Ever since middle school, Angie Failor, a mother and owner of A.C.F Salon Company in Carlisle, Pa., suffered from debilitating periods. “The pain was horrible, and the flow was so heavy I would bleed through my clothes. I would miss school because the pain was so terrible,” she shared.
She saw many doctors, but none of them could explain her symptoms or offer a solution — until she met with Dr. Gerald Harkins, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa.
“For the first time, a doctor actually listened to me,” Angie says.
Dr. Harkins diagnosed Angie with endometriosis, an often painful condition that occurs when the type of cells that normally line the uterus grow outside of it.
Endometriosis can cause heavy periods, abdominal and pelvic pain, and pain during sex. It also creates inflammation and scar tissue around the ovaries and fallopian tubes, which often makes it hard to get pregnant.
“Endometriosis is incredibly common,” explains Dr. Harkins. “While there is no cure, pain relievers, hormones, and surgery can help.”
In Angie’s case, Dr. Harkins recommended laparoscopic surgery to improve her quality of life and increase her chances of getting pregnant.
Angie’s surgery was a success! Today she and her husband are the proud parents of two healthy boys.
Angie has had multiple surgeries since her first because endometrial tissue regrows. Regular exercise and an anti-inflammation diet also ease her symptoms.
Equally important is a strong support system to help when endometriosis makes daily tasks difficult. So is finding the right medical team. “It’s important to have doctors who really listen to you,” says Angie.
Angie is proud to share her story. “I’m not letting endometriosis take my life away,” she says.
“I use my experience to help other women in any way I can.”
Never let anyone tell you it’s all in your head or it’s just part of being a woman, Angie advises.
“Don’t give up. Find the right doctors.”
