Explore every episode of the podcast In Sixteen Years of Endometriosis

Amy speaks with Dr. Adam Duke about: —what endometriosis care would look like of he could rewrite the guidelines for care —what it was like to open his own excision practice in a more rural part of the United States —the importance of endometriosis advocacy in improving patient care 🎤WHO IS Dr. Adam Duke?🎤 Dr. Adam Duke is an endometriosis excision surgeon who is nationally recognized for his excellent endometriosis care. He considers himself as much of an endometriosis advocate and ally as an endometriosis surgeon. ☀️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 Sula Windgassen about her new book called “It’s All in Your Body: A Practical Roadmap to Healing Through Mind Body Connection”. We talk about: —an overview of the mind-body connection and why it can be hard to embrace after years of medical gaslighting and being told “it’s all in our head” —how stress affects the bladder —the difference between safety behaviors and necessary behaviors 🎤WHO IS Dr Sula Windgassen?🎤 Dr Sula Windgassen PhD MSc is a health psychologist who has dedicated her career to understanding the powerful intersection between physical and mental health. Dr Sula is the director of Mind Body Blossom, a clinical health psychology practice delivering therapy for people experiencing burnout, trauma and chronic health issues. She’s an internationally recognised researcher with over 30 published academic papers, and she has amazingly informative content both on her instagram and her newsletter. She’s now published a new book called “It’s All in Your Body: A Practical Roadmap to Healing Through Mind Body Connection”.  ☀️CONNECT WITH Dr Sula☀️ Instagram @The_health_psychologist ☀️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 Jade Walker about SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) —how SIBO is an umbrella term for multiple bacterial overgrowths —what causes it and why it’s a common co-condition with endometriosis —different ways of treating and managing it. 🎤WHO IS JADE WALKER?🎤 Jade Walker is a degree-qualified naturopath and educator known for her work in complex endometriosis, gut health, and hormone conditions. With eight years of clinical experience, and a personal journey with endo, Jade has a passion for uncovering overlooked drivers of chronic symptoms, particularly the intersection between the microbiome, inflammation, and hormonal dysfunction. She is the founder of the course The Endo Care Collective and online clinic EndoBiome, where she leads a team of practitioners delivering evidence-informed, microbiome-focused care for people navigating persistent and often misunderstood health issues.  ☀️CONNECT WITH JADE ☀️ Instagram @byjadewalker Websites: www.jadewalker.com.au and www.theendobiome.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, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Casey Berna about her new book “Endometriosis: From Harm to Hope”. We talk about topics discussed in her book, such as: —medical narcissism and how to navigate difficult experiences with our healthcare professionals —what the medical industry complex is and how it harms patients —the importance of identifying our needs, how to do so, and putting ourselves first. 🎤WHO IS CASEY BERNA?🎤 Casey is a social worker, endometriosis patient, published author, and highly regarded endometriosis advocate. In addition to providing professional counseling to endometriosis patients, she’s also worked with expert medical professionals, advocates, and global nonprofits in the endometriosis and infertility fields to improve access to care through documentaries, conferences, protests, and now her new book, Endometriosis: From Harm to Hope.  ☀️CONNECT WITH CASEY☀️ Instagram @endosocialworker Book: Endometriosis: From Harm to Hope by Casey Berna ☀️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. Lora Liu about excision surgery. She explains to us: —Tips for asking your surgeon about their multidisciplinary surgical team. —How she decides when to operate on a patient. —Some of the risks vs benefits of excision, especially bowel surgery. 🎤WHO IS DR. LORA LIU?🎤 Dr. Lora Liu is an excision surgeon who became interested in surgery as a teenager watching her father, Dr. CY Liu, operate. Dr Liu is a trainer and proctor in the use of robotic surgery. She firmly believes in multidisciplinary care. She has multidisciplinary surgical team in the OR with her and also has working relationships with multiple specialists like physiatrists, pain management specialists, and pelvic floor physical therapists to help guide patients with post surgery care. 🔗Resources🔗 Clickable links at www.insixteenyears.com/episode167 🔗Study on Low Anterior Resection Syndrome www.endonews.com/low-anterior-resection-syndrome-lars-risk-following-rectosigmoid-endometriosis-surgery  ☀️CONNECT WITH DR. LORA LIU☀️ Instagram @drliu_endometriosis_surgeon ☀️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 Judith Chavarría about: —what her personal experience with endometriosis is —what’s helped her physically and emotionally to live better with this disease —her advice for others living with endo 🎤WHO IS JUDITH CHAVARRÍA?🎤 Judith is 38 years old and lives in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. She has been married for 6 years and has a 12-year-old daughter. She is an English teacher and enjoys sharing her knowledge to help others learn the language. In her free time, she loves watching and listening to podcasts, interviews, movies, and series focused on personal growth, as she is always looking for new ways to grow and improve both personally and professionally. ☀️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/

