My 24 year old daughter had surgery two weeks ago. Her surgeon was surprised at how much and how deep the endometrium spread in her young life. The surgeon, Dr. Mona Orady, also lamented to me, "I don't know why it takes people so long to get to me."

She wasn't judging our ignorance, but other doctors'. My daughter has seen every kind of doctor for the last 8 years as this disease immobilized her and destroyed her life. All the tests were normal. A Stanford Medical Center specialist led with "are you taking anxiety medication?" Gynecologists (female) scoffed at her pain level and overmedicated her with hormones. Endometriosis was weakly proposed as a potential cause but she had no confidence to undergo surgery for a "maybe" after years of being told there is nothing wrong with her.

She's looking forward to writing a few letters to former doctors informing them her numerous symptoms were not in her head. She's suffered from nearly every symptom you listed. Add to that the debilitating mental health issues that come with daily pain and suffering, only to be told there is nothing wrong.

It's early, but we see positive changes in her. She might get her life back - or rather have a life for the first time.

Thanks for your timely and well written article. I'll be sharing it for years to come.