THE FOLLOWING IS A PERSONAL INTERVIEW CENTERED AROUND THE CONDITION OF ENDROMETRIOSIS AND MS. OUTLAND'S PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND OPINIONS ON HER OWN JOURNEY WITH THIS CONDITION. AND HERS ALONE. SHE ALSO WANTED TO SHARE A POEM WITH ALL OF OUR READERS, AND ALSO SHARES HER EMOTIONS, THOUGHTS, AND FEELINGS ON WHAT IT IS LIKE FOR HER HAVING THIS CONDITION.
Disclaimer authors note to use from now
Author Note: I am not a professional of any kind. I am strongly against self-diagnosis and encourage my audience to seek the professional advice of their trusted medical professional and any other trusted professional depending on the topic at hand. The Abler Blog ONLY PROVIDES LIMITED GENERAL INFORMATION and ALWAYS CITES WHERE THEY FIND THEIR RESOURCES AND OR INFORMATION.
Jessica Niziolek,
Founder Of The Abler Blog, and online community.
Question 1:
Why did you want to share such a personal event in your life with your readers today,
Amy? I wanted to share my story on the off chance it could help someone else. If by telling my story I can spare anyone the negative experience I've gone through, I'm willing to do so.
Question 2:
When did you suspect something wasn’t quite right? In 2023, I had constant lower abdominal pain. No matter what I did, the pain didn't go away. I tried every medication, every test. I had two abdominal surgeries in 2025 (gallbladder removal and a hiatal hernia repair), and I thought those were the cause of the pain, but even after both surgeries, the pain persisted.
Question 3:
We all know that everyone’s diagnosis journey with anything concerning our health and
body's well-being can be an emotionally taxing rollercoaster ride nine times out of ten. Would
you mind sharing what your journey has been like and how you came to a result you and your
doctor(s) were both satisfied with?
From 2023-2026, I saw 7 different doctors all with different specialities: my GP, two surgeons, a GI specialist and finally an OBGYN: I was told the pain was caused by constipation, menstrual cramps, abdominal muscle weakness, the flu, etc) In February 2026 my GP told me, "Well there's not much left in your abdomen that can be removed and the only thing that hasn't been done is an endometriosis evaluation. On March 2, 2026, I went back to the University of Chicago because all of my records were already there. The doctor took one look at my abdominal ultrasound images and talked to me for a long time, and she finally said I had endometriosis. She explained to me what the condition was, which I'd already done my research about (Thank you, Dr. Google). I told her I didn't want any more surgery, and she agreed that surgery should be a last resort. She put me on a low dose of a hormone-blocking medication called Gallifrey (5mg), and yes, if you're familiar with the BBC science fiction series Dr. Who, you know Gallifrey is the name of The Doctor's home planet. After the appointment, I took the medication, and within ten minutes,s I felt better.
Question 4:
Self-advocacy is so important, in my opinion. What are some of the important “lessons” or
insights you’ve learned about yourself and about advocating on your own behalf in general?
I'm still taking the medication, and I feel great now. Before, I was afraid to eat anything or leave the house because of the severe stomach pain. I started to think I was going crazy because no one could do anything about the pain, let alone find the cause of it. I was so depressed I could barely get out of bed, and I was suicidal at my lowest point. The biggest lesson I've learned from this experience is to listen to yourself, and if one doctor doesn't listen to you, find another one who will, no matter how long it takes or how frustrated you become. No one is a better advocate for yourself than you. Just because a doctor has an M.D. behind their name doesn't mean they know what's best for you.
Question 5:
How should women prepare for facing this diagnosis? What’s the best advice you can give to
them? (In your opinion.) Do as much research as you can on your own so you are as well-informed as you can possibly be. Find a doctor you trust to talk to and find a treatment that works for you.
Question 6: What are your thoughts on those in the medical field and the one-on-one relationship that they
have with their patients today? What was your experience like? The medical field has become too dependent on technology. Everything is on MyChart, and doctors have forgotten the most important part of the Hippocratic oath: First, do no harm.
Question 7:
What have you learned about yourself and the importance of a woman’s overall health
journey? The most important thing I've learned about myself is to trust myself and listen to my own body and my own instincts. Knock down every door until you feel better! Don't give up, no matter how dark things get! Don't wait or ignore your pain!
Question 8:
What positive roles do you believe the advancements in medical technology play in diagnoses
for women’s health? (In your opinion). We are lucky to live in the age of the internet. Google is the best tool we can access to find information about any disease or condition. Science is awesome. You can get ultrasounds and MRIs to see everything that is going on inside your own body.
Question 9:
What negative roles do you believe the advancements in medical technology play in
diagnoses for women’s health? (In your opinion). As I said in the earlier question, in my opinion, advancements in medical technology can have a negative effect because the medical field has become too reliant on technology and has forgotten the importance of listening to its patients.
Question 10:
Since your own diagnosis, what are some key activities or self-care routines that you have
found have personally helped you process and cope with it overall? I was never good at taking pills. Since my diagnosis, I have had to take pills every day. Pills for high blood pressure, pills for endometriosis, pills for depression, nerve pain, and migraine. The best advice I can give is to take your pills regularly. If you have adverse reactions to medications, call your doctor right away. Listen to your body. Move as much as you can. Drink water, if you're hungry: eat, if you're tired: Sleep. You will feel better, and your body and mind will thank you.
Amy's Poem entitled, ENDROMETROISIS
Endless medication eating sometimes still makes you sick
Needle sticks and more blood, even when there is less finally have a
Diagnosis but the
Outcome is in question yet again
Medication takes your pain away, but makes your blood pressure rise and your body swell a struggle you know all too well*
End up back in the doctor’s office
Trying to find another solution for
Relief without having to live
In pain again
OBGYN gives you a medication named after the Doctor’s home planet which
Stops the pain in the short-term stuck*
In an endless loop of pain, pills, and the
Same questions without any answers.
*Taylor Swift-“All Too Well.”
*Thirty Seconds To Mars, “Stuck.”
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE OF AMY'S WORK, YOU CAN PURCHASES HER RECENT COLLECTIONS: BLACK SUN CHRONICALS VOLUMES ONE AND TWO ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ON AMAZON.COM
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