Friday, December 12, 2014

Love's Redemption, The Stage Production




Love's Redemption, The Stage Production



Author and Playwright Vanessa Richardson much anticipated stage production is coming for one night only! That's right just one night. For more information about Love's Redemption, The Stage Production log on today at www.lovesredemption.eventbrite.com/




 Meet Captain Dare. Years ago he shunned the love of young Lyric. Exhausted from his years of serving in the military Dare returns home. He noticed much has changed including his best friends little sister, only thing is Lyric isn't so little anymore. Lyric is all grown up now and Dare is determined to make her his. Unfortunately Lyric wants nothing to do with him! Dare would be in the fight of his life. That is winning the heart of his lady.




Lyric was a woman on a mission to become the next "it girl" in Hollywood. She didn't have time for relationships, certainly not with Dare! She'd never forgotten the embarrassment Dare put her through years ago after she boldly confessed her loved to him. He laughed and nonchalantly brushed her off. Lyric vowed to never allow her heart suffer such hurt as that. Problem was her heart refused to obey her mind-set.





Savion was successful in every sense of the word. A beautiful house and wife. He own several successful businesses.  What he wanted the most was lost and can never have it back. Deep down Savion blames his wife for their loss. The more he tries to bury the hurt the more distant he becomes towards Felicia. Can their marriage survive this tragic loss?



Dorian knew exactly when to strike! He was cunning and deceitful. He had Lyric right where he wanted her to be. Deep into him. Unfortunately Captain Dare's return has put a halt to his carefully laid out plans. A man like him didn't make it to the top without have several backup plans. Dorian unites with someone equally deceiving as he is.  In the end someone will feel the repercussion of their evil plan. 



Felicia was a woman who knew what she wanted. She was never one to sit idle and watch life slip away. She lived in the moment, refusing to wait she's often create. Unfortunately that same determination caused her to lose something that was literally a part of her.  Felicia isn't fooled by Savion's words of reassurances. She knows Savion harbors some resentment toward her in spite of his words of forgiveness. He no longer looks at her the same. Holds her the same. Kiss her the same. Will their love survive this tragedy especially when it could have been prevented?


Monae was true a true friend to Felicia and highly successful. Monae fails to see why Felicia can be friends someone who is cold and condescending as Selena. Her words of warning continues to fall on death ears. Monae is finally prove right when she discovers something so evil by Selena. The question is will Felicia believer her? Will this cause them their friendship?




They are the prayer warriors and they are determined that none should be lost! At first Rev. Ishie isn't sure about why there was a strong urge to visit Savion and Felicia as time progresses it all becomes clear about why she and Sis. Ethel were there. Sis. Ethel was determined to find her a boyfriend for Christmas and she wasn't going to let the problems of those around her to stop her!


For more information and ticket prices please visit www.lovesredemption.eventbrite.com


Love's Redemption, The Stage Production Commercial.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

HBO Soul Food and Stomp the Yard actor, Darrin Dewitt Henson



Actor Darrin Dewitt Henson





Check out Darrin's Interview with Host Vanessa Richardson


  
                                                          Check Out Spirituality Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with the  certain ones on BlogTalkRadio

Vanessa’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Endometriosis)





“Vanessa, remember you have endometriosis,” the doctor said. Those words swirled around in my head, but my mind refused to process the meaning behind them. My doctor eyes compassionately swept over my face, settling on my eyes. He patiently waited until his word sunk in; unfortunately they just wouldn’t.

Firstly, I didn’t know what endometriosis was, and if he had explained it to me during the process of my treatment, it went unnoticed. Secondly, I was battling catamenial pneumothorax at the time, this is when a woman has her menstruation and within 24-48 hours her lung collapses. By this time, I underwent major lung surgery and had a total of ten chest tubes. Endometriosis was the last thing I was thinking about.
I recall that one fateful night being awakened by severe pain in my abdomen and lower back. Try as I might, I could not go back to sleep, as I couldn’t escape the severity of that sharp pain. This would go on for months. The pain was blinding and crippling, often leaving me bedridden for days. It seemed that my life was a constant battle to live (not exist) and be happy. My battle was against my own body and mind. I was determined to win.

“I do?” I asked my doctor, I barely recognized my voice. My doctor nodded his head, “Yes, you do. You have had to be one of my most difficult cases treated. I removed an incredible amount of endometriosis from inside of you. Remember, you also have it on your lung. These tissues may have escaped to other areas of your body. Doing more surgery runs the risk of causing more damage than good.” Those were not the words I wanted to hear. I wanted to be fixed to be made whole. I left his office burdened with despair. I was silent and reflective during my ride home. The world seemed a different place to me. In the matter of minutes I had changed inside forever. There was a gamut of emotions swamping me. Anger was in the lead, I am not perfect by any means, but, I’ve always been mindful of my deed’s and action’s. I respected myself and others. I believed in God and attend church faithfully. Yet, I was living a life of constant pain.

I made a decision that day. I decided I would not let this situation defeat me. I went home and began to research what endometriosis was. I was a Trojan. I studied and applied what I learned to my daily living. Sometimes it can take up to 10 to 12 years for a patient to be diagnosed with endometriosis. Approximately 176 million women and girls worldwide suffer from endometriosis; 8.5 million in North America. I also learned how to eat all over again. I had to cut out red meats, I’ve gotten rid of dairy products, and I removed wheat products out of my diet as well. I start eating healthy. I removed myself as best as I could from stressful situations, as this could exacerbate pain levels. I began to do meditations. I began to come to grips with the fact that, I could live in spite of my situation, I just had to readjust. I also, made it an priority to not remain silent anymore. Talking about something as private as your cycle can be quite awkward, but this slight discomfort is worth all worth, as long as I can inform and enlighten people about endometriosis. I don’t want anyone to suffer for years, because of lack of information. So, I continue to lift my voice, sharing my testimony, enlightening people about endometriosis, and I continue to keep the faith,

Endometriosis doesn’t have me.

Vanessa
North Carolina
Submitted 3-3-2013

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

Vanessa’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Endometriosis)





Monday, June 30, 2014

The Certain Ones Blog Talk Show and Online Magazine



Check out The Certain Ones Blog Talk Show/Online Magazine Past Guests!

















The Certain Ones Radio Trailer
wwww.BlogTalkRadio.com/TheCertainOnes






The Certain Ones Online Magazine Cover Past Cover Issues









The Certain Ones Online Magazine Trailer
www.TheCertainOnesMagazine.com


Love Lifted Me, new release by Vanessa RIchardson






About The Book


The Guardian
Detective Eric Miller was convinced true love was not for him, his failed relationships, led him to believe so. Being a man of stability and control, Eric stoically shunned love; it was too messy—too unstable. This was why he vowed to put as much space as possible, between him and the beautifully intelligent Rayna Peterson. Now, if only his heart would listen. Unexpectedly, fate would force them together, when Rayna is threatened by a hidden evil. He lurks in the darkness, an elusive being. He boldly strikes at the most unusual moments. Eric promised himself that nothing would harm, Rayna, but to keep her safe he would have to spend time around her. Was he willing to risk both his life and heart for her?


