My personal story.

     I first got my period when I was in 5th grade. After learning about what a period was, I expected that it would come and I would just continue my daily life and that I would just have to worry about telling my mom when I needed more pads. What I did not expect was the tremendous pain that accompanied my period. Whenever Aunt Flow came to visit, I couldn't move due to the pain. I ended up missing school. A lot.

     Growing up and dealing with having a period is an embarrassing thing to begin with; then add on the fact that you have to go to school and be in pain and your too scared to tell anyone that you have your head down on your desk, not because you're sleepy, but because your insides are squeezing so hard you feel like you're going to pass out. I didn't tell anyone that my cramps were that bad. I swore I would never have kids because if my period pain was this bad, how much worse would labor pain be?

     During my junior year of high school, I met a college guy named Sean and we started dating. Being that I had never really dated anyone seriously before, I was worried about telling him about why there would be times that I would have to bail on our dates. I think he just thought that I was sick a lot. We continued dating while I was in high school and after I graduated, he asked me to marry him. I said yes! But first, I had to go to college.

     So, my first semester of college was a crazy one. I was embarrassed yet again, because I couldn't rely on my mom to get me my supply anymore. I was on my own dealing with my extremely painful period. My classes were so hard to go to on the days that my period showed up. I didn't want to get out of bed, let alone get dressed and have my roommate wonder why I was doubled over in pain just trying to walk. It was so awkward. The second semester was a bit better. My second semester of college I learned about the doctor at the college health center prescribed 500mg Ibuprofen. I loved having that 500mg. I took two a day to be able to tolerate the pain enough to go to class.

     I married Sean my junior year of college. My wedding was beautiful and extremely hot! It was in August and I had on a 30lb dress! I was so thankful that my period didn't come on my wedding day. It was due to arrive around that time. Two days after my wedding, my period showed up unannounced in the middle of the night while on my honeymoon. It sucked because I was wearing new pj's and I was really embarrassed about the mess. I was in pain the rest of my honeymoon.

     Two years into marriage, Sean finally convinced me that I was perfect for motherhood and I also knew that he wanted to be a dad. So, we decided to try to get pregnant. After a year of trying, I began to wonder if the pain I was experiencing with my period had anything to do with why we hadn't conceived a child yet. That's when I began to research. I don't mean google something, I mean actually research. I paid closer attention to my body than I had ever before. I kept a list of every single symptom I had. I read research paper after research paper. One night, I woke up from a deep sleep from period pain and I took my phone and got into a hot bath. I had been on to something for a little while after considering my family's health history, I had become increasingly convinced that I had endometreosis. Thought to be a result of autoimmune disease, endometreosis can cause extremely painful periods, infertility, and other issues. I cried when I found this out. I had never wanted children before I met my husband and now that I did, I couldn't have them. I read about the procedures that could be done to improve my chances of pregnancy, but that involves surgery. I don't have that kind of money and I was/am scared to go to a doctor for this.

     It has gotten to the point that my hope is being crushed and now I am ready to reach out to other men and women and find hope and offer hope to others. This is my story. I hope it is not the end but rather, the beginning to becoming a mother.

Prayers and love to all!
~Mrs. C.