Let’s Chat with Olivia
by Olivia Causer
My name is Olivia, I am 18 years old, and 4 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Endometriosis.
My periods have always been extremely heavy, painful, and irregular. I’ve never found relief from over-the-counter pain medication and have leaked through sanitary products too many times to count. I get migraines every fortnight, am dizzy and nauseous for days on end, and my pre-existing IBS has evolved from difficult to debilitating. My bladder is simultaneously ‘lazy’ and overactive, my stomach bloats to mirror that of pregnancy, and I run out of energy at 12pm daily.
Since my first period at 13, these symptoms have only worsened. But for me, it wasn’t such a shock. Since I was a child, I've witnessed my mother battle endometriosis and hormonal imbalances every day – I used to tell her that I didn’t want to grow up and be a lady because then ‘I’ll be like you’.
I’ve been offered contraceptive pills and IUDs to manage my symptoms many times, but declined. Instead, I’ve just had to learn how to push through, and most of my symptoms are now ‘normal’ to me. However, when the intensity of my symptoms continued to increase in 2021, I received a referral from my GP to see a Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic surgeon who specialises in Endometriosis (Dr W).
In the waiting room I was incredibly nervous, convinced that I was going to be dismissed yet again, and told that there was ‘nothing wrong with me’. However, I was shocked by Dr W’s validation of my symptoms, and the autonomy she gave me over treatment options. After explaining my symptoms and family history, Dr W booked me in for a Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy for the following month, with the expectation of finding Endo.
When Dr W came to speak to me in recovery after my surgery, she confirmed the diagnosis of Stage 2 Endo. The endo was excised and biopsied, and I was told that the pathology results would come through in the next week. I lay in the hospital bed and cried. I cried tears of joy because a doctor was standing in front of me and validating my symptoms and my pain; it wasn’t all in my head.
I feel incredibly lucky to have a diagnosis at 18, as it takes most women more than 7 years to be diagnosed. The truth is that without the support of my mum, telling me that what I was experiencing wasn’t normal, I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to do anything about it.
I’m still learning to own my diagnosis, and to not minimise my pain. I want to advocate for those diagnosed with Endo, for increased support, and for accessible treatment. If my story resonates with you, here is some advice: You know your body best – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t let a medical professional tell you otherwise. Extremely painful, heavy, and irregular periods are not normal. If hormonal issues at any point of your cycle are interfering with daily activities, that is not normal. Don’t be afraid to educate yourself and direct your doctor, instead of them directing you. And don’t give up when trying to get a diagnosis feels like a losing battle.
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