Thank you to everyone that has been following along with this project! And a HUGE thank you to everyone that has submitted their stories. Your voice is so, so, so incredibly important and sharing your experience with Endometriosis matters a lot to both myself and to those who may also be struggling.

Today’s entry into the project features Janell, all the way from Kansas!

Here is what she has to share:

In the 60’s Endometriosis was never discussed and I had pain as soon as I starting having my period, however nobody really knew what it was or how to test it. My periods were absolutely debilitating with cramping so severe I would be in tears and miss classes at school. This would last for days.

I was told it was just a bad period and my hormones acting up. As the years passed the pain became unbearable and I ended up being very depressed, losing all confidence in myself. It was hard seeing my sister and friends have normal periods while I was having doctors dismiss everything. I struggled both mentally and emotionally.

About five years into my marriage my pain was so great that I remember crying on the bathroom floor, just after my husband had gifted me a beautiful pendant. He was shocked when I just burst into tears, thinking I did not like it, but I ended up completely passing out on the floor from the pain. When I came to he was holding me and crying but we had no answers and had no idea what was going on.

Finally a doctor ended up diagnosing me in my early 30’s and by that time it had spread throughout my body so bad that my only option was a hysterectomy. The surgery, the pain it caused, my mood swings, and no longer being able to have children destroyed my marriage. Eventually I accepted that I was pain free but at the cost of not being able to ever have children.

What do you wish more people knew about Endometriosis and the struggles you’ve been through because of it?

I want everyone to know about this disease and for those that have it to educate themselves. Don’t give up until you find someone willing to listen and understand that it’s not you, but a silent disease. One that needs to be addressed, studied properly, and to remember that you are not alone in this journey.

How was the process of finding out/being diagnosed with Endometriosis?

It was diagnosed through a kind gynaecologist who actually had studied the disease and listened. Unfortunately my disease was passed the point of being able to live comfortable so I opted for a hysterectomy. It took 15 years to finally be diagnosed.

What advice would you give to someone who thinks they may also have Endo?

Seek out a professional who cares and is willing to listen to you and help you. And to seek support groups to share their existences also.

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Thank you so very much Janell!

The Endo Project is still looking for both written submissions and submissions into the photoshoot aspect as well! If you are interested in participating, please visit THE ENDO PROJECT PAGE to submit or reach out to info@jackiehallphoto.com