Please help, who do I turn to for support without being a burden

[ELK24]

Hi all,

I am desperately seeking help and advice from you all, this is my first time posting.

Every time I get my period the pain is unbearable, I call 111 and they send an emergancey ambulance. Last night, like most nights ambulance phoned saying it was an 7 hr wait. No taxis so my neighbour dropped me to a&e. It was so busy, no beds, a person fitting on the floor and no one coming and I was in agony (had morphine, and coidene) and couldn’t walk or cope mentally so I went home.

Mentally, I feel like I can’t go on and don’t know where to get help? Last night this all happened at work and I am so embarrassed espeshially as I wasn’t admitted to hospital I feel that they will think I’m being dramatic.

My friends and family say they can no longer support me alone and need help which makes me feel I can’t go on and keep burdening them and makes me feel rejected and alone.

The doctors have expedited my referral, still 6 months wait (been waiting since Feb) when I moved in Feb I had to start the referral proceed again. The mental health team after months of waiting for an assessment said they can’t offer anything and to go back to my doctors. I just called a suiside support line and they dont do anything either. Every time I don’t get help it feels like another rejection mentally and is ten steps backwards. I’m so lost at how I can keep going. Please help, I don’t know where else to turn.

(I’ve had excision surgery but still in pain daily)

[AllthatGlitters]

Hi I am so sorry you are feeling like this and not getting much help or being taken seriously. Endometriosis UK have a helpline, could you give them a call and see what they can do to help you? Don’t think you are a burden, I know it’s hard not to see it that way. We never asked for this awful illness. Like you I take codeine or tramadol for my pain. It’s seriously strong stuff and I have been admitted to hospital numerous times after going to A&E. They tell me I have to manage my pain through medication before my pain gets to a level where I feel I need help from hospital consultants. Easier said than done though 🥲

I am here if you need a chat x

[Pinkmice]

Sweet heart My periods every other one ended up in hospital pain,UTI etc - its stress ful

and honestly a strain on the mind-

Things can be sorted at Hosp/clinc etc but we have to cope with the result - your family

are trying to help but when you are alone things get on top of you.

As you wrote one step at a time - could you get some fresh air- exercise helps as well

as working. smaller washing loads during time of month- natural food products etc.

You are not a burden you are a person under strain/stress/pain and with everything else happening you get lost in the system. Endo creates scar tissue hence some pain.

Keep safe, be kind to yourself

[chloe3011]

Sending you all the strength I have ❤

This disease isn't your fault, we have to remember that. I'm sorry you're not getting the help you need, please keep trying with your doctor, don't give up.

I know it's easy for me to say but anyone who thinks you're being dramatic isn't worth having in your life.

Trust your body x

[Cailleach]

Sorry you are going through so much pain and feeling unsupported.

I think if you can, start back with your GP and explain you need a plan - medication which will manage your pain, and a way of getting more general support with your mental health, if you feel you need that.

Taking a close friend or family member can help to back you up, and they can also confirm how much pain you are in and that you are not coping under the current circumstances.

If you have been feeling suicidal, make sure you tell them that.

Having to go to A and E on a regular basis really shouldn’t happen, you should have a care plan that can cope with the level of pain you normally have. Your GP should be the person that provides that.

As you know, getting to and waiting for many hours at A and E is very difficult, especially at the moment, I have had to go a few times in the last year(non endo) and have experienced it myself. It’s a level of stress you probably don’t need.

I know it can be hard going with GPs sometimes to get the help you really need for this kind of pain, but I think you will need to keep pushing and maybe trying different meds till you get something effective. If you are new to the area, try to find the most helpful GP in the practice and stick with him/ her so they get to know you. Honestly that is half the battle. Also your GP could try and push forward your gynae referral.

I do hope you can get some real help soon x

[Prettythings1]

So sorry your going through this!

You are most certainly not a burden

I really hope you get your referral through soon I know how frustrating it is

If you ever want to chat just message me directly xx

[ELK24]

Thank you so much for the support and advice everyone. It’s amazing to know I’m not alone in this and to find people that are in similar situations although not great we are all in so much pain. I am going to go back to my GP who is amazing. She really empathises with the situation and I think it’s hard on her and she said the NHS is failing and people aren’t been seen when they need to be and she gets hundreds of letters from patients everyday desperate for help.

We will all get through this 🥰

[Hidden]

Hey ELK24

You are not alone, and you are not a burden. None of us asks for endo, flooding and pain and the kind of pain you're experiencing is way too excessive to expect you to just put up with it.

Go back to your GP and emphasise that you're feeling suicidal with all of this. Hopefully you'll get some support.

Take care sweetheart

Hammy xx