WeAreEndo.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Endometriosis

Amber

I'm going to blog this. I wrote an article, 10 Tips to Dealing with Endometriosis.

 

24 months ago

Miriam

So that the Endo doesn't define who I am I have written all of the positive attributes that I see in myself and that others see in me on my mirror.  This way each morning when I get up I see who I am and I am able to reinforce the positive aspects of my life. Also on my good days my girl friends and I get together and go out to eat to celebrate the number of days w/out pain meds or pain.  Finally, I surround myself with positive people who always are there for me. I take in the little things and let thoses things fill the ache, like the sunshine, fresh air, my soft pillow, a funny movie, ect.  and when thoses damn attacks happen I remind myself that I'm strong and do everything I can to get to my "safe/happy place".  By imagining the beach or golf course I'm able to give myself some relief.

24 months ago

Amber

I find that arming myself with knowledge helps me cope. When I get upset I try to take a walk or exercise. It helps in the long run, the more I walk the less pain I feel, or so I think. I still struggle with it, but I'm down to taking half a vicodin once a month. Gratitude helps a great deal.

Also, acknowledging the blessings in disguise! I get this uncomfortable pain, harmless cyst, in my armpit right before I get my period. I view it like, ok, now I must prepare for the pain and I make sure I have everything I need before I leave the house: painkillers, big school nurse pad & tampons, stretchy clothes for the insane bloat, etc... I don't take anything for granted.

 

24 months ago

Rachel

I agree with you Amber. Knowledge has helped me cope in many ways. Knowing what's in my body and what's happening and why it's happening has helped me get pass the "helpless" feeling that I once had when I was first diagnosed and knew nothing about endometriosis!

24 months ago

Grace

Wow, yes. Info is sooo helpful. My first experience with endo was long before days of the internet. All I knew was what my dr told me. This time around, I was able to look up each prolapse that happened. It was the internet that led me to "Pelvic Prolapse" which turned out to be what I had. I'd never heard of such a thing. I was more informed than my dr at the time I discovered that was likely what I had. That should have been my first big clue. duhhhhhh

And here's to safe places and relaxing to favorite/calming music. My favorite self pampering is my collection of spa pads (lavender filled neck rings, squares, etc.) that can be heated in the microwave and placed on any sore area. It's soooo soothing. For pure luxury, visit lavendersonoma.com. There's even chocolate scented spa wraps now! Unfortunately I don't own one.

22 months ago

Carmen

Positivity is VITAL. Always surround yourself with POSITIVE people and not COMPLAINERS. Remember we still have a lot to be grateful for and concentrating on the NEGATIVE only breeds negativity. Likewise being positive breeds positivity, which releases good hormones in the brain and helps lift mood and body. My favorite way ever to stay positive is to go for a jog first thing in the morning. I'm a morning person and I'm pain free, so this is doable for me, but exercise is MUST to stay positive, especially psychologically. This morning I jogged over an hour, and already this evening I'm thinking about going tomorrow morning! I have to hold back from exaggerating!

19 months ago

Endopeg

Hi Grace,

Just stopping by to see if you have gotten yourself one of those spa wraps at lavendersonoma.com? I couldn't tell if you were saying you don't own one at all, or don't own a chocolate one?  I own a spa wrap, but not from there.  I use it all the time! Mine is cinnamon and clove MMMM...It really helps! Even at my worst pain, there is something more comforting about it than the heating pad. The only drawback is that it has to be re-heated.  Lucky for me, my husband heats it up for me several times a day!

11 months ago