The Start of Something I Did Not Expect
By- Dr. Arshdeep Kaur
I'll never forget when I first got my period. I was 12, and it was a strange mix of pride and terror. My mom handed me a pad and snapped out some orders, and that was that. I said to myself, "Okay, that's it. I'm a woman now." But years later, my periods were not a milestone but a nightmare.
It started as minor spasms that ultimately became something I couldn't ignore. I'd be doubled over in pain, wrapped in a heating pad, asking myself, "Why aren't other people being so whiny?" I remember thinking, "Is this normal? Am I weak?"
My worst day ever was my best friend's 16th birthday party. I'd waited weeks for it, but waking up one morning and feeling like I was being stabbed from the inside out was unbearable. I attempted everything—pills, tea, even an hour or two huddled up in a ball. Lunchtime came around, and I was in tears, texting my friend an apology for not being able to make it.
That was when I knew: this was not just "bad cramps." Something was robbing me of my life.
The Day I Finally Got Answers
After years of being dismissed with "just take ibuprofen," I finally spoke to a gynecologist about my chronic pain. I was nervous—what if they wouldn't listen? But this time, someone heard me. After a series of tests and a laparoscopy, I was diagnosed with endometriosis.
Finding out my diagnosis was half relief, half despair. On one hand, I finally had a label for what was happening within my body. On the other hand, I understood that endometriosis is long-term, incurable, and often poorly explained.
The Frustration of Being Misunderstood
Perhaps the most difficult thing about having endometriosis is how invisible it is. Others would say to me, "I get cramps too," without realizing that my pain was not just an annoyance—it felt like my body was igniting in a blaze of brutal fire. Relatives would lecture me about herbal tea and "mind over matter," as if I hadn't already tried everything.
The most infuriating myth? Pregnancy "cures" endometriosis. (Spoiler: It doesn't.)
Finding My People
I turned to online support groups focused on women's health. For the first time, I spoke with people who "got it"—women who shared their experiences, treatment advice, and emotional encouragement. I discovered:
· Dietary changes: Cutting back on gluten and dairy helped some.
· Gentle exercise: Yoga and swimming reduced muscle cramping.
· Mental health coping strategies: Therapy was a lifesaver.
These online support groups were my salvation, making me feel that I wasn't overdramatic or weak for battling an enemy I couldn't perceive.
Learning to Accept the Small Victories
Being diagnosed with endometriosis means learning to listen to my body. Some days, rolling over in bed is a win; other days, I feel like I can conquer the world. I've learned to find joy in small victories—a pain-free afternoon, an adjustment in treatment, or simply getting out of bed on a tough day.
Acceptance did not come easily. There was anger, tears, and grieving the loss of the life I had envisioned for myself. But over time, I found my strength and resilience.
Why I Spoke Up
I started speaking up because silence serves no one. By sharing my story, I hope to:
· Make others more comfortable discussing menstrual health.
· Encourage others to seek help sooner.
· Advocate for better research and treatment.
With each "Me too," I am reminded that advocacy matters.
By- Dr. Arshdeep Kaur
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