1.) In order to be able to order their educational materials, I learned that I had to first become a member of the Endometriosis Association. In 1996, it only cost me $20 to join the Endometriosis. As a member I received 5-6 newsletter throughout the year...with alot of valuable information!!
2.) After becoming a member, I purchased and read almost ALL of the pamphlets and books available through the Endometriosis Association...and I listened to many audio tapes and viewed a couple of videos about endometriosis. I was desperate to find the CORRECT diagnosis for my chronic pain!!
3.) As a result of learning as much as I could about endometriosis, I found a very helpful clue...that a diagnostic laparoscopy is the only way that endometriosis can be diagnosed!! So next I needed to find a gynecologist, who would believe me!!
4.) One of the benefits of membership in the EA is/was that I could ask the EA for their assistance in helping me locate an endometriosis specialist from my state.
5.) The EA sent me the names of two endometriosis specialists from my state. I had no difficulty deciding which gynecologist to make an appointment with.
6.) Voila!! With the help of the EA, I found an endometriosis specialist, who listened to me, validated my symptoms, and then suggested that a diagnostic laparoscopy is the only way that adhesions and/or endometriosis can be diagnosed!! This was the very first time in 27 years that this diagnostic test had ever been offered to me!!
On August 1, 1997 I had this diagnostic procedure done!! As a result my surgeon was able to verify that I had good cause to experience severe chronic pain. I had adhesions, which were so massive that he had a very difficult time trying to find a place where he could insert the laparoscope to view my internal organs. The massive adhesions had attached my omentum to my abdominal wall, the entire length of my laparotomy incision and 4 inches across...as if my omentum had been glued to my abdominal wall....and pressed tightly in place.
For the very first time in 27 years, my symptoms were validated!! I finally knew what the real cause was for so many years of chronic pain!! It was not "all in my head"...as I had been told umpteen times!!! I had proof that I was sane all those years and that I am still sane today...in spite of the insanity that had been implied by so many insensitive doctors...and I had been to many of them!!! I was not mentally ill, I did not have fibromyalgia, and the list goes on...
Unfortunately, on the tenth day after my surgery on August 1, 1997...the chronic pain returned!! BUT something was different now!! I knew that I needed to focus my research on adhesions; because post-surgical adhesions were causing my chronic pain!!
It is the uncertainty of a diagnosis that can really cause a person so much emotional pain!! It is painful enough to experience the physical pain; but emotional pain only increases the torment a person goes through, when they are suffering from chronic pain. Education is the key!! Once you gain an understanding about adhesions, you will begin to make wiser decisions regarding your medical and/or surgical care!!