Welcome, bienvenue, bienvenidos, velkommen, marhaba to Endo Invisible. Working to make endometriosis visible to all.

Howdy folks-I’m Melissa. I was finally diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis in 2003, after suffering with symptoms and misdiagnoses for 10 years. Ironically, it was my psychiatrist who listened to me talk about my various physical and emotional symptoms and told me to make an appointment with a gynecologist and ask specifically to check me for PCOS. Of course, that led to the abdominal laparoscopy which officially diagnosed me with endo. Just this year, at the age of 37, I was diagnosed with adenomyosis as well. The rest, as they say, is history–kind of. It’s not history because this disease is a part of my life. Everyday.

Treatments I have tried: two laps with regular gyns, Lupron (two rounds), Zoladex, Yaz/Beyaz continually, an anti-inflammatory diet (which does help alleviate some pain), countless pain medications for nerve pain, metformin (for PCOS) and pain management. I most recently had excision surgery, a hyst and BSO. To say excision was life-changing would be an understatement.

I have two beautiful boys, one of which was conceived via IVF, and the other helped along with Clomid. I have an incredibly supportive husband that while he doesn’t really understand my condition, he is always there to help me when I need it.

Thank you for visiting this site–I welcome suggestions and ideas. What is it you need from the medical community to help you live with endo? How can the endo community better help you live and prosper with this disease? Please reach out to me at melissa@endoinvisible.org. Together we can make endometriosis visible. xoxo Melissa