Newbie learning the ropes!

[EllaB3]

Hi everyone! I’m 23 and have just been diagnosed with endometriosis in uterus, bladder and bowel. About 7 days ago I had my diagnostic laparoscopy and I’m still really sore (not complaining about being waited on hand and foot though!) I’m new here, as you can probably tell.

I have been experiencing endo symptoms for over 5 years, the most prevalent being continuous abdominal pain. I genuinely thought getting my diagnosis would be a weight lifted - like a sudden part in the clouds. But to be honest, it feels horrendously redundant. Like ok... what now? As for the ‘what now’, I’m waiting for a full-blown consultation to see what the next steps are which I’ve been told will involve some sort of bowel specialist ( fun fun fun).

I wanted to come somewhere like this just to connect with women like me. I can’t complain, I have an amazing support system: Mum, Dad, best friends and boyfriend who can’t do enough. But sometimes, I can’t help but feel so horrendously alone. It’s like no one will ever truly understand the struggle of living in constant pain; the burden of waking up every night because I can’t sleep through due to the endo pressing on my bladder. I’m 23, and I feel like this is my life now: a lifetime of pain, painkillers and hot water bottles. I know this comes off extremely negative and moan-ey but pain is relative and I am struggling if I’m honest.

I do hope that we can help one another get through the really tough days - because believe me I’m having quite a few of those! I’m excited to see what this place has to offer and the amazing women I can meet. We can stand together <3

[ZiggyandBC]

Hey! I hope you’re doing okay after your laparoscopy! I’m still waiting for mine but I hope I’ll get it soon 🤞🏻 I had pain that slowly got worse and worse each month after I came off the pill 2 years ago and now I’m just in horrible pain to the point where I can’t work full time hours anymore! I’m only 22 and feeling very alone and isolated like you. I’m hoping to be referred to a fertility specialist after my operation to hopefully figure out what to do next. My mental health has taken a real hit too and it’s just such a painful thing to have to go through. I hope you get some relief from this surgery and hopefully the doctors will be able to help even more. Sending you lots of love for your recovery! ❤️❤️

[EllaB3 in reply to ZiggyandBC]

Hey!! Thank you so much for replying, your comment has made my day and made me feel less alone. I’m nearly all recovered now just a bit of pain here and there. I truly hope you don’t have to wait long for yours and then you can get some answers! I completely understand what you’re saying the pain can be all encompassing. My mental health and really suffered and I’ve never really been one to suffer with my mental health otherwise. I really don’t think that’s an area that is spoken about much! We can get through this together x

[Lofty1589]

Hi! I hope you’re doing as well as you can be post-op. I’m 21 and been diagnosed with Adenomyosis and having further investigations for Endo elsewhere. It’s horrible and it robs us of the life we should be living. I should be able to go on days out with friends and not worry about anything but I can’t. I’m anxious to leave the house in case I have a sudden flare up!I hope that this surgery brings you some relief and that a good plan is put in place for you x

[EllaB3 in reply to Lofty1589]

Hey! Thank you so much for your response I 100% agree and understand. I feel like before I leave the house I have a mental checklist of everything that I need. People have made jokes like ‘oh have you got the kitchen sink too’ because it takes me ages to leave! But it would be horrendous to have an unexpected flare up and not be prepared! I can’t go to anywhere without a toilet as I need a wee ALL THE TIME! I understand the frustration and please know that you are not alone. I’m always here for a vent if you ever need it! X

[thara9643]

hi

[EllaB3 in reply to thara9643]

Hey!! X

[thara9643 in reply to EllaB3]

tell me more about yourself