Running with Endo
A stillife I shot based on endometriosis
March is Endometriosis awareness month, and to celebrate I’d thought I’d share my experience with this chronic disease and how it has affected my running.
The first time I realized something was wrong was actually on a run. I had been training for a half when I was stopped dead in my tracks by the worst pain ever. I doubled over, holding my breath, and waited it out. Concerned about dehydration, I upped my water intake and took my vitamins, but it kept happening.
What started out as a painful training annoyance soon became a daily struggle. I couldn’t button my pants, and had to take days off of work; too exhausted and in pain to get out of bed.
With my friends’ and Mom’s encouragement, I went to my doctor. My pain was brushed away and largely ignored. So I went to another. And another. By the time they removed the cysts from my ovaries, they were the size of golf balls and my endometriosis had overgrown my neighboring organs.
Endometriosis has no cure, and the lifestyle outlook isn’t amazing either. How can it be when so little dollars go into Women’s health research studies? On average it affects 1 in 10 women and takes 7-10 years to diagnose.
Endometriosis can lead to high rates of infertility, an increase is certain cancers, and can grow everywhere- including the lungs and the brain. The only way to diagnose is to have surgery, which is how I was diagnosed. The rest comes down to symptom management and regular surgeries as needed to remove growth and scar tissue.
as a runner
As a runner, some days are better than others. I feel lucky to be so active at all, having met many other women who cannot handle moderate activities. Some days I can crush while others I have to skip entirely. In fact, some months I can even forget that I have endo outside of flareups. It takes regular care, but it can be done!
be your own advocate
The symptoms of endometriosis can be wide and vague, which is one of the reasons it can take so long to get a diagnosis. If you find yourself in chronic pain, seek out the help of a medical professional and be your own advocate. Below are some amazing educational recourses that have helped me. Feel better!
(film and resources) https://www.endowhat.org/
(book and resources) https://knowyourendo.com/
( book) https://www.amazon.com/Beating-Endo-Holistic-Treatment-Endometriosis/dp/0062861832
( book) https://www.drseckin.com/the-doctor-will-see-you-now