Suspected endo...

[heatingpad99]

Hi,

I'm 20 and recently been told that I need a referral to a specialist to see if the symptoms I've been exhibiting over the last 5 years are endo.

Obviously still not official, but is there any pain management strategies that aren't heating, sleeping or painkillers, as none of those options work for me. I get intense bloating, pain, have depression and chronic fatigue, and have been known to pass out/be sick due to the pain.

Are there any students with endo out there who can advise me on how to manage juggling uni with my health, as well as a part time job and everything else I'm doing, as I'm trying really hard not to drop anything .

[StefaniaJW]

It's hard. I am just a uni student and I could never have a part-time job too.

My biggest piece of advice is to revolutionize your lifestyle: don't smoke, don't drink alcohol, don't eat cured meats (ham, salami), fried and processed foods, refined carbs, sweets and desserts or dairy (if it causes trouble for you). Eat plenty of fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna) and veggies (raw and cooked). Fruit, avocado, nuts like almonds, peanuts and walnuts, wholegrains, rice and corn are ok, legumes like peas and chickpeas, free-range eggs, chia seeds, some lean meats are ok too.

Take magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, selenium, zinc and omega 3 as supplements to help. You might need iron and vitamin D too (ask your GP to get your vitamin D levels tested).

Please get at least 9 hours of sleep per night and move mildly (walking, light yoga or swimming, always preferably outdoors).

Avoid stress as much as possible, avoid plastic, use organic hygiene products and take care of your oral health (brush your teeth 3 times a day, floss twice, see the dentist when you need to).

As far as pain goes, Epsom salt baths, CBD oil, primrose oil can help.

As far as specialists go, you will probably need excision surgery. Please PM me to get the names of the best excision surgeons in the country working within the NHS.