(Written 16. May 2023)

This year, I’m taking a stand – we need to invest more in #womenhealth!

Celine Gjersvik / CG Art & Poetry, poem here.

These were my words back in March 2023, two months later, I’ve gotten confirmed with both Adenomyosis and Endometriosis. A 10-year fight for my human right to be heard!

When I was 15/16 years old, I mustered the courage to visit my first gynecologist, seeking help for my abnormal pains and expressing my suspicion of having Endometriosis. However, my attempts to convey my symptoms fell on deaf ears as the doctor appeared unconvinced, downplaying the significance of my concerns. It was disheartening to be denied without further exploration or consideration. I was blankly told no. I left the appointment with a prescription for medication to manage my heavy bleeding, which had become so severe that I had to hastily rush to the bathroom during class to avoid any embarrassing mishaps. I found myself relying on the kindness of my female classmates, often requesting extra pads or tampons to make it through the school day without having to leave.

My period challenges continued, and so did the doctor’s unwavering “no” and reluctance to explore further. Looking back, I can’t even recall how many times I’ve heard that definitive denial, leaving me feeling unheard and dismissed. It reached a point where, three years ago, I gave up and convinced myself that this was the end of the road, resigning to find a way to cope with the pain. Resulting in a new OP prescribing me Naproxen as this was the only medication that gave me some relief from the cramps and the numbness in my legs manageable for work and everyday life. Even though some pain persisted, it really felt life-changing. Down the line today, that medication might have contributed to inflammation in my gut, which comes with its own set of challenges. This doesn’t mean that the medication should be avoided altogether, but it’s important to be cautious and aware of potential side effects and be prepared to address them if they arise. Additionally, it’s possible that my food allergies have also contributed to the inflammation, an aspect that my doctors are still investigating. This acknowledgment, recognizing the complexity of the situation and embracing shades of gray instead of black-and-white certainty, is something I have longed to hear from medical professionals. It’s a reminder that doctors don’t need to have all the answers, but they should acknowledge their boundaries of knowledge and remain open to different possibilities.

Even though I had given up or set aside my concerns, life had different plans for me. About a year and a half ago, I went to a gynecologist because of pain that I suspected might be due to a cyst, and once again my intuition was correct. However, during the examination, the doctor also discovered abnormal tissue and asked important questions to investigate further. This led the doctor to suspect that I could, in fact, have Endometriosis and encouraged me to seek additional tests. That appointment was a pivotal moment that set things in motion. At the time, that was it, but I did thank him dearly for actually following up, asking questions, and most importantly, both listening to me and believing me.

Last year, when my health took a complex turn with multiple infections, months of vomiting, and fainting episodes, I consulted various doctors, including specialists in women’s health. Following a thorough examination, the private doctor diagnosed me with Adenomyosis but recommended attempting birth control pills before considering a laparoscopy and raised doubts about the Endometriosis diagnosis. Unfortunately, due to several reasons, the pill was not a viable option, and other doctors also advised against it. As time went on and more tests and diagnoses were conducted for other infections and allergies, it became clear that my recovery was not progressing as anticipated. Eventually, multiple doctors encouraged me and the system with referrals to further investigate the possibility of Endometriosis, leading me to finally undergo a laparoscopy surgery. A surgical procedure serving a dual purpose: to diagnose and potentially provide relief if any abnormal tissue is found.

I vividly recall feeling incredibly anxious and frightened, but I didn’t hesitate to take the first available appointment for the laparoscopy surgery, which happened to be within a week of receiving the call due to a cancellation. In just a matter of days, I made all the necessary arrangements both personally and professionally to ensure a smooth transition towards the end of this challenging journey. There were numerous preparations involved, but I am immensely thankful for the unwavering support system I have in my life – their presence means more to me than words can express. To anyone reading this, please know that I am genuinely grateful for the support I’ve received throughout this entire journey – thank you!

As the days turned into hours, my mind was filled with racing thoughts: “Do I want them to find anything?”, “What if they don’t find anything?”, “What if they do?”…

When waking up from anesthesia, I was for a minute, totally clear, and asked “Did you find anything?”, and the nurse told me “Yes”. Then I relaxed and was moved into the monitored area until the anesthesia wore off and the surgent came to tell me the full results – super happy that they did, in fact, find something: explaining my pains, but more importantly, alleviate the issue and improving my life by removing the tissue. I was in fact, right all along! Furthermore, the discovery of inflamed tissue and a knot near my intestines provided an explanation as to why incorporating flaxseeds into my diet hadn’t resolved my bowel issues. A little too much information for most, but actually a topic we should discuss more as our gut health is so important: Since the surgery, I have experienced regular bowel movements and the ability to enjoy food without worrying about bloating or stomachaches, apart from the expected recovery time and managing my food allergies – which remains an ongoing journey.

So what’s next? While some doctors have recommended a hormonal IUD, I’ve decided to wait until I’ve fully recovered from the surgery – given other circumstances. Currently, I’m gradually being more active, returning to 100% work and slowly back to my workout routine – hopefully in the near future. Most importantly, I’m feeling better already and for the second time in my life, I’m actually looking forward to having my period to feel the change (you can probably guess the first 😉 ). On the other hand, I’ve received some difficult news regarding possibility of infertility and related issues, but I believe that there is a time for everything. Right now, my focus is on recovering. Considering all my allergies as well, my 3,5 and 10- years plans need significant adjustments. However, I’m taking it one day at a time.

All in all, though I have these two conditions, they are manageable and you can live a good life – the right remedies “just” needs to be there – starting with being heard and diagnosed.

Love & Light / CG

My debut book “A Poetry Collection of The Broken and The Divine” is out for sale on Amazon (paperback and e-book). Keep posted for my upcoming book launch event in the near future.