Coping with endometriosis is a constant struggle. This painful disorder causes tissue that should be lining the uterus to grow outside of it and in various other places. If you are currently struggling with endometriosis, or beginning to suspect it might be the source of your pain, these 6 life lessons from living with endometriosis may help you cope somewhat better.
You May Experience Terrible Pain
Some lucky women with endometriosis have little to no pain, but for those who do, it is excruciating. The pain can come and go, or the pain can occur during the menstrual cycle, but either way, the pain is not something that can be ignored. The solution? Do what you need to do to get through it, and ask for support from others.
When you need to “bow out” for a day or two, do it, and there’s no reason to feel guilty. Life will still be there when you get up and face the world and endometriosis again.
Even Worse, The Pain Is Unpredictable
With endometriosis you expect to have pain during your period. The worst part is when you don’t expect it, and it suddenly hits. This is particularly true if you have painful intercourse, as this is the one time you don’t expect or want any pain.
Constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea can all be “at the ready” to strike at any time. Living with these constant unknowns can cause mounting stress which can exacerbate the painful symptoms.
Endometriosis Is Chronic And Incurable
How’s that for an unhappy diagnosis? It usually attacks women between the ages of 12 and 60, so it’s an enormous part of one’s life to be in pain.
Ignore those that tell you to ignore your symptoms or say “they can’t be that bad.” In addition, it may help to ignore those that throw out one fad cure after another.
At some point it helps to realize you must manage the pain yourself as the disorder progresses.
It Helps To Stand Up To The Symptoms
When you feel like you have gained some control over endometriosis, it can do wonders for your psyche. You can give up and hit the bed every time there are symptoms, or you can be proactive. Do trial and error tests to learn what helps and what doesn’t for you.
Heating pads, OTC meds, pelvic floor exercises, and exercise in general may help you, but perhaps not someone else. Exercises like swimming, biking and running helps release endorphins to relieve pain and give you a sense of “well being.” Consult with Florida Women’s Health about other ways to relieve your symptoms.
There Is No Cure, But….
Seek support. There are many online and group support communities in your area. Knowing you are not alone, and listening to others with the same issues can help you immensely both physically and emotionally.
Don’t Give Up
Easy to say, we know. It’s your life, so consider every option to improve it. Maybe it is laparoscopic surgery which removes the wayward lesions. Sometimes it works, and other times the symptoms eventually return. At the end of the day, keep fighting to find what helps you overcome the pain.
Whatever path you decide upon, talk with Dr. Riley about your symptoms, when they occur, and how you can lessen their impact on your life.
As always, if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call (352) 820-4392 today!
