Focus On Your Finals, Not Your Pain

This week is the week that all high school students dread; finals week.  The one thing that is worse than finals, is having Endo pain during finals.  This year I was very lucky to not have pain during finals (so far), but all week I can't help thinking about what I felt last year during this week.  Last year I had to face finals when I had the absolute worst pain.  I would get so distracted and couldn't even think.  This year, I am so thankful that it wasn't a repeat of last year.  This year I have been able to focus on the actual exam and not how much pain I was in.  Studying has been a lot easier and I am not as freaked out as I was last year.  So, here are some tips for finals with Endo pain:

1. Try not to get too stressed out.  Just breathe and relax.
2. Go slow, just study for one class at a time.
3. When taking the exam, read the directions carefully. 
4. Study with friends so they can help distract you.
5. Make study guides.
6. Create a study binder for all your classes so you have all your study information in one place.
7. Ask your teachers for as much help as they can give you.
8. Remember, it's not the end of the world, just try your best!

New Year, Less Pain...Hopefully

Another year has come and gone and there is still no cure for Endo.  This could be discouraging, but for me, I know there will be one very soon.  2016 was a year of many ups and downs for me and my Endo.  Instead of focusing on the negative things about my Endo this year, I decided to make a list of all the positive things that happened with my Endo this year.

1. I went to Boston Children's Hospital and got to talk with my world renowned doctor to discuss the pain I was having.
2. The doctor I spoke to said he would say I almost definitely had Endo.
3. I got my first laparoscopic surgery to diagnose and temporarily destroy my Endometriosis.
4. I was almost completely pain free for a couple of months.
5. I have only had a couple of big flair ups since February when I got my surgery.
6. I am now able to have fun and not be miserable all the time.
7. I am able to participate in fun family activities that I was not able to before.
8. I do not have to text my parents everyday saying I need to come home from school.
9. I can say "yes" to a lot more activities with my friends. 
10. I have had an amazing support system of friends and family to help me through this difficult journey.

It is a new year which means a fresh start for all of us.  Leave the pain and the struggling in 2016, this year is going to be way better for all of you!  I am positive that this year people will know more about Endometriosis and researchers will be even closer to finding a cure for all of us.  Do not give up because this year WILL be better! Always remember, Endo is NOT the end!