How do you manage/prioritise life?

[Time4Tee]

Hi guys, so I have been wondering if anyone else struggles with managing and prioritising their everyday life around their condition/s?Everyone is different and we all have different circumstances and levels of endo, amongst other things, and I was just wondering how everyone else manages in their daily lives to get on with things.

In my case I can mostly manage my pain through heat, light exercise/stretches and trying to be careful about what I eat (not great at it though) and although these things somewhat help, I still struggle to do basic things some days, I want to see my family and friends more, but when I do, I'm left knackered for the next few days, then when I take sometime to try to recoup, I'm told I'm not prioritising myself properly.

So really I want to know if there is any solution out there somewhere, I know my pain won't go away but I don't want my friends and family to think I've abandoned them.

[OlgaSz]

Hi there,I am sorry you are feeling this way. It is really hard to juggle different priorities with a chronic disease...

Since my diagnosis I started putting myself first - I realised that I can't pour from an empty cup, so I don't feel bad about taking care of myself anymore. I don't plough through pain and flare ups anymore!

My way of taking care of myself includes many non-negotiables, like: at least 8h of sleep opportunity every night, daily yoga, massage every 4 weeks or so, high quality food (whole food plant based), high quality herbal teas (currently raspberry leaf, decaf green with ginger, nettle, cramp bark, black cohosh and yarrow) zero caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes etc. I also use TENS machine, which i think is a Godsend.

It may sound expensive/complicated and overstretched, but turns out way cheaper than all pain killers and lost days of work. I am not even talking about the guilt I felt as a result of missed social occasions.

I am currently meds free for the first time in a decade and I am in peace with my diagnosis. I found it quite manageable, when I take a proper care of myself.

I hope this helps! What are your ways to prioritise yourself?

[JEWM]

Hiya,

In all honesty I think sometimes I don’t manage, but I have to fight real hard against the urge to pretend that I am. I find ignoring the start of a flare up and ‘powering through’ is the biggest mistake I can make - so aside from taking care with diet and gentle regular exercise, it is critical to pay attention to your body (and mood) and take time out when needed. Expect it and plan in regular peaceful me time. I have to have a calming hot bath a couple of times a week, occasional massages, a movie nights in to chill in comfy clothes.

With friends/work, sometimes they will understand better than others. There are also those events where you have less choice and you have to power through knowing the inevitable fallout. This is the hardest part for me . I think it’s ok for others to be frustrated with this also where their plans are affected, but where you can, be open with them about your challenges so they have every opportunity to be understanding even if disappointed.