Amy speaks with an endo warrior from Pakistan. We talk about: —cultural and societal factors that can impact the ability to receive adequate care—what makes her upset about the endometriosis standard of care—what has helped improve her quality of life physically and emotionally 🎤WHO IS THIS ENDO WARRIOR?🎤 She is a 26 years old girl from Pakistan suffering from endometriosis. It took her 7 long years to get a diagnosis, after being dismissed for years and being gaslit by doctors who told her that the pain was ‘in her head’. Relentless support from family and the determination to fight to get an answer to her pain helped her get a diagnosis. It’s difficult to advocate for menstrual health care in a country that has so much stigma surrounding it. It took a lot of courage and strength to get to a place where she could create an online space for people with similar experiences to connect through her Instagram page @EndometriosisPakistan This is just a small step that she hopes will bring about a greater change! ☀️CONNECT WITH HER☀️ Instagram @EndometriosisPakistan ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Today Amy speaks with Dr. Ana Sierra about: —how neuronavigation and neuromodulation can help patients in pain —how nerve involvement may play a role in bladder symptoms and leg pain —what nerve sparing surgery is and why is it important 🎤WHO IS DR. ANA SIERRA?🎤 Graduated from the Autonomous University of Querétaro, she began her studies in minimally invasive gynecological surgery at the Hospital Español and the London Clinic at Anahuac University. Dr Sierra is certified in basic and advanced laparoscopy by the The European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (both courses held in Clermont Ferrand, France). She also did master courses: Anatomical landmarks and Advanced management of endometriosis (in Dubai UAE). At IRCAD Barretos she also completed an advanced management course for deep infiltrative endometriosis. Dr. Sierra is certified by the International Society of Neuropelviology level 1 (clinical neuropelveology) and level 2 (neuronavigation and surgical neuromodulation), and is currently a Board member of the society. She works at Instituto Doyenne in Mexico City where her practice focuses on patients with chronic pelvic pain for people of all genders with and without endometriosis and in San Juan del Rio, Queretaro. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode126 🔗4 part webinar series on Neuropelveology 🔗Amy’s review of the Curable app 🔗Como duele tener endometriosis - Episode with Dr. Sierra in Spanish on Amy’s Spanish podcast. ☀️CONNECT WITH DR. SIERRA☀️ Instagram @dra_anasierra ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

We continue to talk about work accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act: —medical documentation —examples of what are reasonable vs unreasonable accommodations —telework. **DISCLAIMER: We are not employment lawyers or disability civil rights attorneys. This is a general discussion of what we've been learning for our own individual work situations and is not legal advice. We encourage you to double check all information we give in this episode and/or consult a qualified professional for advice if you are in a situation where you want to ask for work accommodations. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode117 🔗Other reasonable accommodation issues (Enforcement Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship under the ADA) 🔗Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation 🔗Employees' Practical Guide to Requesting and Negotiating Reasonable Accommodation Under the Americans with Disabilities Act 🔗Job Accommodation Network’s Practical Guide to Accommodations ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 2/2023. Do you ever feel like endo has robbed you of your life? It can feel like our lives bounce from one sick moment to another, with no escape from pain and suffering. Learning to be mindful and pay attention to the present moment can help us see that our lives are more than pain and appreciate the beautiful moments when they happen. We talk about the importance of being in the present and some ways to achieve this. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 2/2023. For many people with endo, our period is our most dreaded time of the month. Some of us might even be terrified of getting our period because of the excruciating pain it can bring. We might plan our lives around our period because it completely incapacitates us. In this episode, Amy and Brittany talk about some things we can do to try to make this time of the month slightly less miserable, both on a physical and emotional level. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 2/2023. Going on vacation presents a lot of opportunities for endo to flare: the travel itself, different food than we may normally eat, a bed that’s not your own, stress, being on the go. It’s no surprise that traveling, or even just a holiday or special occasion that we celebrate, can be hard on our body. Amy and Brittany talk about some tips to be successful on our vacations and holidays so we can have as much fun, and as little flares, as possible! ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 1/2024. Many of us follow an individualized way of eating to help us manage our symptoms. It’s hard enough to follow our way of eating, but then throw in unwanted, relentless, or obnoxious comments about your food choices from family, friends, or coworkers, and you might be discouraged to continue eating in this way. Amy and Brittany talk about hot to navigate comments people make about your food choices. You can definitely still get tips from this episode, even if you aren’t on any specific diet! ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 1/2023. For many of us, stress is one of our biggest triggers for an endometriosis flare. What exactly is stress, and how does it affect our bodies? Today Amy and Brittany talk about ways we can try to manage stress, or better yet, eliminate it altogether when possible from certain parts of our life. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 2/2023. Amy and Brittany talk about all the feelings that have come up for us post excision such as sadness, gratitude, shock, anger, and hope. Amy talks about some of the new health problems she’s battling, and we reflect on what it means to work towards acceptance and peace with our endo and health. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears 📖AMY'S BOOK: Finding Peace with a Devastating Disease by Amy Corfeli ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 9/2025. Getting into work everyday when you have endo can be a real challenge. Pain flares, brain fog, and other symptoms can make it hard to actually do your work. Amy and Brittany talk all kinds of tips for a successful day at the workplace, from strategies to meet deadlines, schedules, supplies, emergency drivers, clothes, medical accommodations, and more! 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode19 🔗FMLA – Family and Medical Leave Act. 🔗Episode 116 and 117 on my podcast - Disability Accommodations in the Workplace. Part 1 and Part 2 🔗Episode 152 on my podcast - Endometriosis and Getting Through the Workday ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 2/2023. What kind of questions do you ask yourself about your life with endo? Empowered questions invite you to find answers that help you take back control of your life. Amy and Brittany talk about some of the questions we ask ourselves, and how they’ve led to improvements in our physical and emotional well being. Let’s take back control and power over our lives and over endo! ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 2/2023. Amy and Brittany talk about how we have the right to set boundaries to protect our physical and mental health! In fact, it’s vital that we do so. But what exactly are boundaries? When and why do we need them? Most importantly, how do we successfully set them?! ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

We talk about work accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. —what accommodations are vs accessibility in general —who qualifies for accommodations under the ADA —some ideas on how and when to request accommodation. ***DISCLAIMER: We are not employment lawyers or disability civil rights attorneys. This is a general discussion of what we've been learning for our own individual work situations and is not legal advice. We encourage you to double check all information we give in this episode and/or consult a qualified professional for advice if you are in a situation where you want to ask for work accommodations. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode116 🔗Employees' Practical Guide to Requesting and Negotiating Reasonable Accommodation Under the Americans with Disabilities Act 🔗Job Accommodation Network’s Practical Guide to Accommodations 🔗Your Employment Rights as an Individual with a Disability 🔗Ashley Jacobson: Changing Disabled Employment with Accommodations 🔗EEOC Enforcement Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship Under the Americans with Disabilities Act ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Episode updated 4/2022. What causes endometriosis? No one knows, but there are various theories. What we do know is that multiple studies have shown that there's many cases of endometriosis where it would be impossible for retrograde menstruation to be the cause, but still ineffective "treatments" for endometriosis are based on this never proven, 100 year old theory, causing ongoing harm to us patients! We discuss the evidence against retrograde menstruation, as well as the theories of embryonic origin, metaplasia, and genetics, and their implication on treatment. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to insixeenyears.com/episode15 🔗What causes endo? ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 1/2023. Living with an invisible illness has its challenges, and for many of us, endo was also a nameless illness during our struggle to be diagnosed. Amy and Brittany talk about how both of these can affect us emotionally, especially if we got sick at a younger age during our formative years. We also give examples of how to explain about endometriosis in some common social situations. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 1/2023. Painful sex, especially penetrative sex, is a reality for many with endo. Amy and Brittany talk about some physical, emotional, and societal aspects of dealing with painful sex. