2024, what a rollercoaster...

CW/TW: Personal testimony, mental health

Dear readers,

I hope the holiday season is treating you kind.

So much has happened. At the end of 2023, things seemed like it was looking up for me (Les) personally. I had a surgery that I’ve been wanting for years, I began connecting with so many of you and most of all, it finally seemed like my health was on the mend and it only looked up from here. So 2024, he we come!

Wham! January came in like the snowstorms known to happen in that month. Although there weren’t any significant snowstorms where I live, the emotional and physical storm was brewing. By mid month, I had COVID and the ride just got faster. I thought I was dealing with long term effects months after but the weariness wasn’t going away. I was trying my best to push through everything because so many of you were reaching out with awesome opportunities and offered your help and I didn’t want to turn anything down as it aligned with gynoQueer’s mission and goals.

However, I grew even more weary, more tired and depressed. I began to feel as if I was on a nonstop rollercoaster ride of confusion and exhaustion. Everything began to blur and to make a long story short, I had to step away from it all for a brief time.

I would like to thank the team that helped me when I needed more assistance. I would like to thank every single person who was patient with me this year as I took a pause to visit several specialists to figure out what was happening. Yes, I’m known as an advocacy leader but that doesn’t mean I know it all! Even for me, I’m a patient in progress. I found our that I was still experiencing issues post hysterectomy even though it’s been one year. I’m glad to say that after lab work, therapy and others, It was determined what the issue is along with a discovery that I long expected. I’m just relieved to have answers and I can more forward with treatment to keep improving.

Despite my rollercoaster of a year, there were good and bad moments around the world. Someone even took matters into their own hands with their disgust with the big business that the healthcare industry has become; which often leaves people behind or even dead. Others that do not go through such measures continue to deal with the illness, the pain, the depression and just trying to get relief. With the next phase of things with new national leadership, now more than ever will we have to join together as a community, increase our mutual aid and build and nurture relationships to get us as a community through tough times. But one thing’s for sure, If we have dedicated healthcare professionals, if we have all of the “letters” coming together instead of segregating themselves and everyone trying to be there for one another, we can and will get through what’s next.

Happy holidays everyone and I’m looking forward to sharing more of this next phase or endoQueer turned gynoQueer with you all! Take care and see you soon.

Love,

Les