My Endometriosis Instagram

I was always a traveler with my now husband. We lived in England, and explored Italy and Malta and a month. I could eat ANYTHING, i wasn't picky. I was 135lbs, feeling pretty good about myself. Although, I had a tummy I was healthy. I am now 108lbs never thinking i'd be this tiny and weak. Health is something you always take for granted when you're feeling the best. Once you've been sick for longer than 10 months (symptoms started in August 2020), you realize your health should be your #1 priority. As a kid, #YOLO would be the saying, but it's true. You only live once, don't take advantage of your health.

No one talks about endometriosis when it happens in one in ten women. It takes around 7 to 8 years to diagnose this chronic condition in women.Women are not only being taken advantage of on the streets to the point where we feel like we have to carry knives on us when we go on walks, but now we have to advocate for our women's health.

I was told it's "all in my head" at the beginning, until I lost 25 pounds, puking everyday, pseudoseizures seizures, ovarian cysts, abdominal splotching that may be affecting my blood vessels, etc.. Don't stop advocating for yourself. I am so grateful for everyone helping me through this time, especially my fiancè for telling and showing the doctors my situation and advocating for me also.

I am so heartbroken being away from my wonderful Kindergartens and amazing coworkers. I started my dream job as an ECE Kindi teacher in August of 2020, shortly after the symptoms really hit me. I pretended like I was okay, only dealing with social anxiety. I was not okay. My heart was at 180bpm resting rate, my left ovary felt like it was on fire along with sharp shooting pain, affecting my IBS. At the end of February I decided to go on short-term disability leave because I know my body has to come first if I want to live a long happy, healthy life. It was a hard decision to make. I was constantly torn between "not letting this illness ruin my life", and taking care of my body. If you prolong and neglect what your body is telling you to do, you will pay the price and it's. not. fun.

I love you all, and thank you for listening to me. Remember to always be self-aware of your body and be true to yourself. You are your most important person.

- Sarah