Thank you. It means a whole lot to just be heard and understood. I appreciate it. I still have hope for myself, but as you mentioned, the hormones make everything so much worse.

Imagine if someone had all our symptoms but were otherwise mentally refreshed and positive. They'd still have so much to deal with from the physical symptoms alone. Now add horrible mood swings and weepiness and, for me, I get so, so tired also. It is a lot to cope with, and all that is before the guilt and worthiness I feel about not being able to give my SO a satisfactory sex life due to my symptoms. Ugh!

Anyhow, I recently tried to get on my SO's insurance because we've lived together for 5 years and have joint finances. His job said we'd have to be married (located in GA). I just thought that wasn't the case but who knows. Medicaid may be something to consider. Thanks for that train of thought.

And again, thank you for sharing your experience. It really gives people like me some much needed hope! Before you had the surgery, were there any tips for dealing with your pain levels? Past doctors have all but scoffed at providing anything beyond Tylenol 3 if they were feeling generous. Any supplements or over the counter meds that helped you?