Dachshunds & Duvets – a Column by Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher

June 14, 2019June 12, 2019

The Emotional Journey of Delving into Endometriosis Symptoms

Columns, Dachshunds & Duvets - a Column by Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher

Searching the web for one’s symptoms is a dangerous game. It’s anxiety-inducing and pointless. Type something like“stomachache,” and the first thing that comes up is some deadly disease that ... Read more

June 7, 2019June 5, 2019

Should We Remind Others That We Are More than Our Chronic Illness?

Columns, Dachshunds & Duvets - a Column by Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher

Recently a friend explained how my illness was the reason behind some of my life choices. They had gotten it completely wrong and that’s OK — after all, no ... Read more

May 31, 2019May 29, 2019

I’ve Accepted My Infertility and I’m Happier for It

Columns, Dachshunds & Duvets - a Column by Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher

Endometriosis can be the reason behind the difficulties many people face when wanting a family. While plenty of endometriosis patients conceive and have children, others rely on in vitro ... Read more

May 17, 2019May 16, 2019

How to Overcome Challenges When Traveling with Endometriosis

Columns, Dachshunds & Duvets - a Column by Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher

It’s upon us — that wonderful time of the year when everyone is thinking about summer, and escapist dreams abound. We’re all rushing to book pedicures and buy rather ... Read more

May 10, 2019May 7, 2019

5 Ways to Care for Your Mental Health While Living with a Chronic Disease

Columns, Dachshunds & Duvets - a Column by Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about my struggle with my mental health. Whether it’s due to the stress of medical appointments or just living with the symptoms, the ... Read more

May 3, 2019May 1, 2019

With Endometriosis, We Are All Running Our Own Marathon

Columns, Dachshunds & Duvets - a Column by Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher

Last Sunday, the most popular public running event in the world happened: the London Marathon. Partly as a joke, I had applied for a spot to run — as ... Read more

April 26, 2019April 24, 2019

The Importance of Talking About Our Mental Health When Chronically Ill

Columns, Dachshunds & Duvets - a Column by Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher

Recently, a friend and fellow chronically fabulous writer, used his social media to share some thoughts on mental health. He stressed the need for openness on this topic, especially ... Read more

April 12, 2019April 10, 2019

When Endometriosis Patients Give Up Work, the System — Not the Illness — Is To Blame

Columns, Dachshunds & Duvets - a Column by Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher

In her hit single “Work,” Rihanna says the word “work” close to 80 times. If that song were a metaphor for life with endometriosis, the singer would be OK ... Read more

April 5, 2019April 3, 2019

We Need to Change How We Talk About Fertility

Columns, Dachshunds & Duvets - a Column by Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher

Ask any woman, and she’ll tell you how her ability to have children is discussed way too much and way too freely. It’s ridiculous how easily a uterus becomes ... Read more

March 29, 2019March 28, 2019

I’m Done with the Struggle to Stay Positive About Endometriosis

Columns, Dachshunds & Duvets - a Column by Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher

Whenever I’m at a bookstore, I always end up in the self-help section. It’s hard not to be drawn toward a table full of colorful books, attractive covers, and ... Read more