10 Research-Backed Truths About Endo If you read that title again, it may seem strange to you. Patients wanting physicians to know more about a medical condition? Isn’t that a little backward? Although this debilitating health condition afflicts nearly 200 million individuals globally,¹-² endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis, “endo” for short) remains misdiagnosed³ and ineffectively treated⁴ due to…

Though you may not see me do them — Being inhabited by an “invisible” condition is life-altering. Every day, and every decision within it, is colored by this reality. We have no choice but to make room for this unwanted companion, even when our acceptance and resilience waver. Our adaptability is how we survive and relearn to thrive. Endometriosis…

I’ve been sitting on the hideous orange carpet for hours, the scent of cardboard and dust tickling my nose. The stuff I’ve kept says a lot about who I am and who I wanted to be. My mom refers to this box as my school treasures. What used to be…

Little tidbits of wisdom that have changed the way I live The best advice reaches us when we seem to need it most and sticks with us forever. …

What I wish I had heard in my teens — As most people living with endometriosis or any other underestimated chronic illness can attest, diagnosis times are often deplorably long. …

How digital detoxing is part of my everyday routine — Lately, I’ve found myself repeatedly having to move out of the way on the sidewalk to avoid being careened into by an oncomer with their eyes glued to their phone. Sometimes, if I’m particularly annoyed, I shout, “Look up!” and refuse to move out of the way. For a second…

How I manage my endometriosis and chronic pain while I travel — You’re somewhere your eyes have never seen before. You’re taking it all in, loading your senses, filling up on stories you’ll tell back home. Travel is good for the soul. But we all know that travel isn’t necessarily restful. It may even feel daunting when much of your wellness depends…

You tell me it’s okay to be a work in progress, to take up space. You taught me to build a fence, but to leave the gate unlocked. You give…

How to be present wherever you go — Mindfulness is not a given, even on the most extraordinary vacations. It often takes conscious effort to silence the noise and press pause on the constant urge to make progress. …