Endometriosis making work tough... finally needing to ask for help.

[Jessjesssophia]

Hi ladies,

I haven’t written on here for a while because I thought my endometriosis was finally under control so sorry if this turns into a rant!

I had the Mirena coil fitted in June 2016 & honestly it has been fantastic up until now. The insertion was difficult as I had recently had treatment to remove CIN3 cells from the cervix but I was fine after a few weeks.

In the last couple of months though I’ve started to feel the familiar twinges & now it’s back to the point I can’t be without painkillers in my bag.

I started a new job in August which I do really enjoy, but as it’s customer facing I sometimes find it really difficult to “grin and bear it”. For some reason it’s really knocked my confidence I think because I’m constantly worrying about the pain getting as bad as it was before. As a result I’m really suffering from depression & anxiety quite badly. I’m worried about the pain getting worse, affecting my job which I’ve worked really hard for and on top of that I’m moving house in a couple of days but I’m so exhausted from anemia again I’m finding that really hard.

It’s got to the point I’m struggling to have an intimate relationship with my partner because it can get so painful which is knocking my confidence even further.

I’ve lost weight and my hair is starting to fall out so I’ve now made the initial email to my boss to ask for help.

In the email I put that I’m suffering from an illness that I’ve disclosed to HR & wondering if anyone’s had experience & what other people have found helpful? It’s really affecting my concentration & I’m not wanting to make it an excuse as I don’t like playing the “victim” card but I’m really having a tough time.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks for reading xxx

[JellyKat]

Hi Jess, have you tried a tens machine to help with the pain?

It might be better the coil itself causing problems, irritating the lining of the womb. I used to have a copper coil and I ended up passing out in pain every month until I had it removed. Maybe a POP would be better?

[Jessjesssophia in reply to JellyKat]

Hi JellyKat, that’s a good idea actually I’ll look into getting a tens machine actually. I was on the pill for years but unfortunately it didn’t seem to work for me and I’m at risk for blood clots (broken woman!). I’m really terrified of coming off any hormonal options as I had the worst experience when my periods weren’t controlled.

[JellyKat in reply to Jessjesssophia]

Maybe the pain perception control route might be worth considering? Some people get a huge benefit from being on amitriptyline, to alter the brains perception of pain.

Didn’t work for me, but a tiny dose was a godsend for someone I worked with

[Jessjesssophia in reply to JellyKat]

Thank you for the advice I’ll give that a go as well once I get set up with a new gp after the move😊 it’s just so stressful!