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 12/2022. What exactly is endo? What colors is it? Why do some doctors miss it during a laparoscopy? Is a biopsy necessary? What is silent endo? Does menopause help it? Amy and Brittany debunk common myths and share some easy ways to explain about it to those who are unfamiliar. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 4/2023. Many of us with endometriosis struggle with fatigue, Amy included. While much of Amy's fatigue was from the endo lesions themselves, she also noticed over the years that other factors influence it, such as sleeping, eating, toxic relationships, managing activities, grief, and more. Amy and Brittany give several ideas to explore for trying to hopefully feel a little more energized on either a physical or emotional level. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 4/2023. Practicing gratitude can help us break free from negative feelings, but what if we can’t find anything to feel grateful for? Amy and Brittany talk about a lighthearted gratitude game Amy plays to shift her focus to the bigger picture and find appreciation for what’s going right for her - but without falling into the trap of toxic positivity. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 1/2024. Many of us have changed the way we eat because we find it helps with our endometriosis symptoms. Yet it can be really hard to actually commit to our dietary changes. As Brittany goes over a method to look at the bigger picture to help align our actions with our priorities, Amy has a dual with her dietary kryptonite live on the show. ***Note: this episode is not about diet culture but about trying to embrace the personal way of eating that we've chosen for our health. Our relationship with food is complex, and this is just one conversation of several. Some other episodes include: 🔗Ep 23 - How to Deal When People Comment on What You Eat 🔗Ep 28 - How to Stick to Your Health Habits, Routines, and Goals 🔗Ep 54 - Do You Hate Your Personal "Endometriosis Diet"? 🔗Ep 65 and 66 - Our Relationship with Food. Part 1 and Part 2 🔗Ep 80 - Exploring Our Beliefs Around Our Personal "Endometriosis Diet" 🔗Ep 145 - How My Perspective on My Diet for Endometriosis Has Changed ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 4/2023. Amy shares about a time when her period came and she had a mortifying endoflare at work, which makes us wonder why we often feel shame in relation to our periods, our endo, and reproductive organs? We explore societal, cultural, and historical reasons, and how we can try to destigmatize menstruation. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 12/2022. What does endometriosis have in common with a horror movie? Find out as Amy and Brittany explore what symptoms like painful sex, painful bowel movements, and painful periods really mean on a physical and emotional level. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Dr. David Redwine about: —“Sins of the endometriosis literature.” —The recent research that came out with Horvath's pan-tissue clock and the origin of endometriosis. —Claims on the Lupron website is that it’s “used for the reduction of endometriotic lesions.” —Microscopic endometriosis. —The ESHRE updated endometriosis guidelines around diagnosis of endo. 🎤WHO IS DR. DAVID REDWINE?🎤 Until his retirement in 2012, Dr. David Redwine headed the world-renowned and award-winning Oregon Institute of Endometriosis at St. Charles Medical Center, Bend, Oregon, treating thousands of people with endometriosis via excision surgery from all across the US, Canada, and beyond. His research is on the website endopaedia.info and has been vital to the endometriosis community, helping empower and educate both patients and physicians alike. He has presented his theory of origin of endo, Mulleriosis, around the world. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 2/2023. Is there a way to suffer less during painful moments? Amy and Brittany talk about some techniques Amy used to help her emotionally to get through hours of excruciating menstrual pain when medicine no longer provided relief. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 12/2022. While endometriosis isn't a period disease, excruciating period pain is common for many people with endo. We talk about the experience of menstrual pain: the serious reality of suffering through debilitating pain monthly, and psychological impact such as the fear, trauma, and PTSD that it can cause. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 12/2022. Want to make more empowered and educated decisions about your medical care?Amy and Brittany talk about what Amy did wrong and right over the years when looking for a doctor and treatment plan for her endo, and what can be learned from those experiences. 🔗FIND A SURGEON: https://insixteenyears.com/how-to-find-a-specialist/ 🔗SEX AND GENDER BIAS in healthcare episodes: 44, 46,  48, 50 🔗RACIAL BIAS in healthcare episode: 45 ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/  

