And I don't think this is a self-absorbed piece; how else would any of us share our stories? (Although I say this as somebody who ALSO suspects herself of self-absorption; grain of salt, canyon of salt, etc. etc.) I have endometriosis, and I wouldn't have learned that - wouldn't have undergone surgery - if I hadn't heard first-hand accounts of symptoms from so many people on reddit. I think it takes a lot of courage to give yourself the grace of letting a story be your story, and knowing that even if it reaches just one person, it could be everything.
But yes, birth control! I'm actually not on it, because I'm already on a cacophony of medications for my brain crap, and I don't trust my dyslexia to take on additional numbers of pills. (e.g. Is this one the one I take 3 of? Or 1? OH GOD, THIS IS WHY I CRIED AT MY MATH TEACHER IN HIGH SCHOOL.)
I'm so, so glad you a) found what works for you and b) were able to *get* it, because what a horror story of medical care—it feels wrong to call it care at all!—and what sounds like tremendous pain, of all sorts, for you.
I just really adore your newsletter. It makes me feel less alone.
Sarah this gave me chills in the best way (I mean the whole comment, thank you for sharing so openly and vulnerably just like your substack does, in such a beautiful way) but to know my substack reaches you means the world. Your words mean so much to me every time they land in my inbox and I want you to know how grateful I am 🧡🧡🧡
I sat in the cabin reading this. Love the honesty and vulnerability. Thank you LD. We so often don't know what's going on behind the screen, behind the mask, behind the make-up. The letter felt unfinished to you but we don't come here for things to be tied in neat bow. We come here for you, as you are. x
Reproductive system 💩 is unfortunately something I deal with too. Shoutout to PCOS and it’s treatment of hormonal birth control. Thank you for talking about this
Thank you for reading 🧡 and sharing your experience too. I think this happens to more people than it doesn't yet my whole life I have felt I have had to keep quiet about it. I appreciate you 🧡
Thank you for sharing, I too used to use birth control medication as a way to manage the pain and symptoms of the dreaded monthly cycle. I can see from the photos what a difference it has made for you. Loved the ad 🤪 and the cute cat pictures 🐈⬛🐈🐈⬛
Such a brilliant read…So honest, so raw, so vulnerable & so true for so many…A deep heartfelt sorry that you had to travel that road to get the medication and care you needed…The world is so disappointing in so many ways nowadays & nobody should ever feel unheard or unseen when it comes to healthcare…Your consistent application of laying your fragile self down in front of the readers Lauren is what will always bring us to your writing door…This piece was not unfinished in anyway, you were smiling at the end, it was what we all wanted to hear…So happy that everything worked out for you & your innate happiness beams from your beautiful face in all those photos - the cats add to the fun !! Keep smiling always!
CATS. (Excellent Good Company to have.)
And I don't think this is a self-absorbed piece; how else would any of us share our stories? (Although I say this as somebody who ALSO suspects herself of self-absorption; grain of salt, canyon of salt, etc. etc.) I have endometriosis, and I wouldn't have learned that - wouldn't have undergone surgery - if I hadn't heard first-hand accounts of symptoms from so many people on reddit. I think it takes a lot of courage to give yourself the grace of letting a story be your story, and knowing that even if it reaches just one person, it could be everything.
But yes, birth control! I'm actually not on it, because I'm already on a cacophony of medications for my brain crap, and I don't trust my dyslexia to take on additional numbers of pills. (e.g. Is this one the one I take 3 of? Or 1? OH GOD, THIS IS WHY I CRIED AT MY MATH TEACHER IN HIGH SCHOOL.)
I'm so, so glad you a) found what works for you and b) were able to *get* it, because what a horror story of medical care—it feels wrong to call it care at all!—and what sounds like tremendous pain, of all sorts, for you.
I just really adore your newsletter. It makes me feel less alone.
Sarah this gave me chills in the best way (I mean the whole comment, thank you for sharing so openly and vulnerably just like your substack does, in such a beautiful way) but to know my substack reaches you means the world. Your words mean so much to me every time they land in my inbox and I want you to know how grateful I am 🧡🧡🧡
I sat in the cabin reading this. Love the honesty and vulnerability. Thank you LD. We so often don't know what's going on behind the screen, behind the mask, behind the make-up. The letter felt unfinished to you but we don't come here for things to be tied in neat bow. We come here for you, as you are. x
I really needed this Marian. Thank you so much my friend, especially for the last line. I so appreciate you reading and sending me this note🧡
Reproductive system 💩 is unfortunately something I deal with too. Shoutout to PCOS and it’s treatment of hormonal birth control. Thank you for talking about this
Thank you for reading 🧡 and sharing your experience too. I think this happens to more people than it doesn't yet my whole life I have felt I have had to keep quiet about it. I appreciate you 🧡
Thank you for sharing, I too used to use birth control medication as a way to manage the pain and symptoms of the dreaded monthly cycle. I can see from the photos what a difference it has made for you. Loved the ad 🤪 and the cute cat pictures 🐈⬛🐈🐈⬛
Sending you lots of love and hugs 😘🌻😘
Thank you Tracy 🧡 I feel free in so many ways. and am glad it shows in the photos
xxx
Such a brilliant read…So honest, so raw, so vulnerable & so true for so many…A deep heartfelt sorry that you had to travel that road to get the medication and care you needed…The world is so disappointing in so many ways nowadays & nobody should ever feel unheard or unseen when it comes to healthcare…Your consistent application of laying your fragile self down in front of the readers Lauren is what will always bring us to your writing door…This piece was not unfinished in anyway, you were smiling at the end, it was what we all wanted to hear…So happy that everything worked out for you & your innate happiness beams from your beautiful face in all those photos - the cats add to the fun !! Keep smiling always!
Eternally grateful for your love and support my wonderful friend. Thank you for lifting me up, always, and for reading my words with such heart 🧡🧡🧡
This is so important! God, I wish there were newsletters like this when I was a 20-something. Thank you so much for writing about this.
Thank you so much for reading 🧡🧡🧡