BREAKING FREE: MY JOURNEY TO OVERCOMING CHRONIC PAIN

By Joyce Weeks

For as long as I can remember, I lived with pain. It was my constant companion—so much so that I didn’t recognize how severe it was until I was finally freed from it in November 2024. After 29 years, I found a doctor who not only believed me but also understood my condition and knew how to treat it. This is the story of my journey to reclaim my life.

The Beginning Of The Pain

It all started when I was eight years old. If women’s health topics make you uncomfortable, consider this your warning—because my story is deeply intertwined with them.

I’ll never forget the first time I got my period. I had just returned home from the dress rehearsal of my elementary school’s production of The Lion King, where I was playing Adult Nala. Still in costume, I went to the bathroom and discovered what every young girl is told will one day arrive: my first period.

Luckily, my mom—a nurse—had prepared me for this moment. My parents were supportive and encouraging, and I went about my young life. But by the time I turned 10, periods became a source of agony. The pain was extreme, but manageable with ibuprofen and, eventually, birth control pills—standard treatment for painful periods.

High School And The Pain That Stole My Youth

By high school, my symptoms worsened. I began to experience debilitating migraines alongside the severe menstrual pain. At times, it felt like my body was rebelling against me. My migraines were so severe that they left me bedridden for days. They didn’t just affect my health; they affected my entire life.

In my junior year, the pain became so intense that I missed six weeks of school. Falling behind academically was a massive blow to my confidence. Eventually, I had to make the difficult decision to drop out. This was heartbreaking for me, but it felt like the only option. I earned my GED and transitioned to community college, trying to make the best of my situation.

Doctors dismissed my concerns, offering the same tired advice: “Use a heating pad,” “Take NSAIDs,” or, most frustratingly, “Have a baby—it’ll help.” These were actual words from an OB-GYN as she tried to place an IUD without anesthesia. I was just 19.

The official diagnosis was dysmenorrhea—medical jargon for painful periods. But deep down, I knew there was something more going on. My body was trying to tell me something, and I wasn’t being heard.

Suspicions Confirmed

Fast forward to 2019. After having my youngest child, I experienced a brief reprieve from the pain during pregnancy, but it came back worse than ever. At this point, the pain was no longer limited to my periods. It was constant, and I was tired of suffering in silence.

I scheduled appointments with both my OB-GYN and a gastroenterologist. After ruling out gastrointestinal issues, I pushed for a laparoscopy—the only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis, a condition I had long suspected.

When I woke up from surgery in 2022, my doctor confirmed it: endometriosis. Finally, I had an answer. It felt validating to know that my pain wasn’t imaginary. But relief was fleeting. The ablation surgery I underwent (one of the two primary treatments for endometriosis) failed to alleviate my symptoms. Within months, the pain returned with a vengeance.

Navigating The Medical Maze

Over the next two years, I tried everything, including hormonal IUDs to slow the regrowth of endometriosis lesions. I was referred to specialists, but their lack of empathy and ineffective solutions left me feeling hopeless. I vividly remember leaving one appointment in tears, feeling more defeated than when I arrived. It’s an indescribable pain to feel unheard by the very people who are supposed to help you.

The emotional toll was as significant as the physical one. Chronic pain isolates you. It makes you question your sanity and your worth. I began to doubt myself and wonder if I was being dramatic, as some doctors subtly implied. It’s a cruel reality that many women with endometriosis face—their pain is often minimized or dismissed altogether.

By the summer of 2024, I’d had enough. After talking with a friend who was planning a hysterectomy, I knew it was time to take control of my body and my pain. I was done waiting for someone to offer me a solution; I needed to advocate for myself.

The Doctor Who Changed Everything

In 2024, I met with a gynecological surgeon. From the moment I walked into her office, I felt understood. She listened to my story, empathized with my struggles, and presented a clear plan for surgery. For the first time, I felt hopeful.

The surgeon recommended a total hysterectomy. While the decision was daunting, I knew it was the right one for me. Just two weeks later, on November 12th, I underwent the procedure. She removed my uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and the tissue surrounding my ovaries along with all of the endometriosis she could. The surgery took three hours, and the extent of my endometriosis—now stage 3— was evident.

Life After Pain

The difference was almost immediate. Within a week, I could tell something had changed. By two weeks post-I spent time playing with my youngest in his room, building with Magna tiles, and playing kitchen. For the first time, I was truly present. I could sit on the floor without wincing in pain, fully engaged in the moment, enjoying his laughter and the joy of simply being there.

The impact extended beyond my physical health. Mentally and emotionally, I felt lighter. Chronic pain takes a toll on your mental health, and removing that burden allowed me to focus on things I hadn’t been able to enjoy in years. I began to rediscover hobbies, reconnect with friends, and set new goals for my future.

Now, I wake up each day with energy, free from the relentless pain that once defined my life. It’s a feeling I can only describe as miraculous.

A Message To Others

If you’re struggling with chronic pain—whether it’s endometriosis or another condition—don’t give up. Keep advocating for yourself. There are doctors out there who will listen, who will believe you, and who will help you find relief.

It’s not an easy journey, and it often requires immense patience and persistence. But your pain is valid, and you deserve answers. Surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up, and don’t hesitate to seek second (or third, or fourth) opinions if needed.

My journey took 29 years, but I finally found freedom. And it feels incredible. The lessons I’ve learned along the way are ones I hope to share with others so that they, too, can find the help and healing they deserve.

About the author:

Joyce Weeks, B.S., M.Sc., is an immunology and global health expert with a background in biology. A 2014 graduate of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, she joined Dental Ed, Inc. that same year, eventually becoming Owner in 2023. Raised by a dentist and infection control educator, Joyce combines academic expertise and personal experience to advance dental education in PPE, disease prevention, and safety. Her passion drives improvements in care standards within the dental community.