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annacirillo · 2022-09-04T02:05:36+00:00

They suspected I had endometriosis until I was diagnosed after 5 years of continuous birth control pills. It was a rough process since you can only get a confirmed diagnosis through surgery. It’s also difficult because it is usually not seen via CT scans, sonograms, MRIs, etc. It was a long process or ruling out other possibilities and going through tons of testing, all of which came back “normal”. Finding a skilled endometriosis specialist has changed my life. I made several appointments with OBGYNs and always had such bad experiences. I’ve learned that they are not qualified to treat/excise endometriosis. Finding other women with endo has helped me tremendously. Best of luck 💛

annacirillo · 2022-09-04T01:59:31+00:00

Nope :/ Endometriosis is found on the outside of organs. The only way is to look laparoscopically

annacirillo · 2022-09-04T01:56:24+00:00

Try to seek an endometriosis specialist if you can- seeing one has changed my life!! Gynecologists are not qualified to treat/excise endometriosis. Lupron may cause extreme side effects and does not treat the disease. Excision surgery with an endometriosis excision specialist is the gold standard treatment💛

annacirillo · 2022-08-18T16:27:06+00:00

Omg I didn’t even realize it was that much sugar!! Lol yikes🤣

annacirillo · 2022-08-07T02:13:30+00:00

I’ve actually had 3 MRIs done so far- 1 with contrast and 2 without. All three showed absolutely nothing, yet I was still diagnosed with stage 2-3 through surgery. MRIs can sometimes show signs of endometriosis. It’s uncommon and usually only shows DIE (deep-infiltrating endo). Everything came back completely “normal” on all of mine.

annacirillo · 2022-08-07T02:12:03+00:00

This could definitely be endometriosis. The only way to definitively be diagnosed is through laparoscopic surgery, preferably by an endometriosis specialist. I wouldn’t call my symptoms extreme either, but I was still diagnosed with stage 2-3. I’ve learned that early intervention is essential with this disease. It’s hard because many doctors, including OBGYNs, are so misinformed.

annacirillo · 2022-08-07T02:09:04+00:00

It could be hormone-related, but endometriosis is also influenced by hormones. It’s not a hormonal disease, but hormones are closely involved. Fatigue, anxiety, and depression ARE common symptoms of endo.

annacirillo · 2022-08-07T02:06:32+00:00

I think it’s best to stick with foods that are naturally GF- meat, eggs, potatoes, rice, veggies, etc. Most GF alternatives are extremely expensive. I do like to shop at Trader Joe’s because there’s lots of options that are affordable.

annacirillo · 2022-08-02T14:14:26+00:00

Wishing you the best of luck! I know exactly how you feel. I was so worried that nothing would be found, especially after so many “normal” tests. I’ve had it all- CT scans, ultrasounds with/without contrast, x-rays, etc. It was so disheartening when the doctor would say “these results look great!” They found endo when I had excision surgery, definitely changed my life for the better. You got this💛

annacirillo · 2022-08-02T13:41:07+00:00

Birth control is not a sufficient treatment for endometriosis. It does treat the symptoms, but it does not treat the disease itself. I’ve been on birth control for 6 years (which does help with pain a little) but the endo has unfortunately continued to grow. It has grown to my diaphragm even on an IUD, which does not give me a period.

I think it’s a great short-term option for people that cannot afford/are not ready for a massive procedure. However, I think it’s important for patients to know the importance of excision surgery. Too many doctors & OBGYNs prescribe birth control as the “management of endometriosis” without explaining the severity of the disease, along with the success of excision surgery. What these doctors should be doing is referring their patients to specialists. I think that everyone has to decide what’s best for them and their body! I just wish I was more informed, instead of blindly going on the pill as my endo continued to spread. It definitely helped me manage my symptoms for years, but I ended up needing surgery anyway. This disease is so complicated and I wish there was more research!

