This story reflects the unique experience of a young 22 year old lady from Melbourne, Australia, who suffers from Stage 3 Endometriosis. Whilst reading this article, please note that these given details and information may not be applicable to everyone. Please consult a medical professional before taking any medicine or treatment as this article has not been verified by a medical professional.
LIFE WITH PAIN
“My first experience with chronic pain was when I got my first period at 11 years of age. It was almost three months long and super painful! “
Throughout her womanhood, she recounts that the worst times are always when she is on her period, in which she experiences constant pain. Her pains are the worst especially on the very first day of her cycle. Furthermore, she will often bleed despite not being on her period.
“No matter whether I’m on my period or not, I will always be bleeding. That's my number one symptom!”
Some of Jasmine’s other symptoms include:
Excessive bleeding
Pain
Skin breakouts
Bloating (Endo Belly)
Anxiety and depressions
Fatigue
“I am currently working in childcare and honestly, it's so hard! I started out doing an almost full 40-hour week, and I instantly noticed a negative change to my body. My symptoms worsened, I was bleeding more, and I began taking A LOT of time off work because my body couldn't handle it straight off the bat.”
HER SOCIAL MEDIA JOURNEY
“I started my Instagram page about a week and a half after I had my first Endometriosis Laparoscopy. I made it because I never really had a woman figure in my life growing up, who could share their experience with the same thing that I was going through, especially my pain, bleeding and other symptoms. I knew from a very early age that I was the only female in my family that was dealing with something different, until my uncle met my aunty Hannah, who also ended up being diagnosed with Endometriosis.
I wanted to become the inspiration in other girls’ lives that I didn't have growing up (again until my uncle got married).”
THE FIGHT WITH STIGMA SURROUNDING YOUTH WITH CHRONIC PAIN
“I had never once heard of Endometriosis until I turned 19, and even then, nobody thought that it was possible for me to have it as I was ‘too young’.”
“I ALWAYS say this, but FIGHT TO BE HEARD! I know it's easier said than done but if it wasn't for me continuously being "annoying" and seeing so many doctors, I never would have found the right one and never would have been diagnosed. It took me a long 8 years, but I got there in the end and it ended up being 100% worth it.”
FINAL TIPS & TRICKS
“This may not be the most "effective" treatment for everyone but I find that changing up my diet has helped me tremendously! I can't have dairy, chicken or lamb and have cut those foods out (as much as possible) and there have been dramatic changes to my symptoms.”
“I also follow a bunch of pages on Instagram of women who are also living with chronic illnesses.”
Besides looking for support on social media, Jasmine also finds it helpful to look closer - finding support from friends and family. “I also have the support of my mum, boyfriend and Aunty!”
FINAL NOTE
“Chronic pain is not comparable to ‘normal’ pain. Not to say that pain is ‘normal’, however, it is something on a whole other level!”
Jasmine also wants social media users to be very careful about their choices of vocabulary and responses regarding chronic illnesses online.
“Comments on chronic illnesses can be taken in many ways, so be careful with how you word things to those suffering from a chronic illness!” - Jasmine Cutropia
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