The Promise Woman



Attorney Rayna Peterson always knew she a woman promised for greatness. Her faith was something she took great pride in, but of late the strange and evil occurrences had her doubting, everything familiar to her -- and for the first time, she realizes that her faith alone isn't enough to lift her from the pit of doubt. Feeling lost, Rayna unites with Eric. Together they would fight the forces seeking to destroy her and everyone she loved. Would Eric's love be the lift she needed, to restore her shaken faith?







Love Lifted Me, Book Trailer



Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Friday Night Love, Author Tia McCollors


VR: When did you know that you were chosen not just to write, but to become an author?
TM: A job lay off in 1999 prompted me to begin to pursue purpose for my life.  I was journalism major so of course I was always writing throughout my career track – whether I was working in marketing, public relations, etc. But during that time when I didn’t have to wake up for my 9-to-5, God really spoke to me and told me that he was going to “marry” my love of reading and writing.
VR: What has your literary journey been like for you?
TM: Ups and downs. Sometime it isn’t what I thought it would be, and at other times it’s been more than what I expected. I just hold on for the ride. Overall it’s still been such a blessing. I’ve learned that with publishing, it’s sometimes about finding the trends and changing with the times.
VR: What is your writing process like?
TM: I’m more productive in the mornings. I find that I do best at the library so I can turn off all of the distractions and not get pulled into things like washing clothes, reorganizing my daughter’s closet, or deciding it’s the perfect time to clean the carpet! LOL! I usually start off free-flowing the first five chapters or so to get my writing muse started, then I begin to outline scenes and chapters.
VR: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in any of your books?
TM: No. I think all of my books were the best that I could do at that particular stage of my writing. I learned a new skill from writing each book.
VR: What were the challenges you faced in bringing forth any of your books?
TM: Time management. Just recently I had to ask my publisher for an additional month past my deadline. I have three children – ages 8, 5 and 9 months. I think I underestimated how much time and attention go into having an infant at home. However, my baby boy quickly reminded me!
VR: What advice would you give aspiring authors
TM: Write! Write!  Read! And write some more. Many aspiring authors become consumed with the publishing process, but they don’t have anything to publish in the first place. Finish what you start.
 VRAre you working on any new projects?
TM: Yes, always.  Sunday Morning Love, the second book in my Days of Grace series, is scheduled for release in October 2014.
 VR: What is something that your readers would find interesting about you?
TM: 1. I like peanuts and cashews, but can’t stand the taste of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and all those other nuts!
2. I’m great at organizing papers and filing systems.
3. I can’t swim, even though I wish I could! When I graduated from college in 1996, one of the requirements was that you had to pass the swim test. I took a beginning swimming the last semester of my senior year and subsequently passed the required test. But my fear of the water stole my skills away. One day, however, I’m going to swim like a fish!
- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/friday-night-love-author-tia-mccollors/#sthash.URnPzi6I.dpuf




About the Author

Tia McCollors used to dream of being a television news anchor, but her destiny led her behind the pages instead of in front of the cameras. After earning a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from UNC-Chapel Hill, she went on to build a successful career in the public relations industry. In 1999, a job layoff prompted Tia to discover and pursue a writing career as an author. Following the birth of her son in 2006, she left the corporate arena to focus on her family and her expanding writing and speaking business.
Tia’s first novel, A Heart of Devotion, was an Essence Magazine bestseller. She followed her popular debut with four other inspirational novels including Zora’s Cry, The Truth About Love, The Last Woman Standing, and Steppin’ Into The Good Life. In 2012, she released If These Shoes Could Talk, her first devotion book of The Prissy Purse Devotions series. Friday Night Love is Tia’s sixth novel.



Author Interview with Editor-In-Chief, The Certain Ones Magazine 
Vanessa Richardson


VR: Hello Tia!  It's great to interview you. I have been an fan of your literary works for years. So it's an honor to finally chat with you. First question: when did you know that you were chosen not just to write, but to become an author?

TM: A job lay off in 1999 prompted me to begin to pursue purpose for my life.  I was a journalism major so of course I was always writing throughout my career track – whether I was working in marketing, public relations, etc. But during that time when I didn’t have to wake up for my 9-to-5, God really spoke to me and told me that he was going to “marry” my love of reading and writing.

VR:What has your literary journey been like for you?

TM:Ups and downs. Sometime it isn’t what I thought it would be, and at other times it’s been more than what I expected. I just hold on for the ride. Overall it’s still been such a blessing. I’ve learned that with publishing, it’s sometimes about finding the trends and changing with the times.

VR:What is your writing process like?

TM:I’m more productive in the mornings. I find that I do best at the library so I can turn off all of the distractions and not get pulled into things like washing clothes, reorganizing my daughter’s closet, or deciding it’s the perfect time to clean the carpet! LOL!
I usually start off free-flowing the first five chapters or so to get my writing muse started, then I begin to outline scenes and chapters.

VR:If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in any of your books?

TM:No. I think all of my books were the best that I could do at that particular stage of my writing. I learned a new skill from writing each book.

VR:What were the challenges you faced in bringing forth any of your books?

TM:Time management. Just recently I had to ask my publisher for an additional month past my deadline. I have three children – ages 8, 5 and 9 months. I think I underestimated how much time and attention go into having an infant at home. However, my baby boy quickly reminded me!


VR:What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Write! Write!  Read! And write some more. Many aspiring authors become consumed with the publishing process, but they don’t have anything to publish in the first place. Finish what you start.

VR:Are you working on any new projects?

TM:Yes, always. Sunday Morning Love, the second book in my Days of Grace series, is scheduled for release in October 2014.

VR:What is something that your readers would find interesting about you?

TM:

1. I like peanuts and cashews, but can’t stand the taste of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and all those other nuts!

2. I’m great at organizing papers and filing systems.

3. I can’t swim, even though I wish I could! When I graduated from college in 1996, one of the requirements was that you had to pass the swim test. I took a beginning swimming the last semester of my Senior  year and subsequently passed the required test. But my fear of the water stole my skills away. One day, however, I’m going to swim like a fish!


VR: When did you know that you were chosen not just to write, but to become an author?
TM: A job lay off in 1999 prompted me to begin to pursue purpose for my life.  I was journalism major so of course I was always writing throughout my career track – whether I was working in marketing, public relations, etc. But during that time when I didn’t have to wake up for my 9-to-5, God really spoke to me and told me that he was going to “marry” my love of reading and writing.
VR: What has your literary journey been like for you?
TM: Ups and downs. Sometime it isn’t what I thought it would be, and at other times it’s been more than what I expected. I just hold on for the ride. Overall it’s still been such a blessing. I’ve learned that with publishing, it’s sometimes about finding the trends and changing with the times.
VR: What is your writing process like?
TM: I’m more productive in the mornings. I find that I do best at the library so I can turn off all of the distractions and not get pulled into things like washing clothes, reorganizing my daughter’s closet, or deciding it’s the perfect time to clean the carpet! LOL! I usually start off free-flowing the first five chapters or so to get my writing muse started, then I begin to outline scenes and chapters.
VR: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in any of your books?
TM: No. I think all of my books were the best that I could do at that particular stage of my writing. I learned a new skill from writing each book.
VR: What were the challenges you faced in bringing forth any of your books?
TM: Time management. Just recently I had to ask my publisher for an additional month past my deadline. I have three children – ages 8, 5 and 9 months. I think I underestimated how much time and attention go into having an infant at home. However, my baby boy quickly reminded me!
VR: What advice would you give aspiring authors
TM: Write! Write!  Read! And write some more. Many aspiring authors become consumed with the publishing process, but they don’t have anything to publish in the first place. Finish what you start.
 VRAre you working on any new projects?
TM: Yes, always.  Sunday Morning Love, the second book in my Days of Grace series, is scheduled for release in October 2014.
 VR: What is something that your readers would find interesting about you?
TM: 1. I like peanuts and cashews, but can’t stand the taste of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and all those other nuts!
2. I’m great at organizing papers and filing systems.
3. I can’t swim, even though I wish I could! When I graduated from college in 1996, one of the requirements was that you had to pass the swim test. I took a beginning swimming the last semester of my senior year and subsequently passed the required test. But my fear of the water stole my skills away. One day, however, I’m going to swim like a fish!
- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/friday-night-love-author-tia-mccollors/#sthash.URnPzi6I.dpuf




