How do you deal with getting to work with endometriosis?

[Sickofpain1990]

In the future I want to be able to go back to work but im worried about the pain levels etc and not having a supportive employer

[Hazel173]

Honestly I just struggle and take a load of painkillers to help me through. Ive just finished being a student nurse so taking time off wasnt an option for me unless I would fail. The 12.5 hour shifts are a killer for me though especially if I have 3 in a row. When I get a day off I really struggle to get out of bed. Have you got a job you can go back to or a job in mind? Do you have adequate pain relief to help you?

[Cupcake1617]

Lots of pain meds and caffeine to get me through. Then giving in when I get home and taking the help and support where I can. X

[emmaquinny]

I agree with the others I’m afraid- lots of painkillers, caffeine, berocca, hot water bottle at the ready and all the support that’s available!

[Lynne_support Partner Endometriosis UK]

Hello

You may find it helpful to look at one of our publications which is aimed at employers. It gives an overview of the legal situation when it comes to managing a woman with endometriosis. This may help you get an idea of what your rights are.

Good luck with the job hunting

Best wishes

Lynne-Endometriosis UK

[Hidden]

Hello,

I would recommend talking to your doctor and seeing if you can get some Mefenamic Acid 500mg Tablets prescribed. They are a muscle relaxant and I have found they do help a little. I also found a TENS machine quite useful. There are some decent priced ones on Amazon, and they are discrete enough to hide in a pocket or clip onto a belt.

I can also recommend heat pads (I get mine from Boots - Cura - Heat Period Pain 12hr). These peal off and stick to the outside of you knickers (this is due to the stickiness, which can cause a reaction when applied directly to skin. This is explained in the instructions)

Endometriosis UK has some good information:

Endometriosis in the Workplace leaflet:

endometriosis-uk.org/public...

Employer’s guide to managing endometriosis at work:

endometriosis-uk.org/sites/...

Hope this helps and good luck

CatPaws

P.s - there are a range of vitamins that can help, including vitamin B complex, magnesium, vitamin C, zinc, omega 3 oils, vitamin D, Iron etc (suggest getting these vitamin levels checked)

If you drink milk, switch to unhomogenised milk from Tesco or Waitrose (this is milk where the cream is left in, but can always be skimmed off).

Homogenised milk is the worst thing for endo.

[Carolamb]

Hi. Firstly you need to try and get treatment. There are many options to help ie, laser, zoladex etc, homeopathy is a great alternative too, ive used it several times for different ailments. If you have a good boss, speak to them re your health. I worked for a major company and was lucky to get medical retirement in my late 30s. Dont put up with the pain, there is lots of help out there