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
www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/#sthash.lshqYyqb.dpuf
www.MillionWomenMarch2014.org
Click on link to register or for more information
- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/this-is-my-story-of-endometriosis/#sthash.lshqYyqb.dpuf
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
- 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.
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
Gospel Artist and Stellar Award Winner Byron Cage makes his debut on The Certain Ones Talk Show! Known as the "Prince of Praise," celebrated gospel singer Byron Cage has been performing and recording songs since the 1980s and has become known for a self-described "cross-cultural, mass-appeal praise and worship" style that has kept his albums in the Billboard Gospel Top Ten almost continuously since it began in 2003. 
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…
Endometriosis. That was the “official” diagnosis. After
years of suffering through pain, excessive absences from school/work and
extreme fatigue that would often impede upon even the simplest routine, there
was finally a “name” to this evil entity that plagued my body. I was told
during one procedure, they discovered scarring and adhesion's that were situated
on a nerve and the risk involved in removing those adhesion's could leave me paralyzed
from the waist down. Additionally, I’ve always been told that the only “real”
remedy to end the endo was through hysterectomy. I wasn’t completely convinced
and I also had some doubts about the effectiveness of that particular surgery
given the information about the nerve tissue. All of the technical, medical
“babble” just frustrated me because I still wasn’t hearing a definite
resolution to end my pain. 
There was a movie out once called the “Invasion of the Body
Snatchers” and although I honestly can’t remember much about the plot or script
of this film, the title pretty much sums up what it feels like when symptoms of
endo are at their worst. I once had a dear 96-year old woman (I was her
caregiver at the time) say to me, ”pain makes you a different person.” That
phrase stuck with me, it adhered to me like Velcro as I realized that at times
my own endo pain had a tendency of altering my mood to the point where I no
longer felt like myself. I became someone else whose characteristics embodied
irritability, depression, low-tolerance and a bad attitude. And I’m supposed to
be a Christian woman, minister of the gospel, strong woman of faith! Yet, I
have this “thorn” that I just can’t shake, and when the pain hits… it hits
hard. Even with a “mustard seed” of faith left, nothing could dilute, diminish,
erase, cover, or hide the fact that yes… I too am in pain. BUT, there is a
silver lining to my story. 