Endometriosis after pregnancy

[LTyrer]

Hello, I was diagnosed with endometriosis just over 2 years ago after 17 years of pain and unknowing what was going on and people saying it's just in my head.

Now 31 I have just had a baby and am really struggling with pains. I feel like they are worse and I only seem to get a day or 2 without hurting.

I really feel like it's starting to affect my mental health and happiness. And causing really strain on my marriage. I'm not really sure what to do or where to go?

Has anyone else found their pain worse after pregnancy?

Regards L.T.

[Carebear92]

You know your body better than anyone and sounds like you could do with speaking to someone about it. I appreciate how not being listened to can leave you mistrusting of health professionals. Depending how long ago you had your baby, could you maybe speak to your midwife/health visitor for advice if the GP seems a little too much? Especially as you mention your mental health in postpartum

A certain amount of discomfort is expected in the initial 6-8 weeks after having a baby but if it’s been longer, it’s worth flagging up.

I hope you’re okay otherwise. Motherhood is hard enough without chronic illness ❤️

[LTyrer in reply to Carebear92]

She is now 8 months old. And each cycle the days are more intense. I have a 32 month old my wife carried aswell. Being a stay at home mum it's a little hard when it's a being sick pain day as my eldest understand and plays pretend be sick in bowls.

But they keep me going and laughing. Keeping them busy, keeps me busy in the day.

I think I will try in the new year and see if there is a female doctor I can talk to.

I hope your managing well and had a good Christmas.

[Carebear92 in reply to LTyrer]

Of course, I can’t imagine how intense that feels in the moment. Sounds like you’re doing an amazing job and I’m glad you have your wife for support too. I’m fortunate in that my pain hasn’t got worse since my daughter was born, but I know if I was feeling the way you’re describing then it would be time to flag things up. It does sound like finding a doctor you can trust would be a great step and I hope something can be done to help you, both physically and emotionally too. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health ❤️

[LTyrer in reply to Carebear92]

Thank you for your words

[SoJo_EndoUK Moderator]

Hi LTyrer,

I’m one of the health unlocked moderators for Endo UK. Sorry you are having such a hard time of it. Although it’s unacceptable we often have to be our own advocates when I comes to Endo. I appreciate the frustration when you don’t feel listened to, and it absolutely impacts your physical and mental well-being. We are here to listen and support wherever we can. I have a few suggestions if you don’t mind:

1. Keep a pain and symptoms diary, Endo Uk have a template which I have attached for you. It’s a good document to take to your health professionals to help them see how much this is impacting your life.

2. Know your treatment options. There are various treatments for endo and what works for one doesn’t work for everyone. I have attached information on treatments available too.

3. Join a support group. Being part of a community where others are going through the same can be so helpful, just knowing you’re not alone. There are lots of Endo UK support groups across the UK, I’ve attached a link on how to find them.

I hope you start to feel better soon and find these resources useful.

endometriosis-uk.org/sites/...

endometriosis-uk.org/endome...

endometriosis-uk.org/find-a...

[LTyrer in reply to SoJo_EndoUK]

Thank you for this information and of course I didn't mind this was why I came on. I will have a good look and see what my options are as I have done the mirena coil and many varieties of the pill chicken just don't seem to agree with me.

I thought thefirst period after having my daughter would be worse but then start going back to what I was used to, but they seem to be growing and pain seems to bee in new places and more intense.

I have had real trouble getting help before and it was often said that it is just in my head. That there wasn't anything wrong. So I find it really hard andam really low in my confidence when it comes to sorting my own problems out.

[SoJo_EndoUK Moderator]

You’re welcome. I have to say joining my local support group really boosted my confidence in managing my condition and speaking to my health care professionals. I hope you get some relief soon.

[LTyrer in reply to SoJo_EndoUK]

Annoyingly I have just looked and there are none near me. And none online. But I'll keep looking. Thanks again

[SoJo_EndoUK Moderator in reply to LTyrer]

They tend to be on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I’m not sure what area you are in but it might be worth a look at these platforms.