When I was 25, I was diagnosed with Adenomyosis. Never heard of it? Neither had I. All I did know was that when my period came every month, I was in extreme pain. So extreme that I literally could not walk. I could not move. Breathing was even difficult. Each month I took enough pain killers to tranquilize a horse - but to no avail. I remember one particularly bad episode in which my work cube-mate told me I should go home because my breathing was so strained and I was in such obvious pain. Unfortunately, the pain was so bad that I could not drive. And let me just say -- I own an epilady. I know pain. I can handle pain -- even in the extreme. But I could not handle this. So I curled myself into a fetal position until the end of the day when another co-worker was able to drive me home.
After a laparoscopy and a diagnosis, I thought I would be able to receive treatment, control the pain - end scene. Do you know what my doctor told me was the "standard treatment" for alleviating pain associated with Adenomyosis? A hysterectomy. Really. At 25. (And you thought we invested too much in women's health...that's precious.) Second choice? To take monthly birth control pills. Ah-ha! -- see why I took the time to share my most private health concerns that are actually none of your goddamn business?
To anyone ignorant enough to judge another and call her a slut or prostitute without walking a mile in her shoes, a couple of things: 1) when experts (and by "experts" I mean doctors, not politicians and their pundits) state that birth control is part of a comprehensive health care plan for women, this would be an example of what they mean. As would ovarian cysts of which Sandra Fluke spoke; 2) rather than judge me, I would welcome you to experience the pain I endured prior to taking monthly birth control. To do so, simply stab yourself in the lower abdominal region and then go about your daily life -- drive, work, breathe, go to lunch with your boss...and come back and call me a slut to my face.
I'll be happy to twist that knife for you.
After a laparoscopy and a diagnosis, I thought I would be able to receive treatment, control the pain - end scene. Do you know what my doctor told me was the "standard treatment" for alleviating pain associated with Adenomyosis? A hysterectomy. Really. At 25. (And you thought we invested too much in women's health...that's precious.) Second choice? To take monthly birth control pills. Ah-ha! -- see why I took the time to share my most private health concerns that are actually none of your goddamn business?
To anyone ignorant enough to judge another and call her a slut or prostitute without walking a mile in her shoes, a couple of things: 1) when experts (and by "experts" I mean doctors, not politicians and their pundits) state that birth control is part of a comprehensive health care plan for women, this would be an example of what they mean. As would ovarian cysts of which Sandra Fluke spoke; 2) rather than judge me, I would welcome you to experience the pain I endured prior to taking monthly birth control. To do so, simply stab yourself in the lower abdominal region and then go about your daily life -- drive, work, breathe, go to lunch with your boss...and come back and call me a slut to my face.
I'll be happy to twist that knife for you.
I love you. I suffer from fibroids and was told the same thing...have a hysterectomy and all will be well. (I was 31 at the time and still hopeful that I might procreate) I suffered massive pain and nearly 2-week long Aunt Flo visits. A shot of depo 4 times a year and all has been well. And I assure you the birth control was in no way related to actual sex since I have not really had sex since 2001.
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