Walking Aid for Endometriosis

[Hd123]

Hi everyone.

I am 21 and was diagnosed with Endometriosis during a laparoscopy. I am now going through a series of tests which may result in me having to have a hysterectomy. I have been extremely unwell and deteriorating fast over the last year. I am unable to take hormonal treatments as they make me really poorly and often worsen the condition I am in.

The question I really have is, has anyone ever used a walking stick or aid to help them with their Endometriosis? I struggle with really bad left sided pain and neuropathy. I have been finding that I am getting more and more unstable. When I have been on my feet lots the pain in my leg is much worse.

Would a walking stick help this?

Thanks

Hannah X

[melanies]

Oh Hannah - you are so young to be having to cope with such horrific pain and potentially major surgery. I’m afraid that although I had stage 4 endo I was never in quite the level of pain you have described and so never had need of a walking aid. If you can get hold of a walking stick, crutches, wheelchair etc and it helps - I would say go for it. Whatever you need to help you cope. Sorry I can’t help from a practical point of view with your question, but just wanted to reach out and say how sorry I am that you are suffering so badly at such a young age - this disease sucks!! 😢

[Simo7]

Hi Hannah, I use a walking stick on some days. I had excision surgery where the general gynaecologist operated on my utero sacral ligament, (he shouldn’t have!) since then I’ve had pain that makes my knees buckle sometimes (depending on ovulation menses time etc. - it’s weird!). I’m 43 & it’s been 4 years now. Initially I used it all the time, but realised that I was making my right rib pain worse, so it’s a balancing act (😁no pun intended!) between compensating one pain to support another. I’d suggest you use it if it offers you more support to get around, but try to not over use if possible. Only you really know if it’s going to help lovely. Sorry you have to go through this, stay positive & as hard as it is try to think that this disease will bring you different life lessons, try hard to not let it engulf you though x

[Renlark]

Dear Hannah I am exactly same as you have been household for a year now as have so much constant pain in lower back hips and down legs sciatic pain I can hardly stand or walk for more than seconds. I’m so sorry you are experiencing this too as you are so young. I had an MRI a month ago awaiting results. I hope someone can help you soon and you get your life back my thoughts and prayers are with you 😢xxx

[ourmolly in reply to Renlark]

I like you had severe sciatica down both legs, back pain which also went across to my hips. I cannot stand for long as it starts my back pain off. I am now 64. My problems with endo began when I was about 20 years old. I had a hysterectomy at: 28, but my ovaries were left because of my young age. Hence, I was medically retired with my back issues over 20 years ago. I have had a wheelchair which my Consiltant requested 16 years ago. I have had rectal bleeding for over 43 years, which includes clots. I also have a rectal ulcer. I have suffred all of my life since starting my periods at 14. They were always heavy with large clots.Life is not easy, feeling tired all of the time, with pain every day, even though I am on: 1500mg Gabapentin each day, 87 microgram Fentanyl patches along with my other medication. So ladies do not suffer in silence.

[3caramel7]

I have a foldaway one which I bought on Ebay for a couple of quid. I don't use mine as often as I should do through vanity on my part I think. Endo is an invisible illness and unfortunately because you are young, even though you maybe in pain etc people will not believe you. I remember being on a bus, arguing with this man about standing up for an elderly person and that I should not be sitting in certain seats etc etc. I normally do stand up for the elderly and infirm, but it was the wrong day.! And I just let rip! I very firmly explained that you didn't know my medical history and that he shouldn't jump to conclusions.

A walking stick is an indication to society that there is something wrong which can be useful especially when using public transport etc