Advertise on podcast: In Sixteen Years of Endometriosis

Amy speaks with Lorraine Truman about MCAS. We talk about: —what’s been helping our MCAS on a physical level —how we’ve learned to set boundaries and put our health first in social situations —the challenges and also personal growth in rebuilding our lives with MCAS 🎤WHO IS LORRAINE TRUMAN?🎤 Lorraine has been seen by almost every specialty and experienced a large array of testing to determine her current diagnosis of endometriosis, POTS, MCAS and bartonella. This has been almost 12 years of constant advocacy for herself and in the last 5 years for others suffering with the same symptoms. Her mission is to share her journey so many other humans do not have to experience the level of dismissal and medical trauma she has endured.  ☀️CONNECT WITH LORRAINE ☀️ Instagram @endoendeavors ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears 📖MY BOOKS ABOUT ENDO📖 Endometriosis: Putting the Pieces Together for a Better Life. https://insixteenyears.com/endometriosis-putting-the-pieces-together-for-a-better-life/ Finding Peace with a Devastating Disease. https://insixteenyears.com/where-to-find-my-book/ ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy and Brittany wrap up our discussion about advocating for ourselves, sharing 4 stories about times in our lives when we originally didn’t advocate for ourselves, but then through preparation, self-work, and better understanding disability and ourselves, we successfully advocated for what we needed! These stories include 2 personal ones (with our family and traveling) and 2 work-related (involving disability accommodations). ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears 📖MY BOOKS ABOUT ENDO📖 Endometriosis: Putting the Pieces Together for a Better Life. https://insixteenyears.com/endometriosis-putting-the-pieces-together-for-a-better-life/ Finding Peace with a Devastating Disease. https://insixteenyears.com/where-to-find-my-book/ ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy and Brittany talk about how beliefs about our worth and what we deserve can often get in the way of asking for what we want, especially with our chronic illness and disability. Because of socialization in society for women and those AFAB, ableist comments from loved ones, and the times people made us feel embarrassed for having specific needs, it can feel impossible to speak up. We talk about how we are unpacking the beliefs we have about ourselves to better support ourselves and our chronic illness. We want you to know that your needs are important, even if people say otherwise! ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears 📖MY BOOKS ABOUT ENDO📖 Endometriosis: Putting the Pieces Together for a Better Life. https://insixteenyears.com/endometriosis-putting-the-pieces-together-for-a-better-life/ Finding Peace with a Devastating Disease. https://insixteenyears.com/where-to-find-my-book/ ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Andoeni about: —the lack of multidisciplinary centers or coordinated care specifically for endo and how this hurts patients —how patients can feel abandoned post surgery if there’s no post op care —the burden that falls on the patients to research their conditions and find a knowledgable doctor they can trust 🎤WHO IS ANDOENI?🎤 Andoeni is the creator behind CuerpoCurativo, a community-led platform dedicated to educating, supporting, and empowering women living with endometriosis. After her own diagnosis, she turned her search for answers into a space that centers patient voices, shares accessible resources, and brings awareness to the systemic gaps in menstrual and reproductive health care. Through storytelling, education, and advocacy, she hopes to make others feel less alone in their healing journey.  ☀️CONNECT WITH ANDOENI☀️ Instagram @Cuerpocurativo ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears 📖MY BOOKS ABOUT ENDO📖 Endometriosis: Putting the Pieces Together for a Better Life. https://insixteenyears.com/endometriosis-putting-the-pieces-together-for-a-better-life/ Finding Peace with a Devastating Disease. https://insixteenyears.com/where-to-find-my-book/ ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Michelle about the guidelines for IC/PBS (Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome). We talk about: —the different phenotypes and what this means for treatment —key takeaways from the updated 2025 Canadian guidelines —our personal experiences with this condition 🎤WHO IS MICHELLE?🎤 Michelle is a peer health navigator and a dedicated advocate for pelvic health. Known as the voice behind The Happy Pelvis, she passionately spreads awareness about pelvic health through her platforms. At The Happy Pelvis, Michelle leads numerous initiatives aimed at empowering individuals grappling with chronic pelvic pain and illness. Her mission is clear: to equip people with the tools they need to advocate for themselves effectively. Michelle's goal is to offer resources, guidance and support to help individuals navigate diagnoses, communicate with healthcare providers and make informed decisions regarding their treatment journey.  ☀️CONNECT WITH MICHELLE☀️ Instagram @The.happy.pelvisWebsite: https://thehappypelvis.ca/ ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears 📖MY BOOKS ABOUT ENDO📖 Endometriosis: Putting the Pieces Together for a Better Life. https://insixteenyears.com/endometriosis-putting-the-pieces-together-for-a-better-life/ Finding Peace with a Devastating Disease. https://insixteenyears.com/where-to-find-my-book/ ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Dr. Adam Duke about: —what endometriosis care would look like of he could rewrite the guidelines for care —what it was like to open his own excision practice in a more rural part of the United States —the importance of endometriosis advocacy in improving patient care 🎤WHO IS Dr. Adam Duke?🎤 Dr. Adam Duke is an endometriosis excision surgeon who is nationally recognized for his excellent endometriosis care. He considers himself as much of an endometriosis advocate and ally as an endometriosis surgeon. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Dr Sula Windgassen about her new book called “It’s All in Your Body: A Practical Roadmap to Healing Through Mind Body Connection”. We talk about: —an overview of the mind-body connection and why it can be hard to embrace after years of medical gaslighting and being told “it’s all in our head” —how stress affects the bladder —the difference between safety behaviors and necessary behaviors 🎤WHO IS Dr Sula Windgassen?🎤 Dr Sula Windgassen PhD MSc is a health psychologist who has dedicated her career to understanding the powerful intersection between physical and mental health. Dr Sula is the director of Mind Body Blossom, a clinical health psychology practice delivering therapy for people experiencing burnout, trauma and chronic health issues. She’s an internationally recognised researcher with over 30 published academic papers, and she has amazingly informative content both on her instagram and her newsletter. She’s now published a new book called “It’s All in Your Body: A Practical Roadmap to Healing Through Mind Body Connection”.  ☀️CONNECT WITH Dr Sula☀️ Instagram @The_health_psychologist ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Jade Walker about SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) —how SIBO is an umbrella term for multiple bacterial overgrowths —what causes it and why it’s a common co-condition with endometriosis —different ways of treating and managing it. 🎤WHO IS JADE WALKER?🎤 Jade Walker is a degree-qualified naturopath and educator known for her work in complex endometriosis, gut health, and hormone conditions. With eight years of clinical experience, and a personal journey with endo, Jade has a passion for uncovering overlooked drivers of chronic symptoms, particularly the intersection between the microbiome, inflammation, and hormonal dysfunction. She is the founder of the course The Endo Care Collective and online clinic EndoBiome, where she leads a team of practitioners delivering evidence-informed, microbiome-focused care for people navigating persistent and often misunderstood health issues.  ☀️CONNECT WITH JADE ☀️ Instagram @byjadewalker Websites: www.jadewalker.com.au and www.theendobiome.com ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Casey Berna about her new book “Endometriosis: From Harm to Hope”. We talk about topics discussed in her book, such as: —medical narcissism and how to navigate difficult experiences with our healthcare professionals —what the medical industry complex is and how it harms patients —the importance of identifying our needs, how to do so, and putting ourselves first. 🎤WHO IS CASEY BERNA?🎤 Casey is a social worker, endometriosis patient, published author, and highly regarded endometriosis advocate. In addition to providing professional counseling to endometriosis patients, she’s also worked with expert medical professionals, advocates, and global nonprofits in the endometriosis and infertility fields to improve access to care through documentaries, conferences, protests, and now her new book, Endometriosis: From Harm to Hope.  ☀️CONNECT WITH CASEY☀️ Instagram @endosocialworker Book: Endometriosis: From Harm to Hope by Casey Berna ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Dr. Lora Liu about excision surgery. She explains to us: —Tips for asking your surgeon about their multidisciplinary surgical team. —How she decides when to operate on a patient. —Some of the risks vs benefits of excision, especially bowel surgery. 🎤WHO IS DR. LORA LIU?🎤 Dr. Lora Liu is an excision surgeon who became interested in surgery as a teenager watching her father, Dr. CY Liu, operate. Dr Liu is a trainer and proctor in the use of robotic surgery. She firmly believes in multidisciplinary care. She has multidisciplinary surgical team in the OR with her and also has working relationships with multiple specialists like physiatrists, pain management specialists, and pelvic floor physical therapists to help guide patients with post surgery care. 