Frustration

[jessica46555]

Hi. I am new to the site. I have been looking for a long time for somewhere to talk to others with endometriosis. Do many other individuals find that it's quite common for people to not actually understand or believe quite how painful it can be having endo? I have had previous employers belittle the condition, or insinuate that it's nothing more than period pain. It's very deflating when this happens as sometimes the pain can be so bad, I physically cannot move. Emotionally it's quite draining, I only know 2 other people with the condition, so it's difficult to express to people how frustrating this can be.

[emcoll]

Hiya. Oh all the time. I actually lost my job over endo. Long story short my boss called it a fake attention seeking illness for 'women who just need an ibuprofen'. So I called him out on it and they dismissed me with immediate effect, all for standing up for myself. I wasn't going to sit there and let someone belittle the excruciating condition that I and so many other women suffer from. Endo is very real, and it's affecting thousands, if not millions of people around the world, and it really infuriates me when someone just tells me it's period pain. I have episodes where I can't move and it's so deflating, like you say. I felt so alone when I got diagnosed, which is when I started trying to find safe places like this, where I could just talk freely to similar people. You're never alone, I completely understand how you feel!

Always here to talk,

Em

[jessica46555 in reply to emcoll]

That's terrible! It really upsets me that people think this. Sometimes I just want to scream because I can't put into words how bad the pain can be. When I had my first surgery, my work place at the time called me in for a disciplinary! For having 1 week off for an operation! It's as though they think it's some kind of made up condition. Very, very frustrating. Thank you for replying - it's nice to see there are other women who understand! It's taken me a long time to try talk to other people, so I appreciate it! x

[Chandler81]

I’m so sorry you’re being treated this way. It’s so difficult to manage without people being sympathetic or acknowledging your struggle.

I am very lucky in terms of an understanding boss but I feel anxiety about taking time off sick and letting people down.

There are great leaflets now explaining in detail the condition. Maybe handing them to anyone who needs educating is good idea.

Emma xx