Had enough

[hanfoxy]

Heya ladies,

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in October last year following a lap to check suspected appendicitis (appendix healthy but removed anyway). Since then I've had regular bouts of abdo pain often lasting days and it's getting worse. Got a gyne referral and they suggested taking the pill back to back with a review in 3 months. Have to say that so far it seems the lack of week off my pill has left me with increased pain not less.

Trouble is I am a month and a half into a new job and have already taken 2 sick days and been sent home again today because of pain. My managers really good but I'm worried she's going to get fed up of me keep needing time off. And even though my manager is great the rest of the team aren't as good.

I feel useless and pathetic. I was diagnosed with depression 3 years ago and worry this has made it worse still. My fiance says things like are you sure its not all in your mind and my mum tells me I need to try harder and these are the 2 people I can rely on for anything. I feel so isolated and don't know what to do.

Any tips or advice on dealing with feeling like this?

Xxx

[Lotsi]

Hi,

I really feel for you. I am currently suffering with sciatica and endo pain. I am approximately 4 weeks into taking various meds and trying to work and be a good wife and Mum. It is so hard.

I am fortunate that I have a very supportive husband and that our business is on the same site as our house, even so I still such a fraud and feel like I could/should do more.

The one thing I will say is that we must listen to our bodies too. I have ignored my pain and tried to continue. Lack of sleep and general energy has left my immunity low and I've had one chest infection after another, including a lung infection. I am now at the point where I am sitting down and am allowing myself rest and recuperation.

If you're not getting on with the pill have a word with the doctor, explain it's affecting your job etc..

There are the implants that may help, if not surgery. I am now waiting for my surgery appointment to come through.

It is so hard living with a chronic illness, especially one that people put down to 'period pains'!!

Hope you get some pain free days and can carry on with your job successfully.

xox

[urgley]

I'm sorry you're not getting the support you need at home, that's what we're here for! I think it's difficult for people to understand what it's like to have depression or Endo, as they are "invisible" illnesses.

No advice, I'm afraid, except stick with us and we'll help you through xx

[hanfoxy]

Thank you so much. It's so good knowing there's support out there. My fiance is back to being brilliant again now and has really looked after me this evening but knowing there's people out there who understand what I'm going through really helps.

Xxx