Working with endometriosis

[Bailey1981]

I have just been diagnosed with endometriosis and struggling with the pain which I seem to get in my pelvic area,groin,pain down my leg and lower back pain,i take codeine but that makes me feel spaced out and tired my question is does anyone else manage to work I am a healthcare assistant I look after a gentleman in his own home on my own but if if I gave up work I wouldn't have any money I also get cronic fatigue as well thanks

[Moon_maiden]

Your work can’t be easy, I’m sure he appreciates your help though. Are you living in care?

With all the virus stuff I’m grateful for furlough at present. I was struggling before that. I sort of kept going.

There are other painkillers apart from opioids, speak to GP. I try to avoid them apart from the odd morphine at night. I take Naproxen and Nefopam.

Did they say what they’ll do for the endo?

[Bailey1981 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Hi thanks for replying,I am not living in care I go there every day and spend the day with him I am waiting for a biopsy and the gynecologist said he wanted to fit a coil in that lasts 5 years,abit unsure about that

I haven't spoken to anyone about any other painkillers I had the codeine and paracetamol fr when I was in hospital with the pain that's what they sent me home with

[Moon_maiden in reply to Bailey1981]

At least you get some breathing space from work.

I don’t really know anything about the coil, personally I wouldn’t, but that’s just me.

It’s like anything else, people react differently, research and ask the gynae questions I’d have thought.

Have a chat with GP about the painkillers, could be worthwhile.

How long until the Biopsy?

[Bailey1981 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Still waiting for an appointment 😔

[Infullbloom]

Hi, I've seen a huge improvement in my pain from amitryptiline. I was sceptical when my GP suggested it but I'd seen 90% improvement after just 2 days.

Also diet makes massive difference. I try to eat gluten and diary free diet, no red meat etc. I know that if I have a cookie or chocolate I'll have a pain attack.

I'm a doctor and find that work helps with my mental health. I can't imagine staying home alone. I think I'd get depressed. But I have to admit I really struggle with 12h on calls. Are you staying with this gentleman for 12h? Maybe cut your hours to 8 daily?job share?

[Bailey1981 in reply to Infullbloom]

How do you do a dairy free diet might sound a silly question but do you change your milk etc

[Infullbloom in reply to Bailey1981]

I'm not a big fan of dairy anyway as I have reflux and dairy products make it much worse. I like coconut yoghurt and almond or oat milk in my coffee. You can make your own coconut yoghurt from coconut milk and bacterial cultures. The biggest pain triggers that break even through the amitryptiline are biscuits and chocolate, at least for me. There are lots of books and discussions about thr endometriosis diet