Ways I Describe My Endometriosis Pain and Discomfort

Endometriosis pain is something I do not wish on anyone. It is one of the hardest pains to explain though, to those not dealing with it. Most doctors try to throw a pain scale at us or tell us to describe our pain as dull or sharp. And honestly, neither of those will EVER describe my endometriosis pain. No pain scale will ever really tell you how much pain I am in daily.  Because the pain from endometriosis isn't just physical. It is mentally and emotionally too. Many of us have learned to 'live' with our pain, which in no way, shape or form is ok, but is our reality. This can make it even harder for others to understand, because a pain that would normally knock someone down not suffering with endometriosis is a pain we have learned to push through. A lot of days I smile, I dance, I laugh, I get things done, all while in pain.

And while I am not saying I am stronger than anyone, I have definitely built a tolerance to deal with the daily discomfort endometriosis brings me. Sometimes, when others who think they may have endometriosis ask me what the pain feels like, I struggle with a response. My pain might not be similar to theirs and vice versa. In fact, some women don't experience pain at all. Everyone's body is different. But always remember, one person's lack of pain, doesn't mean they aren't struggling. And one person's lack of expressing their pain doesn't mean they aren't struggling either.

Pain for me comes in all shapes and forms. Most times I put on a brave face, but inside I am crying and breaking. Here are nine ways I would describe my pain.

Like I stepped into a blender

My insides feel like they are being spun around by sharp blades. This pain seems to happen a lot in my rectum area and my stomach.

Having surgery while being awake

A lot of times, my organs feel like they are being cut open and being ripped out as if I was in surgery getting something removed.

A human punching bag

Somedays, I feel like I am standing in the middle of a boxing ring, frozen, while the other person just hits me endlessly in the stomach and bladder.

Eating glass

Can you imagine what it would feel like if you had a bowel movement after eating glass? The pain would be horrible. My rectum feels like that, every single day.

Someone blowing you up like a balloon

While this one isn't as painful, it is still very uncomfortable. My body, daily, feels as though someone hooked me up to a helium tank and is filling me up with air. The inflated belly and face are always the worst for me.

A ticking time bomb

Somedays, where the pain is low, levels of stress are still high. One wrong move, one wrong bite of food - and all hell could break loose. It is like I have a ticking time bomb inside of me daily. And I just never know when it will explode or what will make it explode.

Tug-o-war

You remember that game, where each team would grab an end of a rope and just tug? Sometimes, my organs and body in general, feel as though there are people inside of me, playing tug-o-war with each one of my organs. This feeling is so aching, it leaves me exhausted.

Being stabbed with a knife

This pain is an everyday experience. My right side always feels like someone is sticking a knife in and out of it.

Gut punch

This is similar to the human punching bag. The only difference is this pain is out of the blue and very fast. Sometimes, a rush of pain will hit me. Whether it is in my bowels, rectum, stomach, or bladder. It is like a quick punch and then gone.

As you can see, endometriosis can certainly be described as more than just dull or sharp. So many of us deal with these types of pains daily, yet, we push through it like the warriors we are. So next time someone asks you what your pain feels like, try using one of these lines!

Have you ever described your pain like any of these? Or do you have any other ways to describe your pain to add to the list?