Re: I'm 18, just diagnosed with endometriosis and I want to have children someday.... is there hope for me?

Hi there~
I was diagnosed with endo when I was 20 yr old. I can certainly understand the issues that surround this debilitating illness and the fertility issue. I want to reassure you that, in all likelyhood, you will be able to have children. I am not a doctor, but I can offer you my story and support.
I had HORRIBLE endo that had all the symptoms that you mentioned in your post. I thought I was losing my mind. So many doctors, and no one bothered to listen to me. I was misdiagnosed with everything from IBS to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. I had to quit college midway through my senior year as I could not make it to class. Anyway, I had 3 laparoscopies in the period of 6 months. They were not that bad but then the docs persuaded me to go on Lupron. The worst mistake of my life!! I only lasted for 4 months and then decided to go the "natural" route. I have been on birth control on and off for the last 10 years. The docs told me that it would take me at least 2 years to conceive, so my now husband and I decided to start trying before we got married. It took ONE month, I swear. We were totally surprised but so very happy. That child is now 9 years old. The endo cleared up and I had no awful symptoms and had another baby 6 years ago. However, over the past year the symptoms have come back. I am on Seasonale birth control now. And while I would like to be off of them completely, I have yet to find a natural solution that would leave me painfree.
Don't give up hope. The birth control should work for you. Also, you should eat only hormone free products, such as free range chicken, meats, eggs, etc. I also cut out all dairy as most products are full of hormones. I take flax seed oil every day, evening primrose oil, vitamins C (large doses), E, B-complex, and a prenatal vitamin for the folic acid. There is a lot of information out there on alternative medicine and endo. Please keep me posted and if you need anything, just give a shout. Good luck and blessings to you.
-Mommy2boys