ENDOMETRIOSIS? If you're here, then you probably know what it is all too well, just like thousands of other women. We've created this page to help women, and men, cope with this diblitating disease, and will update it as need be. Please feel free to email us with any comments or suggestions. My name is Michele, and my husand is David. I've had chronic stage 4 endometriosis for 11 years, and every day is a battle in itself. We are searching now for a way to have surgery with no insurance, and no money down, and not having much luck so far. We have been told everything possible, but it basically boils down to the fact that money means more than the quality of someone's life. They can find millions of dollars to research fish eggs, but can't help find a cure for endo. Sounds WRONG to me! Since when did we become LESS important than fish? My husband has been a rock for me, picking up the slack when I couldn't walk. Tending to anywhere from 2 to 6 kids at a time (I have 3, he has 3), and trying to explain to them why mom can't take a walk outside with them. IT'S NOT FAIR!!!! I was told over these past 11 years that there was everything but endo wrong with me, and not until my current physician asked for my previous medical records did I know there had been at least 6 previous endo diagnosis. I want to work toward the goal that women KNOW what is going on with their bodies!! Ask questions, get answers! I want physicians to be more informed, not to tell women it "all in their head" or that it's part of being a woman. This kind of pain is NOT NORMAL and we shouldn't have to suffer. We are continually researching, surfing the net to find answers to so many questions all endo women have, and to make life better for us endo sufferers(spouses included). We've included some really great links you can check out, subscribe to newsletters, ask questions, email anyone and everyone you can. We have a letter going out to the President now and we need all the signatures we can get, if you want to help, email us and we can give you all the information on it. Our goal is to make ENDOMETRIOSIS a thing of the past, and we know it won't happen overnight, but hopefully SOON!!! My doctor is Founder of the International Pelvic Pain Society, and he's trying to make other doctors and more people aware of endometriosis. He's a wonderful angel on earth! I want to thank my husband for being so supportive during all my "mood" swings, for my Pain Management Counselor, Terry, for listening to my babble constantly, and to Dr. Perry, for believing my pain is real!! My family has to put up with a lot, I go to bed quite frequently during the day, for being so tired all the time. I'm trying to find out if Fibromyalgia, it causes tiredness, etc., and is commonly associated with endo. There are some good sites for that to, if you need them, email me and I'll be glad to send them to you. Update of July 21, 1998 This is to update everyone on my move to South Carolina in May, and I had a LAVH on July 7, 1998. My doctor in Birmingham had connections here, and I had my surgery in Spartanburg, about 30 minutes from my house. I'm healing up pretty well, still having some pain, and NOT sleeping at all! I have a wonderful female doctor, Dr. Jennifer Chasedunn-Roark who rotates here from Charleston, I couldn't have asked for a better doctor!!! SHE'S WONDERFUL!!!! My family here, my husband, children, and mother-in-law have been VERY supportive and wonderful through this whole thing. I'm still trying to get my hormone level straightened out, and in the meantime, I feel like the wicked witch of the west! I'm trying to find work to do at home to help with the bills, I don't want to be around a lot of people right now. I'm still feeling depressed, mainly because of the pain and no sleep, but I'm working on it. I'm on several different listserves, with lots of understand women who are very supportive. I'm not sure if I had my time to go over if I'd have a hysterectomy, it's still to early to tell, but I will let you know, I'll keep updating this page as time permits. Please keep the faith, and I'd be glad to talk to any of you, just email me. I have everyone in my prayers that we can find a cure for this dreadful disease. David and Michele Gregory
Links to Help and Information
Angelfire - Easiest Free Home Pages
Jennifer Lewis Homepage
Endometriosis Research Center Website
Wonderful Fibro Site
My other endo site
Parent's Place Endo Board
My husband's site for Special Needs Children, I'm very PROUD of him!!
