Endometriosis - An enlightenment on the invisible disease
By:
Posted on Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Linda Nyadero painfully tells of her experience with endometriosis. It started at 15 years of age, but the disease was diagnosed 12 years later. Her mother said the pain was normal and those around her had the assumption she evaded studies. She has undergone four surgeries, without success of treating the illness.
"There was a time I was really sick…my dad took me to the doctor…. but I was treated for stomach pain…"
It is sad when you hear stories from patients who have suffered from endometriosis…it is never a pleasant story, never easy to tell the tale. You may have heard of these Kenyan personalities, Janet Mbugua, Njambi Koikai, Korazon Kwamboka, Ciru Muriuki and Elsie Wandera, all who have suffered from the illness.
What is endometriosis?
"Unfortunately, we cannot give you the reasons why people go through endometriosis"
Doctor Sylvia Mruttu explains… It is a disease where deposits of the uterine lining are found outside the uterus. They can be found in the fallopian tube and ovaries but can, unfortunately, be found away from the uterus. In organs such as the lungs and the brain. It can also be genetically transferred from mother to child.
"There is a genetic link, that mothers suffering from this…their daughters are likely to suffer… as well…"
What are the symptoms?
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain during heavy menstruation
- Excruciating pain
- Inability to conceive in a long period of time
The psychological trauma
The most difficult thing patients have to deal with is the psychological and emotional side of endometriosis. Starting from their homes, mothers have told their daughters the pain is normal and they should stop avoiding duties.
Month in month out, women silently writhe in pain.
Is it curable?
"…yes and no…it's a grey area"
However, there is hope, patients have been cured and in a number of ways, such as pain management and hormonal therapies as well.