Updated 12/2022. Ever been dismissed by a doctor – or several – and start to doubt yourself? Amy and Brittany talk about the obstacles we face trying to get diagnosed with endo and how lonely it can feel when no one believes your symptoms. We talk about Amy's journey to diagnosis and how strong people with endometriosis are to face the pain and challenges that we do. FIND AN EXCISION SURGEON: https://insixteenyears.com/how-to-find-a-specialist/ ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Welcome to our podcast full of humor and hope! We’re Amy and Brittany. We’ll introduce our ridiculous health problems, and then share our thoughts on living with chronic pain and serious health conditions. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Kate Boyce (she/her) on: —common red flags to look out for in wellness culture. —how many people regret having spent thousands of dollars on naturopathy, coaches, and functional medicine that didn’t help them, that they could have instead spent on excision surgery, a registered dietitian, pelvic floor therapy, SIBO treatment with a gastroenterologist, or other types of doctors/treatment. 🎤WHO IS KATE BOYCE?🎤 Kate is a board certified patient advocate and endometriosis patient herself. She is the co-founder of the Instagram and webpage EndoGirlsBlog, which provides accurate information to people with endometriosis. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode114 🔗Hormones/HRT 🔗Wellness Culture 🔗Naturopathy and Functional Medicine 🔗The "Endo Diet" ☀️CONNECT WITH KATE☀️ Instagram @endogirlsblog ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Dr. John Dulemba about: —how for the past 20 years, he’s been testing the hormone receptors of endometriosis lesions. —his findings and thoughts on endometriosis and hormones. 🎤WHO IS DR. DULEMBA?🎤 Dr Dulemba is an excision surgeon who has been in private practice in Denton, Texas, since 1986. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode113 🔗Information on HRT 🔗Marquardt RM, Kim TH, Shin JH, Jeong JW. Progesterone and Estrogen Signaling in the Endometrium: What Goes Wrong in Endometriosis? Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(15):3822. Published 2019 Aug 5. doi:10.3390/ijms20153822 – There is also a chart of differences of endo and the endometrium here. 🔗Bulun SE, Monsavais D, Pavone ME, et al. Role of estrogen receptor-β in endometriosis. Semin Reprod Med. 2012;30(1):39-45. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1299596 🔗Progesterone Resistance in Endometriosis – Article on Nancy’s Nook. 🔗Bulun SE, Cheng YH, Pavone ME, et al. 17Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 deficiency and progesterone resistance in endometriosis. Semin Reprod Med. 2010;28(1):44-50. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1242992 ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Julia Mandeville about: —her research —how a lack of representation affects Black endometriosis patients —her hopes for the future of endometriosis care in the Caribbean. 🎤WHO IS JULIA MANDEVILLE?🎤 Julia is the co-founder of the Barbados Association of Endometriosis & P.C.O.S. She is currently a doctoral student and as part of her role as a graduate researcher, she is the project coordinator of several research studies investigating barriers to diagnosis for Black people with endometriosis and PCOS. She has focused much of her research and public health intervention efforts on investigating endometriosis in underserved populations, Black women in particular because the disease is not well studied in this population. In 2023, Julia was among the first group of recipients of the Mentoring for Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence (MARIE) program. With her MARIE grant, she seeks to further understand the specific barriers Black women with endometriosis encounter in terms of structural racism, systemic discrimination, and internalization of the Strong Black Woman schema. ☀️CONNECT WITH JULIA☀️ Instagram @endoandpcosbb ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy and Brittany talk about the grief that can accompany having a chronic illness. —some reasons why we might grieve due to chronic illness —what we personally grieve —how our grief has impacted our lives. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode111 🔗Grieving Chronic Illness and Injury — Infinite Losses ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Arti Shah about: —her personal experiences with cultural and social barriers to care —exciting initiatives that are improving body literacy and access to excision. 🎤WHO IS ARTI SHAH?🎤 Arti Shah (she/her) a content creator and a dedicated endometriosis advocate actively engaged in the endometriosis space in Kenya and beyond. Her conviction and commitment is to positively impact the narrative of living with endometriosis through self-advocacy, play therapy and personal engagement. Arti advocates so that the next generation doesn’t have to battle this debilitating condition as we have and can have a better quality of life from an early age. Arti is the host of A Ray of Sunshine, a podcast that has insights from endometriosis medical experts and advocates from all over the world, and debunks misinformation about endometriosis. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode110 🔗A Ray of Sunshine - Arti’s podcast "involves insights from endometriosis medical experts and advocates from all over the world, and debunks misinformation about endometriosis.” 🔗The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Menstruation Studies ☀️Connect with Arti☀️ Instagram @artiphotography ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Dr. John Dulemba about: —all things adhesions, such as what they are, how they form, and who gets them —his rationale behind the second look surgery for adhesions that he does just a few days after his original excision surgery. 🎤WHO IS DR. DULEMBA?🎤 Dr. Dulemba is an excision surgeon who has been in private practice in Denton, Texas, since 1986. He’s performed over 7300 endometriosis surgeries, so he has a lot of insight on endometriosis. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode109 🔗Adhesions - article by Dr. Ken Sinervo, CEC ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy and Brittany have had this podcast for over 4 years! Recently, Amy listened to our episodes 1-50 to update them where necessary. Based on that, we talk about: —how much our advocacy has changed and how much we’ve grown over these years. —some of our mistakes we've made in our advocacy —what we wish we’d known when we began advocating. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode108 🔗Ellis K, Munro D, Clarke J. Endometriosis Is Undervalued: A Call to Action. Front Glob Womens Health. 2022 May 10;3:902371. doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.902371. PMID: 35620300; PMCID: PMC9127440. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

People with endo have a range of pain from none to mild to moderate to severe. Amy and Brittany talk about pain associated with endometriosis, such when and where we can have it. We give a quick and general overview of multiple reasons for endo-associated pain, such as inflammation, sensitization, and lesion location. This episode is a bird's eye overview and not an all exhaustive list of reasons why we can have pain with endo. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode125 🔗What influences pain levels? From Nancy's Nook. 🔗Location of lesions and where pain is felt. From Nancy's Nook. 🔗Zanelotti A, Decherney AH. Surgery and Endometriosis. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Sep;60(3):477-484. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000291. PMID: 28742580; PMCID: PMC5635831. 🔗Demco L. Review of pain associated with minimal endometriosis. JSLS. 2000 Jan-Mar;4(1):5-9. PMID: 10772521; PMCID: PMC3015350. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Kate Boyce about: —how excision surgery is operator dependent, meaning that it depends on the surgeon’s skills. —how there are very few excision surgeons in the world with the top level skill, and many regular OBGYNs with no extra surgical training, and then surgeons at different skill levels in between those. —what to look for in a surgeon, so that we can know what questions to ask and how to determine if our surgeon has the necessary skills to excise our endo. 🎤WHO IS KATE BOYCE?🎤 Kate Boyce (she/her) is the co-founder of the Instagram and webpage EndoGirlsBlog, which provides accurate information to people with endometriosis. Kate is a board certified patient advocate and endometriosis patient herself. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode107 🔗How to Find a Specialist 🔗Analogy for the Hierarchy of Endometriosis Surgeons – IG post from EndoGirlsBlog to help understand the range of skills and experience different surgeons can have for endometriosis 🔗Treatment - learn about the differences between ablation and excision ☀️CONNECT WITH KATE☀️ Instagram @endogirlsblog ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Dr. John Dulemba about robotic surgey: —its safety —its advantages —its disadvantages. 🎤WHO IS DR. DULEMBA?🎤 Dr. Dulemba is an excision surgeon who has been in private practice in Denton, Texas, since 1986. He’s performed over 5000 standard laparoscopic endometriosis cases and over 2300 robotic endometriosis cases! He's been performing robotic surgery since 2007, and now all his surgeries are done via robotics. Dr. Dulemba has published papers addressing pelvic pain, laparoscopy, endometriosis, and robotic surgery. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode106 🔗Robotic Surgery. Summary and review from my website ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy and Brittany talk about ableism: —how it's prevalent in society, and is systemic, just as racism and other forms of oppression and discrimination are. —a brief recap of the medical vs the social model of disability before diving into some ableist comments we’ve heard as people with chronic illnesses and dynamic disabilities. —the ableism of wellness culture and the lack of disability accommodations throughout society. **Note: we are only speaking for ourselves and not for the disability community at large. If our limited discussion of ableism interests you, we encourage you to follow disabled people online and on social media, because there are many disabled people bringing awareness and speaking out on these topics. It’s important to dismantle our own ableism by learning from people of various identities and perspectives. