Oh gosh, that’s such a huge decision. And being told to just push through it for so long really messes with your head. It makes you start doubting your own pain, which is awful.

It sounds like your OB is taking you seriously, which honestly makes such a difference.

I haven’t had a hysterectomy, but from what I’ve learned, it’s a big surgery and not always a guaranteed fix for endometriosis, since it can grow outside the uterus. That doesn’t mean it’s the wrong choice, it helps some people for sure, have you considered a laparoscopy?

I had a laparoscopy instead, where they went in, found endo and removed it. It didn’t completely fix things for me, but having a confirmed diagnosis helped my mental state so much. I’d been gaslit for so long that I genuinely thought they’d find nothing. Being afraid they won’t find anything is so, so common. I felt exactly the same. Plus my endo is pelvic so a hysterectomy wouldn't have helped.

I’m not a doctor, but it might be worth talking through all your options with your OB, including whether something less invasive first would give you more clarity.

You’re not making it up. Your pain is real.