Pain

The real squeamish may want to skip this entry.

I think I know why my period is late... A yeast infection.

I did not realize that a yeast infection can delay your period. But apparently it can.

Some of this stuff might be TMI for you. Although, if you also suffer from infertility, no doubt you are used to talking about this stuff!

I checked this morning to see if I could spot any blood, but I could tell I am starting to get a yeast infection. I haven't had one in years.

I also checked my cervix position, and it is far back.

Unfortunately I don't think my cervix appreciated the intrusion. Within minutes I began to cramp.

I've never really tried to describe any of the pain that I feel, but it is probably important to try to describe it.

I cannot help but hunch over. I feel a heaviness in my lower abdomen, as if my ovaries were suddenly filled with rocks.

The cramps ooze from this area all the way up to my belly button. I feel bloated and fat.

My back hurts. Some days I feel like someone is shoving a thick needle into my lower spine. Today it feels like a spiky rod is being jammed up my spine. The pain ends just below my shoulder blades but is worse at the bottom.

I did come into work for an important meeting. The meeting is done, and I am going home!

AF has finally arrived. I am happy to see her, which is weird after three years of not wanting to see her.

Endometriosis Awareness Month

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month.

So many of us suffer silently. I recall a time when I had male bosses and I felt that I had to make up excuses for being away from work. I never felt comfortable telling them that I had 'girl issues', that for a few days a month I'd be away from the office because I was writhing in pain at home. The male bosses in my past would have been very supportive regardless, but it was just something I didn't want to discuss with them.

The past two bosses have been women, and they know my issues well. I am lucky that they have both been understanding - especially since my endometriosis has steadily gotten worse.

Endometriosis is the leading cause of infertility. That word has shattered my dreams. And I am not alone.

Rather than hash out all of the details of the disease for those that do not know much about it, I'll paste a few links.

Endometriosis Research Center's Endometriosis Awareness Month page
Canadian Women's Health Network's Endometriosis page
Wikipedia's Endometriosis page

And a few blog links of fellow endo sufferers.

That Girl With Endo
Life with Endometriosis and PCOS
My Journey With Endometriosis

Endometriosis and symptoms

So today I've decided I'm going to write about this horrible affliction I have called endometriosis (endo for short). Mainly because I'm in pain today.

For those that don't know, endo is when you have endometrial tissue outside of your uterus. When a woman menstruates, the endometrial tissue on the inside of the uterus sheds, giving us our lovely Aunt Flo. The thing is, women with endo have endometrial tissue ELSEWHERE.

They don't know why this happens. But it does, and it means then that wherever that tissue is, it bleeds. Bleeding leads to scarring and in my case, ovarian cysts, pelvic adhesions and PAIN!

A list of symptoms from Wikipedia follows. I've bolded the ones that I suffer from. Sorry if some of this is TMI.

- dysmenorrhea - painful, sometimes disabling cramps during menses; pain may get worse over time (progressive pain), also lower back pains linked to the pelvis
- chronic pelvic pain - typically accompanied by lower back pain or abdominal pain
- dyspareunia - painful sex
- dysuria - urinary urgency, frequency, and sometimes painful voiding
- infertility
- constipation
- chronic fatigue
- heavy or long uncontrollable menstrual period with small or large blood clots
- gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea, bloating and painful defecation
- extreme pain in legs and thighs
- back pain
- mild to extreme pain during intercourse
- pain from adhesions which may bind an ovary to the side of the pelvic wall, or they may extend between the bladder and the bowel, uterus, etc.
- extreme pain with or without the presence of menses
- premenstrual spotting
- mild to severe fever
- headaches
- depression
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- anxiety

Yeah, the adhesions are fun. My organs like to snuggle close to each other. My surgeon told me part of my bladder was attached to my uterus, and my bowel was attached to the back of my pelvic wall, and my rectum was attached to my cervix.

The pain during sex is FANTASTIC for TTC too.

Sorry for all the sarcasm. I am definitely more bitchy when I am in pain.

One day I will type out my operative report from my September 2009 surgery because I find it fascinating read. But then again, it's my body. Maybe you won't find it interesting!