Sunflower Diaries

My health journey – wellness, fashion, health and more.

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about

Those who know me best, know how difficult it can be for me to speak up! So here goes: Hi, I am Joy. I decided to write this blog to raise awareness of living with chronic pain and how to keep upbeat in even the darkest/ loneliest days. I am a mother to one wonderful daughter and a wife to my very supportive husband. I met my husband during our PhD journey (story for another blog/ reflections I am sure). I knew from the moment I met him that it was true love. Our research and personal interests aligned well which made it easier to communicate and grow together. My love for him has grown stronger every day and more so since our daughter was born. He is an inspiration to fathers. We knew we wanted a small family one day but did not realise the issues I had as a young woman/ teenager would impact our fertility journey and lives to the extent it now has. So, I am 1 in 10%. I have endometriosis. There is no cure. But to add complications I also had adenomyosis (more about this below as I document my health journey). I have chosen the name sunflower diaries for my blog to symbolise #endometriosis. The sunflower is synonymous with growth, vitality and positive energy. I also love #sunflowers. I am an #endometriosiswarrior and an #adenomyosiswarrior💜. Let’s raise awareness and compassion for all women afflicted by these diseases. The struggles are real but I hope to bring you some #NewJoy by sharing my story. I challenge you to think of what makes you happy in life and keep being #strongwomen especially if you have entered a transition phase of your life. This is even more important as I watch my own daughter grow up and hope she does not suffer the same issues I faced. In summary, #believeinyourself❤️ #loveyourbody and #bekind 🤗😊❤️‍🩹 If you like this blog, please read and share. http://sunflowerdiaries.blog

Stitches – as week 5 post operation approaches.

Pain is thankfully reducing and I am more mobile than last week, although I still need a good rest. I am hopeful that my post operative infection has gone and I can build up stamina this week.

I never liked getting stitches – from my split open ear, head, knees or after my episiotomy. I used to scream at the thought of having a needle near me. I had to work hard on breathing practices/ calming techniques before birthing. 

When I had to get operations for adenomyosis and endometriosis these stitches were in plain sight. I saw them every time I got undressed, showered, bathed or went to the bathroom. 

My once unblemished abdomen now has a series of small scars reminding me of the wars I faced. Like a soldier injured on a battlefield or an animal wounded in a hunting trap, I too felt damaged and needing love and support.

Every day I look at my scars with pride. It’s a badge of honour that I faced endometriosis head on and survived to tell my story.

No longer am I ashamed that my abdomen is less than perfect. 

Perfection is overrated. No one can be perfect and believe me it’s exhausting trying to be good at everything.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

When someone diminishes my pain I look at my body and think what do they know.

Only me and my body know the severity of the pain I have experienced.

The trauma to my mind body and soul.

Time to heal, rest and recover.

I am an #endometriosiswarrior and an #adenomyosiswarrior💜. 

Let’s raise awareness and compassion for all women afflicted by these diseases. The struggles are real but I hope to bring you some #NewJoy by sharing my story. I challenge you to think of what makes you happy in life and keep being #strongwomen especially if you have entered a transition phase of your life. This is even more important as I watch my own daughter grow up and hope she does not suffer the same issues I faced. 

In summary, 

#believeinyourself❤️  #loveyourbody and #bekind 🤗😊❤️‍🩹 

If you like this blog, please read and share, or follow me on Instagram- Joy_Kean86

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