I have one question after reading this book. How the hell is it possible that standard medical training doesn’t routinely include information about endometriosis? It’s 2016, folks! Long past time to ditch the sexist medical models that birthed all that “hysteria” nonsense.
As someone who struggles with endometriosis and associated chronic pain, it is impossible to adequately express the frustration and hopelessness that accompanies being told that your pain is “in your head,” that “there’s nothing wrong with you,” or that “there’s nothing we can do about it anyway.” I understand that our emotions impact our bodies. I’m fully aware that sometimes our brains even create symptoms out of the blue, all by themselves.
But let me tell you this with zero uncertainty: there is a GARGANTUAN difference between a stress headache and the wrecking-ball, whole-body torture that is endometriosis.
And you want to know the worst part? The vast majority of doctors who “treat" endometriosis do so in a way that either ignores or exacerbates the problem. But I guess that’s no big deal, right? I mean, if you really want effective treatment, all you have to do is locate one of the handful of doctors in the country who specialize in excision surgery, schedule an evaluation months in advance, travel to them for a series of appointments over the course of several weeks, pay for it all (surgery included) out of pocket since the vast majority of insurance companies won’t, and cross your fingers you don’t need a second round to ameliorate your symptoms. Piece of cake.
So most of us are left thinking that we’re crazy or broken or weak. We stop talking about our pain (wouldn’t want to sound whiny, now would we?) and plow through the days as best we can, uselessly popping ibuprofen like candy and taking mid-work breathing breaks in the backseat of the car to avoid throwing up in a crowded public restroom or having to explain to our bosses and co-workers why we’ve suddenly fallen into the fetal position on the floor.
Dr. Tamer Seckin, one of said specialists, gets it. And this book of his is an incredible resource that I can’t believe I’ve not heard of until now. One of those ultra-validating, gives-you-goosebumps-its-so-accurate kind of books. Everyone should read it, uterus or no, because even if you don’t struggle with this kind of pain yourself, chances are there’s someone in your life that does, and they need your understanding and support.