About the Book

CAN LOVE HEAL WHAT INFIDELITY TRIED TO DESTROY?
Zenja Maxwell was widowed in her twenties; she never thought she’d be a divorcée, too. Yet that’s the destiny she resigns herself to after learning of her husband’s dalliance with infidelity and kicking him out of the house. She plans a cruise with her best friend, Caprice, to take her mind off Roman and celebrate moving on with her life.

But Caprice won’t let her give up that easily, especially when Roman seems committed to reconciling. She and her husband invite Zenja and Roman to Friday Night Love, a weekly event for couples. Zenja hesitates, but the promise of food and fellowship prevails. She figures she can put up with Roman for one night.
At the events, the women are issued a series of Bible-based challenges designed to help them cultivate respect for their husband. Zenja struggles at first; she isn’t even sure she wants to rekindle the relationship. But Roman is persistent in his pursuit of her, even when he finds out that she nearly cheated on him. Through tragedies, triumphs, and trusted friends, the couple learns never to underestimate the Author of marriage when husbands and wives surrender to Him.


Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com

Visit the author online at:
http://www.TiaMcCollors.com
View the blog tour schedule at:
Friday Night Love New Release Tour with Tia McCollors
http://tywebbinpublicity.com/?p=10808





Tia McCollors
 
Inspirational Author of If These Shoes Could Talk,
Steppin' Into The Good Life & other faith-filled books!
 
Twitter: @TiaMcCollors








VR: When did you know that you were chosen not just to write, but to become an author?
TM: A job lay off in 1999 prompted me to begin to pursue purpose for my life.  I was journalism major so of course I was always writing throughout my career track – whether I was working in marketing, public relations, etc. But during that time when I didn’t have to wake up for my 9-to-5, God really spoke to me and told me that he was going to “marry” my love of reading and writing.
VR: What has your literary journey been like for you?
TM: Ups and downs. Sometime it isn’t what I thought it would be, and at other times it’s been more than what I expected. I just hold on for the ride. Overall it’s still been such a blessing. I’ve learned that with publishing, it’s sometimes about finding the trends and changing with the times.
VR: What is your writing process like?
TM: I’m more productive in the mornings. I find that I do best at the library so I can turn off all of the distractions and not get pulled into things like washing clothes, reorganizing my daughter’s closet, or deciding it’s the perfect time to clean the carpet! LOL! I usually start off free-flowing the first five chapters or so to get my writing muse started, then I begin to outline scenes and chapters.
VR: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in any of your books?
TM: No. I think all of my books were the best that I could do at that particular stage of my writing. I learned a new skill from writing each book.
VR: What were the challenges you faced in bringing forth any of your books?
TM: Time management. Just recently I had to ask my publisher for an additional month past my deadline. I have three children – ages 8, 5 and 9 months. I think I underestimated how much time and attention go into having an infant at home. However, my baby boy quickly reminded me!
VR: What advice would you give aspiring authors
TM: Write! Write!  Read! And write some more. Many aspiring authors become consumed with the publishing process, but they don’t have anything to publish in the first place. Finish what you start.
 VRAre you working on any new projects?
TM: Yes, always.  Sunday Morning Love, the second book in my Days of Grace series, is scheduled for release in October 2014.
 VR: What is something that your readers would find interesting about you?
TM: 1. I like peanuts and cashews, but can’t stand the taste of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and all those other nuts!
2. I’m great at organizing papers and filing systems.
3. I can’t swim, even though I wish I could! When I graduated from college in 1996, one of the requirements was that you had to pass the swim test. I took a beginning swimming the last semester of my senior year and subsequently passed the required test. But my fear of the water stole my skills away. One day, however, I’m going to swim like a fish!
- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/friday-night-love-author-tia-mccollors/#sthash.URnPzi6I.dpuf

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Meet Her Heart’s Desire, Lisa Watson




 http://writtenvoicesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lisa_watson1-1.jpg

 About the Author

A native of Washington D.C., the city’s historic and political backdrop fed Lisa Watson’s romantic imagination. Lisa has written several multi-cultural novellas and novels, and loves creating engaging storylines with strong characters that are drawn together by respect and love. Lisa works at a technology consulting firm, and is the co-publicist for RT Book Review Magazine’s annual RT Booklovers Conventions.

Lisa’s Amazon Bestselling novel for Harlequin’s KIMANI™ ROMANCE, Love Contract, is book one of The Match Broker series. Book two, Her Heart’s Desire is coming May 2014, and book three, Love by Design in Fall 2014. Her new holiday novellas, A Heart for Christmas (2nd Edition), and Two Hearts for Christmas, in the Love at Christmastime series is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Kobo Books and Allromanceebooks.com.  Lisa lives outside Raleigh, NC and is married with two teenagers, and a Maltipoo, Brinkley. Connect with Lisa on Facebook (NCLisaWatson), Twitter (@LisaYWatson), and at www.lisawatson.com.


About the Book 

Love’s his only mission

After a series of dating disasters, Tiffany Gentry isn’t ready to risk her heart again. Just when she decides it’s safer to stay single, the Chicago boutique owner meets Colonel Ivan Mangum. The gorgeous military hero is an expert in security. Yet Tiffany has no defense against Ivan’s sensual maneuvers….


Ivan knows that Tiffany should stop looking for Mr. Right—she has already found him! From romantic city nights to a passionate tryst at his mountain retreat, Ivan uses every seductive weapon in his arsenal to prove he’s her true soul mate. But when their future together is threatened, will this soldier find a way to turn his dream of love into a mission possible?






 Her Heart’s Desire Book Trailer

 
        


Order Online

Thursday, March 20, 2014

My Endometriosis Story by Tamia Jordan, M.Ed.




Story by Tamia Jordan, M.Ed.