Listen to a chapter from Amy’s audiobook: 📖Chapter 67: “No Matter What Happens, I Will Be Okay” Amy’s book is available as a paperbook, e-book, and audiobook. See where to find it here: https://insixteenyears.com/where-to-find-my-book/ ☀️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 speaks to Orla O’Connor from Ireland and Jennifer Todd from Canada about traveling abroad for excision surgery. They share about: —what they think is most important to keep in mind when going to another country to medical care —their process for choosing a surgeon —logistics such as post op care and flying home after the surgery 🎤WHO IS ORLA AND JEN?🎤 Orla O’Connor is a fourth-year BSc Public Health Sciences student who runs a WhatsApp peer-support group that helps patients understand their options and feel less alone. Drawing on public-health training and lived community experience, Orla focuses on evidence-based information, practical checklists, and patient advocacy—especially for those considering diagnostic evaluation or surgery abroad. She signposts trusted clinical guidelines and Irish health-system pathways, helps members prepare referrals and reimbursement paperwork under the Cross-Border Directive, and promotes informed, shared decision-making with qualified specialists. Jennifer Todd is a mom, wife and Registered Nurse navigating life post endometriosis excision, hysterectomy, oophrectomy and bowel resection for stage 4 deep infiltrating endometriosis and severe adenomysosis. She has had two surgeries, one in Canada with an excision specialist and one in Mexico with an excision specialist and General surgeon. Traveling for surgery was intimidating but well worth it. Jennifer strongly believes patients are their own best advocates and hopes to encourage patients to trust themselves and push for the help they deserve.  ☀️CONNECT WITH ORLA☀️ Instagram Orla @orlacorkendowarrior  ☀️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. Jorge Carrillo about the complexity of chronic pelvic pain. We talk about: —his strategy for evaluating menstrual, bladder, bowel, musculoskeletal, and neuropathic symptoms in his patients —the biopsychosocial model of pain and why it’s important —the need for integrative pain care for endometriosis 🎤WHO IS DR. JORGE CARRILLO?🎤 Dr. Carrillo earned his degree as a Medical Doctor and Surgeon from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. He then completed his residency in Gynecology and Obstetrics, followed by a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery with a focus on Chronic Pelvic Pain. He is a Professor in the Fellowship Program for Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Orlando VA and serves as the director for the residents rotating at the same institution. Dr. Carrillo is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) and was the President-Elect of the Society for the 2024–2025 term. His passion lies in helping patients who suffer from chronic pelvic pain and in educating healthcare professionals about these conditions. His research and publications focus on raising awareness and educating both patients and colleagues about these issues.  ☀️CONNECT WITH DR. CARRILLO☀️ Instagram @pelvic_paineducatormd 🔗www.pelvicpaineducation.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, 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 self-forgiveness: —what it is —the benefits it provides —some examples of situations related to chronic illness that we’ve found difficult to let go of and forgive ourselves ☀️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/

Today I’m speaking with Dr. John Dulemba about: —surgical gatekeeping —endometriosis recurrence —the importance of treating this disease early and not after years of symptoms 🎤WHO IS DR. JOHN DULEMBA?🎤 A now retired excision surgeon who was in private practice in Denton, Texas, from 1986-2023. He performed over 7300 endometriosis surgeries, both robotically and via standard laparoscopy, so he has a lot of insight on endometriosis. ☀️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 Sharida Mohammed about: —how medical gaslighting caused her to doubt and invalidate her pain —how upsetting it is that treatment options are so limited and inaccessible for people with endo —her advice to others living with endometriosis 🎤WHO IS SHARIDA MOHAMMED?🎤 Sharida Mohammed is a graphic designer from the twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago. She has been living with endometriosis since the age of 12 and has undergone four surgeries for the condition. Sharida runs an Instagram page, Crushendo.tt, where she advocates for endometriosis awareness.  ☀️CONNECT WITH SHARIDA ☀️ Instagram @crushendo.tt ☀️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. Laura Gouge, ND about managing mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). We talk about: —the varied symptoms we can have with MCAS, including neurological ones —the importance of a multimodal approach for addressing MCAS symptom drivers  —what she’s learned over years of working with MCAS patients and what she would have done differently in her own MCAS journey 🎤WHO IS DR. LAURA GOUGE, ND?🎤 Dr. Laura Gouge is a licensed naturopathic doctor and Certified Nutrition Specialist with expertise in mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), POTS, long COVID, ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, histamine intolerance, and endometriosis. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in 2015, followed by a two-year residency in integrative medicine. Dr. Gouge helps patients uncover the root causes of chronic symptoms by connecting the dots between immune function, hormones, and the nervous system. Having navigated her own histamine-related health challenges, she brings a grounded, research-informed, and compassionate approach to helping people reduce sensitivities, restore energy, and reclaim a fuller life.  ☀️CONNECT WITH DR. GOUGE☀️ Instagram @drlauragouge ☀️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 what it’s like to live with chronic diarrhea: —the social embarrassment it can cause —the close calls we’ve had in public, including times we just didn’t make it to the toilet! —the unhealthy coping mechanisms we had ☀️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/

