Hear from women living with endometriosis

This isn’t normal pain

It all happened in 2015, on Halloween night. I was out dancing with my then boyfriend when I started cramping horribly. I thought, “Great, my period,” and embarrassingly asked my boyfriend if he could take me home. A few hours later, I was home and doubled over in pain.

When I realized I had a fever, that’s when I knew something wasn’t right. I asked my roommate to drive me to the hospital where they discovered my appendix had ruptured.

I had surgery to have my appendix removed. Afterwards, my doctor told me that he saw lesions during the surgery and I would need to get it checked out. So I went to a gynecologist and she diagnosed me with endometriosis. It’s been a year since that surgery and I still have trouble processing the fact that I have endometriosis.

Some days are easier than others. But I still wish I had listened to my body all those years ago when I first started having such horrible periods. And I can’t believe that I was so used to horrible pain that I didn’t even realize my appendix had ruptured. I will forever regret not going to the doctor sooner. I will forever regret not realizing that this isn’t normal.

This story was submitted by a real woman and reflects her personal experience. It does not reflect AbbVie’s thoughts, opinions, or beliefs. Before making any changes to your treatment or lifestyle, consult with a physician.