My earliest memory of just knowing something was off was in 1999. I remember being told by physicians, “you’re healthy as a horse,” “you’ll have to pay another copay (as in I’m not using this visit to investigate your concerns),” and whole host of other silly things. Then, in 2007 (8 loooooong years later), when I was finally diagnosed with uterine fibroids they were huge. Now I’m a petite person and I was told they were the size of a five-month pregnancy.
So I knew I had to have surgery but I put it off as long as possible. Then in 2010 (eleven looooooong years later) I had my first myomectomy (an open one) during which I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I guess the hard part is that all that time, in all those years, was not all bad. However, the times that were bad were excruciating and debilitating and scary as hell and life altering in the sense that I made life decisions based on my fears of my future physical condition.
 
It’s also worth noting that, due to the size of my fibroids, my first surgery didn’t go so well. Now I don’t recall as much as those who were not on serious drugs at the time might recall. But I do recall, very vividly, the statements the doctors made to me as they rolled me into an emergency second surgery late that evening. I won’t go into all that here, but know that I knew that saving my life was the primary objective. So when I woke up in ICU the next day, I had a ton of questions because I didn’t know what all they had to do.
Thankfully additional internal stitches and five blood transfusions and platelets were enough. So then I spent that day and the next in the ICU with amazing professional care and with friends visiting and playing games all the while I was getting hangry (hungry + angry – I’m especially #2) as hell cause they would not feed me until certain physiological conditions were met.
 
To date I’ve had three-ish surgeries in four years: an open myomectomy w/ an appendectomy because apparently I’d had an appendicitis but missed it due to my freakishly high tolerance for pain** (what can I say, I didn’t feel well the week before, but I kept it moving #EndoWarrior), a laproscopic myomectomy in 2012, and a hysteroscopic myomectomy in 2013. (I say three-ish because my first surgery resulted in my need to have that second surgery that same evening.)There is so so so much more to this story that I’ll have to post a part two at some point but for right now I want to shift focus. I’ll be honest it’s because I don’t want to think about the pain**, the fear, or the ridiculous crap some licensed physicians did or did not do to me. But it’s not just that I don’t want to talk about it. I also wish to shift focus because, as I sit here and reflect on the past and the stress that fibroids and endo have been, I am also very conscious of a parallel tale…
 
…And this will sound absolutely crazy: I am unbelievably grateful to endo and even for past days of excruciating pain.** Why the hell?!: Because that pain taught me how to lean. And I am extremely grateful to endo, and for those days of past excruciating pain,** for showing me beyond a shadow of a doubt who in my world can and will support my weight when I’m leaning:
 
I’m thankful for the people who allow(ed) me to call, even in the middle of the night, when I wasn’t feeling well.
I’m thankful for those who have been willing to take me to and from the doctor when I could not take myself.
I’m thankful to those who have held my hand on my way into surgery and who have been there when I woke up.
I am thankful to the ICU angels from surgery number 1 (and 1b). Seemingly a prerequisite to being an ICU nurse is to be one of the best people on earth.I’m thankful for my friend who taught me to meditate and who continues to meditate with me from time to time. Sometimes meditation is/was the difference between me leaving the house for the day or surrendering to pain for the day. Meditation is wicked powerful friends.
I am thankful to my kitty cat, Grace Anne, who just knows how to take care of me when I’m not well. #PetOwnersGetThis
 
 
I’m thankful for and to the people who cooked for me and cleaned for me or just sat with me.
I am thankful that I have a somewhat flexible job and an understanding team and supervisor.
I am incredibly thankful that I have good health insurance. And I am thankful that, going forward, I cannot be denied health insurance due to my pre-existing condition thanks to The Affordable Care Act.
I’m thankful to all my doctors and all the surgeons. The latter many of whom I will never know.
I am thankful for an amazing encounter with a phlebotomist who transformed my experience with blood draws.
I’m thankful for my newest doctors at the Boston Center for Endometriosis. They performed my last surgery in July and have a different, positive, energy around these issues than I’ve experienced with other doctors in the decade previous.
 
I am thankful to Lisa and Laura and Dr. Z. I am thankful for CBT because “I’m not always in pain.” I am incredibly grateful for the many people in my life who never make me feel like I am a burden. I am thankful for and to those who gave me cash to take a taxi when I had to go home, bringing me peanut butter (because PB&J is my power pellet) when I ran out and couldn’t get it for myself, sending me quotes and words of inspiration and cards and flowers and cookies, driving me around town when I just needed to get out, driving my car when I couldn’t drive it home…
 
And on and on and on and on and on and on…
Now do I wish that I’d been able to discern these things on my own without the help of endo? Absolutely! I’m not crazy and I’m not going to lie and say, “I wouldn’t trade this…” …cause I would trade it for some things. But I will say this: endo separates the cowards from the brave. It can bring you to your knees and really show you what you’re made of. Also endo sifts out the ride-or-die from the punks. It has a way of showing you who is going to be there for you no matter what. And it provides a thorough answer to the question, “What would love do?”


Tamia Rashima Jordan, M.Ed. is originally from Hackensack, NJ. Having lived in NJ, VA, VT, and NC she has happily settled in Boston, MA where she is Director of Student Activities at Berklee College of Music. She attended the University of Virginia and graduated with a BA in Government and African American Studies. She received her M.Ed. in Higher Education Student Affairs Administration from the University of Vermont. An educator first, tamia is also an event planner, a published author, and a blogger of her own site tamiarashima.com where she writes about the intersections of pop culture and her life and various identities. tamia is on the Executive Committee of the Center for Church and Prison where she actively works to end the epidemic of mass incarceration and mitigate the disturbing results of the War on Drugs. She also works to create more options for returning citizens to thrive. In her free time Tamia is a proud Black Girl Nerd who loves music, films, fantasy novels and the beach.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

This Is My Endometriosis Beginning by Cherese Spand








Article by Cherese Spand

My name is Cherese.  I was 34 years old living through complications of stage IV Endometriosis. I was initially diagnosed when my daughter was about three years old through a laparoscopic procedure. I was 21 at the time after that procedure; I was placed on two rounds of Lupron, which is an injection given into the fatty tissue of the Buttocks. Each shot stops your cycle for 3 months. In those 6 months I was forced into an extreme case of menopause terrible night sweats mood swings at the age of 21. Since the maximum recommended dosage is 6 months that came to an end. My symptoms were extreme pain with periods vaginally and rectally no cramps just loads of pressure and stabbing pains. After Lupron; I was placed on numerous cycles of birth control pills for years. My last straw was the Depo-shot which barreled me up to over 45 pounds of weight gain after almost two years. I was OK for about 1 1/2 years and then my cycle became increasingly more painful every month. 

Honestly not knowing much about Endometriosis at the time I thought that I was mostly cured due to the fact that I had the Lupron and have controlled Nature synthetically. When the exact opposite was true. I was continuously having extreme pain on my left side despite being on the pill of and on. At this point I have no health insurance so no more frequent visits or prescription plan for my pills this lasted for three years until I reached the age 31 and then all Hell breaks loose. I started having crippling abdominal pains to the point that no pain medication would relieve it. I was having severe bouts of not being able to use the bathroom for days at a time when 3-4 times per day was a normal occurrence for me. Paired up with pain and rectal bleeding.
At that point in time, I was losing about 10 days minimum due to being sick all the time. And just when I felt better the cycle was starting all over again. Trips to the emergency room started I felt like my insides were pulled out beaten with a meat clever placed back in and set on fire while being stabbed with a sharp metal object. I don’t want to be so blunt but when you tell people you have Endo they say “Oh really?” and/or “Just have a baby.”