Many of us understand the benefit of PFT for pelvic pain, bladder, and bowel symptoms, but it’s hard to know how to actually find an expert PT. Amy speaks with Abby De Angelis about: —where we can search online to start putting together names of potential PTs —what kind of questions we should ask them to judge their knowledge and treatment plans —examples of PFT practices they are likely to do during your appointment 🎤WHO IS ABBY DE ANGELIS?🎤 Abby De Angelis is a specialist in women’s physical therapy and has made it her mission to transform lives — especially during the profound and often complicated journey of chronic illness. Armed with a Doctorate from NYU and advanced certifications from the prestigious Hospital for Special Surgery, Abby brings rare expertise to women’s health and pelvic floor therapy. But what truly sets her apart is her gift for crafting personalized care plans that help women reclaim their strength, feel comfortable in their own skin, and more confident than ever in what their body is capable of! 🔗Resources🔗 Clickable links at www.insixteenyears.com/episode154 🔗Herman and Wallace Find a Practitioner: https://pelvicrehab.com/  ☀️CONNECT WITH ABBY☀️ Instagram @Lotustwinpt ☀️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 Stephanie Moss, MD about: —the importance of trauma-informed medical care —how being an endometriosis patient has informed her perspective as a new doctor —navigating disability accommodations and her insights on this as a medical student 🎤WHO IS DR. STEPHANIE MOSS?🎤 Stephanie Moss, MD, is an endometriosis warrior and a PGY-2 Psychiatry Chief Resident Physician at Rosalind Franklin University. Dr. Moss is an active public speaker and writer, with her work featured on platforms like MedPageToday, the American Medical Women's Association, Endometriosis Foundation, and Doximity. Her mental health advocacy has focussed on sharing stories of humanism in medicine on her podcast Life as a Patient-Doctor.  ☀️CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE☀️ Instagram @stephmossmd www.medpsycmoss.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 Tanner Murtagh about the nervous system. We talk about: —how having a flexible nervous system helps us to better face the challenges of our lives —Polyvagal theory and what a dysregulated nervous system is —ways we can regulate our nervous system for physical and emotional health benefits 🎤WHO IS TANNER MURTAGH, MSW, RSW?🎤 Tanner is a therapist who treats clients with chronic pain and symptoms that are fully or partly brain generated. He is the director of Pain Psychotherapy Canada, and co-director of MBody Community. Through his agencies, they provide therapy and a digital course for people who have chronic pain or symptoms. In his early 20s, Tanner began to experience anxiety, depression, chronic back pain, hip pain, leg pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, and headaches. At the time, he was told he had fibromyalgia and several other conditions, and he felt deeply confused because doctors and healthcare providers could not agree upon what was physically wrong with him. After several years of suffering in daily pain and anxiety, and having little success with various treatments, Tanner realized through his research that nothing was structurally wrong with his body and he had neuroplastic pain. Utilizing the same techniques he uses with his clients, he recovered from having symptoms of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.  ☀️CONNECT WITH TANNER☀️ Instagram @painpsychotherapy @MBodycommunity YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@painpsychotherapy Somatic Safety Method Course https://www.mbodycommunity.com/store ☀️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 Rey about various topics. We talk about: —the independent research project they spearheaded which is focused on illustrating how improving practitioner education will result in positive patient outcomes. —why they made the decision to leave their country to seek expert treatment elsewhere. —their experience with MHT/HRT. 🎤WHO IS REY?🎤 Rey (they/she) is an independent patient advocate dedicated to raising awareness and driving change in endometriosis care. After a strong suspicion they suffered with endometriosis, they became actively involved in online advocacy, sharing knowledge and supporting others navigating the complexities of the disease. They underwent their first surgery in the UK in 2021 which confirmed disease. In 2022, a second surgery (due to persistent symptoms) happened in Bucharest which confirmed previously missed disease, adenomyosis and fibroids. They have remained symptom-free since. As a stakeholder in the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Endometriosis, they work alongside policymakers and experts to push for systemic change. Committed to long-term advocacy, their mission is to empower patients, challenge outdated narratives, and ensure endometriosis is recognized and treated effectively. 🔗Resources🔗 Clickable links at www.insixteenyears.com/episode154 🔗Download Rey’s report here 🔗HRT/MHT in Endometriosis Patients  ☀️CONNECT WITH REY☀️ Instagram @Reythewarrior ☀️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. Tatnai Burnett about endometriosis treatment. We talk about: —the challenges of treating pain associated with superficial endo. —how endo needs a multimodal approach using all the tools in the toolbox. —his approach to exploring the causes of recurrent pain post excision. 🎤WHO IS DR. TATNAI BURNETT?