often, women are told nothing is wrong, that their experiences are normal, or that they just need to “keep trying.” Endometriosis can be invisible to others, but that does not make your concerns any less valid. You know your body, and your instincts matter.
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Persistence is powerful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek second opinions, or push for additional testing if something doesn’t feel right. Your voice is your strongest tool, and being proactive can make a real difference in getting the care and answers you deserve. Sometimes the path is slow, confusing, or discouraging, but each step forward matters and can change your life.
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Don’t ever forget that you are not alone. My journey has given me a profound understanding of what it feels like to navigate infertility and severe endometriosis without answers or support. But even if it feels like no one understands your experiences, there is a community of women who have been in your shoes, facing the same uncertainty and challenges. Reach out, connect with support groups, and share your story. Together, we can learn from one another, inspire hope, and make this journey feel less isolating.
Endometriosis may test your patience and your resilience, but it does not define you. Keep advocating, keep asking, and keep going. Every effort you make for your own health is worth it, and the knowledge and empowerment you gain along the way can help others as well. By persisting and speaking up, you not only create a better path for yourself but also contribute to a larger movement of awareness, understanding, and change.
Remember, your concerns are valid, your experiences matter, and there is hope on the other side of perseverance. Keep going, and don’t give up on finding the answers, care, and support you deserve. Hugs from a fellow warrior!
*Patient stories submitted to EndoFound.org are the patient's views, not necessarily those of the foundation. All testimonials are from real patients, may not reflect the typical patient’s experience, and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results.
