As a personal trainer, I have assessed, measured, and worked with hundreds of bodies. By now, I know the difference between when a client is having an autoimmune response or is simply consuming too much sugar, salt, or other assorted garbage. I know whether my clients are unrested, malnourished, or just having a bad day. I have become familiar with the subtle idiosyncrasies of their bodies as a whole, they speak to me. If only the rest of the world could understand my body's 'language' as I understand theirs.
In the last year, I have been congratulated on a dozen occasions for my 'obvious' pregnancy. At first, I was offended, embarrassed, and corrected their mistaken observation immediately. However, when strangers in my OB/GYN office thought I was in for my 3rd trimester check up, I found it less awkward to go with it than explain the contrary. Given that our encounter was so brief, exchanging congratulations rather than pity has been more favorable.
My doctors, let alone my friends and family, could hardly believe the 'pregnant-belly-like' experiences I shared with them. How could someone have a flat stomach one hour, and be 'in her second trimester' the next? Well, I won't explain how, but I can tell you that it is possible! Don't believe me? I'm not surprised. As many argue, "PICTURE OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN!" I have documented a couple instances in the past when my pelvis has been so inflamed from the endometriosis that I begin to look like a mom-to-be. A picture is worth too many words:
Here I am in the morning before a flare:
And as the day went on it became:
Here is the morning following the flare:
Here is a picture from 2011, after my first substantially noticeable flare:
(even my belly button poked out)
Take a minute to let those sink in. Sometimes I can hardly believe it myself. As frustrating as it can be for people to say, "You don't look sick," the physical symptoms can be downright awkward when interpreted incorrectly. It takes a lot of courage to carry-out 'normal' life while dealing with a chronic disease, and I am proud of everyone I know who fights everyday not to be controlled by their sick body.
I hope you all will feel comfortable sharing your stories with me. I also hope that you will think twice before judging someone's outward appearances, you never know what someone is going through.
Happy Holidays!
