DEAR ABBY: Thank you for printing the letter from "Karen in Virginia," who after years of suffering was finally diagnosed as having endometriosis. After reading your column, I visited the Web site you mentioned (www.killercramps.org). Many of the symptoms were familiar to me, so I took the quiz and discovered that was probably my problem, too.
I talked to my mother about it and learned that both she and my grandmother had endometriosis, so I made an appointment with my gynecologist. The doctor recommended that in the very near future I undergo a procedure to have the tissue removed.
Had I not read about it in your column, I never would have known how serious endometriosis can be. Because of that column, I won't have to endure more years of pain. Thank you again, Abby. Sign me ... GRATEFUL IN OKLAHOMA
DEAR GRATEFUL: I was surprised at the number of women who suffer from this problem. More than half a million women visited the Endometriosis Association Web site after reading Karen's letter. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: "Karen in Virginia" wrote about the pain and suffering of endometriosis. It is also important to note that this debilitating disease can cause infertility.
Women with endometriosis who wish to have children need special care from their OB-GYN and must take steps early to preserve their fertility. These women should not wait until they are ready to start their families before seeking medical help.
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association has information and educational materials for women with endometriosis who are planning to have children. For more information, patients can visit the RESOLVE Web site at www.resolve.org or call the RESOLVE helpline at 617-623-0744. -- JOAN C. BOWEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DEAR JOAN: I hope you're prepared for an onslaught of inquiries -- because you're going to get them.