Hi!
Having a bad endo flare up this week - I’m doing a full time PhD which requires days of being sat at my desk.
I have managed to secure funding through Student Finance England to provide me with a standing desk and chair (will take about 2 months to be delivered).
Wondering if anyone is in a similar situation and has any advice for easing pain whilst being sat at desk all day!! 🥲😞 🧐💕
Regular breaks, walk around a and printing stuff off to read elsewhere or using an I pad or tablet maybe?
Do you have a standing mat to come with your new set up? These are supposed to help with fatigue.
PhD’s are tough and be sure to look after your mental health and use the Uni Counselling service x
Sorry to hear that you’re in pain. Are you on any medication? NSAIDS like celebrex, mefenamic acid combined with paracetamol helped me get through my painful days.
Pain is rubbish. I did a PhD with endometriosis and look after PhD students now. Firstly make sure your supervisor knows about the endo and when your having a flare up. Also if you get to a point where you need strong pain killers I would abandon doing work as that work will be really difficult to go back to during your write up! Rest is great and a PhD gives you freedom to rest when you need to! For sitting make sure your wearing comfortable clothes and if your working in the office take a hot water bottle/ heat pad. If you can get up and go for a walk it will also probably help too!
Also make sure to take breaks when you are well so you can have a mental recharge 😊
I was diagnosed with endometriosis halfway through my PhD, and it is a bit tough somedays to be honest. But the flexibility of the PhD allows me to rest completely on flare up days. Also, always keep a hot water bottle around for these days and wear comfortable clothes.
My best struggle has been the impact of stress on my endometriosis. I am currently, in my final stages which means a lot more stress, long writing days and stress. Unfortunately, the stress has caused a lot more flare ups. So, my second advice is to pace yourself and take breaks when needed because stressing yourself and overworking just makes things worse. Listen to your body and teak a break when needed.
Tell your supervisors so that they know you might need some more flexibility somedays.
Hello, that does sound like a horrible predicament. I found that heat patches helped me when I was unwell at work. Some people prefer cool patches. I hope your new chair doesn't take too long to come. I also feel like my life would have been alot easier if I had told my work colleagues that I was ill. Good luck with your studies x
I just finished my PhD and I had excision surgery during my write up. My number one bit of advice is to tell your supervisors what is happening and what the treatment pathway might be. That way they will understand. Personally I needed more time to write up, and my supervisor helped me get a bit of financial support without me even asking.
Second advice is not to compare yourself to anyone else. Your project is different and you are also unwell sometimes. There was a lot of advice from research assistants of when ı 'should' be writing papers etc but the reality is that this has to come when you are ready. Keep in mind your own reasons for doing your PhD. Ask for help when you need it and embrace supportive friends and colleagues. Good luck!
If you're using a lot of pain pills/on hormones, be aware of possible nutritional b vitamin deficiencies that can make you unwell. Nsaids can affect your stomach and b12 levels. Request blood tests if you feel tired and unwell for a prolonged time.
General endo tip: if you can get an electric heat pad they are great, you might need it pat tested for the office i suppose but brill for home too. More discreet than wandering about with a hot bottle.
I'm doing a part time PhD with endometriosis, and am also finding it tricky. I've had two surgeries in the last year to remove it from various areas, including my bowels. I do find the pressure quite overwhelming sometimes, and like others, I would recommend telling your supervisors. However, if you have male supervisors like me, it can be difficult and they don't always understand. I have told myself that when the pressure and lack of understanding gets too much, then I will walk away. I have a good relationship with my pastoral advisor, who keeps me sane when I'm struggling. I would also advise listening to your body. When it's screaming for rest, make sure you listen. Your health must always come first. I used to put my work first, and it made me quite unwell long-term, so be sure to look after yourself first and foremost.
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