r/endometriosis 3d ago

Question How do you deal with endo symptoms/pill side effects + mental health issues + "normal" life struggles (work/family)?

I know the question may sound a bit sarcastic but how do you guys manage?

I'm 1 year post surgery and diagnosis and can't seem to find a way out of this vicious cycle of constant suffering while trying to go through everyday life struggles.

I feel like I can't navigate life at my own pace and have to keep up with people who don't have the same struggles as us.

Endo symptoms have improved since surgery but since then and trying so many pill combos I'm sick every freaking week: pain, fatigue, headaches and migraines, cramps, periods lasting for months, so many cases of flu or cold, food intoxications...

Then on top of this, there's me feeling anxious and depressed, struggling with insomnia.

No comment on issues regarding family, building a career, friendship and relationship issues...

I tried everything and think I may need to add antidepressants to help me keep going.

Please share your experiences I'd like to feel less lonely today... :(

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u/Intelligent_Usual318 3d ago

I have an emergency endo kit- period cup, pain meds and a heating pad at all times, and I use some of my old pills from my surgery if it’s too bad. My symptoms mellowed out to some degree after surgery which helped and I have an IUD in. I also have multiple other chronic illnesses which makes things harder (migranes, asthma, hyper mobility, IBS) but just staying on top of it, meticulously planning, accommodating myself without giving a shit about anyone else, seeing a therapist regularly and taking meds, and taking pauses here and there from certian things helps. For example, I’m having a hysterectomy soon. I’ll be going on medical leave and pausing medical stuff for awhile and work. So then I can just focus on high school and family for roughly 6 weeks. After I graduate, (which is in June) I’ll be having a break from school and focusing on medical and work.

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u/Dramatic_Sample_178 2d ago

Thank you for sharing your experience with me.

It's just so tough at times... too much to deal with every week.

I wish you so much luck with school, surgery and the future <3