🎤 Tatnai L. Burnett, M.D. is an assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Following medical school and residency at the University of Michigan, he completed a 2 year fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at Southern Illinois University before joining the faculty in his current position. Clinically, Dr. Burnett specializes in MIGS with a focus on endometriosis and pelvic pain. He coordinates a complex endometriosis program, the center of which is an interdisciplinary endometriosis conference that has advanced endometriosis care at Mayo Clinic. Research interests include endometriosis and its relationship to varying patient phenotypes and its coexistence with other pelvic pain generating diseases such as adenomyosis. ☀️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 and Brittany talk about working with endometriosis: —the mental battle to decide when you’re “sick enough” to call out and take the day off —the pressure we might feel to hide how we are really feeling —how draining it can be to work with chronic illness and how much it can take out of you physically and emotionally 🔗RESOURCES🔗 Clickable links at www.insixteenyears.com/episode152 🔗Episode 89: Endometriosis and Disability 🔗Episode 116 and 117: Disability Accommodations in the Workplace. Part 1 and Part 2 ☀️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 Christina Saldanha about HRT/MHT. We talk about: —options for hormone therapy such as: combined options, progestins vs progesterone, and using the pill in perimenopause. —the different types of estrogen and how much estrogen blood levels rise with systemic HRT/MHT vs blood levels during our cycling years —how soon a person should begin HRT/MHT after surgical menopause 🎤WHO IS CHRISTINA SALDANHA?🎤 Christina Saldanha is a PA, writer, speaker, and fierce advocate for women's health.  She owns her own independent private practice in Winston Salem, NC, where she provides primary care to women across the lifespan but with special focus on hormone health, menopause, and sexual health.  She graduated from High Point University PA school in 2017, and she started working in a gynecologic oncology clinic taking care of gynecologic cancer survivors, patients on active treatment, first assisting in the operating room, and taking care of patients admitted to the hospital.  Her favorite part of this job was helping gynecologic cancer survivors navigate menopause and sexual health after cancer treatment.  This led her to become a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor, and an International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health Fellow.  She opened her practice to meet women where they are at in their health and wellness journey. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode151 🔗Christina’s website and resources 🔗Research on HRT in endometriosis patients ☀️CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA☀️ Instagram: @camelcitywomenswellness ☀️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 Anna Holtzman about mind-body pain. We talk about: —how black and white thinking in the mind-body world has led to gaslighting patients and harm. —some of the ways that mind-body practices have helped us as people who had chronic pain. —how are goals for our symptoms aren’t focused anymore on being 100% pain free, but rather on improving quality of life and knowing how to support ourselves on high symptom days. ***IMPORTANT: Both Anna and I recognize the harm that can come from practitioners believing that all pain is mind-body, or is a manifestation of stress/emotions, or is from learned pain pathways (this type of pain goes by many names online!) We have a very nuanced conversation with a conscious goal of acknowledging this harm while also focusing on how some of the ways that learning about how emotions can effect the body may help some people improve the experience of having their pain/symptoms, whether physically or emotionally. 🎤WHO IS ANNA HOLTZMAN?🎤 Anna Holtzman is a licensed therapist and mind-body coach who helps people reduce stress-related symptoms and connect with their purpose. She came into this work through her own recovery from a ten-year struggle with persistent migraine attacks. Anna lives in New York City with her husband, stepdaughter, and three orange cats. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go www.insixteenyears.com/episode150 🔗My review of the Curable app ☀️CONNECT WITH ANNA☀️ Instagram @anna_holtzman ☀️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 Lula Cuba about: —how impossible it can be to find trustworthy endo information for non-English speakers —her experience as an adolescent with endo growing up in difficult housing conditions —the importance of checking your medical charts for mistakes, misdiagnoses, and harmful comments. 🎤WHO IS LULA CUBA?🎤 Lula Cuba is 33 years old and from Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. She was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2020 after more than 10 years searching for answers. Since hearing the word endometriosis, she dedicated herself to reading and learning about the topic. Lula runs the Instagram account Endocomunidad, where she seeks to show what it's like to live with endometriosis and other chronic diseases and show that having a disability doesn't make you incapable. Her tireless efforts brought the documentary Below the Belt to Montevideo, and now, thanks to that screening, new initiatives are being developed in her country's parliament, and endometriosis is gaining more visibility in Uruguay. ☀️CONNECT WITH LULA☀️ Instagram @endocomunidad ☀️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/

