My sister, Victoria, was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2014. On average it takes 10 years to be discovered, making it a hidden suffering for millions of women.
Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause a lot of different symptoms, including severe pain. It is rated among the top 10 of the most painful medical conditions.
"It feels like I'm being stabbed in the stomach with a knife."
There is no treatment and the disease is highly neglected aspect of women's health. I can't count the number of times I've been in the ER with her and heard doctors say - "It's your period, it's normal to hurt" or "it can't be that bad".
It's not normal.
It's not normal to be in so much pain.
It's not normal to not be taken seriously, to not be able to talk about it and to be in the dark about what is happening to your own body.
Earlier and adequate medical treatment is of utmost importance. Advanced condition causes fertility issues which can make it extremely difficult to get pregnant.
To my sister and to all the women that are going through this -
This is not normal!
