Any tips for coping while working full time!

[Poppy96]

I am 25 years old and currently work full time. Last November I was told they found patches that indicate endometriosis on a scan. I have pretty much every symptom. So they have loosely diagnosed me with endometriosis as they don’t advise I have a laparoscopy right now due to it creating scar tissue.

I have been offered the Mirvena but I am still undecided based on the fact I do not want to provoke my migraines as they are currently manageable (I was on the mini pill for a year which gave me daily headaches and caused my migraines to be worse).

This month has been the worst month I have had. I had a week pain free just after my period but I am now currently three weeks into daily period pain and symptoms and I’m struggling! I spent my weekend in bed trying to rest in the hope it helps. But it’s Monday morning and I already want to crawl back into bed!

I am currently working from home which makes things slightly easier in terms of being able to get comfy/have a hot water bottle glued to me.

But I’m still struggling with full time work. I was wondering if anyone had advice on how they cope? Or tips and tricks?

🙂

[Claire_Alexandra]

Biggest advice - you’re not alone! I’m 26 and I work from home currently too and it’s the only reason I think I’ve been able to keep working full time while waiting over a year now for my gynae consult and laparoscopy and cystectomy which I’m still on the urgent waiting list for but all on hold currently. I find my weighted blanket helps as does child’s pose yoga position slightly. Best thing is heat and sometimes I double up with a heat patch sticker plus the hot water bottle. My long hot water bottle (mines from the brand yuyu) is a game changer through as you can wrap it and tie it around wherever/whatever angle so sometimes it’s simply around my waist or I can have it down my leg, around my groin etc so it’s specific to the pain. I wish I had more suggestions but message anytime! X

[Poppy96 in reply to Claire_Alexandra]

I am so glad I’m not the only one! I feel the exact same, if I wasn’t working from home I’m not sure I’d still be able to work. I’m hoping my boss is more flexible when we do go back to the office otherwise I’m worried I will be out of a job 😕. I was sent to the nhs website by my doctor to read up on endometriosis and then was left on my own really. So I am currently trying to navigate this condition (with not much help) as it’s got worse over the last two years. I feel a bit lost, and I haven’t been able to voice my concerns or ask questions about the mirvena and migraines as I’m just told to try it. But if I provoke them I will definitely be out of a job they knock me for weeks. I recently brought a weighted blanket to see if it helps 🤞 I have also begun yoga today, praying it helps. I’m not sure my water bill can cope with me just sitting in the bath morning and night until I wrinkle like a prune. It’s about the only thing that helps at the moment. I normally use the sticky heat pads and hot water bottle. I haven’t any left so I think stocking more of them is needed! Thank you for the advice it’s really helpful 😊 I hope you aren’t waiting much longer🤞X

[Claire_Alexandra in reply to Poppy96]

It might be worth asking for an occupational health referral if your work have one. Mine have a team in house but previously a charity I worked for would buy it in as and when someone needed it. What I’ve made sure to do is have an assessment with them, name all the things I’m doing including flexi working while at home and they’re aware I’m on the waiting list and awaiting diagnosis etc and then it’s all formally acknowledged so they cant discriminate against you. It’s reassuring just having it in writing from someone external who will also usually for chronic conditions name it as a disability and therefore you’re protected by disability protection laws etc. If your work don’t have it it might be worth speaking to your GP or even citizens advice so you can have it more officially named. I then let my line manager know my pattern of pain and put a code for us like amber on my diary so she can see the bad pain days in advance and not book meetings in but also I can let her know when I have medication changes that cause side effects and we can review my diary and pass over tasks etc if possible or at least just not have to hide having a bad day! I am very lucky with my employer and line manager but haven’t been so much in the past and proactivity on your end is the only thing that really gets it going. Hope that helps!

[Poppy96 in reply to Claire_Alexandra]

That sound so great! Unfortunately I work for a small family run business so my boss is the director and we don’t have anything like that in place. Not to sound judgemental but he is a typical man and so wouldn’t be understanding I don’t think. Nothing ever changes even small things like asking for an extra hour to get something finished. So I’m not sure I would get very far in terms of help. I think he’d find every loophole possible. But your work sounds really great it’s nice they can work with you 😊 it helps relieve the pressure☺️

[Hidden]

You are a hero!.Working full time with endometriosis is hard work especially that week of your period.I take a prescription strength medication and massage my tummy with a heat balm(it’s more psychological than productive as my brain is tricked and now concentrates on the heat and temporarily forget the pain).Drink a lot of water plus watch things that make you laugh.

[Poppy96 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! Yeah I think the heat distracts me as well. It doesn’t particularly soothe but I think the change in temperature gives my brain something else to focus on 😊. Lying in bed and watching random tv shows is my new favourite thing to do after work 😆🙈