Hello, Manila!

I've been diagnosed with endometriosis since 2003. It's been almost seven years, and after taking Danazol, Ladogal, birth control pills, getting shots such as Lupron and Depo Provera, and undergoing surgery, I'm ready to share with others what I've been through -- and still going through.

I've been reading through a slew of message board posts on endometriosis cases/patients in the Philippines and I just want to let the women out there to know that there is nothing to be afraid of. I know that the idea of not being able to bear a child is really painful but if you let fear get ahead of you, it'll be more difficult to deal with the everyday difficulties of endometriosis.

I hope this blog helps you deal with endometriosis in one way or another. Be it as a source of information or an outlet to voice out your concerns or thoughts, feel free to leave a comment. I'm here to listen and to share with you what I go through everyday, as person with endometriosis.

Just to give you a brief background, I am currently being treated for endometriosis, receiving shots of Depo Provera every six weeks. I have been in pain because of this condition and sadly, unfortunately, I cannot take pain medication to help me manage the pain. I am allergic to NSAIDs or what we common know as pain killers such as mefenamic acid, aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen. In fact, I had to visit my allergologist to find out what pain killer I can take after my major surgery for endometriosis.

I am currently on an endometriosis diet I found through the web. While I have not read anything definitive about this, what I did read was an article about a study made on the connection and effects of wheat products on patients with endometriosis. (I am trying to get a hold of this book. I will share with you, dear reader, what I glean from this book as soon as I get a copy.) This diet is very similar to (or you may even say, "patterned after") the gluten-free diet.

Being on Day 3 of this diet, so far, I have eliminated from my diet wheat (bread, pasta, baked goods), soy products (soy sauce, sauces made from soy such as teriyaki sauce, etc., soy milk, tofu, tokwa, etc.), processed foods (such as junk foods, hotdogs, instant food, etc.), and caffeine. I am working very hard on lessening my sugar intake (no more sodas/softdrinks), as well as reducing my consumption of red meat. I have eliminated milk and butter from my diet as dairy is also included in the "foods to avoid list" for endometriosis but am struggling with eliminating cheeses, as these are my absolute favorites.

It's been two weeks since my last Depo Provera shot and my transvaginal ultrasound (TVU). I have not had crazy side effects from this medication -- such as mood swings or hot flushes -- so I'm feeling good about this treatment.

Come by and visit again sometime as I will post more about my adventures (and yes, of course, my struggles) with endometriosis and the endometriosis diet. :)