My Pelvic Flower

So very grateful to Dr. Kip Mackenzie for the opportunity to talk today at the Endometriosis care conference 💗

He is truly one of the most passionate practitioners’ voices I have heard, and he has truly dedicated his life to the endometriosis cause and all his patients.

He feels for all of them, he feels for us. And he is angry at stigma, misconceptions, injustice, medical gaslighting. I am so fortunate to be able to say I know him and I get to know the incredibly compassionate team that he has built around him. I know that the Endometriosis Care Center will keep on growing, nourished by the passions of these INCREDIBLE physicians.

As Kip said, endometriosis is a demonic disease.

And.

At the same time, there is hope that still in these few years we will see progress not only in treatment options but also in diagnostic opportunities.

I am and will always be the biggest and most grateful cheerleader to a team of doctors that made me feel seen after 20 years of wandering for a diagnosis.

My special thank you to doctor Kapatenakis who has been walking with me through this path, with a honesty, dedication and commitment that I have never experienced in a medical provider.

And to Kats, my partner who has been going through hell with me, and has suffered the pain of feeling he couldn’t change my pain. Caregivers feel helpless and they suffer for us and with us.

And to my family, that followed my talk from another continent. I would have never been able to do this without your support and love.

I am just back from the and my heart is full! I feel I found a longed for family of people who understand and support without even having to ask.

Thank you for your relentless devotion and creative energy in giving us a family and a container where we can learn about endo, mental health support, surgery options, functional medicine, and so many other things. Endo is a systemic disease and it’s so complex that each of us has the full time job of looking for help where we need it. And being in the room with such a supportive group of pelvic PT, surgeons, patient advocates was absolutely unforgettable. It gave me hope and next steps.

I didn’t manage to get a photo with , but thank you so so so much. Everything you said made our hearts roar. It’s always a big deal, if we share we are in pain it is a big deal. You’re one of the most empathetic doctors and I’m grateful you created this amazing container for all of us. I feel in three days I did ten years of therapy.

Thank you 💛🎗️

💯

“Not that it’s ever really been fair to begin with.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve encountered a doctor that was genuinely sympathetic to patients but didn’t know what to tell them because according to everything they know (on top of navigating what insurance tells them) they should be the one treating you.

However they know you have already tried every pain medication and birth control route, done the therapies, endured the surgeries, survived the lupron/depot shots, and are still in pain with numerous uncontrollable symptoms.

ENDOMETRIOSIS NEEDS ITS OWN SPECIALTY.”

via Livingwithendometriosis_ 🖤

This journey can be challenging. It is one where women and girls are often made to find their inner voice and advocate for themselves and their health.

Today, we urge you to stand up for yourself in this journey. Your advocacy can empower other women and give them the strength to use their voice.

Living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS and fibroids can have a negative impact on your mental health. Here are just a few tips to help you take care of your mental health.

1. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness allows you to pay more attention to the present moment which can help to positively change how you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

2. Be physically active. Being active helps to improve your mental health by causing chemical changes in the brian that can help to improve your mood.

3. Seek professional help. If you feel that you are not coping well with living with these conditions, please seek professional help.

4. Connect with others. Good relationships are important for your mental health by providing support, gives you a sense of belonging and allows you to have positive relationships.

5. Do activities that bring you joy and peace. Engage in activities that you find enjoyable and meaningful such as taking a walk, going to the beach, reading, and spending time with loved ones. Incorporating these activities into your daily life can bring joy which can help your mental health.

What do you do to take care of your mental health?

Photo by EndoWhat?

Today marks the second anniversary of Thich Nhat Hanh’s death. For those who are not familiar with his work, he was a Buddhist monk and peace activist known as “the father of mindfulness.” His words have been influential in my own journey and I often share them with clients. May he rest in peace.

“If I am anywhere, it is in your mindful breathing and in your peaceful steps.”