On Sunday, 13th March 2022 Blush Boudoir Studio held its annual fundraiser for Endometriosis Australia. Endometriosis is a cause that is very close to my heart as my journey with Endometriosis started when I was 27. However, looking back over my medical history I now know I was suffering from this disease when I was 15.
On this amazing afternoon, we had over 100 local women attend the event. We had local Health Care Workers speak and raise much-needed awareness for such a debilitating disease…
We were also thankful for all of the incredible local sponsors who donated their time, funds, and gifts to this event. In total, we raised over $7,000.00 on the day!!
https://hightimefortea.org.au/t/angela-van-dinters-team
A little about my journey:
My journey with Endometriosis started when I was 27. However, looking back over my medical history I now know I was suffering from this disease when I was 15. I just didn’t know what it was, instead of dealing with it I went on the contraceptive pill and skipped my cycle for years. My story is long and complicated and I’m really bad with timelines, it all gets a bit blurry. This is a summary of surgeries, procedures, and lots of heartache…
At age 26 after having my second child Zoe, I was complaining of a sore back all the time. I put it down to gardening, indoor soccer, or just injury. However, the pain was horrid for 3 or 4 days then suddenly disappeared. I just couldn’t pinpoint why. My pain got to the point, where I was at the GP all the time, searching for answers.
I didn’t get very far, in fact, one Dr told me….. sex just hurts for some women and another told me “You’re just constipated”.
One particular day I was in agony, I went to the GP and she wrote a referral to a gyno. I didn’t make it home that day, pulled over at the local ambulance station, and collapsed on the driveway. It really sounds over the top I know, but I honestly thought was dying, the pain endometriosis causes are intoxicating and exhausting.
That was the day my Endometriosis battle began. From my first surgery at 28 to my last major surgery at 39. I was fighting a never-ending battle. Every single day was painful. From back pain to bladder pain, diets, and restricted intimacy. It truly consumed my life. My husband, my family, my children, and my friends did not see the best of me in those 10 years. I missed so many functions and social events because of this disease and I can’t get those times back.
I’ve had Zoladex treatment 4 times over a 10-year period, Zoladex shuts down your ovaries and puts you into chemically induced menopause. (ask Greg how much fun that was). Zoladex is a Band-Aid it’s not a cure. I had a partial hysterectomy at 28. Which didn’t achieve anything, to be honest. A hysterectomy does not cure Endometriosis. This information was wrongly given to me and my hopes of it resolving Endo were diminished when my ovaries started to work again. Coming off Zoladex was like poking a fire.
Treating Endometriosis is so difficult and there is no right answer for everyone. Treatment is a long-term plan, that needs close attention by you and your specialist. My left ovary was removed at 32 due to complications, from memory it was getting choked by scaring and a cyst.
Fast forward to 39 and many surgeries later, my right ovary developed a cyst and twisted. (ouch again). I am now menopausal and take medication to help with side effects.
I’ve had a total of 9 laparoscopies and many small procedures for Endometriosis, Bladder Disease (Interstitial Cystitis) cutaneous lesions, diaphragmatic issues, and many other complications related to Endo.
I’m nearly 43 and I can tell you life for me is better without my uterus and ovaries. The only good thing that came from these organs were my children.
If you’ve made it this far down, thank you for reading & I hope you enjoy the imagery below from the day. All photos were taken by the talented Jessica Sheppey Photography.
A special shoutout to some of our sponsors on the day – GVD Building Design, Rising Sun Marine, Mitchell Creative, PRTS, Cignall, Jewellery By Design, NQ Pilatte’s & Fitness, Natural Pathways Australia, Town Print, Fearlessly Active, Gypsy and Anne, Move & Grow Physiotherapy, Calanna Beauty, Your Canvas Make Up, Loretta Mitchell, Kaytees Designs, The Flour Pod, Wahboo Designs, Handmade by Jess, June Beginnings, Little Details Photography and many more…..