WHAT!!!! Get pregnant on top of this. NO!! So now my mission begins a hunt for the right Dr. after 10 trips to the ER and they cannot find anything on any of my CT scans or X-rays. They start to think I am absolutely out of my mind and so does my husband. You are complaining of pain uncomfortable all the time now and we cannot find anything. It must be in your head. I went from Pelvic Specialist, Gynecological Cancer, and IVF you name it I went there. All I heard was!!” We can get you pregnant for 10,000. I used to specialize in Endometriosis but not anymore”, “Let’s put you on the pill for 3 months and see how you respond.” I believe this is all in your head mind over matter have you been to a psychiatrist?” I was at my Wit’s end. If I had one more smart comment or Rectal exam that left me in tears and in pain for 2 days I was really getting ready to lose it. Now at this point my stomach had started swelling to the point where I looked like I was about 7 months pregnant. My emergency room visits were too frequent I was tired of going. But now something was different the swelling that I had during my period did not leave this time. 

I was not able to digest food or drinks. This trip to the ER in January of 2009 was in the middle of a snow storm. I had to get to the Hospital none of the drugs they gave me that time worked at all just made me completely Sick and groggy. This CAT scan showed that I had some type of Masses and the largest was 7 CM big. Once this cycle was over I started my search again to where I could be seen. I went back to work and was not able to be on my feet for extended periods of time. So I had one of the other Stylists helping me with my clients. When she asked me what was wrong?  I explained to her and she told me to call the CEC in Atlanta. I called and sent my Medical records down for review I had no idea this place even existed.
After about a week I received a call from the Dr. and he stated that he believed; I would be a candidate for the center due to all I was enduring. I called to schedule an appointment; they gave me the first available date of April 15, 2009, which was 2 months away. I prepared for our trip to Atlanta. I was one of the worst cases in his history. Over 100 points of Endometriosis.  Unfortunately, my uterus was not able to be saved as it was encrusted. I also had my Gallbladder removed as well which was fused to my liver with adhesions. I stayed with for a week and then came home for my 12 month recovery. I returned home to start bleeding two weeks later. 

I was advised to return to cauterize the areas. But was not strong enough to travel. As the months went by the pain was unbearable. I did not understand once a surgeon operates, no other surgeon was willing to see you. I would then get a monthly period that the doctors here were calling Vaginal Bleeding. Go figure! I ended up becoming ill again unable to function and having severe abdominal pains and bloating. I went in for an Ultrasound the Endo had attached itself to my vaginal cuff (where my cervix used to reside) and had grown into my bladder bowel and rectum. 

My Recto- Vaginal septum had a nodule the size of a lemon. I called one of the advocates for our cause and was referred to a Specialist here in NY. Thank Goodness he accepted my case. I underwent another excision surgery I had a colorectal surgeon assisting. This time I had a bowel and rectal resection, Bladder urethra all excised and my right ovary removed. This was the beginning of a very long recovery and many complications. Let me say that I was in the hands of awesome highly skilled Specialists and the severe complications had nothing to do with their techniques. My journey will continue, as I am now 37 years old and have a more to add to my Endo-story.

Connect with Cherese Spand at:
https://www.facebook.com/cherese.spand
 



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- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/this-is-my-story-of-endometriosis/#sthash.lshqYyqb.dpuf



