Things To Remember When Endometriosis Has The Upper Hand

Endometriosis is an illness that affects more than our bodies. It comes with life-disrupting symptoms that can have a deep impact on our emotional health.¹ It can render many of us bed-bound, unable to form sentences, work, or socialize.

Whether it’s because of flare-ups, heavy periods, or bad news after the latest surgery, it takes some effort to navigate the countless obstacles this illness throws at us. While it is never as simple as it sounds - and keeping in mind that each patient is unique - even during the toughest of times it’s important to remember:

It won't last forever

The flare-ups, the bouts of severe pain, nausea, and chronic fatigue, are all temporary. The body will recover, pain will dissipate, appetite will return, and our energy levels will increase. No matter how bad the flare-up, it is always temporary. Just like a storm, there is calm before and after it. A new day will begin and we will be able to do some exercise, go to work without relying on painkillers, have a constructive, meaningful conversation or be able to focus on our chores. Sometimes, when the stars align, we may even forget about endometriosis.

We are not "fighting" endometriosis. We are living with it

The idea that we are fighting a battle implies that we may lose it. It highlights an end goal: victory or loss. In reality, it’s the process what matters. Endometriosis is a chronic disease after all, meaning it has no cure. Experiencing symptoms, being in pain, having multiple surgeries, does not mean we are losing. We are carrying on with your life regardless. We are still living our lives, despite endometriosis.

There are things we can do

It doesn’t matter how bad it gets, there is always something that can be done. Whether it’s speaking to our doctor for a new kind of medication, or choosing to lie down and grabbing a hot water-bottle. It may involve calling up a friend for support. There is always something that can be done to get us closer to a more comfortable place.

There are OTHER things we can do

If our usual fail-safe methods of coping are not helping, there is still a myriad of things that can be done. Acupuncture, physiotherapy, switching doctors, changing our diet, etc. So much can be done differently, meaning that the game is not over.

We are not alone

There are support groups, both physical and online, in which women with endometriosis exchange tips, ask questions, and very healthily, vent about the bad days. Talking about this disease is a great way to share the pain, connect with others, and feel supported. The best way to find out about support groups can be via our local or regional endometriosis organization or charity, asking at our GP's office, or looking it up on social media.

Endometriosis can claim so much: our energy, our positivity, our bodies. However, it is never as dark as we think it is. There is always a sliver of light, a tiny particle of hope, that can develop into something that takes us away from this illness, and towards the life we know we deserve.