To Melissa

From: Jo Eslick (joanne@bombobeach.com)
Mon Sep 23 23:13:58 2002


Hello Melissa,

My name is Joanne Eslick and I am a mother of four daughters, the eldest just 17 and already diagnosed with Endometriosis. I have suffered with Endometriosis and adhesions for many many years.

It breaks my heart to read about young people like you and my daughter Emma, dealing with the pain, confusion and frustration of painful heavy periods at a time of life when you should be carefree and happy, enjoying your life moment to moment.

I am going to talk to you the same way I talk to my daughter.... Honey, the good thing about being diagnosed with endo so early on is good, when you finally find a doctor who knows how to treat you, you will be fine. The good thing is that you are YOUNG and otherwise healthy, not yet worn down from years and years of heavy periods that get closer and closer and heavier and heavier (I was having my period every two weeks, using 2 pkts of super absorbent pads & staying home for the first two to three days for the fear of flooding while in public!).

The birth control pill is how my daughter's endo is currently being treated, by suppressing her menstrual cycle two out of every three months slows down the growth rate of the disease. Once she is about 19 she will have a laperascopic procedure to get rid of any visible traces of disease that can be found, and then the birth control will continue to ensure that if any disease has been missed it won't rapidly increase and cause more problems.

I didn't have that recognition or support, I was told all women have pain and to grow up and get on with it, don't complain! Honey, you have the right to be concerned and it is great that you are researching and asking questions for yourself. What makes you think you have adhesions, has one of the specialists mentioned that to you??

I would like to invite you to visit The Australian Adhesions Support Group http://www.bombobeach.com and read my story in the section "ARD Stories" on the left hand menu bar. My daughter has also recorded her story, and you will find fifty other stories about adhesions, with many of them also dealing with endometriosis. The USA stories are easily recognised by each countries flag next to the name. I invite you to register as a member, it is free and you can add your story too. The site is designed for sufferers and their families and I think you should ask your parents to sit with you so that you can explore the site together.

There is also a story from a New Zealand mother about her young son's battle with adhesions. Honey, you aren't alone, there is also an adhesions quilt here on the IAS and you will find many more stories there too.

There is hope Melissa, many of your fellow Americans are traveling overseas for surgery because a new adhesions barrier - SprayGel - is being tested in your country as we speak.... I have had surgery here in Australia and others are having surgery in Europe (Germany in particular). SprayGel isn't expected to be made available in the US until 2004.

The issue for you and your parents in the mean time is to get you the best possible care and pain management they can. You are too young to be living with the pressure and confusion that comes with ARD and Endometriosis. I know Melissa, because I have lived it. Please let your parents know that I would be happy to correspond with them, if you email me privately joanne@bombobeach.com I will give you my contact details and will help you talk to your parents if you like.

I am sorry that you are dealing with this.... I remember the anger, pain, confusion and frustration all too well, and I am working to stop the cycle.... let me help you stop it in your life....

Love & warm gentle hugs, Jo

--
Joanne Eslick
Founder Australian Adhesions Support Group
http://www.bombobeach.com
NSW Australian Co-ordinator of
International Adhesions Society
http://www.adhesions.org

--
I am not a medical person, and all my messages are based
on personal experience.  I am a fellow adhesions sufferer
reaching out to help others.

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