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By Nordi

 

“Endometriosis?! What the heck is that??” My parents stared in astonishment at the doctor and at me. I was sitting close to them with my face in utter confusion. Okay, flashback to one week ago, 28th July, 2010. My best friend Folake was getting married and I was her maid of honor.

 

“Toke, hurry up, church service starts in 30mins” Olamide, one of the bridesmaids yelled from the hallway.

 

“Coming,” I yelled back as I hurriedly buckled my shoes and raced towards the door. On getting to the door, I felt a slight pain on my lower abdomen. Okay Toke relax, it’s nothing, probably just over-excitement. Immediately I ignored the feeling and began to descend the stairs. As I approached the second flight of stairs, the pains became quite unbearable. I leaned on the railings while crouching with my right hand under my tummy.

 

“Toke? Are you okay?” Olamide was already racing up the stairs towards me.

 

“I…d..d..d..don’t know..” I mumbled.

 

Suddenly I felt as if someone dealt me a heavy blow on my tummy, I screamed and slumped slowly to the floor.

“Toke, what happened” On getting to me, Olamide noticed I was already bleeding, my bright pink dress was half covered in bright red blood.

“Oh my God! Sharon, Lola, someone please call the driver, call the driver now!” Olamide shouted frantically. In a few seconds I became unconscious. Did the wedding continue? Of cos! Without me. Anyways, when I regained consciousness, I was in a hospital with my sister sitting by my bedside. Funny thing is that I remembered quite how everything had played out so I asked her if they had found what was wrong with me. She replied by shaking her head, her right hand reaching out to mine. “The doctors said that a test will be conducted first to make a diagnosis”

“When?” I asked

“They said you will have to answer some questions before they conduct the test”

We were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. It was mum, she brought home-made food which I ate up all at once. When the doctor decided that I had rested well enough, he asked my sister and mum to excuse us before he began asking me questions that would aid the diagnosis. The test was conducted and after about an hour, I was discharged from the hospital.

 

And today, my parents and I went to the hospital for the test results. Right here, it was disclosed to me that I have Endometriosis, an illness I have never heard of before in my entire 25yrs on earth. After a minute of silence I mumbled “D-d-d-doctor what is Endometriosis?”

 

Endometriosis is a female health condition which happens when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the womb (called endometrium) grows outside the womb instead. This tissue acts like the lining of the womb which breaks and bleeds every month during a woman’s menstrual period, causing severe pain to the patient.

 

Here are top signs to watch out for against Endometriosis.

 

Painful periods- these are symptoms of Endometriosis where the menstrual flow is accompanied by cramping and severe pelvic pains. You may also have lower back pains.

Excessive bleeding- You may experience frequent heavy periods or abnormal bleeding between periods.

Painful intercourse- If you have severe pains during and after sexual intercourse, it may be a sign that endometriosis is lurking.

Painful urination or with bowel movements-You’re most likely to experience these symptoms during your period if you have endometriosis.

Infertility-Several factors in endometriosis interfere with ovulation which may result to infertility. So if a woman is infertile, tests are conducted to see if endometriosis is the cause.

Others- You may also experience other symptoms like fatigue, bloating or nausea, constipation, especially during menstrual periods.

Endometriosis affects women who are in their child-bearing age (between ages of 15-49) and is sometimes mistaken for other health conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or ovarian cysts which have pelvic pains as symptoms.

 

Endometriosis can be suspected based on the woman’s pattern of symptoms, but definite diagnosis is usually confirmed by carrying out a surgery called laparoscopy.

 

Treatment of endometriosis includes medication and surgery for both pain relief and treatment of infertility if pregnancy is desired.

 

Endometriosis can be an unbearable condition to manage nevertheless, an early diagnosis, and competent medical professionals may result in better management of your symptoms. Do not hesitate to see your doctor if you have any of the above signs and symptoms that may indicate endometriosis.

 

For more information and assistance,please talk to Dr.Nordi on http://www.drnordi.com

08077709636 and 08077709637