Click on link to register or for more information
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Article by Cherese Spand
My name is Cherese.  I am 34 years old and am living through complications of stage IV Endometriosis. I was initially diagnosed when my daughter was about three years old through a laparoscopic procedure. I was 21 at the time after that procedure; I was placed on two rounds of Lupron, which is an injection given into the fatty tissue of the Buttocks. Each shot stops your cycle for 3 months. In those 6 months I was forced into an extreme case of menopause terrible night sweats mood swings at the age of 21. Since the maximum recommended dosage is 6 months that came to an end. My symptoms were extreme pain with periods vaginally and rectally no cramps just loads of pressure and stabbing pains. After Lupron; I was placed on numerous cycles of birth control pills for years. My last straw was the Depo-shot which barreled me up to over 45 pounds of weight gain after almost two years. I was OK for about 1 1/2 years and then my cycle became increasingly more painful every month.
Honestly not knowing much about Endometriosis at the time I thought that I was mostly cured due to the fact that I had the Lupron and have controlled Nature synthetically. When the exact opposite was true. I was continuously having extreme pain on my left side despite being on the pill of and on. At this point I have no health insurance so no more frequent visits or prescription plan for my pills this lasted for three years until I reached the age 31 and then all Hell breaks loose. I started having crippling abdominal pains to the point that no pain medication would relieve it. I was having severe bouts of not being able to use the bathroom for days at a time when 3-4 times per day was a normal occurrence for me. Paired up with pain and rectal bleeding.
At that point in time, I was losing about 10 days minimum due to being sick all the time. And just when I felt better the cycle was starting all over again. Trips to the emergency room started I felt like my insides were pulled out beaten with a meat clever placed back in and set on fire while being stabbed with a sharp metal object. I don’t want to be so blunt but when you tell people you have Endo they say “Oh really?” and/or  “Just have a baby.”
 WHAT!!!! Get pregnant on top of this. NO!! So now my mission begins a hunt for the right Dr. after 10 trips to the ER and they cannot find anything on any of my CT scans or X-rays. They start to think I am absolutely out of my mind and so does my husband. You are complaining of pain uncomfortable all the time now and we cannot find anything. It must be in your head. I went from Pelvic Specialist, Gynecological Cancer, and IVF you name it I went there. All I heard was!!” We can get you pregnant for 10,000. I used to specialize in Endometriosis but not anymore”, “Let’s put you on the pill for 3 months and see how you respond.” I believe this is all in your head mind over matter have you been to a psychiatrist?” I was at my Wit’s end. If I had one more smart comment or Rectal exam that left me in tears and in pain for 2 days I was really getting ready to lose it. Now at this point my stomach had started swelling to the point where I looked like I was about 7 months pregnant. My emergency room visits were too frequent I was tired of going. But now something was different the swelling that I had during my period did not leave this time.
I was not able to digest food or drinks. This trip to the ER in January of 2009 was in the middle of a snow storm. I had to get to the Hospital none of the drugs they gave me that time worked at all just made me completely Sick and groggy. This CAT scan showed that I had some type of Masses and the largest was 7 CM big. Once this cycle was over I started my search again to where I could be seen. I went back to work and was not able to be on my feet for extended periods of time. So I had one of the other Stylists helping me with my clients. When she asked me what was wrong?  I explained to her and she told me to call the CEC in Atlanta. I called and sent my Medical records down for review I had no idea this place even existed.
After about a week I received a call from the Dr. and he stated that he believed; I would be a candidate for the center due to all I was enduring. I called to schedule an appointment, they gave me the first available date of April 15, 2009, which was 2 months away. I prepared for our trip to Atlanta. I was one of the worst cases in his history. Over 100 points of Endometriosis.  Unfortunately, my uterus was not able to be saved as it was encrusted. I also had my Gallbladder removed as well which was fused to my liver with adhesion’s. I stayed with for a week and then came home for my 12 month recovery. I returned home to start bleeding two weeks later.
I was advised to return to cauterize the areas. But was not strong enough to travel. As the months went by the pain was unbearable. I did not understand once a surgeon operates, no other surgeon was willing to see you. I would then get a monthly period that the doctors here were calling Vaginal Bleeding. Go figure! I ended up becoming ill again unable to function and having severe abdominal pains and bloating. I went in for an Ultrasound the Endo had attached itself to my vaginal cuff (where my cervix used to reside) and had grown into my bladder bowel and rectum.
My Recto- Vaginal septum had a nodule the size of a lemon. I called one of the advocates for our cause and was referred to a Specialist here in NY. Thank Goodness he accepted my case. I underwent another excision surgery I had a colorectal surgeon assisting. This time I had a bowel and rectal resection, Bladder urethra all excised and my right ovary removed. This was the beginning of a very long recovery and many complications. Let me say that I was in the hands of awesome highly skilled Specialists and the severe complications had nothing to do with their techniques. My journey will continue, as I am now 37 years old and have a more to add to my Endo-story.
Connect with Cherese Spand at:
https://www.facebook.com/cherese.spand
- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/this-is-my-story-of-endometriosis/#sthash.lshqYyqb.dpuf
Article by Cherese Spand
My name is Cherese.  I am 34 years old and am living through complications of stage IV Endometriosis. I was initially diagnosed when my daughter was about three years old through a laparoscopic procedure. I was 21 at the time after that procedure; I was placed on two rounds of Lupron, which is an injection given into the fatty tissue of the Buttocks. Each shot stops your cycle for 3 months. In those 6 months I was forced into an extreme case of menopause terrible night sweats mood swings at the age of 21. Since the maximum recommended dosage is 6 months that came to an end. My symptoms were extreme pain with periods vaginally and rectally no cramps just loads of pressure and stabbing pains. After Lupron; I was placed on numerous cycles of birth control pills for years. My last straw was the Depo-shot which barreled me up to over 45 pounds of weight gain after almost two years. I was OK for about 1 1/2 years and then my cycle became increasingly more painful every month.
Honestly not knowing much about Endometriosis at the time I thought that I was mostly cured due to the fact that I had the Lupron and have controlled Nature synthetically. When the exact opposite was true. I was continuously having extreme pain on my left side despite being on the pill of and on. At this point I have no health insurance so no more frequent visits or prescription plan for my pills this lasted for three years until I reached the age 31 and then all Hell breaks loose. I started having crippling abdominal pains to the point that no pain medication would relieve it. I was having severe bouts of not being able to use the bathroom for days at a time when 3-4 times per day was a normal occurrence for me. Paired up with pain and rectal bleeding.
At that point in time, I was losing about 10 days minimum due to being sick all the time. And just when I felt better the cycle was starting all over again. Trips to the emergency room started I felt like my insides were pulled out beaten with a meat clever placed back in and set on fire while being stabbed with a sharp metal object. I don’t want to be so blunt but when you tell people you have Endo they say “Oh really?” and/or  “Just have a baby.”
 WHAT!!!! Get pregnant on top of this. NO!! So now my mission begins a hunt for the right Dr. after 10 trips to the ER and they cannot find anything on any of my CT scans or X-rays. They start to think I am absolutely out of my mind and so does my husband. You are complaining of pain uncomfortable all the time now and we cannot find anything. It must be in your head. I went from Pelvic Specialist, Gynecological Cancer, and IVF you name it I went there. All I heard was!!” We can get you pregnant for 10,000. I used to specialize in Endometriosis but not anymore”, “Let’s put you on the pill for 3 months and see how you respond.” I believe this is all in your head mind over matter have you been to a psychiatrist?” I was at my Wit’s end. If I had one more smart comment or Rectal exam that left me in tears and in pain for 2 days I was really getting ready to lose it. Now at this point my stomach had started swelling to the point where I looked like I was about 7 months pregnant. My emergency room visits were too frequent I was tired of going. But now something was different the swelling that I had during my period did not leave this time.
I was not able to digest food or drinks. This trip to the ER in January of 2009 was in the middle of a snow storm. I had to get to the Hospital none of the drugs they gave me that time worked at all just made me completely Sick and groggy. This CAT scan showed that I had some type of Masses and the largest was 7 CM big. Once this cycle was over I started my search again to where I could be seen. I went back to work and was not able to be on my feet for extended periods of time. So I had one of the other Stylists helping me with my clients. When she asked me what was wrong?  I explained to her and she told me to call the CEC in Atlanta. I called and sent my Medical records down for review I had no idea this place even existed.