🔗Resources🔗 Clickable links at www.insixteenyears.com/episode167 🔗Study on Low Anterior Resection Syndrome www.endonews.com/low-anterior-resection-syndrome-lars-risk-following-rectosigmoid-endometriosis-surgery  ☀️CONNECT WITH DR. LORA LIU☀️ Instagram @drliu_endometriosis_surgeon ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Judith Chavarría about: —what her personal experience with endometriosis is —what’s helped her physically and emotionally to live better with this disease —her advice for others living with endo 🎤WHO IS JUDITH CHAVARRÍA?🎤 Judith is 38 years old and lives in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. She has been married for 6 years and has a 12-year-old daughter. She is an English teacher and enjoys sharing her knowledge to help others learn the language. In her free time, she loves watching and listening to podcasts, interviews, movies, and series focused on personal growth, as she is always looking for new ways to grow and improve both personally and professionally. ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears  ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Listen to a chapter from Amy’s audiobook: 📖Chapter 67: “No Matter What Happens, I Will Be Okay” Amy’s book is available as a paperbook, e-book, and audiobook. See where to find it here: https://insixteenyears.com/where-to-find-my-book/ ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears

Amy speaks to Orla O’Connor from Ireland and Jennifer Todd from Canada about traveling abroad for excision surgery. They share about: —what they think is most important to keep in mind when going to another country to medical care —their process for choosing a surgeon —logistics such as post op care and flying home after the surgery 🎤WHO IS ORLA AND JEN?🎤 Orla O’Connor is a fourth-year BSc Public Health Sciences student who runs a WhatsApp peer-support group that helps patients understand their options and feel less alone. Drawing on public-health training and lived community experience, Orla focuses on evidence-based information, practical checklists, and patient advocacy—especially for those considering diagnostic evaluation or surgery abroad. She signposts trusted clinical guidelines and Irish health-system pathways, helps members prepare referrals and reimbursement paperwork under the Cross-Border Directive, and promotes informed, shared decision-making with qualified specialists. Jennifer Todd is a mom, wife and Registered Nurse navigating life post endometriosis excision, hysterectomy, oophrectomy and bowel resection for stage 4 deep infiltrating endometriosis and severe adenomysosis. She has had two surgeries, one in Canada with an excision specialist and one in Mexico with an excision specialist and General surgeon. Traveling for surgery was intimidating but well worth it. Jennifer strongly believes patients are their own best advocates and hopes to encourage patients to trust themselves and push for the help they deserve.  ☀️CONNECT WITH ORLA☀️ Instagram Orla @orlacorkendowarrior  ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears  ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy speaks with Dr. Jorge Carrillo about the complexity of chronic pelvic pain. We talk about: —his strategy for evaluating menstrual, bladder, bowel, musculoskeletal, and neuropathic symptoms in his patients —the biopsychosocial model of pain and why it’s important —the need for integrative pain care for endometriosis 🎤WHO IS DR. JORGE CARRILLO?🎤 Dr. Carrillo earned his degree as a Medical Doctor and Surgeon from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. He then completed his residency in Gynecology and Obstetrics, followed by a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery with a focus on Chronic Pelvic Pain. He is a Professor in the Fellowship Program for Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Orlando VA and serves as the director for the residents rotating at the same institution. Dr. Carrillo is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) and was the President-Elect of the Society for the 2024–2025 term. His passion lies in helping patients who suffer from chronic pelvic pain and in educating healthcare professionals about these conditions. His research and publications focus on raising awareness and educating both patients and colleagues about these issues.  ☀️CONNECT WITH DR. CARRILLO☀️ Instagram @pelvic_paineducatormd 🔗www.pelvicpaineducation.com ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears  ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/

Amy and Brittany talk about self-forgiveness: —what it is —the benefits it provides —some examples of situations related to chronic illness that we’ve found difficult to let go of and forgive ourselves ☀️CONNECT WITH AMY☀️ Instagram @in16yearsofendo Website: www.insixteenyears.com Like my show? Please rate it or leave a review! Support me by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/insixteenyears ⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ The information on my platforms is educational information only and not medical advice. Always check with your qualified medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Keep in mind that while I strive to share evidenced-based information, this doesn’t always mean that my information is accurate or complete. Read my full disclaimer here: https://insixteenyears.com/disclaimer/