My Muscles Don’t Work Right Yet My Pain is Invisible

Today my physical therapist told me that my muscles “just don’t work right.” This might sound harsh to some, but to me, these words were incredibly validating.

I have lived in chronic pain for nearly 13 years. I suffer from Endometriosis which went undiagnosed for 11 years. Endometriosis is one of the top 20 most painful conditions a person can experience. For over a decade, I was told the excruciating pain I experience was all in my head.

Doctors misdiagnosing Endometriosis is unfortunately common. Despite over 176 million people worldwide suffering from this illness, it takes on average 7–10 years to get a diagnosis.

I happen to have Deeply Infiltrating Endometriosis, which means that it is deep within the tissue. Deeply Infiltrating Endometriosis only affects 5–20% of people with Endometriosis, and it is the most aggressive and painful form of the disease. Living for so long with no treatment, my body bore the brunt of the pain.

Being in pain as long as I have can really take a toll on the body. I have been in physical therapy for 18 months, have had surgery to remove some of my Endometriosis and live my life around placating my disease. Even with that, my physical therapist is baffled by how poorly my musculoskeletal system functions.

While others might be offended, it is incredibly validating to hear that my muscles aren’t working rather than being told the pain is all psychosomatic. Even now, having a pathological…