After about a week I received a call from the Dr. and he stated that he believed; I would be a candidate for the center due to all I was enduring. I called to schedule an appointment, they gave me the first available date of April 15, 2009, which was 2 months away. I prepared for our trip to Atlanta. I was one of the worst cases in his history. Over 100 points of Endometriosis.  Unfortunately, my uterus was not able to be saved as it was encrusted. I also had my Gallbladder removed as well which was fused to my liver with adhesion’s. I stayed with for a week and then came home for my 12 month recovery. I returned home to start bleeding two weeks later.
I was advised to return to cauterize the areas. But was not strong enough to travel. As the months went by the pain was unbearable. I did not understand once a surgeon operates, no other surgeon was willing to see you. I would then get a monthly period that the doctors here were calling Vaginal Bleeding. Go figure! I ended up becoming ill again unable to function and having severe abdominal pains and bloating. I went in for an Ultrasound the Endo had attached itself to my vaginal cuff (where my cervix used to reside) and had grown into my bladder bowel and rectum.
My Recto- Vaginal septum had a nodule the size of a lemon. I called one of the advocates for our cause and was referred to a Specialist here in NY. Thank Goodness he accepted my case. I underwent another excision surgery I had a colorectal surgeon assisting. This time I had a bowel and rectal resection, Bladder urethra all excised and my right ovary removed. This was the beginning of a very long recovery and many complications. Let me say that I was in the hands of awesome highly skilled Specialists and the severe complications had nothing to do with their techniques. My journey will continue, as I am now 37 years old and have a more to add to my Endo-story.
Connect with Cherese Spand at:
https://www.facebook.com/cherese.spand
Click on link to register or for more information
- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/this-is-my-story-of-endometriosis/#sthash.lshqYyqb.dpuf
Article by Cherese Spand
My name is Cherese.  I am 34 years old and am living through complications of stage IV Endometriosis. I was initially diagnosed when my daughter was about three years old through a laparoscopic procedure. I was 21 at the time after that procedure; I was placed on two rounds of Lupron, which is an injection given into the fatty tissue of the Buttocks. Each shot stops your cycle for 3 months. In those 6 months I was forced into an extreme case of menopause terrible night sweats mood swings at the age of 21. Since the maximum recommended dosage is 6 months that came to an end. My symptoms were extreme pain with periods vaginally and rectally no cramps just loads of pressure and stabbing pains. After Lupron; I was placed on numerous cycles of birth control pills for years. My last straw was the Depo-shot which barreled me up to over 45 pounds of weight gain after almost two years. I was OK for about 1 1/2 years and then my cycle became increasingly more painful every month.
Honestly not knowing much about Endometriosis at the time I thought that I was mostly cured due to the fact that I had the Lupron and have controlled Nature synthetically. When the exact opposite was true. I was continuously having extreme pain on my left side despite being on the pill of and on. At this point I have no health insurance so no more frequent visits or prescription plan for my pills this lasted for three years until I reached the age 31 and then all Hell breaks loose. I started having crippling abdominal pains to the point that no pain medication would relieve it. I was having severe bouts of not being able to use the bathroom for days at a time when 3-4 times per day was a normal occurrence for me. Paired up with pain and rectal bleeding.
At that point in time, I was losing about 10 days minimum due to being sick all the time. And just when I felt better the cycle was starting all over again. Trips to the emergency room started I felt like my insides were pulled out beaten with a meat clever placed back in and set on fire while being stabbed with a sharp metal object. I don’t want to be so blunt but when you tell people you have Endo they say “Oh really?” and/or  “Just have a baby.”
 WHAT!!!! Get pregnant on top of this. NO!! So now my mission begins a hunt for the right Dr. after 10 trips to the ER and they cannot find anything on any of my CT scans or X-rays. They start to think I am absolutely out of my mind and so does my husband. You are complaining of pain uncomfortable all the time now and we cannot find anything. It must be in your head. I went from Pelvic Specialist, Gynecological Cancer, and IVF you name it I went there. All I heard was!!” We can get you pregnant for 10,000. I used to specialize in Endometriosis but not anymore”, “Let’s put you on the pill for 3 months and see how you respond.” I believe this is all in your head mind over matter have you been to a psychiatrist?” I was at my Wit’s end. If I had one more smart comment or Rectal exam that left me in tears and in pain for 2 days I was really getting ready to lose it. Now at this point my stomach had started swelling to the point where I looked like I was about 7 months pregnant. My emergency room visits were too frequent I was tired of going. But now something was different the swelling that I had during my period did not leave this time.
I was not able to digest food or drinks. This trip to the ER in January of 2009 was in the middle of a snow storm. I had to get to the Hospital none of the drugs they gave me that time worked at all just made me completely Sick and groggy. This CAT scan showed that I had some type of Masses and the largest was 7 CM big. Once this cycle was over I started my search again to where I could be seen. I went back to work and was not able to be on my feet for extended periods of time. So I had one of the other Stylists helping me with my clients. When she asked me what was wrong?  I explained to her and she told me to call the CEC in Atlanta. I called and sent my Medical records down for review I had no idea this place even existed.
After about a week I received a call from the Dr. and he stated that he believed; I would be a candidate for the center due to all I was enduring. I called to schedule an appointment, they gave me the first available date of April 15, 2009, which was 2 months away. I prepared for our trip to Atlanta. I was one of the worst cases in his history. Over 100 points of Endometriosis.  Unfortunately, my uterus was not able to be saved as it was encrusted. I also had my Gallbladder removed as well which was fused to my liver with adhesion’s. I stayed with for a week and then came home for my 12 month recovery. I returned home to start bleeding two weeks later.
I was advised to return to cauterize the areas. But was not strong enough to travel. As the months went by the pain was unbearable. I did not understand once a surgeon operates, no other surgeon was willing to see you. I would then get a monthly period that the doctors here were calling Vaginal Bleeding. Go figure! I ended up becoming ill again unable to function and having severe abdominal pains and bloating. I went in for an Ultrasound the Endo had attached itself to my vaginal cuff (where my cervix used to reside) and had grown into my bladder bowel and rectum.
My Recto- Vaginal septum had a nodule the size of a lemon. I called one of the advocates for our cause and was referred to a Specialist here in NY. Thank Goodness he accepted my case. I underwent another excision surgery I had a colorectal surgeon assisting. This time I had a bowel and rectal resection, Bladder urethra all excised and my right ovary removed. This was the beginning of a very long recovery and many complications. Let me say that I was in the hands of awesome highly skilled Specialists and the severe complications had nothing to do with their techniques. My journey will continue, as I am now 37 years old and have a more to add to my Endo-story.
Connect with Cherese Spand at:
https://www.facebook.com/cherese.spand
Click on link to register or for more information
- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/this-is-my-story-of-endometriosis/#sthash.lshqYyqb.dpuf
Article by Cherese Spand
My name is Cherese.  I am 34 years old and am living through complications of stage IV Endometriosis. I was initially diagnosed when my daughter was about three years old through a laparoscopic procedure. I was 21 at the time after that procedure; I was placed on two rounds of Lupron, which is an injection given into the fatty tissue of the Buttocks. Each shot stops your cycle for 3 months. In those 6 months I was forced into an extreme case of menopause terrible night sweats mood swings at the age of 21. Since the maximum recommended dosage is 6 months that came to an end. My symptoms were extreme pain with periods vaginally and rectally no cramps just loads of pressure and stabbing pains. After Lupron; I was placed on numerous cycles of birth control pills for years. My last straw was the Depo-shot which barreled me up to over 45 pounds of weight gain after almost two years. I was OK for about 1 1/2 years and then my cycle became increasingly more painful every month.
Honestly not knowing much about Endometriosis at the time I thought that I was mostly cured due to the fact that I had the Lupron and have controlled Nature synthetically. When the exact opposite was true. I was continuously having extreme pain on my left side despite being on the pill of and on. At this point I have no health insurance so no more frequent visits or prescription plan for my pills this lasted for three years until I reached the age 31 and then all Hell breaks loose. I started having crippling abdominal pains to the point that no pain medication would relieve it. I was having severe bouts of not being able to use the bathroom for days at a time when 3-4 times per day was a normal occurrence for me. Paired up with pain and rectal bleeding.
At that point in time, I was losing about 10 days minimum due to being sick all the time. And just when I felt better the cycle was starting all over again. Trips to the emergency room started I felt like my insides were pulled out beaten with a meat clever placed back in and set on fire while being stabbed with a sharp metal object. I don’t want to be so blunt but when you tell people you have Endo they say “Oh really?” and/or  “Just have a baby.”
