Endometriosis: Online Arts Project

 

 

 This endometriosis project was seeded in Autumn, when amber leaves were falling, and the rain was pitter-pattering against the window pane…

In the last year, a couple of women with endometriosis – from interstate and overseas – have expressed an interest in attending my arts-based workshops, but distance has been a problematic factor. Therefore, I began to wonder about the possibility of the women doing art, in relation to endometriosis, at home, then I would find a ‘space’ where the women would be able to share their experiences, in particular, with other women with endometriosis…

From these thoughts, a project blossomed…

For 8 weeks, beginning in early June, a process of ‘triangulation’ will occur…

Two women with endometriosis will make art ‘from afar’, photograph it, and send it to me. Then, I will upload it to this blog…

Finally, I will reflect on their artwork. 

(Endometriosis has also been a part of my world.)

Throughout the process, we will all be in touch…and I will put the women’s art in touch with other women with endometriosis…  

 

For “Erynn’s” Story: 

 https://innovativesupportforwomen.wordpress.com/endometriosis-online-arts-project/ 

For 2. “?’s”  Story:  

https://innovativesupportforwomen.wordpress.com/endometriosis-online-arts-project/

 

Please feel free to join us on this journey…endometriosis – or not – your comments will be warmly welcomed… 

N.B. Please keep comments brief and project focussed.  

 

Warm Regards,

                                                                                                                                  Tricia  Ong M.C.A.T.|| Creative Arts Therapist…

 Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia…

27 May 2010… 

  Email: tmong@iinet.net.au 

 

Endometriosis is…  

“Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition that affects one in 10 women in their reproductive years, and sometimes women beyond menopause. It takes many forms – implants, nodules and cysts. Common implantation sites include the pelvic lining and cavity, ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments of the uterus, and the cavity behind the uterus near the bowel. Less common sites include the appendix, surface of the bladder, outer wall of the uterus, surface of the small and large bowels, and more. 

Though rare, it has also been found in surgical and caesarian scars, diaphragm, lungs (can be life-threatening), navel, breasts, arms, legs, groin, nose and eye! 

Symptoms of endometriosis are variable, and can include period pain, chronic pelvic pain, pain with sex, lower back pain, ovulation pain (including thigh pain) bowel and bladder symptoms, abnormal menstrual bleeding, abdominal bloating, fatigue and PMS Symptoms. 

Infertility is an issue for 30% of women with endometriosis. 

To this day, there is no known cause or cure for endometriosis, and women often experience a significant delay to diagnosis – on average 10 years – because period pain is often trivialized by GPs, which means that women are often not referred to gynecologists for specialist care. In addition, endometriosis is often incorrectly diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome.

The only way to diagnose endometriosis is via surgery.”

 

– This extract is taken from  “Secret Women’s Business” by Tricia Ong, published in the Summer Issue of  the magazine “Finally at 40, Life Begins” , December 2009.