Any tips for coping whilst waiting for surgery?

[Greenblue55]

Hi - I've had a number of operations to excise endo since 2016, including a bowel resection. I've now just gone on the waiting list for a fifth surgery, likely with a wait of at least 6 months.

I am also dealing with a bereavement, and managing PMDD (pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder).

I have adjusted my diet towards low-GI (this has helped me in the past as it affects the levels of insulin in your system so can support hormones, sleep and energy), and am trying to do a little yoga/pilates each day at home. I am currently exhausted, emotional and everything aches (joints, back, pelvis and legs), as well as all the usual symptoms specific to my period. Work is becoming more challenging, from taking the stairs, sitting in meetings, and managing a full workload.

Any advice on other small but helpful tweaks I could make to my lifestyle while I ride out the next 6 months or so for surgery? Thanks!

[EmB18]

Sounds like you have a lot going on. I found managing stress levels helps as that was one of my triggers for flare-ups. An anti-inflammatory diet also made a big difference to my symptoms, and working out if there are any foods that make your symptoms worse - wheat and sugar were triggers for me. Pelvic physio may also be worth a try for pain management. Good luck.

[Greenblue55 in reply to EmB18]

Thanks EmB18 - diet definitely seems to play a bigger part than I like to admit, especially when I reach for the sugar or caffeine when I'm tired! I'm trying to get some good habits in place, and will definitely look into the anti-inflammatory diet you've shared.

[Cailleach]

Hi, it might be worth addressing the work issues by speaking to your manager/ HR about adjustments to help you in the waiting period. Often it’s easiest to do this via a referral to your employer’s Occupational Health service - most businesses will have access to one. The employer should provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help you if there is anything you can suggest to make it easier for you to do your job. You may prefer to soldier on but it’s worth considering. Can you work from home at least part of the time?

[Greenblue55 in reply to Cailleach]

Thanks Cailleach - yes thankfully we are hybrid so in general I can work three days a week from home. Though currently I'm away for 9 days travelling for work which is a bit of a mixed blessing. I've been open with my line manager and my team about what's going on, so you're right, it may be helpful to formalise things if I continue to struggle.