Endometriosis is a condition that is still talked about far too little. In this post, I share my personal experience with endometriosis – from the first symptoms and diagnosis to surgery and recovery.
Suspicions Started at a Young Age
I first suspected I might have endometriosis at the age of 17. I went to see a doctor, but at the time there was very little information available. My concerns were based on severe pain and heavy bleeding.
A general practitioner performed a manual examination and told me that nothing was wrong.
The next time I sought help was at 23. A gyne offered medication to reduce bleeding and prescribed painkillers. However, the pain medication didn’t help, and I didn’t feel motivated to take medication that only treated the symptoms without understanding the cause.
Endometriosis Symptoms – What Is Normal?
I was always asked the same questions:
Do you have heavy bleeding? Do you have severe pain?
But no one ever explained what is actually considered normal.
For me, “normal” was:
- 7 days of heavy bleeding (leaking through protection)
- 3 days of debilitating pain
- digestive issues
I regularly used painkillers during my period. I had been advised to combine ibuprofen and paracetamol to increase the effect. Often, I exceeded recommended doses because otherwise the pain wouldn’t go away.
Looking back, it feels like these symptoms should have been recognized. I did seek help, but the right questions were never asked, and no real answers were given.
When Things Suddenly Got Worse
In September 2022, while I was in Helsinki, the situation escalated quickly.
My stomach started to swell on a Sunday evening. I was used to strong menstrual and ovulation pain, so I thought I could handle it. But the pain worsened rapidly, and I could no longer walk upright.
I went to the emergency room when the swelling became so severe that I couldn’t close my pants.
Blood tests showed signs of inflammation, and an ultrasound revealed ovarian cysts. The doctor on duty told me that I might never be able to have children.
The situation was confusing and frightening. The pain was the worst I had ever experienced, and I ended up in a wheelchair. I received intravenous medication and was transferred to the women’s clinic for five nights of hospital care, followed by additional outpatient treatments.
Another Episode Before Surgery
After returning home to Malta, I joined the waiting list for endometriosis surgery.
In August 2023, the situation repeated itself. My abdomen swelled again rapidly, and the pain was so intense that I once again needed a wheelchair. My entire body was shaking from the pain.
At the emergency room, I was given morphine, but even that didn’t help. After staying awake all night, I was admitted to the gynecological ward for three days. Since my surgery was only two weeks away, I was discharged to wait for it at home once the pain subsided.
Endometriosis Surgery and Recovery
The surgery went well, and the doctor confirmed that all endometriomas were successfully removed.
Immediately after waking up, I was encouraged to start moving. Short walks help the body recover and reduce swelling.
My recovery looked like this:
- first week: rest
- second week: walking and stretching
- after two weeks: gradual return to exercise
What I Learned About Endometriosis
The journey to diagnosis was long and frustrating. The symptoms were there, but they were not properly recognized or taken seriously.
The delay in diagnosing endometriosis is typically 6–9 years from the onset of symptoms. This is often because symptoms are considered “normal period pain” or are mistaken for other conditions.
I’ve learned to listen to my body and to demand answers when something doesn’t feel right.
If you suspect endometriosis, it’s important to seek medical evaluation and trust your own instincts.
