Tired of feeling drained😔

[Zoobs02]

Why does it feel like I’ve used all of my energy to get myself up, dressed and attend my hospital appointment? I’ve got home had to change because my clothes are starting to feel uncomfortable against my belly and I’m now lay on the sofa feeling yet again, entirely drained and unable to do work around the house, unable to do anything other than sleep because I feel fatigued to the point where I’ve had no sleep, despite having slept (slept well, for a change may I add) for 8/9 hours last night. At what point am I going to be able to get up and do things? I don’t even have the energy to wash the bloody dishes I’m that tired! I’ve got an exam in August (since I was unwell for the initial exam) and I don’t even have the energy to revise. All my life I’ve wanted to go to university and do well, do myself proud and the most annoying thing is that the reason I feel like I’m failing is because of something completely out of my control😭 I’ve got commitments l can’t even commit to simply because I’m ALWAYS so tired, physically and mentally exhausted

[Cailleach]

Firstly, yes, it’s shit and it’s endlessly frustrating and and I know that from personal experience!

Unfortunately fatigue is a common symptom of endometriosis. It is worth getting your GP to check your bloods though, as you may have something else going on like low iron levels. Also they may want to screen you for depression, as it’s also a common symptom of that, but that is not immediately coming across from what you have written. Also consider if it could be related to any new medication you’ve been on as it’s a common side-effect.

After ruling that out, reviewing your diet might help a little, making sure you drink enough fluid and and eat enough protein and minimise simple carbs that give you a quick sugar burst and then drop your sugar levels. Try a multivitamin supplement, vit B is also good for energy. Marilyn Grenville has written on supplements for people with endo.

Pacing yourself helps - work out how much you can do before you are too tired and do not go beyond that, frustrating as it is. Or make the decision you are going to use your energy for something you really want to do and acknowledge you will be exhausted afterwards. That really leads to setting your priorities and unfortunately you need to accept as best you can you can’t do everything you want.

For keeping in touch with people, it is best to be honest and say why you cannot manage to meet up etc so they know you do want to see them. You can keep in touch on the phone/online whatever to maintain the relationship.

Re your exam, that’s really tough. You might be best having a chat with the college or university about what’s going on, and decide on the best way forward.

Give yourself a break, you are doing your best, and none of this is your fault xx