PERSONAL STORY: KRISTEN JADE

From the time I started my periods at the age of 11, they were heavy and painful. I used to take up to a week off from school just to spend it lying in bed. My family doctor put me on the pill at the age of 12 to control the heaviness of the bleeding. The pill was changed to a different type, and yet it still didn't work. After seeing one gynecologist, she said that the only way to find out the cause of the pain would be to perform a laparoscopy. She "wouldn't want to put me through [laparoscopy] because of the pain involved", which was rubbish. She put me on a stronger pill which cost the Earth, yet it did not help my pain or heaviness. I'm sure most readers will understand this. The bleeding was so heavy that I used to have to wear a super tampon AND a pad just to get me through one hour!

I saw another doctor who immediately performed a laparoscopy. He found I had PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and Endometriosis. I have lesions and polyps throughout my entire reproductive system. They were lasered off. I was put onto many different therapies such as Depo-Provera and Danazol. I had my fair share of ultrasounds and transvaginal ultrasounds. Each treatment worked a little bit but after ceasing it, all my usual problems would come back.

One year later, at age 18, I had another laparoscopy performed. This time we found my lesions had increased tenfold with my ovary stuck to my uterus. We concluded that the treatments hadn't worked and I was sent to see a Professor, specific to Endo. His answer was to try Tamoxifen (which is a new Breast Cancer tablet taken daily for those of you who aren't familiar with it). I began on 10mg daily and increased that dose to 20mg daily after the first month. I was then going to be a human guinea pig while we tryed other drugs alongside the Tamoxifen. But then, in March 2000, I decided to stop these treatments so I could increase my chances of falling pregnant with my partner.

At the age of 19 on November 14, 2000, I found out that indeed I was pregnant. On that same day I suffered a miscarriage. I will be 20 this year and my partner and I are still trying desperately for a child of our own, not just because I would dearly love a child of our own but also because I feel my time is running out.

I'm telling you my story because there is a life outside of the pain, heartbreak and anger of this disease. Do not let it control you. I am sure we are all desperate for a cure and that will come in time. Be positive and be patient.

Kristen Jade