Does endometriosis affect your immune system?

[kayjayne]

I am constantly ill, I'm not on my 5th cold of the year and  my 3rd kidney infection.

Is anyone else always sick? 

Can endo affect immune systems 

[Tazzza]

Is there anything we can do ourselves to try and help the situation and build up our immune system? I'm fed up of getting every cold going too!

I definitely notice a correlation between certain foods I eat and the symptoms that follow... 

I'm just waiting for a lap to confirm endo but they are pretty certain. After reading lots of info on here about allergies, diets etc I mentioned it to my doctor and she was very dismissive about the whole thing saying there isn't really any evidence of a link between endo and diet!

[Brottonbabe in reply to Tazzza]

Hello,

Sorry you're feeling so unwell. As established there is a link between endo and a weakened immune system. I previously asked on here about diet and people's success. I got plenty of positive responses about how people have worked out what effects them most. 

I have a book that advocates no dairy, eggs, wheat, caffeine, sugar or alcohol. I struggled to give up everything but slowly worked out that it's mainly dairy and sugar that are my problem. 

It might be worthwhile doing some research, including asking for advice from other people who have followed an endo diet as I know many people have had huge successes. 

Good luck xx

[Tazzza in reply to Brottonbabe]

Thank you

I already try not to eat much bread as it affects me but I think I'm going to try and cut out wheat in general. I've also been trying to reduce caffeine (I'm already down to one cup a day) as again it affects me - until recently I just assumed this was normal and did the same to everyone! Dairy I think will be harder - I'm a vegetarian and I absolutely love cheese there is no way I could give it up! I don't have too much other dairy and I always try to get organic milk which I think makes a difference. 

And giving up wine...well that just fills me with dread!

I'll have a look at some of your posts for more info, thank you x

[Brottonbabe in reply to Tazzza]

Haha yeah I'm with you, cheese and wine are a lifeline but I guess it's just trying to cut down on what you can. I have decaf coffee and tea and don't notice a difference. Apparently the decaffeinating process is just as bad but I'm ok with some things in life. I think it's a balance, endo can be such a depressing condition that for me I need a little fun every now and then. I just tried not to drink every night

Look up some books, I just put "endometriosis" in to Amazon and plenty came up. Some will be boring and dry but some will be worth a read x

[Tazzza]

Yep I don't think I could give up everything good! But you're right I think it's trying to find a good balance and being able to have a little treat when you need one. We're going away Thursday for a long weekend so I think I'll make the most of it and then start properly next week...

I did try looking for the book 'take control of your endometriosis' as I'd heard a few people talking about it, but it doesn't seem to be available anymore? But thanks for the tip, I'll see what else comes up on Amazon x

[Naomi1002]

I have been taking immune system tablets by Immunoshield. Not cheap, but i stopped picking up a lot of colds and infections. 

My immune system is not very good, as well very important to eat well, lots of fruit and veg and go outside to get your daily vitamine D, even if the sun doesnt shine. 

Air your house as well, when you suffer from colds it is good to open windows/doors to get fresh air in. 

Instead of black tea, try herbal teas. In the morning i am drinking warm water with lemon and this seems to be good as well. I think i need to cut out certain things out of my diet. Biscuits/chocolate are my downfall and i love cheese. 1step at the time i guess.

[Buttoon]

This is so interesting to read!! As I've been recently diagnosed with endo (week before last) and I have to say, I'm ALWAYS getting ill! Always get colds and when I do they're bad. People often ask me if I'm eating properly/healthy I have always wondered why I get ill so often, people at training have noticed it I'm sure - as I'm always saying I'm ill

[xMMx]

I too usually catch everything that's going around and have just got over a recent bout of tonsillitis.  I try and drink plenty of water and diet wise try and keep away from pasta and bread but on the odd occasion do have it as well as alcohol.  I drink Lactofree milk as have been told I am dairy intolerant and I just can't stand soya milk but I love my cereals in the morning.   I also try to go to the gym 3/4 times a week as I feel that it makes me have more energy and I feel fitter from it and in turn feel it helps a lot with fighting off colds etc.

I've been taking Aloe Vera Gel and Bee Pollen for the last 8 months and do think I have noticed a difference.  Even though I have been ill just recently I found I recovered quite quickly from it and where I could've been ill for a good week or so, was only really very unwell for about 3 days. 

I'm intrigued by the Agnus Castus for levelling out hormones and might give this a try!

[kellymarie26]

I was going to ask the same question. I was diagnosed in 2008 with endometriosis. Since then I have so many other health issues going on and not sure what's causing what.

The thing that is really dragging me down and is worrying me is the amount of infections I am getting.

Mainly UTI's. There is nothing structurally wrong with my kidneys/ bladder as they have been checked. This year alone I've had 8 confirmed infections and we are only in July. The amount of antibiotics I've had to treat them is alarming. 23 prescribed antibiotics in the last 12 months.

Anyone the same or have any advice??? Xx