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode105 🔗Working Definition of Ableism - January 2022 update - from Talila A. Lewis 🔗What's another word for crazy? From Word Hippo ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy and Brittany talk about ableism: —how it's prevalent in society and is systemic, just as racism and other forms of oppression and discrimination are —the medical vs the social model of disability —some ableist comments we’ve heard as people with chronic illnesses and dynamic disabilities. ***Note: we are only speaking for ourselves and not for the disability community at large. If our limited discussion of ableism interests you, we encourage you to follow disabled people online and on social media, because there are many disabled people bringing awareness and speaking out on these topics. It’s important to dismantle our own ableism by learning from people of various identities and perspectives. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode104 🔗Working Definition of Ableism - January 2022 update - from Talila A. Lewis ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Alexandra (Alex) Mitchell about: —the standard of endometriosis care —the Australian movement to Change the Guidelines —problems with multiple guidelines worldwide 🎤WHO IS ALEXANDRA MITCHELL?🎤 Alex is an outspoken advocate in our endometriosis community. Across multiple social media platforms and organizations, she pushes for systemic changes to endometriosis care so that patients can access the gold standard treatment that they need. She also is the creator and host of the Invisible Iconic Podcast, which features discussions with guests on topics related to endometriosis. She contributed historical critiques of Australia and Romania’s standards of healthcare in ‘Good Girl, Bad Period: Breaking the Silence on Misogyny and Gaslighting Through the Lens of Endometriosis’ by Silvia Young ☀️CONNECT WITH ALEX☀️ Instagram @invisibleiconic Podcast: The Invisible Iconic Podcast ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy talks with Dr. Jeff Arrington about: —what informed consent is and why it’s so vital —what it would like look with endometriosis care —changes we’d like to see in the ACOG endometriosis guidelines —what we hope for the future of endometriosis treatment. 🎤WHO IS DR. JEFF ARRINGTON?🎤 Dr. Jeff Arrington is an outspoken endometriosis advocate, expert endometriosis excision surgeon, and advanced Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery specialist. The evolution of his practice to focus on advanced excision of endometriosis really was driven by patient need. In practice he was able to continue advancing knowledge and surgical skill through focusing on endometriosis care, eventually building a full multi-disciplinary practice.  Now, after his last 4 years as a surgeon at the Center for Endometriosis Care in Atlanta, GA, he is opening a new world-class endometriosis clinic, EndoWest, in the greater Salt Lake Valley.  Dr. Arrington is well known in the endometriosis community as one who advocates for all patients both in and out of the OR, constantly working to improve care options for patients with a focus on true and truthful informed consent and a higher value to patient autonomy. ☀️CONNECT WITH DR. ARRINGTON☀️ Facebook Jeff Arrington-Endosurgeon Instagram @dr.jeff_endosurgeon ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy and Brittany talk about: —how dealing with this disease and all the repercussions of it on our physical and mental health often contributes to feeling broken —how although we might feel this way, we are not inherently broken as a human being —how we are not unworthy, inadequate, unlovable, or undeserving in any way ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo 📖Amy's book Finding Peace with a Devastating Disease, by Amy Corfeli Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Dr. Abhishek Mangeshikar about: —excision surgery for endometriosis —bowel endometriosis —adhesions —imaging —endometriosis guidelines 🎤WHO IS DR. ABHISHEK MANGESHIKAR?🎤 Dr. Abhishek Mangeshikar (he/him) is an expert excision surgeon who also advocates and spreads awareness of correct information of endometriosis. He’s performed almost 2000 surgeries, and has been running his multidisciplinary endometriosis practice for over 7 years. He is the founder and director of the Indian Centre for Endometriosis (ICE). 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode91 🔗Extra Pelvic Not Rare and Indian Center for Endometriosis talk Extra Pelvic Endometriosis – Video with Dr. Abhishek Mangeshikar and Dr. Wendy Bingham, PT, DPT 🔗Understanding Bowel endometriosis : What patients need to know – Video by excision surgeon Dr Mangeshikar ☀️CONNECT WITH DR. MANGESHIKAR☀️ Twitter @mangeshikar Instagram @endometriosis_india Website https://www.endometriosis-india.com/ ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Olivia Nwankudu about: —the standard of care she’s come across in Nigeria —the work that EndoSurvivors is doing 🎤WHO IS OLIVIA NWANKUDU?