My Story: Journeying through Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, heart disease, and lupus
One day, I was a happy healthy 26 year old, and the next day, I was not...It was quite literally, that quick. My entrance into the chronic illness world started with a sharp pain on the right upper side of my stomach while driving to work in 2014. Little did I know, that was the beginning of my world as I knew it permanently changing.
At the time, I had been a nurse for 6 years. I was working in a specialty area of oncology treating patients who had leukemia and lymphoma. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the healthcare system. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Going from practitioner to patient was an interesting transition. I learned so much along the way, and felt inspired to share my new wisdom with anyone who needed it.
My Chronic Illness “Resume”
Between 2013 and 2021, I have been diagnosed with the following ailments and underwent the following surgeries :
Diaphragmatic and pelvic endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Infertility
SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)
Anxiety
Agoraphobia
Anomalous coronary artery
Myocardial bridge
Lupus
Laparoscopy in 2015
Laparoscopy in 2016
VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery) in 2016
Total hysterectomy in 2017
Open heart surgery in 2019
Each new diagnoses taught me something profoundly different about myself, and the world. I’ve experienced the highest highs and lowest lows. Each one has brought me to where I am today. Chronic illness has shaped every aspect of my life, my relationships, and my identity. I’ve gained so much, it honestly feels wrong to keep it all to myself! So, that is what this space is for. To share the good, the bad, the ugly, the tips, and the tricks of living with a chronic illness. I hope this space is a place that makes you feel both seen and empowered. I’m so glad you’re here!
For a more “behind-the-scenes” look into my life with chronic illness, follow me on instagram! The link can be found at the bottom of this page
Love and light,
Jenneh