Listen to 2 chapters from Amy’s audiobook: 📖Chapter 8: “Climbing Out from Rock Bottom” 📖Chapter 56: “Be Proud of Yourself” Amy’s book is available as a paperbook, e-book, and audiobook. See where to find it here: https://insixteenyears.com/where-to-find-my-book/ ☀️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. Naomi Whittaker about: —what NaPro Technology is and how it’s goal is to identify and address the underlying causes of gynecologic issues and infertility —some of the tools that have helped her patients with fertility, such as formal cycle instruction and charting, intentional adhesion prevention during excision surgery, and the use of progesterone. —the difference between NaPro Technology and IUI and IVF. 🎤WHO IS DR. NAOMI WHITTAKER?🎤 Dr. Naomi Whittaker is a board-certified restorative reproductive medicine physician and surgeon specializing in fertility and has received the Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a 2013 graduate of Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska. She completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at University of Illinois College of Medicine-Peoria in 2017 and is fellowship trained in medical and surgical NaProTechnology by The Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha, Nebraska. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode147 🔗RRMAcademy - Free endometriosis self-survey, research library, and more. ☀️CONNECT WITH DR. NAOMI WHITTAKER☀️ Instagram @Napro_Fertility_Surgeon ☀️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 both follow an individualized diet for endo and chronic illness, which we’ve each been on for over a decade. We talk about the mistakes we made when we changed their way of eating for, such as: —cutting out too many foods at once with no focus on bringing in new foods —waiting too long to learn how to cook —not realizing we needed mental health support for the feelings that came up around diet change. This episode is a continuation of the previous episode on how we changed our perspective in relation to our 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 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 each changed our diet over 15 years ago due to help manage our symptoms. While at first we abhorred our way of eating and found it tedious and a chore, we now embrace it as something that helps us feel our best, and we’ve learned new habits and ways of thinking that has made following our way of eating much easier. We talk about this shift in the way we see our food choices and how we got there, such as by: —understanding how diet culture played a role in our thinking —identifying our priorities and making a commitment to them —supporting ourselves through the emotional grief that came with diet change. ☀️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 Yesenia Villalta about: —the importance of boundaries and some examples of them in relation to chronic illness —if there’s room for joy among our pain and how to find it —how to redefine what a good life means to us with chronic illness Yesenia and I also chatted in episode 129 about the emotions that can come up with endo. 🎤WHO IS YESENIA VILLALTA?🎤 Yesenia Villalta is a bilingual and bicultural social worker licensed in Virginia and Maryland, USA. She is the founder and owner of Venceremos®, LLC, a holistic healing practice primarily serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to overcome trauma-related stress and has served as an expert witness in qualified immigration hearings. She is trained in various modalities that support the whole person and has her framework of supporting clients through the Seven Pillars of Self-Love™. Yesenia helps healers, leaders and entrepreneurs heal their mind, body, soul and boundaries. She believes in collective healing power as a path to liberation. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode144 🔗Our Spanish episode here. ☀️CONNECT WITH YESENIA☀️ Instagram: @healwithyesenia ☀️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

Today I’m speaking with Kimether Redmon about how: —the healthcare system is getting more and more dysfunctional and confusing —healthcare provider burnout is common —the average 10-12 minute appointment time doesn’t give enough time to meet the patient’s medical needs, which are becoming increasingly more complex. 🎤WHO IS KIMETHER REDMON?🎤 She is an endometriosis patient as well as a Family Nurse Practitioner serving low-income uninsured patients in her area. Before her nursing career, she was a research consultant with a background in brain injury research, and employment. Being diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis in 2021 after over 20 years of countless incidents of dismissal, gaslighting, bias, and incompetency has fueled her own diligence as a healthcare provider and educator that prioritizes high quality, trauma informed care to all. ☀️CONNECT WITH KIMETHER☀️ Instagram @therebelliousuterus
 Kimether’s podcast @endothickofit ☀️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. Abdala Karame about: —if endometriomas can be distinguished from cysts in an ultrasound. —how to treat endometriomas and the evidence available on hormonal suppression and endometrioma recurrence. —if endometriomas always grow or not. 🎤WHO IS DR. ABDALA KARAME?🎤 Dr. Abdala Karame is a gynecologist obstetrician and specialists in assistive reproductive technology as well as an excision surgeon for endometriosis. He did his residency in Mexico after studying at the University “La Salle” Mexico. He then spent 8 years in Houston, TX working in the subspeciality of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Woman’s Hospital of Texas. He’s a member of various associations and professional societies in Venezuela, Mexico and the US. He’s the founder and director the Medical Center Dr Abdala Karame, in Maracaibo, Venezuela, where he works today focusing on infertility and pain in his patients. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode142 🔗Endometriomas - find all the studies I mentioned here. ☀️CONNECT WITH DR. KARAME☀️ Instagram @drakarame ☀️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 Alysia, who tells us about: —her experience with thoracic endometriosis —the challenges of recovering from 2 strokes brought on by COVID —what has helped her get through the darkest times with her health 🎤WHO IS ALYSIA J. DAGROSA, BCPA, CFSD, CLC?