Pain and fatigue

[NerdyGirl_1]

Hi! I'm new here and currently being investigated for endometriosis, currently waiting to see a specialist on the NHS. I have really painful and irregular periods which are currently being managed with naproxen and tramadol. Over the last few months I've also been really suffering with fatigue, that seems to occur during my period and then lasts about week after, and suddenly disappears and returns again for the next one. I had my bloods tested at the doctors and I was deficient in folic acid and vitamin D, so I have been taking prescribed supplements. However, since then my fatigue has not got any better - does anyone else suffer from extreme fatigue? If you do, have you got any tips or advice on how to combat it? I have some really important exams coming up in July and they're going to take place just as I'm in my fatigued phase which isn't ideal so it would be really useful to have some tips!

[lilp1984]

Hi I also suffer from extreme fatigue the week before my period is due as I have an increase in pain aswell I get so bad my daughters will be talking to me and I can't physically keep my eyes open. I try and rest and let myself nap if I need to do during this time it is the only thing I have found to help!

[CatsPajamas]

I know that the only real solution is an exercise programme which sounds so strong when you’re exhausted but if you start off with 10 mins. Maybe the couch25K. Some people also recommend managing your blood sugars really carefully with diet so take a peek around the Internet for that. There isn’t any magic bullets as far as I know. Really hope you’re feeling better soon. Xx

[NerdyGirl_1 in reply to CatsPajamas]

Thank you for this I have tried to do couch to 5k before but that resulted in a stress fracture to my ankle as I have hypertension, but I have read that gentle exercise every day could work so I will try that. But when I’m feeling fatigued I’m still yawning even during exercise and just have no energy blood sugars would be good to manage - it’s so difficult because when I’m feeling rubbish I just want to have a bit of comfort food. But will have a google and see what I can find x

[Peebles2sarah]

I don’t really have tips unfortunately but I have really bad fatigue almost every day it’s because of the chronic inflammatory markers in our body. I just drink lots of coffee and take lots of breaks. I just had finals too and the lack of ability to study and focus was horrible. You’re not alone though xx

[Faybee87]

This is my worst symptom so I can sympathise! I find that managing my diet really helps. I follow the primal blueprint but the main things from that that help are cutting out sugar, no gluten (I'm gluten free anyway, it makes me feel awful, in hindsight I don't know if it's down to endo or what because I cut it out long before I was diagnosed), no refined carbs and eating lots of different types of vegetables, oily fish and good fats. Other than that, I've had to really learn to prioritise for the bad weeks, make sure I get extra sleep and meditate lots, which helps relax those tense muscles and makes me feel more refreshed. I've also cut right down on caffeine to stop any swings in cortisol/blood sugar. I hope this gives you some ideas to try!

[Phoebedzidzor in reply to Faybee87]

thanks for this ! xx