Severe fatigue struggling 😣

[Dawn84]

Hi all,

Just wondered if anyone with endo that suffers with fatigue has any advice. I'm really struggling with it. I had a laparoscopy coming up to four weeks ago and was diagnosed with endo. Prior to the op I was suffering with fatigue but I feel it's getting worse and I'm struggling to function day to day with just normal things. Even small things make me feel exhausted then if I do anything more like when I work Thurs and Fri I struggle to get through the day then the weekend I have zero energy and can barely bring myself to do anything. It's really affecting every aspect of my life. I have two young children so it's very difficult. My relationship is suffering as all I want to do is sleep. 😴

Any thoughts or anyone going through the same would be helpful. My follow up to gynaecologist has been put forward to end Nov which seems ages away. Is it normal to feel this bad with endo? Thanks

[Starry]

Humongous hugs. This is exactly what happened to me. I developed severe post op fatigue after my diagnostic lap that I never shifted.

I tried floradix, had thyroid tests and bit b12 and D all were clear. I ended up reducing my hours at work by a day which I dedicated to sleeping. Slowing down and "Pacing" myself was the only thing really that helped me cope

I ended up crashing off work sick 3 weeks earlier than my op with chronic fatigue.

Fatigue wiseI i am better since my excision surgery and clearer headed too. I think it was the adhesions or inflammation that was causing it.

[Dawn84 in reply to Starry]

Hi Starry thank you for your kind reply. It's interesting to hear similar happened to you after your laparoscopy. I wonder if putting our bodies through the extra stress of an operation makes things worse. I am going to see the doctor next week as this is all consuming and getting worse. I only work 3 days a week but this alone exhausts me and I'm finding it increasingly tough to manage. Even going for a walk with my girls makes me feel exhausted 😣. Just can't be the mum I want to be like this. I am waiting to see the Consultant to see if I need surgery or hormone treatment. I'm so glad to hear your fatigue improved with your excision surgery. This disease is so complex. 🤔

[sakura22]

Hello I am so sorry that you are feeling so exhausted. Particularly with two little ones to look after. I feel utterly wiped out much of the time too, mentally and physically . I rest when I can and try not to over commit at work or socially. I try to avoid caffeine and sugar because although they give you a quick boost they make you feel much worse in the long run. My energy levels are best around ovulation so I use a period tracker app to try and schedule anything more demanding then. I'm also on multivitamins etc. It's really important that your partner appreciates that your endo is why you are so tired. My previous partner got really frustrated -neither of us knew I had endometriosis at that time and he took my behaviour very personally.

[Dawn84 in reply to sakura22]

Thanks for the lovely reply. It's nice to know I'm not alone in the way I feel. If I do rest I'm made to feel bad as my partner doesn't understand how im feeling. I've tried to explain but it just doesn't seem to go in. I've cut down massively on caffeine but this hasn't made any difference. I will give vitamins a go. Are any vitamins/supplements in particular helpful? Xx

[Dawn84 in reply to Dawn84]

Sorry to hear your feeling wiped out too. It's truly rubbish feeling this way. X

[sakura22]

Hi Dawn about 1/3 of women are thought to be deficient in iron which can contribute to tiredness. Due to menstruation we need more iron than men - 14.8 mg a day. It can be difficult to get this much daily so supplements are a good top up. I'd recommend you ask your doctor for a blood test. If you are deficient It's best to take iron with food and as a multi vitamin supplement as it can make you feel a bit nauseous otherwise. Aside from iron vitamin B2 also helps with energy. Maca powder is a great source - you can get this at health food shops and my local Aldi stocks it. Use it on cereals, in smoothies or baking. It has a slightly sweet flavour so is very easy to use. I mix it in porridge. Of course the endo is the principient reason for the fatigue but these suggestions might help. I hope that you're feeling better soon. Xx

[Dawn84 in reply to sakura22]

Thank you for your suggestions 😊 I will definitely look into starting multivitamins and vitamin b. I have had my iron levels checked lots of times and it's normal. I've also invested in done endo diet books. Onwards and upwards!! Xx