🎤 Olivia Nwankudu (she/her) is an endometriosis advocate and Founder of EndoSurvivors International Foundation (ESIF); a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness about endometriosis, educating the public about endometriosis, and supporting endometriosis patients in Nigeria. ESIF is also committed to reducing period poverty and improving school retention through the free distribution of sanitary pads to school children. Since inception, ESIF has educated over 9000 adolescents on menstrual hygiene and the symptoms of endometriosis, thereby encouraging discussions about periods and promoting a care-seeking behavior among those experiencing symptoms of the disease in a bid to reduce diagnostic delays. ☀️CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AND ESIF☀️ Instagram and Twitter: @endosurvivors LinkedIn and Facebook: EndoSurvivors International Foundation Donations: Reach out to their organization on social media to be sent the link to support their hard work. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 10/2023. Amy and Brittany continue our series on disability by talking about —identifying as disabled with endometriosis —internalized ableism —the social vs the medical model of disability ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks to Dr. Isabel Green about: —common reasons why a patient may have persistent pain post surgery, from an incomplete excision to co-conditions. —the importance of working with our doctor to set patient-centered goals in our treatment. —how for *some* people addressing central sensitization, especially post excision, can be a key to getting out of continued pain; but at the same time, it’s important not to blame all pain on central sensitization and to explore other possible reasons for persistent pain as well. 🎤WHO IS DR. ISABEL GREEN?🎤 Born in Ecuador and then grew up in Washington DC, Isabel Green, MD, MEHP, completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Johns Hopkins Hospital and went on to fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University.  She moved west to join Mayo Clinic as a Consultant of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Gynecology in 2016.  She serves as the Fellowship Director for Minimally Invasive Gynecology and in the role of Physician Lead of a multidisciplinary Chronic Pelvic Pain Clinic at Mayo, Rochester. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode124 🔗Addressing pain post excision (from my website) 🔗Mayo Clinic investigates persistent pelvic pain following endometriosis surgery – from the Mayo Clinic 🔗Amy’s Curable review ☀️CONNECT WITH DR GREEN☀️ Twitter/X: @isabelgreenMD ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Soha Wahb about: —her perspectives of being both a patient and healthcare professional to talk about the difficulties of accessing expert care —the lack of set criteria and unwillingness among the general medical community to distinguish true optimal care from suboptimal care —how the medical community in the region and worldwide needs to take initiative and responsibility in improving endometriosis care. 🎤WHO IS SOHA WAHB?🎤 Soha Wahb (she/her) is a Lebanese medical student at the American University of Beirut, and founder of “Endo In Arabic”, an initiative that aims to provide accurate information about Endometriosis in both English and Arabic, and to shed light on patients’ struggles and the factors hindering access to proper care. ☀️CONNECT WITH SOHA☀️ Instagram @endoinarabic YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfWcwXxl0l3TYr2H3qZPB8g ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Updated 10/2023. Amy and Brittany talk about: —common examples of medical gaslighting that we may have heard from our doctors —the psychological toll it can take on us ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Kate Boyce about: —the various endometriosis guidelines worldwide which guide gynecologists in treating endometriosis and set the standard of care —how they are formed and what data is used ***The focus is on the ACOG guidelines but the ESHRE and Australia guidelines are briefly mentioned for some comparative purposes. 🎤WHO IS KATE BOYCE?🎤 Kate Boyce (she/her) is the co-founder of the Instagram and webpage EndoGirlsBlog, which provides accurate information to people with endometriosis. Kate is a board certified patient advocate and endometriosis patient herself. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode95 🔗ESHRE Guideline Endometriosis 2022 🔗RANZCOG Endometriosis clinical practice guideline 🔗Excision of Endometriosis - CEC website 🔗Kalaitzopoulos, D.R., Samartzis, N., Kolovos, G.N. et al. Treatment of endometriosis: a review with comparison of 8 guidelines. BMC Women's Health 21, 397 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01545-5 🔗Ceccaroni M, Clarizia R, Mussi EA, Stepniewska AK, De Mitri P, Ceccarello M, Ruffo G, Bruni F, Rettore L, Surico D. "The Sword in the Stone": radical excision of deep infiltrating endometriosis with bowel shaving-a single-centre experience on 703 consecutive patients. Surg Endosc. 2022 May;36(5):3418-3431. doi: 10.1007/s00464-021-08663-z. Epub 2021 Jul 26. Erratum in: Surg Endosc. 2021 Oct 12;: PMID: 34312725. ☀️CONNECT WITH KATE☀️ Instagram @endogirlsblog ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information on endometriosis, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/