Kelly Rea

"Endometriosis affects millions of women. I am one of them." My name is Kelly Basnight Rea and I have spent the last eighteen years of my life suffering from Endometriosis. I am 42 years old and have lost one of the most important things in my life, the ability to conceive naturally, and for that reason I am dedicating myself to educating and helping other women with this condition. WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS? Endometriosis is a chronic disease medically defined as: Endometrium including both endometrial glands and stroma in an ectopic location. Lay persons definition: tissue similar to the lining of the uterus that is found living outside the uterus, usually in the female pelvis. Endometrial tissue (the lining of the uterus), whether it is inside or outside the uterus, responds to the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries during the reproductive cycle. Under the influence of the hormones, the misplaced tissue swells; and when hormonal levels drop, the tissue may bleed. Unlike the normally situated endometrium, which is shed from the body as menstrual discharge, this blood and tissue have no outlet. It remains to irritate the surrounding tissue and may produce "web-like" growths of scar tissue called adhesions. The scar tissue can bind the pelvic organs and even cover them entirely. Bands of scar tissue may bind the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and nearby intestines together. Therein creating pain and infertility. Endometriosis is a disease affecting one in four women. Although it attacks the reproductive system, it can spread throughout the body including the lungs, liver, diaphragm and even the brain. Early, proper diagnosis may help prevent the spread. There is no known cure for endometriosis. There are no definitive answers as to why some women develop it and some women don't. Too many women are suffering now and that's reality. My objective is to educate both the lay and medical communities by opening the door to PUBLIC AWARENESS to this horrific disease. Endometriosis has been a well kept secret for too long. MY PERSONAL STORY::::: I was diagnosed with Stage IV Endometriosis in 1992. I was only 24 years old!! This is my story. Although I was first diagnosed in 1992, my symptoms prior to diagnosis lead to the belief Endometriosis had been in my body for quite some time. I have had six Exploratory Laparoscopies consisting of adhesiolysis, ureterolysis, excision and adhesiectomy, chromotubation and an unsu