Endometriosis nonprofit now serving Hays County

HAYS COUNTY  — Initially opening in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex in 2023, the Endo Forward Foundation, which provides a support system and teaches community members about endometriosis, has expanded its services to Hays, Travis and Williamson counties.

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, often affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes and tissue lining the pelvis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The World Health Organization estimates that one in 10 women are diagnosed. Characteristics of the disease include painful menstrual cycles, excessive bleeding, pain during bowel movements or urination, fatigue, nausea and more.

Endo Forward Founder Elizabeth Pullman experienced a long and painful journey to find a diagnosis, which led to the creation of the foundation. Currently, there are five board members who volunteer their time to the nonprofit — each at a varying stage in endometriosis.

Community director Jessica Sitzes, like many other women, also experienced a long journey to receive her endometriosis diagnosis. Beginning with pain during her menstrual cycle in her teenage years, she noted that the gold standard at the time was to prescribe birth control to women.

“I had my daughter at 23. Some physician’s say that pregnancy cures endometriosis, which is not [true]. It’s a wives tale. Right after having my daughter, I was in pain again,” explained Sitzes. “I’ve had three pelvic surgeries and then I was put into medical menopause at 32 … I [eventually] came to my breaking point. Just the pain and the bleeding and the quality of life sucked. It was hard. It was hard for me to go and work at a hospital. It was hard for me to work and stand all day and it’s threatening mentally, emotionally [and] physically.”

Sitzes was diagnosed in 2014 at the age of 30, after more than a decade of suffering, and found a doctor who was able to do a surgery that gave her a positive outcome.

“This nonprofit [was started] just to have a community and allow other women to have resources for education and to build a community of women that are going through the same thing,” explained Sitzes.

The expansion to the Austin Metro is to further support women who are diagnosed and need support in the area, as well as to continue educating others. According to Sitzes, there is already a nonprofit for endometriosis in Houston, and they do not want to compete, so there are no plans for expansion in that region.

The foundation regularly holds in-person events, such as a recent gathering at the Austin Public Library, where pelvic floor physical therapists were present to teach members how to find some relief and further their education.

Sitzes stated that the only way to get diagnosed is through laparoscopic surgery because it does not reveal itself on diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasounds or magnetic resonance imaging. In an effort to alleviate the grueling aftermath of the surgery, the team sends out post-operation baskets to those who fill out a form on the website.

“[It’s] just something to take your mind off of what you’re going through [and] help with some of the symptoms post-op that we don’t talk about like constipation,” said Sitzes. “We put some coloring books in there and we also offer post-op support calls because sometimes it can be really lonely and isolating.”

Other opportunities members have to have support through the program is through the foundation’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/endoforwardfoundation). Those interested can contact the foundation through the Facebook page and ask to join the private group, where it is more intimate, and individuals can discuss their journey or ask questions. Many seek recommendations on doctors or treatments in the group.

There are also weekly and monthly virtual hangouts to continue to create a supportive environment.

“Whenever we talk to people who find our group, they feel so relieved that they are not alone. The isolation that comes with the journey of taking so long to be diagnosed and being told for years and years that it’s normal [is difficult],” Sitzes said. “We’re really out to help support the community.”

Donations can be made at www.endoforwardfoundation.com, all of which go toward funding events and postoperative baskets. There is also an Amazon Wish List with items for the baskets, which can be found at bit.ly/43ZsAan.