🎤 Born and bred in Brooklyn, NY Alysia grew up in a biracial household. Exposure to the rich cultures of both Southern Italy and St Vincent & the Grenadines has afforded her a unique perspective. After 20 years of suffering with the painful symptoms of endometriosis, Alysia finally pushed for better care and control of her life and finally underwent surgery in 2018. Following this experience and learning that countless people go through unnecessary suffering, Alysia decided to switch gears and began her journey of patient advocacy. In 2019, Alysia had the opportunity to speak about her experience at the Endometriosis Summit. Since then, Alysia has been active as a Patient Advocate in the Endo community in the US, West Indies, UK and Israel. In 2021, Alysia became a board-certified Patient Advocate and a Full Spectrum Doula, with expertise in multidisciplinary care, thoracic endometriosis and reproductive health. Today, Alysia helps folks by streamlining their search for adequate endometriosis treatment and works with new parents to achieve the birth experience of their dreams.  🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode141 🔗An Alysia for the Long Haul. From the podcast A Friend for the Long Haul. ☀️CONNECT WITH ALYSIA☀️ Instagram @tantielys and @she.is.lotus ☀️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 challenges of getting good sleep. We chat about: —some reasons why it’s tough to sleep well, from histamine to hormones to pain. —our tips for improving our sleep, from using red lights at night to meditation apps to worry logs for our anxiety. ☀️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 menopause specialist Jackie Piasta about: —menopause, perimenopause, surgical menopause, and early menopause —how the risks of hormonal replacement therapy were exaggerated by the media after the WHI study and how that’s led to unnecessary fear around HRT —taking testosterone as part of HRT: what symptoms does it help and what data is there on it. 🎤WHO IS JACKIE PIASTA?🎤 Jackie Piasta, WHNP-BC, is a board-certified Women's Health and Gender-related Nurse Practitioner, menopause specialist, and founder of Monarch Health, a midlife and menopause clinic in Marietta, GA. She co-hosts the podcast "JustAsk," which focuses on women’s health topics. Jackie is a Menopause Society Certified Clinician with The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS) and serves on the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) for The National Menopause Foundation (NMF). She is an active member of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH), The Menopause Society, The Obesity Medicine Association and the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH), where she currently serves on the advocacy and education committees. With over 15 years of experience, Jackie has earned recognition in the media and her community as a thought leader in menopause care. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode139 🔗Newson Health Menopause Society’s Easy Prescribing Guide 🔗Research on HRT in endometriosis patients ☀️CONNECT WITH JACKIE☀️ Instagram @jackiep_gynnp ☀️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 Bev about: —ableism and healthism: what they are, and how they affect people with chronic illness and/or disability —the social vs the medical model of disability —equity vs equality and the social determinants of health 🎤WHO IS BEV HERSCOVITCH?🎤 Bev Herscovitch is a writer, communications professional and healthcare and disability activist/advocate living in Toronto, Ontario. She is passionate about sharing insights into how our society perceives and addresses the body, and about working with others to dismantle barriers to create an environment that empowers people to thrive as much as possible. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode138 🔗Working definition of ableism on TL Lewis’s website ☀️CONNECT WITH BEV☀️ Instagram @unwellunlimitedly ☀️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 continues her conversation with Sophie about we want you to know if you are diagnosed with endo. In part 1, we talked about the importance of educating ourselves on endo and the treatment options available. In this episode, we talk about: —how the best improvements to quality of life often come from a full body approach —the importance of finding mental health support —how endometriosis isn’t your fault 🎤WHO IS SOPHIE KINLOCH?🎤 Sophie Kinloch (she/her) is an endometriosis advocate, teacher and creative based in Northern Ireland. She experienced first hand the huge lack of resources and accurate information for patients with endometriosis living in Northern Ireland, and this was the catalyst for her advocacy work starting in 2018. She was privileged to attend Endo Dubai Congress in 2019, taking part in live workshops and attending talks from world experts. She had her menstrual illustration work published in Freedom For Girls’ book ‘A Letter to My Younger Self’ in 2021 and has spoken on BBC radio live discussing endometriosis and gaps in care, as well as contributing to online articles and blogs about endo. She believes that chronic illness patients can - and deserve - to live a joyful life in which they are valued and supported.  ☀️CONNECT WITH SOPHIE☀️ Instagram @endoawareni ☀️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 Sophie about we want you to know if you are diagnosed with endo. We talk about: —the importance of educating yourself about this disease —how it’s vital to inform yourself of the treatment options available so that you can have more informed consent when you make treatment decisions —how connecting with the endo community can help you feel less isolated 🎤WHO IS SOPHIE KINLOCH?