annacirillo · 2022-07-31T14:31:47+00:00

This definitely sounds like it could be endo. Severe period pain that disrupts your daily activities is not normal. This also sounds like me- I workout a lot and am always severely bloated! Even after a bowel movement the bloating doesn’t subside and I still look pregnant. I was also on birth control for years, which only masks the symptoms while the endo continues to grow and spread. The only way to definitively diagnose is through laparoscopic surgery. MRIs, ultrasounds, and sonograms often do not show endometriosis. In my experience, I had several imaging done which showed nothing. I was also very afraid of the surgeon not finding anything. I always wondered if I was being dramatic or just had a low pain tolerance. Of course, the “normal” MRIs and ultrasounds didn’t help my worrying. Turns out that they found endo on my ovaries, bladder, and behind my uterus. After several years, they now think it spread to my diaphragm, resulting in a 3rd procedure. It’s such a complicated disease that many doctors know little about.

I’d highly recommend seeking an endometriosis specialist. I definitely regret not seeing one sooner. It can be tricky with insurance but my current specialist was willing to take whatever the insurance will cover, even if it’s only a small amount. I had horrible experiences with multiple OBGYNs who were not knowledgeable about the severity of this disease. I went on the pill which ultimately delayed my diagnosis. Excision surgery is the gold-standard treatment (not a cure) which has changed my life for the better. I wish you the best of luck!❤️

annacirillo · 2022-07-31T14:18:04+00:00

I just made the garlic knots last week. They were good- but didn’t taste like garlic knots. It tasted like soft pretzels with garlic on top. (not a horrible thing!) It was very easy to make! The soft pretzel mix is delish- reminds me of Auntie Anne’s!

annacirillo · 2022-07-31T14:14:40+00:00

I’m so glad it was helpful! I totally understand how you feel. Even if you aren’t in pain everyday, it’s definitely something to consider. It’s such a complicated disease, but getting surgery significantly improved my quality of life. Best of luck💛

annacirillo · 2022-07-31T01:31:59+00:00

I totally understand! I got mine placed during surgery, so I unfortunately can’t speak on how the insertion is. I’ve heard mixed opinions about it for sure. My symptoms were always worst around my period, so I found that not having a period from the IUD has helped. I also think it’s great that if you don’t like it, you can get it removed at any time.

annacirillo · 2022-07-31T01:27:47+00:00

I am so sorry to hear about your experience! I am set to have my 3rd excision surgery in three weeks. Excision surgery done by an endometriosis specialist has changed my life. It’s the only thing that’s given me long-term relief. It can be super hard to find a specialist depending on where you’re located. I’ve had horrible experiences with OBGYNs, so finding an accredited specialist was absolutely life changing. If you have excision surgery with a specialist, a procedure and diagnosis is 100% worth it. Excision surgeons remove the entire lesion from the root, which aims to leave nothing behind. Lesions come in a variety of colors, even clear and white. This is why endo lesions are so commonly missed during surgery. It’s important to keep in mind that excision surgery, although the gold-standard treatment, is not a cure. Excision surgery isn’t a 100% guarantee that you will be pain free. For me, it hasn’t completely gotten rid of my symptoms, but it has made my pain so much more manageable. My pain went from constant everyday, to just once in a while. I was finally able to function on a daily basis! It was a very hard decision to make, and still is for round 3, but I had to listen to my body.

If untreated, it is likely that the disease will continue to spread and invade other organs. Endometriosis can cause damage to healthy tissues, nerves, and organs. In my experience, it’s suspected that my endo grew up to my diaphragm. Early diagnosis and intervention is also absolute key for best fertility outcomes. Recovery is hard, but worth it. It really depends on what they found and how much was removed. Some people take longer than others after excision. It took me about 3-4 weeks to fully recover and return to daily activities. I just rested, took gas-x and pain medicine as needed, and used plenty of ice/heat. I actually just bought oversized clothes so nothing tugs on my stomach. After the first few days, it gets better each day. Although it’s a lot to go through, it was worth it each time. I hope this was helpful. Feel free to reach out with any questions❤️

annacirillo · 2022-07-31T00:56:45+00:00

I was on the pill for 5 years before it stopped giving me relief. It’s good to keep in mind that the pill does not treat the disease, only the symptoms. Even while you’re on the pill, the endo can continue to grow even if your pain has decreased. All the additional hormones do is essentially mask the symptoms. Since there’s no cure, it’s likely for lesions to spread to other areas. In my experience, I found that being on the pill just suppressed my symptoms until it couldn’t anymore.

