u/Sweet_Security7890

I finally got a job offer today after months of trying. It’s with one of the departments in my state but when they sent me my nonnegotiable job offer, I’ll be about 8k less a year plus pay spread out over 12 months instead of 10. The position is hybrid and I really need to get out of education for my mental health and quality of life but I’m wondering if it’s worth it or should I just keep looking. I’ve been in education for 5 years and I feel like now is the right time to move with my professional experience but not be limited in career moves. From my research it doesn’t look like this department offers much room for growth unless internally, and I have a spouse that will help supplement our income (teacher too, but higher steps and he has masters pay).

Thoughts?

I am pretty certain I have endometriosis and I am so shocked I didn’t realize my symptoms weren’t normal

I vividly remember being a sophomore in high school and running out of biology to throw up because of my period pain. The pain never got better.

If I didn’t have pain relief in my system on days 2-4 during my period I was in blinding pain. It was so bad I couldn’t move. I was often too weak to get to the bathroom. I would continue to throw up into my 20s if I didn’t time my pain relief correctly. Also I would always double barrier with a pad and a (super) tampon because I just thought I was a “heavy bleeder.” I thought most woman did this…

For personal reasons, I was abstinent untiI got married at 27. Months before my wedding, I started birth control and I was so relieved when my period stopped!! The pain was gone and I finally felt normal.

It wasn’t until I began to have sex when I got married last year. that I realized that’s something was wrong. For the first few months everything was fine, but after a few weeks I began to feel these horrible cramps, after sex. At first I thought it was just newlywed sex, maybe we were going at it too rough and he hit my cervix or something but the pain was like the horrible period pain all over again.

A few weeks ago I had sex with my husband and it hurt so bad after, I ran to the bathroom(this is gross) and I threw up and had a bowel movement at the same time.

I was so embarrassed and horrified that I knew something was wrong. I started googling but the signs are pointing to endo. I’m partially devastated because while I don’t regret waiting to have sex with my husband, I am devastated that this has put a damper on my sex life. My husband is incredibly patient and understanding but I like having sex!! I waited until I was 27 and I really don’t want this to affect and ruin my relationship with sex. It’s devastating to me. Additionally I ruptured my Achilles this year so it’s just been a lot heath wise for me lol.

Is any able to continue to have a good relationship with sex while managing endo? I tried taking ibuprofen an hour before and that worked okay, kind of like managing period symptoms, but it’s definitely not super spontaneous.

Also should I consult my gyno? I’m not due for another appointment until like December, but from what I’m reading, they cannot diagnose unless you have surgery. Is it worth even trying to get help? I eventually want to try to have kids but wasn’t planning on trying until another 2-3 years… do I need to begin planning things now with my doctor? I know infertility only affects a percentage of women with endo but I’m just so conflicted and lost.

Why wasn’t I aware this was normal earlier?? What should I do?? How do I continue to manage this? I don’t know how to even talk about this with anyone close to besides my husband. Any advice and suggestions are welcome.