Working with endometriosis 😓: Hey ladies... - Endometriosis UK

Endometriosis UK

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Working with endometriosis 😓

Lovelylovey profile image
•26 Replies

Hey ladies! Any advice on how to get through a really physical job with endometriosis? I have so much pain everyday and when I go to work I’m on my feet 8 hours I walk at least 5 miles a day and lift any where from 25 to 70 pounds.

I had a laparoscopic salpingectomy about 3 weeks ago and find it hard to be at work. I feel so defeated! I’m always a great worker and ready to get through my days. Not to mention calling in and not having money is getting really worrisome.

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Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey
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26 Replies
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Afrohair profile image
Afrohair

It’s still early to go back to work I feel could you not get a doctors note

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey

I figured it was too early. My doctor told me. I lifting for 2 weeks then after that 2 weeks I could go back. I went back and almost passed out due to the pain 😓 but now I’m wondering how long will my recovery be?

Afrohair profile image
Afrohair• in reply toLovelylovey

If it was me I would not be back too soon it would make recovery longer please rest at least get 3 weeks more from your doctor and see how you feel x

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey• in reply toAfrohair

I had one Laparoscopy February 13th and the other March 25th

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey

I’m in pain every day! She referred me to a physical therapist and I just started yesterday. I assumed because my incisions were healed that the inside would be too?

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey

Thank you so much. I thought it was imagining things. It seems like these surgeries can play with your mind. I’m use to being so strong. And I really thought I’d bounce back sooner. I had my surgery March 25th.

Afrohair profile image
Afrohair• in reply toLovelylovey

You shouldn’t be lifting at all for at least 6 weeks!and internally it can take up to a year to heal I wouldn’t even think you should be doing physical therapy yet as that would cause more pain ?

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey• in reply toAfrohair

She said because I am still in pain it could be my pelvic floor 😳 and that’s when she referred me to PT oh and they can’t prescribe be anything pain medication.

Afrohair profile image
Afrohair• in reply toLovelylovey

😯

Afrohair profile image
Afrohair• in reply toAfrohair

Did she not read your doctors notes wow it sounds like surgery pain to me and you know your own body!but leave the referral there if she’s referred you it could take months before you get that and by then you might want to use it !bit cheeky but she made the referral so might aswell she probably didn’t know what to do cause she didn’t read your notes and you should be entitled to pain relief give them a ring and tell them your in pain ridiculous!

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey• in reply toAfrohair

You are right! I will give them a ring today

Afrohair profile image
Afrohair• in reply toLovelylovey

I had open surgery on my abdomen and it took me 5 months to recover I know it’s more serious but laprascopy is still major surgery aswell even though they try say it’s not it really is especially if you’ve had work done x

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey• in reply toAfrohair

Ouch! How did your recovery go? I hate that they say laparoscopy isn’t major! It’s so frustrating

Afrohair profile image
Afrohair• in reply toLovelylovey

I could barley walk for a long time it was awful.exactly laparoscopy is a medical procedure at the end of the day x

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey

Right. It’s been a real pain dealing with this. On top of emotional feelings. And not being able to have kids it’s just physically and mentally draining

Afrohair profile image
Afrohair• in reply toLovelylovey

I’m so sorry I hope you get sorted soon feel free to p.m me anytime your down x

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey• in reply toAfrohair

Thank you very much. Your response truly helped relive some anxiety, I did follow you as well. I’m always here as well

Afrohair profile image
Afrohair• in reply toLovelylovey

Your welcome 😊

Angellouise profile image
Angellouise

Have you tried the lupron shot or merena IUD? I hope you find something that works.

Whoisthis profile image
Whoisthis

Where are you? In the Uk.. you neee to why sow pain relief for starters to help you and mentally try and give you some relief. Then you need to get a drs note and rest up.. I don’t do a physical job but I do train wit weights at the gym, I was supposed to have my lap in feb and had planned at least 3 months away from the weights. Your body needs a chance to recover to allow you to carry on being strong long term, hope you are ok x

edonn profile image
edonn

Hey, I'm so sorry to hear you are in pain and working. I had double salp in December and some endometriosis adhesion removal. I would not have been back to lifting things after only 2 weeks.

One big problem I see with any surgery recovery is that in medical terms after a time such as 2 weeks you are back to feeling better than the day after right? You no longer need hospital, or checks on vitals etc. so the medical world is letting you take care of yourself. You can sleep better maybe, you are on over the counter meds now, you are eating better etc. you want to see people and family. So you are 'recovered' in so far as you are getting back to moving around, getting back to normal.

BUT....internally there is a lot of healing yet to go, inflammation is still possible, infection is still a slightly higher risk, your body is forming scar tissue and you may be going through hormonal changes, those areas cut under your skin are healing and your energy levels are still out of whack. Plus, mentally, we have been through a big life event. So we are not nearly 'recovered' to our former selves.

When I went for 6 week check and was still in lot of discomfort surgeon said "why are you surprised, it's only been 6 weeks?". But I too got the standard 2 week cert for work. :-) This doesn't add up!

I guess the 'certified' recovery versus real recovery is something we have to deal with. Ask for help, go to your HR person if you can and explain your situation. Could they adapt your role for you or deploy you elsewhere and review in a couple of weeks? If it's too bad pain wise to even imagine that, then you should be home and resting. Call the surgeon's secretary and get your cert extended. You only have one chance at getting this recovery right so you are you again! Much love and best wishes for your recovery to full health, and be kind to yourself xx

Brownsugar35 profile image
Brownsugar35

Sorry to hear you're in pain. I've had 5 laparoscopic surgeries in the last 15 years (last one was August 2019) and i believe I have some experience with this.. My advice is you're not supposed to lift any weights for at least 6 weeks after your surgery. There's a lot of healing going inside of you and if you're over working yourself it will all slow down the healing process. Endometriosis means inflammation and any activity that causes pain eventually leads to inflammation. Try to get a sick note from your doctor's and apply for some financial help to your local authority while you're at home. If you don't heal properly, things can get much worse in the long run.

I agree with the previous comments, it takes an average of 6-12 months for internal healing after endo surgery....

Take care. X

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey• in reply toBrownsugar35

Thank you so much for your story and support!

Aslansgirl89 profile image
Aslansgirl89

I had a full hysterectomy (laparoscopic) 7 months ago and I still have tenderness in my abdomen if I am too active even now! You should not be going back to work yet! Please be careful or you will hemorrhage friend!

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey• in reply toAslansgirl89

Oh my I don’t want that to happen 😞 thank you for the wake up

Lovelylovey profile image
Lovelylovey

I’m to the point of going to the emergency room! I been in pain since the 25th of my surgery. The pain shoots down my leg it’s dull and nagging I can’t be on my feet long sit long it’s just constant does this sound familiar to anyone

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