Immune system

[jelleytots10]

Hey Girls

Since having my endometriosis removed 5 weeks ago my immune system has been really low. My

Surgery didn’t go as planned and I was in theatre for nearly 5 hours due to them finding endometriosis in places they wasn’t aware of as they didn’t see it in the first surgery last July and it not showing on the MRI a week before the operation and my bowel tearing from where they unattached it from my uterus, amongst other complications. Since the surgery I’ve had a really high bacterial urine infection and ending up in a&e 6 days after my operation in lots of pain and being on 6 courses of antibiotics in 5 weeks, I’ve had lots of coldsores and also now have a really sore throat and feel quite unwell so i think I’m getting tonsillitis which I’m prone too.

I was just wondering if its normal to have such a low immune system after an operation and if anyone can recommend any vitamins that i can take to boost my immune system.

Thanks in advance xx

[Thecraftyadder]

Really sorry to hear what a rough time you've had. I think a lot of us with endometriosis have weakened immune systems and the stress to your body of surgery won't have helped. Apart from the basics of eating lots of fruit and veg plus oily fish (which is a great anti inflammatory) I'd say the obvious things for your immune system would be vitamin c, zinc and selenium. I was first told about selenium after a bout of viral meningitis when I was younger but I've recently read that its used to treat endometriosis in cattle so I went back on it. I take a good multivitamin from a company called natures best uk (you can order online) that's specifically for women. Its called Premtis and has lots of other good stuff in it to including this. I'm definitely seeing a difference to my immune system now. Remember you usually need to take something for 2-3 months to feel the full effects. I'd also think you might want a probiotic like acidophilus to help your gut recover. And at the first sign of a cold or sore throat start taking Echinacea as it helps you recover quicker.

I'm no medical professional but I work for a team of dietitians and have a personal interest in nutrition, especially as a means to fight this illness. I was only diagnosed last year. So this is just stuff I use myself but hope it's helpful

[wanwood]

If your body is recovering from major surgery, which it is, and has been through a lot of trauma besides, which it has, you are going to be weaker in lots of ways, including your immune system. I'm sure getting the nutrients you need is important, but the most important thing you can do is make sure you're getting enough rest and don't push yourself. This is the advice I've been given and I tend to agree.

It took me 2.5 months after my last lap to stop feeling tired and run down. Hope you feel better sooner than that! Now I can do my usual levels of activity and exercise as much as I want, and really go for it even, but it took some time to get there xx