Working with the pain

[MovingCastle]

Hi everyone,

So I haven't yet been diagnosed officially, still waiting on a date for my lap, so in the meantime I'm just trying to get on with things but finding it really difficult.

I'm 21 and work 6 days a week as a tattoo apprentice, so it's pretty vital for me to feel alright at work (I do not intend on screwing up anyone's tattoo's) but I'm really struggling with constant pain, and if it's not pain it's real bad discomfort. Also my energy levels have plummeted to an all time low, my body does not want to move and I can fall asleep pretty much anywhere, everyday just seems like a dream. Makes it hard in the morning too getting up on time, and even if I do I'm still usually running late because I can't get off the toilet.

I know I should probably have some time off, but as I'm self employed and just starting off my career, I really need to keep on the ball. And I have a middle aged male boss, so you'll all understand that!

I guess I'm just looking for some advice, any opinions people have and anything that might make me feel like less of a failure and get through the day. It's affecting my mental health pretty bad at the moment, I just don't understand why I can't do these things.

Thank you all

[Hannah0091]

Hey. I totally get this, I used to push through the pain so much to actually work my eyes were constantly blood shot. I used to throw up the night before before work (this happened for about 2 straight weeks) i used to bind my tummy so tight to distract from the pain & alsorts of horrible things. I work in retail management my job is very demanding and I always wanted to climb higher up the “ladder” im always on my feet and always need to be “on it”

Maybe you need to seek pain meds for now maybe go to GP and explain the pain and see what they say. It’s really hard when you have a mid age male boss but if you did start open communication then he may understand your struggle and how committed you are if you go in with, I’m struggling but I really want to be here and work here to the best of my ability. It may be a positive thing as he will realise how much you enjoy workin for him. & if the convo doesn’t go so well, then it doesn’t but what the worst that could happen. It may be worth trying to do shorter days for the mean time if this could be a possibility. The only way we will over come the stigma of this illness & the pain we have to face is to communicate and educate people. I completely get your struggle and it’s really hard as we all work in different environments and it’s not a one size fits all but I hope this helps. X

[SarahMia227]

I was diagnosed with endo at 22 while working a few years ago (I'm a student again now!) I had a desk job though, so I imagine it's even worse for you. I found peppermint tea helped with the pain, and also those stick on heat patches that are meant for your back. My boss was very understanding though, which helped.