🎤 Sophie Kinloch (she/her) is an endometriosis advocate, teacher and creative based in Northern Ireland. She experienced first hand the huge lack of resources and accurate information for patients with endometriosis living in Northern Ireland, and this was the catalyst for her advocacy work starting in 2018. She was privileged to attend Endo Dubai Congress in 2019, taking part in live workshops and attending talks from world experts. She had her menstrual illustration work published in Freedom For Girls’ book ‘A Letter to My Younger Self’ in 2021 and has spoken on BBC radio live discussing endometriosis and gaps in care, as well as contributing to online articles and blogs about endo. She believes that chronic illness patients can - and deserve - to live a joyful life in which they are valued and supported.  🔗RESOURCES🔗 🔗https://insixteenyears.com/endometriosis-education/ ☀️CONNECT WITH SOPHIE☀️ Instagram @endoawareni ☀️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 Lyssette Horne about: —their perspective on the myriad of obstacles endometriosis patients face in receiving adequate care —their personal experience with endometriosis 🎤WHO IS LYSSETTE HORNE?🎤 Lyssette Horne (she/they) is a black, queer, and chronically ill artist, activist, and documentary filmmaker. Lyssette is a fierce advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, harm reduction, and body positivity. She has spoken on panels on the way trauma manifests in BIPOC LGBTQ homeless youth and led workshops for the DOE to help identify and support homeless youth in schools. Inspired by the works of Audre Lorde, Lyssette created Black Queer Roar, an online diary documenting their experiences as a chronically ill cancer and trauma survivor. Their activism has led to many creative endeavors. Lyssette co-produced the Emmy-nominated documentary ‘Invisible: Diary of New York’s Homeless Youth’, which featured their own story. They were named one of the Advocate magazine’s ‘Top Forty Under 40’, and their story was featured in Gay City News, Daily News and CNN.Lyssette roars to break the silence, fight stigma, and give their community permission to show up authentically. ☀️CONNECT WITH LYSSETTE☀️ Instagram @BlackQueerRoar ☀️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 low self-worth has impacted their experience with endometriosis. We talk about: —the untrue stories we told ourselves about our appearance and productivity and the negative effect that had on our lives —how society taught us those stories through ableism, ageism, fatphobia, and other systems of oppression —how much our lives have improved now that we understand our inherent worth 📖AMY'S BOOK is available as a paperbook, e-book, and audiobook. See where to find it here: https://insixteenyears.com/where-to-find-my-book/ ☀️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. Maurice Chung about: —the study he co-authored called “A Pain Desensitization Algorithm for Phenotyping and Treating Chronic Pelvic Pain” —the details of this algorithm for trying to establish a patient’s pain generators to reduce pain —nerve blocks for pelvic pain and the role of the bladder in pelvic pain. 🎤WHO IS DR. MAURICE CHUNG?🎤 Dr. Chung received his medical training from Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, and post- graduate OB/GYN residency training at Albany Medical Center, N.Y. He is Board Certified in General OB/GYN and Sub Specialty Board certified in FPMRS and received the Advanced Laparoendoscopic Surgeon certification from the Accreditation Council of Gynecologic Endoscopy (A.C.G.E.). He is the Director of the Center for Endometriosis, Pelvic Pain & Urogynecology of WVU Medicine Wheeling & Reynolds Memorial Hospital, He is the former Director of the Mercy Center of Endometriosis, Pelvic Pain & Urogynecology, Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Canton Ohio and also the former Director of Center of endometriosis, Pelvic Pain and Bladder Control, Lima, Ohio. His focused interests and research in the last 30 years have been in advanced Laparoendoscopic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, Urogynecology, treatment of chronic pelvic pain, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, pudendal nerve dysfunction, Endometriosis and Interstitial cystitis. He performed and taught the first urinary continence TVT procedure in China, 2000. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode133 🔗A Pain Desensitization Algorithm for Phenotyping and Treating Chronic Pelvic Pain ☀️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 Lyssette Horne about: —their experience with ovarian torsion, skin, and breast cancer. —some of the tools and practices Lyssette used to cope during these difficult times. —the ways endometriosis and cancer has changed their body, and how they are learning to find acceptance with them. In Part 2, Lyssette shares about their experience with endometriosis and the obstacles in finding care. 🎤WHO IS LYSSETTE HORNE?🎤 Lyssette Horne (she/they) is a black, queer, and chronically ill artist, activist, and documentary filmmaker. Lyssette is a fierce advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, harm reduction, and body positivity. She has spoken on panels on the way trauma manifests in BIPOC LGBTQ homeless youth and led workshops for the DOE to help identify and support homeless youth in schools. Inspired by the works of Audre Lorde, Lyssette created Black Queer Roar, an online diary documenting their experiences as a chronically ill cancer and trauma survivor. Their activism has led to many creative endeavors. Lyssette co-produced the Emmy-nominated documentary ‘Invisible: Diary of New York’s Homeless Youth’, which featured their own story. They were named one of the Advocate magazine’s ‘Top Forty Under 40’, and their story was featured in Gay City News, Daily News and CNN. Lyssette roars to break the silence, fight stigma, and give their community permission to show up authentically. ☀️CONNECT WITH LYSSETTE☀️ Instagram @BlackQueerRoar ☀️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/

