“1 in 10 women have endometriosis. It takes an average of 7-10 years to get a diagnosis. When I started my period in middle school, my cramps were terrible. I remember feeling like all I wanted was to sit lay in bed for hours to relax, but I was stuck in a sixth grade classroom trying to cope with pain I had never experienced before. Everyone told me periods were supposed to hurt, so I thought it was normal. When I got to high school, the pain spread to my back and I developed migraines. In college, the pain was constant. I had no relief between cycles and my periods were excruciating. I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis in 2017 during a diagnostic laparoscopy and I cried with relief knowing that I wasn’t crazy, what I had been experiencing wasn’t normal, and that I had a name for what was going on. I had a second surgery in 2018 with an excision specialist to remove the endometriosis. It was wrapped around my nerves, infiltrating into my muscles, tucked up near my bladder, and back near my colon. Since my excision surgery I’ve felt a lot better, and I try to raise as much awareness about endometriosis as I can. I’m still healing and I still have bad days. I do a lot of work in physical therapy and luckily my insurance covers massage. I see a counselor every two weeks to talk about how my physical health affects my mental health. I’m still able to work my dream job as a pediatric nurse despite my living with chronic illness, but managing my health is like another full time job. Painful periods aren’t normal. Pelvic pain isn’t normal. If you’re experiencing any of these things, talk to your doctor about endometriosis. Endometriosis has just been the beginning of my chronic illness journey. I’ve also been diagnosed with several other conditions that often go along with endo. If anyone ever needs a place to talk, vent, or ask questions, I’m always available to listen.” @chronicallyilliemillie