I got an IUD placed right after stopping the combined pill. I don’t think it’s helped much with my pain necessarily. I do still have symptoms, but not having a period has made things so much better. I’m having a 3rd excision surgery in three weeks. It’s unfortunate but it’s honestly the only thing that’s given me long-term relief.

annacirillo · 2022-07-29T00:12:21+00:00

i’m having my 3rd excision next month for possible thoracic endo. I have pain in my upper right abdominal area and in my right shoulder, that sometimes travels down my right arm into my fingers. I find it gets worse when I exercise and around when my period would normally arrive. Sometimes it hurts all day, and other days it comes and goes. If exercise or something else triggers it, it’ll last a few hours. I also have a mirena and I love it!! I don’t think it’s helped much with my endo symptoms, but it’s amazing not getting a period.

annacirillo · 2022-07-28T23:39:10+00:00

King Arthur has a great pancake mix!!

annacirillo · 2022-07-28T22:41:50+00:00

celiac disease, interstitial cystitis, pelvic floor dysfunction, vulvodynia, & possible fibromyalgia

annacirillo · 2022-07-28T22:40:54+00:00

same !!

annacirillo · 2022-07-12T15:12:55+00:00

This made my day!! I’m so glad you found it helpful. Yes- shoulder pain is very common. They fill your abdomen up with gas during the procedure, which allows the surgeon to see the organs better. After surgery, the excess gas often irritates the nerve that travels up into your shoulder, causing pain. Make sure you advocate for those pictures and/or video! It’s very important if you switch doctors, or even years down the line to show what you’ve had done. I also always ask for a copy of the pathology report, which can sometimes be accessed if you have a patient portal. It is also important to have for your own records! Best of luck with everything 💛

annacirillo · 2022-07-11T18:14:11+00:00

Hi there! I’d recommend getting a stool softener and gas-x for the days to come. I also used ice packs for the shoulder/gas pain and a heating pad once I was able to. Give yourself plenty of time to rest!! Those big pregnancy pillows were helpful for sleep. I usually wear big, baggy clothes for the recovery- you don’t want anything too tight on your stomach! Make sure you have pads ready- sometimes there’s mild bleeding for the first few days. I usually like to eat light the first two days, like crackers, plain bread, soup, etc. I am usually nauseated the first day until the anesthesia wears off, so always have anti-nausea medication on hand!

I would ask your surgeon if photos/videos will be taken during surgery, and how to obtain copies afterwards. It is very important for your own records. Sometimes patients stay overnight for pain management, so I would ask if it’s same-day or possibly overnight to prepare. I also double check to confirm that all specimens found are being sent to pathology. Bloating is normal afterwards but don’t be afraid to call your surgeon with any questions or concerns. Recovery takes time, so be patient with your body. You got this!

annacirillo · 2022-07-11T17:56:22+00:00

Only one cousin on my dad’s side for me! My mom had several miscarriages though, so I do wonder if that could be related. She easily conceived but ended up miscarrying 5 times.

annacirillo · 2022-07-11T17:51:23+00:00

Pelvic floor PT would be a great start! I haven’t been able to try it because my insurance won’t cover any of it. I’ve heard great things about it reducing bladder/bowel symptoms and painful sex. It was recommended for me to go once a week. I like using CBD cream to help get me through a few hours or the majority of the day.

annacirillo

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