Listen to 2 chapters from Amy’s audiobook. In this episode: 📖Amy briefly shares what her book “Finding Peace with a Devastating Disease” is about. 📖Amy shares about the challenges of producing her audiobook as a chronically ill and dynamically disabled person. 📖Listen to chapter 2 “It’s Like Being Upset the Sky is Blue” and the prologue “Is Endometriosis a Devastating Disease?” Amy’s book is available as a paperbook, e-book, and audiobook. See where to find it here: https://insixteenyears.com/where-to-find-my-book/ ☀️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 Wendaline VanBuren about: —the 2024 publication called The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus on Routine Pelvic Ultrasound for Endometriosis that Dr. VanBuren was a senior author on. —the goal of the consensus, who participated, and the vision for implementation in the future. — the difference between a Routine Pelvic ultrasound, Augmented Pelvic ultrasound, and Advanced endometriosis imaging. 🎤WHO IS DR. WENDALINE VANBUREN?🎤 Dr. VanBuren is a board-certified radiologist, Associate Professor and Chair of the Gynecological imaging section at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, USA, with a dedicated interest in Endometriosis. Dr. VanBuren is the senior author on the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus on Routine Pelvic US for Endometriosis, the Course Director for the 1st International Endometriosis Imaging Congress and one of the founding Course Directors for the Mayo Clinic Gynecological and Breast Imaging course. On a national level, she co-founded the Disease Focused Panel on Endometriosis for the Society of Abdominal Radiology and was the invited guest editor for the journal Abdominal Radiology Special Edition on Endometriosis. Her ongoing work has been highlighted at a variety of national and international radiology, gynecology and pelvic pain conferences. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode130 🔗Read the consensus here. ☀️CONNECT WITH WENDALINE☀️ Instagram and X: @wendalinevb and @endoeice ☀️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 Yesenia Villalta about: —the stories we tell commonly tell ourselves about our bodies and endometriosis —tips for processing the anger we often feel toward this disease —the importance of getting curious about the shame we feel and how to move toward self-acceptance and love. 🎤WHO IS YESENIA VILLALTA?🎤 Yesenia Villalta is a bilingual and bicultural social worker licensed in Virginia and Maryland, USA. She is the founder and owner of Venceremos®, LLC, a holistic healing practice primarily serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to overcome trauma-related stress and has served as an expert witness in qualified immigration hearings. She is trained in various modalities that support the whole person and has her framework of supporting clients through the Seven Pillars of Self-Love™. Yesenia helps healers, leaders and entrepreneurs heal their mind, body, soul and boundaries. She believes in collective healing power as a path to liberation. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode129 🔗Our Spanish episode here. ☀️CONNECT WITH YESENIA☀️Instagram @healwithyesenia ☀️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 Jocelyn Fitzgerald about vaginal estrogen. We talk about: —what it is, how it’s different from systemic estrogen, and what options are available. —the safety information and benefits for genital urinary syndrome of menopause which include urinary and vaginal symptoms. —its use specifically for patients with endometriosis. 🎤WHO IS DR. JOCELYN J. FITZGERALD, MD FACOG, URPS?🎤 Jocelyn J. Fitzgerald, MD is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She completed her Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at Georgetown University/MedStar Health and her Gynecology and Obstetrics residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. She attended medical school at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated from the Physician Scientist Training Program where she studied overlapping mechanisms of bowel and bladder pain. Dr. Fitzgerald is the Social Media Editor of the Urogynecology Journal and the Chair of the SGS Social Media committee. Her research and advocacy has focused on mechanisms and misdiagnosis of female chronic pelvic and bladder pain, discriminatory reimbursement and funding disparities in gynecologic surgery and women’s health research, and the role of social and digital media in the online promotion of women’s health. 🔗Resources🔗 Clickable links at www.insixteenyears.com/episode128 🔗Vaginal Estrogen ☀️CONNECT WITH DR. FITZGERALD☀️ INSTAGRAM and X @jjfitzgeraldmd ☀️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 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/

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 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 and Brittany talk about: —the difficulties of adjusting to a new, unwanted reality as illness impacts every aspect of our lives. —finding ourselves again, finding joy again, finding a life worth living again. —celebrating the small wins and being able to see how far we’ve come. ☀️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 I’m speaking with Dr. John Dulemba about: —How surgeons need to understand the limitations of their skills if they don't have a lot of experience yet. —How colostomy rates for bowel endo are extremely low in hands of an expert. —Risks and other considerations when thinking about excision surgery. 🎤WHO IS DR. JOHN DULEMBA?🎤 A now retired excision surgeon who was in private practice in Denton, Texas, from 1986-2023. He performed over 7300 endometriosis surgeries, both robotically and via standard laparoscopy, so he has a lot of insight on endometriosis. 🔗RESOURCES🔗 For clickable links to the resources below, go to www.insixteenyears.com/episode121 🔗Wright J, Lotfallah H, Jones K, Lovell D. A randomized trial of excision versus ablation for mild endometriosis. Fertil Steril. 2005 Jun;83(6):1830-6. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.11.066. PMID: 15950657. ☀️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/