We are Kate and Laura. We found each other because of the devastating disease of endometriosis, but we persevere because of the hope we find in each other. A strong support system is essential while navigating the physical and emotional components of endometriosis, so we have decided to start this blog.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is not just a painful period. Endometriosis is not tissue that is misplaced pieces of the uterine lining as often stated. Endometriosis tissue is its own separate entity.

“Endometriosis is a systemic, inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue found in extrauterine sites.”( Kennedy S. et al., 2005; Klemmt et al., 2018; Saunders et al., 2021). As stated by the Center for Endometriosis Care website, “The disease is far more than merely a “condition of menstruation” or simple, so-called “killer cramps” as it is often mislabeled. Despite being among the most common of diseases, persistent myths, misinformation and deficient health literacy continue to enshroud endometriosis – even by the most well-intentioned sources – often resulting in poor information systems and continued lack of effective care.”

The tissue is inflammatory and can cause debilitating pain all month long; it can affect the entire pelvic cavity, the gastrointestinal system, the urinary system, the thoracic cavity, and nerves, create adhesions, cause scar tissue, and more.

Common Endometriosis symptoms are bowel pain (often misdiagnosed as IBS), constipation and/or diarrhea, painful bowel movements, excessive bloating, bladder pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, pelvic pain, period pain, painful sex, lung collapses, recurrent cyclical chest pain – the list goes on.