Talking about your endometriosis symptoms can be challenging, but it’s important that your doctor fully understand what you’re going through. Learn from patient and expert experiences.
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Todd Jenkins, MD: I think the biggest thing is that you feel comfortable, you feel heard. And even if I can’t help you, hopefully I can at least listen. Amanda: So women with endometriosis are often told, “It’s not real. It’s in your head. You’re looking for attention.” And at the end of the day, the pain is real, it’s just right. And we just had to find a team that really wanted to take an interest in us. Tresnae: Going to the doctor can be scary. Sometimes, you walk into the office, you sit there, and you may forget what you wanted to talk about or forget what you mentioned. So I think in your experience, it’s really important to keep a diary so that when you go to the doctor, you have that diary and you can really say, “Hey, over the past two weeks, this is the time to go. I’m in pain. This is what I ate.” The more documents you can share with your doctor, the more they can advise you and guide you in planning the right treatment plan. Amanda: I always make sure I have someone with me to my appointments because sometimes, like when the doctor gives me a text, I’m like, my eyes go wide, it’s just because I’m scared. I have someone else who isn’t me, and being able to hear it, then sharing it with me later has also made a difference. Jennifer: I never had a choice for that. So I always go to the doctor myself, advocate for myself. So I would absorb as much as I could, but also ask for the notes he took in the meeting – he took notes during the meeting, and then I would call my mom a lot right after. and tell her exactly what I’m going to do. because of. Fransheska: Sure, please don’t take no as an answer. Go for your second referral, your third or fourth referral. You will have to continue your research. You will – Jennifer: Yes, you have to advocate for yourself. Tresnae: Yes, you are your biggest supporter. Amanda: Absolutely. Todd Jenkins, MD: Definitely be as open and honest as possible. Anila Ricks-Cord, MD: Give me some ideas about pain. So, is it stabbing? Some people have pain. Does the pain go anywhere? Todd Jenkins, MD: You can provide as much detail as possible. Make sure both you and them are willing to take the time needed to really understand how your symptoms are affecting you personally and how they’re preventing you from becoming the woman you want to be. Anila Ricks-Cord, MD: Your relationship with your doctor, as a general rule, should be one built on trust. Todd Jenkins, MD: I hope you’re seeing someone who claims their office is a safe space. I am honored every day by the level of openness our patients have with us. Anila Ricks-Cord, MD: If we take the stigma away from this, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. The sooner you find a doctor with whom you have an open relationship and who see you and hear you for who you are, the more likely you are to improve your quality of life in some way, shape or form. form. .
