Does it get better?

[MelaniePhoebe]

Hi all,

I’ve been dealing with chronic pelvic pain for a really long time now, and in the last year it’s really snowballed into something that is unbearable. I’m in pain all day every day, varying from aches to proper full on debilitating pain. I’m to the point where I can’t carry out my job, I keep being signed off and I can’t do much apart from lay down and take loads of meds. I’m waiting for a diagnostic laparoscopy which so far I’ve waited over 3 months for after waiting a year and a half for the gynaecologist to even talk to me. Every week my condition seems to be getting worse and there’s no more options my GP can give me.

I feel like I’m losing all my hope. I read on here all the time of women who are left with this condition, not able to carry out a normal life, not able to have children. I feel like the more time I’m left with this the more damage it’s doing to me. I’m lost.

As of right now my forms of pain relief are hot water bottles, hot baths, tens machine, tramadol 3 times a day, diclofenac 3 times a day with lansoprazole to protect my stomach and the mini pill. And these things only work for such a short time. I also know that after my surgery that might not even give me the answers I need or the relief I need.

I just want to know if anyone actually gets over this or is able to manage it so they can live a full life? Is there options that have really helped improve their life? Is it going to get better?

I’ve been dealing with these kind of issues for 8 years + and it only seems to be getting worse and I don’t know where/when it will end.

I want to hear the truth of what really happens to all these ladies like me in the end if there is one.

Big love to everyone going through this and has been through it ❤️

[Dee_EndoUK Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi MelaniePhoebe

Sorry to hear you're really struggling with pain at the moment - it sounds like you're doing all the right things to try to manage it and I know most of our forum community will understand exactly what you are going through.

Aside from the more traditional means of pain relief, many women have found that changing their diet and identifying potential intolerances can be hugely beneficial. I would suggest that you speak to your GP about a referral to a dietician. Alternatively you can find a qualified nutritional therapist in your area by visiting the BANT website at bant.org.uk

In addition, some women find that they are better able to cope with pain and other symptoms of endometriosis by taking some time each day to practise mindfulness or specific breathing techniques such as box breathing or the 4-7-8 breath method. You can find short sessions on YouTube to try out. I know some people can be very sceptical of this, but just spending 5-10 minutes each day for a few weeks will help you see if it makes a difference.

It's easy to read the stories posted on this forum and assume this is the reality of every women with endometriosis, but it's only part of the story. There are many more women who, through correct diagnosis and treatment, are able to live a 'normal' life. I really hope you are able to have the laparoscopy soon and that you can take a positive step forward in your journey. Alongside our forum we also have some fantastic face to face support groups all round the UK - you can find out if there's one in your area at endometriosis-uk.org/find-a.... If not, there's also an online support group.

Wishing you all the best xx