What it used to be like

[Lise]

You are so right
the best is when pain/illness
is a memory
that gives you perspective
Like they say in Islam
the biggest jihad is the one with yourself

So true. Thank you for that reminder.

[VenusdeVelo]

Good for you Lise, I was diagnosed with similar but not til later in life (>37 or so, and have dealt with it about 7 yrs only). Previous to that I never had problems and I feel like it was all stored up for these years, which are exactly the years I chose to get into biking and such!

I had endometrial ablation about 1.5 yrs ago and I have to say it helped alot. Prior to that I was either missing work from the pain, or taking too many drugs on the days I had it. Exercise, esp biking helped alot. When I got on the bike and cycled more aggressively the pain actually subsided. I am sure you found the same. But also as you know it comes back. And it takes a lot sometimes to have the pain and get ON the bike.

I feel a lot better now and manage it more steadily. I hope you do too. That poem was so on target, it's always been hard for me to convey to others what that pain feels like, and how tired and exhausted pain makes you feel.

Best to you -- you are a shining example of determination to conquer it!!