2wk PO - it turned out more complex, healing slowly - Endometriosis Rant

I had posted about how discovery to surgery was quick - I had a fast growing tumor in my uterus. My surgery was always going to be abdominal (no laproscopic) due to previous surgeries and concerns about cancer.
It was supposed to be 1.5hrs, turned into 3.5 hrs. I had complications and instead of discharge next day, I went home nearly a week later. I collapsed that night (low hemo count, stress) and ended up getting an ambulance ride to hosp. Where I stayed under observation for 2 more days. I'm finally home, bruised, weary and still tender.

And honestly a bit angry. The surgery took so long because of extensive endometriosis and scarring. Basically everything in my belly was mashed together with it. Bladder, bowels, colon, stomach, not to mention all my reproductive organs.

What makes me mad? I've been suffering from bladder control issues, told I had gastritis, IBS, etc. Told the odd pain in my upper abdomen was in my head. Told my stomach issues were all stress related and I just had anxiety. For nearly TEN FREAKING YEARS. I've been wearing diapers and a sneeze would make me lose all control over my bladder - I was humilated at a convention at my artist table because I soaked my pants and couldn't change - I tried to "dry" them as well as I could and spent the rest of the day in damp, pants convinced everyone could smell the urine.

Two weeks post op and that weird stomach pain is gone. I've coughed, sneezed, and no urine leak. My bowels and colon are still a bit iffy, but better than before. I am eating small meals just fine. TEN FREAKING YEARS - I asked. I'd had an issue with Endo back in my 20s and had surgery then. I asked, had it come back? Went to specialist after specialist with normal test results and told I was fine. A gyno completely dismissed me. It wasn't until I turned 56 and was still having bleeding and it got rather serious since January that I got anyone interested and that wasn't even related to Endo.

I know they don't consider endometriosis to be "serious". Its non-fatal, benign. But the issues with my uteris paled in comparison to the effects of the endo. It affects organ function on every organ it touches. Fatigue so bad, I couldn't get more than a couple hours without literally falling asleep on my feet. Pain that left me curled up and so desperate I'd put a lidocaine patch on my belly. Stomach so bad, I'd end up living on meal replacement shakes nearly every month. Weight gain that I couldn't lose no matter what.

Doctors need to take it more seriously. I'm tired of hearing stories like mine where its never found until late, and almost always "while we had the patient open on the table". I lost 10 years, 10 productive years, 10 years of travel, 10 years of joy, of paint free life.