Fatigue and low mood

[Hippykirsty]

Hi everyone

Hope everyone is having a low pain day I had lap surgery 7 weeks ago today to remove endo the surgery is said to have been successful although I'm still experiencing fatigue I'm back at work but I'm so tired on the way home my limbs feel like lead I feel like I'm trying to move through water or mud of that makes sense.

I went to the GP and they ran blood tests and they all came back normal. I'm due to see my consultant 1st September for a follow up appointment after surgery.

I'm currently following the gluten free diet I'm taking multi vit , magnesium, evening primrose, good bacteria for my bowels. , I am still having pain where I felt it before surgery - in my hips, legs, sneezing still feels like it's pulling my insides (sorry TMI) and any sudden stretch takes my breath away.

I'm so disheartened as I really wanted surgery to help so I can be more like my old self again but sadly it doesn't seem to have resolved the pain. I also wonder how the endo will be managed going forward has anyone had any experience of what consultants advise?

I had an open surgery 10 years ago to remove severe endo and I was put on the pill tri-cycling but I now have migraines with auras and was told I can't use the pill due to stroke risk now.

If anyone has any advice I'd greatly appreciate it I'm just feeling lost and a bit low I desperately want to be better again. Thanks for reading the post 💛

Kirsty

[Hidden]

Hello,

I just had my surgery almost a week ago. I am not as far along as you but I did have some endometriosis removed.

Unfortunately from what I've learned fighting endometriosis can be a long and tedious battle. My aunt has been through many laparoscopies for this. We both struggle with fatigue due to our endometriosis.

I've found that nuts and fruits and vegetables help the most with my energy levels. Also vitamin D supplements. My aunt's doctors have told her to do this as well. She's also on hormone therapy and I am on a new birth control pill. Hoping it will help ...

I also have migraines and I believe my pill is the generic for tri-cycling but I have no aura so apparently I'm ok for that? I don't know..

I hope you feel better soon. I wish I had more words of wisdom for you, just know you aren't alone in this x

[Hippykirsty in reply to Hidden]

Hi Zunali

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply especially when you are early days after a lap yourself. It's definitely a long road and sometimes it's a lonely one. I'm glad you can tri-cycle the pill it's the aura with the migraines I get which means I cant have it i get flashing lights and numbness with them 😐 I will definitely keep up the fruit veg and nuts and try vit D as I didn't know about that. Take care and wishing you a speedy recovery, Kirsty 💛

[Mariec7]

Hi Kirsty,

You are doing so much already so I can imagine how disappointed you are. I would advise vitamins but you already take them. Are you also taking vit E, vit C, D3 and B vitamins?

I was advised about vitamins from a miscarriage consultant and since taking them I have noticed a huge improvement.

Without sounding annoying I would take them individually rather than in a multi vitamin form. I found taking the vitamins this way has helped me dramatically. I take them consistently with food in the morning and before going to bed. Yoga has helped me. There are some relaxing postures that can help. It's important to do some light exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles and pelvis and to improve blood flow. Yoga is the best option as it is not strenuous. Some self massage at home with nice oils helps. You could use bio-oil or a base oil like almond and mix in chamomile or clary sage. People say this all the time but drink more fluids, herbal teas to flush out toxins.

You have already cut out gluten keep this up because over time it will help. Also look into cutting out soya but don't restrict yourself. If you want something have it!

I use an ap on my phone for relaxation which helps with migraines. Really important not to get too down, I know it is hard but try to take some slow deep breaths and get some more rest.

I wish you could take more time off work. Seems like you just might need some more healing time. After my open surgery my consultant told me it could take a full year before I recover so you are amazing to be back at work after 7 weeks.

I always say this buts it's true, be kind to yourself and take each day slowly. I am struggling because I want to say "stay positive" it's what I want to tell you but i know its hard to "stay positive" when it feels so much is against you but it is important to have hope, stay positive and fill each day with as much healing as possible, whether that's light yoga postures, self massage, getting a foot spa for your home, taking your vitamins , eating something yummy etc

You are not alone. Take care of yourself xxxxxx

[Hippykirsty in reply to Mariec7]

Hi Mariec7

Thank you for your reply it's so nice to have people understand how frustrating it can be. I'm super hormonal and that is bringing me down more than normal today. I will definitely look into the vitamins separately rather than a multi vit and look at everything you have suggested. Thank you for taking the time to reply and I already feel more hope just by opening up a bit. Thank you take care Kirsty 💛

[Starry]

Big hugs. I am in week 3 after major RV bowel excision surgery and it is a a slow recovery road for me. Lots of suggestions here, just a couple from me.

Foods good for the liver are beneficial as it is the organ that is important in metabolising excess hormones so eating foods that help it like leafy greens and avoiding foods that strain it like wine is helpful.

womensinternational.com/pdf...

I cut out dairy which is also considered inflammatory due to the A1 casein. Goat's milk and Guernsey milk are meant to have mostly A2 casein so not as

bad. Or try any of the numerous alternatives soya, almond, oat milk, rice milk etc. Bute Island Scheese is the best dairy free cheese alternative range ( I've tried them all!)

larabriden.com/the-inflamma...

The current science view on soya is that it is net slightly beneficial to endo, it's bad rep is based on the ten year old so now scientifically out of date Endo Diet Book. Some people are intolerant of course.

It was thought that as oestrogen stimulates endo,

plant oestrogens would do the same. But there are only so many receptors that oestrogen can latch onto. So the recent thinking is that phyto-oestrogens (which are very weak) will occupy some of the receptors and prevent the much stronger oestradiol from attaching (the driver of endo and oestrogen cancers). Latest clinical opinion now is leaning toward soya as having protective effects due to this. Earlier positive studies also existed from Japan where tofu is a traditional diet component and a lower incidence of Endo was recorded.

[ThaliaThalia]

It can take months to heal after surgery.

My fatigue didn't lift for approx 6 months. I followed a strict endo diet (no dairy, alcohol, sugar, gluten, wheat) and took various supplements such as fish oil, and selenium & zinc. I upped my intake of green veggies and switched to organic fruit, vegetables and white meat. You need to reduce inflammation and toxicity as much as possible. There's a wonderful plan in Dr Nigma's book which is about reversing ageing but actually helps hugely with endo. Ignore her advice on supplements (they're not endo. friendly), but if you follow the rest of the plan, you might find it helpful to your body. It's focused on reducing inflammation and has a chapter on balancing hormones, too.

The surgery has caused trauma to your body and your immune system may be low. You could have a virus. I caught shingles immediately after surgery which really wiped me out.

Rest as much as possible. Show yourself compassion and remember that the healing process can take some time.

Good luck. x