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Patient Stories
The women who live with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain have typically struggled for years to find a solution to end their pain. While every woman’s journey is unique, remaining silent while friends, family, and physicians reassuring them that their pain is normal is a common theme in all their stories.
The key to finding an answer starts with asking the right questions and seeking out a physician who takes the signs and symptoms of endometriosis seriously. These medical professionals should be endometriosis specialists with an individualized treatment plan for these women, including a surgical plan of action and follow-up care.
By sharing their stories, these women want to spread awareness about endometriosis in the hopes that other women won’t have to go through the same experiences they did.
Please note: Since these patient stories were originally published, Dr. McGuirk has retired from CCRM Fertility of Delaware and the Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Center has closed. CCRM Fertility still effectively treats patients with endometriosis by helping to manage pain and overcome endo-related infertility. Learn more about endometriosis treatment at CCRM here.
Bridging the Gap to Stephanie’s Fertility
As a young teenager, Stephanie would play piano for hours at a time, while simultaneously battling several health conditions and chronic pelvic pain. Music served as her therapy; an escape from long, painful cycles that increased in intensity.
The Gains of an Endo Athlete
Finding Dr. McGuirk restored Brandi’s faith in the medical field, as well as the hope in being free from the chronic pelvic pain that was weighing her down. “Dr. McGuirk understood my disease better than any other doctor.” *NEW – Read Brandi’s 2020 update on her health!
Allyson’s Story
Endometriosis impacted Allyson’s life in so many ways due to a myriad of symptoms that arose because of the disease. She has now taken the reins on her life and is feeling better than ever thanks to the help of Dr. Barbara McGuirk. Allyson is sharing her story to let others know how important it is to raise your voice if you are not feeling okay and always fight for yourself!
A Cinderella Story
As a child, Amanda possessed a passion for learning new things. Once Amanda reached her 11th birthday, her menstrual cycle began, causing intense pain that would last for a duration of 20 days out of every month by the time she turned 12.
The Adventure Continues
The adventure that accompanies a pain-free life is finally being lived out by Christine — a vivacious young woman who has experienced pelvic pain since she was 12-years-old.
Briana’s Story
Briana, a 21-year-old woman with an affinity for sports, basketball in particular, always looked forward to her time on the court. When a foreign, debilitating pain began to encroach on her athleticism during her high school years, she knew that something wasn’t right.
An Open Letter From A Patient
I came to your practice on the advice of a friend. A friend who had stolen my phone and set multiple alerts programmed to pop up loudly proclaiming, Call Dr. McGuirk! Have you made an appointment with Dr. McGuirk yet?
Healing and Hope After a Lifetime of Pain
Lauren always lived an active lifestyle, running six miles a day and dancing on stage, until pelvic pain associated with endometriosis brought her life to a standstill. For the 22-year-old performing artist it was a hard pill to swallow.
Making A Difference: Tara Hilton, Founder & Executive Director of The Yellow Cape
Tara Hilton has battled endometriosis for over 25 years and has learned that the key to a better prognosis is early detection. From speaking at the Worldwide EndoMarch in Washington, D.C. to leading the charge in Delaware to declare March as Endometriosis Awareness Month, Tara defines the word advocate in every fashion.
Look For A Physician That Listens
Christine and Herman Cohee are getting ready to celebrate their second wedding anniversary, an event that Christine once thought was unattainable. “It was almost impossible for me to imagine ever finding a spouse, because I couldn’t think of who would want to deal…
Adjusting to a Life Without Pain
“I couldn’t remember a time when I wasn’t in pain,” Kristine Olli, a 24-year-old graduate student at University of Delaware, said. “I have no memories of that. Even as a child, I had abdominal pain.” Kristine first sought treatment for her pain when she was 12 years…
Solving a Problem Outside the Box
Beth didn’t feel quite right after a major surgery almost nine years ago. A benign ovarian dermoid tumor was strangling her right ovary and fallopian tube. Beth’s surgeon removed the tumor along with the ovary and tube—essentially dead tissue. A few months after the…
Asking the Right Questions Makes all the Difference
Looking back, Carrie McCullin firmly believes that, if one of her doctors had asked her the right questions about her period, she would have been diagnosed with endometriosis sooner. Carrie went to five different doctors and received five different explanations for…
Its Time To End The Silence
The first thing you notice when you meet Tara Hilton is her extraordinary personality. She is driven and focused, yet approachable. Her affable nature may surprise some people when they hear her story: Tara has spent most of her life battling endometriosis, a chronic,…
Natalie Bricker Feeling Like a Normal Person Again
Natalie Bricker remembered her menstrual cramps first became really painful for her during her senior year in high school. “I thought it was normal because my mom had the same thing,” she said. “It was an, ‘I dealt with it, you have to deal with it’ kind of thing.”…
Living With an Invisible Disease
Lauren Jennings remembers her chronic pain started with her first cycle when she was only 13 years old. The pain seemed intense to her, but friends, family, and doctors reassured her that it was normal and a part of growing up. “Even my gynecologist told me that it’s…
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