Hola jefas!
I recently recorded a podcast episode, which by the way was probibly the most uncomfortable episode I've recorded to date. What was it about? Well I got very vunerable about my journey with endometrios and the loss of my son. My pocast, The Everyday Jefa Podcast, is where I celebrate the boss moves women make every day—whether it’s for their careers, their families, or themselves. Being a jefa isn’t just about being in charge; it’s about making tough decisions, overcoming challenges, and striving to make the world a better place.
For those of you who follow me on Instagram and Facebook, you know that I’m all about sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my life—both the triumphs and the struggles. Last month was Mental Health Awareness Month. And I felt it was a perfect time to discuss not just mental well-being, but overall health and the importance of advocating for yourself, especially when it comes to your health.
About five years ago, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. This isn’t something we talked about much in my Latino household. In fact, I’m not sure my mother even knew what endometriosis was. For her, life was about survival. When she was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 15, she kept it to herself until after her hysterectomy—a major surgery where her uterus and other reproductive organs were removed. It wasn’t until then that I learned about her battle.
Growing up, I suffered from excruciatingly painful periods. Sometimes, they’d last for six weeks, leaving me emotionally, mentally, and physically drained. We didn’t know what was causing this. For my mom, the solution was simple: see a doctor. But even then, we didn’t know what endometriosis was. Looking back, I realize that if she had had the knowledge and support, maybe things would have been different for both of us.
My experience has taught me the importance of advocating for yourself. When I first started experiencing severe pain localized on one side of my abdomen, I thought it was just a bad period. But the pain persisted and began shooting down my leg. Walking my dog became unbearable. After two miscarriages and countless doctor visits with no answers, I knew I had to push harder.
Finding a doctor who listened and was willing to start from scratch with me was a breakthrough. I cried tears of relief because, finally, someone acknowledged my pain and was committed to finding answers. It’s frustrating to repeat yourself over and over, only to be dismissed. But I learned that if something feels wrong, it’s crucial to speak up and insist on getting the care you need.
Sharing our stories is powerful. It helps others know they’re not alone and can provide crucial information that might help them. If you’re experiencing symptoms similar to mine, please talk to your doctor. Advocate for yourself. Don’t settle for dismissive answers. Medicine has come a long way, and there are many options for treatment and support now.
As we continue to uplift each other, remember that being a jefa means taking charge of your health and well-being. It means supporting our community by sharing our stories and information. We’re all in this together, striving to live our best lives and support each other along the way.
I hope my story inspires you to advocate for yourself and take control of your health. Until next time, keep making those boss moves, jefas! For the full episode make sure to tune in on whatever listening platform you love.
Besos!
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