Exercising with endo

[EloiseD]

Hi all. I recently got diagnosed with endometriosis during a laparoscopy in August. This came after 4 years of drs appointments, colonoscopies, endoscopies, breath tests, FODMAP etc. My main issue is the bloating. I am bloated from the second I wake up, despite not having eaten anything. I suffer from body dysmorphia and so this is really affecting me. My main outlet, which is exercise, inflames my stomach even more and causes abdominal pain. When I researched it, it states not to do vigorous exercise and gave examples which are everything I do- contact sports (football is the love of my life), running, intense cycling (I go to spin 3x a week typically), burpees and sit ups. Does anyone else just plough through the pain in order to maintain their normal lifestyle or do you have to find soft alternatives like yoga? I’m really struggling with the combination of feeling and looking bigger due to bloat and trying to recognise that I’m not fat, I’m just inflamed. TIA.

[Purpleindigo]

Hey,

I'm so sorry to say that with endometriosis that you may have to find alternatives. Anything that is significantly impacting or changing the shape of your abdomen (burpies/sit ups), could trigger a flare, especially if you have adhesions.

I used to be a competitive swimmer, high jumper and hurdler. Unfortunately, I am now unable to train/compete due to my endo. I have low impact sports to be the best and can still swim comfortably. I've also added in yoga/wall pilates.

I did try spinning, however I have rectal and bowel endo now, which means sitting in that position, intensely working my abdominal muscles can cause significant pain, which I don't always realise until I've completed the activity.

All in all it's a shitty disease and everyone's different. Maybe see if Leah Williamsons page has any tips, as I know she's recently come out to say she suffers with endo.

I hope you find something that works for you x

[Purpleindigo in reply to Purpleindigo]

Also myoovi has developed specific supplements for endo and one is a specialist de bloat one. I have no idea if they work, but I'm about to start their endometriosis specific supplement 🤣

[Sunset-lady]

I think you need to weigh up how much exercise supports your mental health. Exercise is a type of medicine in my opinion. I'd adjust some things like burpees which are obviously high impact, but if you love something like football then I'd continue to do it. I bloat loads - I'm continually bloated, and have been for the last 15 years but I don't feel it's just down to exercise. I imagine you follow a non inflammatory diet - I eat Paleo which really helps. Sleep is also crucial. Without exercise I wouldn't be able to deal with this disease so don't give up the things you love xxx

[PrettyRainbows]

I feel you! I'm exactly the same, stage 4 and the bloat and endo belly never dissappears now. I have gained nearly 2 stone just due to the inflammation whilst I wait for my surgery. I had to stop running. Have you tried swimming ? It improves my mental health and doesn't flare me up. I'm exhausted afterwards but that helps me to crash & get a good sleep. I find even walking hard work now but getting in the pool, I feel like a different person. I appreciate everybody is different though but could be worth a try!

[persil]

You can exercise but we're all different just do a more low key exercise and walking is good good luck.

[BloomingMarvellous]

Hi 👋, I found it essentially a matter of really cherishing my core strength with specialist training with a Dr of physio who developed a programme that fully understands the issues around Endo and adenomyosis. Too many physios and sports coaches don’t know how to approach the issue of both weakened tissue, adhesions, inflammation and overnight pelvic floor. Hypopressives have a different route to deal with these issues. Have a look at @leah-brueg podcast list -Number 52 with Dr Angie Muller for a discussion on core issues and hormone health for background. Also look at @corerecoverypt for more information to explore. Saved my bacon long term.

[FalloutGirl82]

Eloise D, sorry to hear the bloating is causing you anxiety. It did for me for years. I was getting sick of people asking when my due date was. Since my last surgery, I have cut out 90% carbs and all sugar from my diet and no longer suffer from bloating.

As said in other comments, it affects everyone differently, so this strategy might not help, however, this is what I’ve personally found to work.

I’ve never been very sporty, but I’ve always enjoyed walking and yoga and I’ve never had issues with those activities.

I hope you find a solution soon.

Take care.