 WHAT!!!! Get pregnant on top of this. NO!! So now my mission begins a hunt for the right Dr. after 10 trips to the ER and they cannot find anything on any of my CT scans or X-rays. They start to think I am absolutely out of my mind and so does my husband. You are complaining of pain uncomfortable all the time now and we cannot find anything. It must be in your head. I went from Pelvic Specialist, Gynecological Cancer, and IVF you name it I went there. All I heard was!!” We can get you pregnant for 10,000. I used to specialize in Endometriosis but not anymore”, “Let’s put you on the pill for 3 months and see how you respond.” I believe this is all in your head mind over matter have you been to a psychiatrist?” I was at my Wit’s end. If I had one more smart comment or Rectal exam that left me in tears and in pain for 2 days I was really getting ready to lose it. Now at this point my stomach had started swelling to the point where I looked like I was about 7 months pregnant. My emergency room visits were too frequent I was tired of going. But now something was different the swelling that I had during my period did not leave this time.
I was not able to digest food or drinks. This trip to the ER in January of 2009 was in the middle of a snow storm. I had to get to the Hospital none of the drugs they gave me that time worked at all just made me completely Sick and groggy. This CAT scan showed that I had some type of Masses and the largest was 7 CM big. Once this cycle was over I started my search again to where I could be seen. I went back to work and was not able to be on my feet for extended periods of time. So I had one of the other Stylists helping me with my clients. When she asked me what was wrong?  I explained to her and she told me to call the CEC in Atlanta. I called and sent my Medical records down for review I had no idea this place even existed.
After about a week I received a call from the Dr. and he stated that he believed; I would be a candidate for the center due to all I was enduring. I called to schedule an appointment, they gave me the first available date of April 15, 2009, which was 2 months away. I prepared for our trip to Atlanta. I was one of the worst cases in his history. Over 100 points of Endometriosis.  Unfortunately, my uterus was not able to be saved as it was encrusted. I also had my Gallbladder removed as well which was fused to my liver with adhesion’s. I stayed with for a week and then came home for my 12 month recovery. I returned home to start bleeding two weeks later.
I was advised to return to cauterize the areas. But was not strong enough to travel. As the months went by the pain was unbearable. I did not understand once a surgeon operates, no other surgeon was willing to see you. I would then get a monthly period that the doctors here were calling Vaginal Bleeding. Go figure! I ended up becoming ill again unable to function and having severe abdominal pains and bloating. I went in for an Ultrasound the Endo had attached itself to my vaginal cuff (where my cervix used to reside) and had grown into my bladder bowel and rectum.
My Recto- Vaginal septum had a nodule the size of a lemon. I called one of the advocates for our cause and was referred to a Specialist here in NY. Thank Goodness he accepted my case. I underwent another excision surgery I had a colorectal surgeon assisting. This time I had a bowel and rectal resection, Bladder urethra all excised and my right ovary removed. This was the beginning of a very long recovery and many complications. Let me say that I was in the hands of awesome highly skilled Specialists and the severe complications had nothing to do with their techniques. My journey will continue, as I am now 37 years old and have a more to add to my Endo-story.
Connect with Cherese Spand at:
https://www.facebook.com/cherese.spand
Click on link to register or for more information
- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/this-is-my-story-of-endometriosis/#sthash.lshqYyqb.dpuf
Article by Cherese Spand
My name is Cherese.  I am 34 years old and am living through complications of stage IV Endometriosis. I was initially diagnosed when my daughter was about three years old through a laparoscopic procedure. I was 21 at the time after that procedure; I was placed on two rounds of Lupron, which is an injection given into the fatty tissue of the Buttocks. Each shot stops your cycle for 3 months. In those 6 months I was forced into an extreme case of menopause terrible night sweats mood swings at the age of 21. Since the maximum recommended dosage is 6 months that came to an end. My symptoms were extreme pain with periods vaginally and rectally no cramps just loads of pressure and stabbing pains. After Lupron; I was placed on numerous cycles of birth control pills for years. My last straw was the Depo-shot which barreled me up to over 45 pounds of weight gain after almost two years. I was OK for about 1 1/2 years and then my cycle became increasingly more painful every month.
Honestly not knowing much about Endometriosis at the time I thought that I was mostly cured due to the fact that I had the Lupron and have controlled Nature synthetically. When the exact opposite was true. I was continuously having extreme pain on my left side despite being on the pill of and on. At this point I have no health insurance so no more frequent visits or prescription plan for my pills this lasted for three years until I reached the age 31 and then all Hell breaks loose. I started having crippling abdominal pains to the point that no pain medication would relieve it. I was having severe bouts of not being able to use the bathroom for days at a time when 3-4 times per day was a normal occurrence for me. Paired up with pain and rectal bleeding.
At that point in time, I was losing about 10 days minimum due to being sick all the time. And just when I felt better the cycle was starting all over again. Trips to the emergency room started I felt like my insides were pulled out beaten with a meat clever placed back in and set on fire while being stabbed with a sharp metal object. I don’t want to be so blunt but when you tell people you have Endo they say “Oh really?” and/or  “Just have a baby.”
 WHAT!!!! Get pregnant on top of this. NO!! So now my mission begins a hunt for the right Dr. after 10 trips to the ER and they cannot find anything on any of my CT scans or X-rays. They start to think I am absolutely out of my mind and so does my husband. You are complaining of pain uncomfortable all the time now and we cannot find anything. It must be in your head. I went from Pelvic Specialist, Gynecological Cancer, and IVF you name it I went there. All I heard was!!” We can get you pregnant for 10,000. I used to specialize in Endometriosis but not anymore”, “Let’s put you on the pill for 3 months and see how you respond.” I believe this is all in your head mind over matter have you been to a psychiatrist?” I was at my Wit’s end. If I had one more smart comment or Rectal exam that left me in tears and in pain for 2 days I was really getting ready to lose it. Now at this point my stomach had started swelling to the point where I looked like I was about 7 months pregnant. My emergency room visits were too frequent I was tired of going. But now something was different the swelling that I had during my period did not leave this time.
I was not able to digest food or drinks. This trip to the ER in January of 2009 was in the middle of a snow storm. I had to get to the Hospital none of the drugs they gave me that time worked at all just made me completely Sick and groggy. This CAT scan showed that I had some type of Masses and the largest was 7 CM big. Once this cycle was over I started my search again to where I could be seen. I went back to work and was not able to be on my feet for extended periods of time. So I had one of the other Stylists helping me with my clients. When she asked me what was wrong?  I explained to her and she told me to call the CEC in Atlanta. I called and sent my Medical records down for review I had no idea this place even existed.
After about a week I received a call from the Dr. and he stated that he believed; I would be a candidate for the center due to all I was enduring. I called to schedule an appointment, they gave me the first available date of April 15, 2009, which was 2 months away. I prepared for our trip to Atlanta. I was one of the worst cases in his history. Over 100 points of Endometriosis.  Unfortunately, my uterus was not able to be saved as it was encrusted. I also had my Gallbladder removed as well which was fused to my liver with adhesion’s. I stayed with for a week and then came home for my 12 month recovery. I returned home to start bleeding two weeks later.
I was advised to return to cauterize the areas. But was not strong enough to travel. As the months went by the pain was unbearable. I did not understand once a surgeon operates, no other surgeon was willing to see you. I would then get a monthly period that the doctors here were calling Vaginal Bleeding. Go figure! I ended up becoming ill again unable to function and having severe abdominal pains and bloating. I went in for an Ultrasound the Endo had attached itself to my vaginal cuff (where my cervix used to reside) and had grown into my bladder bowel and rectum.
My Recto- Vaginal septum had a nodule the size of a lemon. I called one of the advocates for our cause and was referred to a Specialist here in NY. Thank Goodness he accepted my case. I underwent another excision surgery I had a colorectal surgeon assisting. This time I had a bowel and rectal resection, Bladder urethra all excised and my right ovary removed. This was the beginning of a very long recovery and many complications. Let me say that I was in the hands of awesome highly skilled Specialists and the severe complications had nothing to do with their techniques. My journey will continue, as I am now 37 years old and have a more to add to my Endo-story.
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- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/this-is-my-story-of-endometriosis/#sthash.lshqYyqb.dpuf