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THE SILENT DISEASE – A WOMAN SPEAKS UP

Endometriosis is a very real & serious health condition that is affecting many women & teenagers as young as 16 & above, around the globe! Very often, this condition is “brushed-off” as a “normal pain”  of a woman’s menstrual cycle! Though it may not be a life threatening condition, it surely is a quality of life threatening condition. 

I was diagnosed with Endometriosis at the age of 23, after my marriage, & only when I was trying to conceive. I realized that my symptoms actually started when I was 18, – fainting spells & menstrual cramps that made me take medical leaves from school & work, only that I didn’t know it was the on-set on this condition.

After my diagnosis, I went through a surgical procedure that confirmed that I was at stage 3 of Endometriosis, which my doctor told me, could mean that I may not be able to conceive naturally. After the laproscopy (to remove blood cysts that was blocking my ovaries) & hormone treatment programs (that simulate menopausal symptoms) that took about 6-9months, I was told to go for IVF treatment, to stand a better chance of conceiving fast, if not, endometriosis threatened to make a come back.

But, with the support of ‘higher power’, I conceived naturally (which my doctor swore to be very rare), based on my ‘dysfunctional’ left ovary & weak right ovary. Nonetheless, I went on to deliver a healthy baby boy, naturally & without any complications.

As a remedy to keep Endometriosis & the pain away from my life, I continued my doctor’s advise to continue giving birth to my second & third child. Thanks to my age factor, there was no complications in my deliveries. I continued breastfeeding to keep my menstrual cycle from coming back faster. This “birth & breast” cycle could not go on for long. I decided that 3 cycles was the maximum I could go.

6 years after my third child, I had a relapse. Though I expected a possible come back, as warned by my doctor before, it was many times more painful than I ever imagined & experienced. I was bed-ridden for 2 weeks, every month (due to extreme pain & bleeding), for more than 6months. I was having irritable bowel syndrome, gastric / digestive problem/ depression, migraines, vomitting etc. This affected every other aspects of my life – my business, relationships with my family & friends, emotionally, etc. My quality of life was ruled by Endometriosis.

Other than my doctor’s recommendation of hysterectomy (which I understood is also not a cure to this condition), I went on a search on holistic remedies & for different opinions to overcome this condition. I searched on the internet, looked up books, & even travelled to overseas, to understand what this condition is doing to me, & what are the options open to me. I took up holistic health management  programs, that supported medical perspectives.

Now, one year since my search began, I no longer lay victim to the days of pain, with maximum 2 days of rest. I am now able to conquer my dis-ease,  which includes change of life-style to healthy eating habits, exercises, & a combination of holistic approaches, that work on both mind & body.

This result was possible due to the constant emotional & physical support of my husband, who’s very understanding & loving. His moral support is the ultimate boost to my strength in dealing with this Dis-Ease & Conquering  the Fear  that comes with the Pain! 

 Article from Azeeza Jalaludeen, Founder of SHINE EAS – Endometriosis Support Group for Singaporean/ Asian Women.

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