Skip to main content

The Battle Of The Swollen Stomach...Part 3

My endometriosis battle continues. The part that I seem to be most at war with is the 'swollen stomach'. It was June 2011 when I first posted about the swelling, (click here to view) so right now, I feel defeated. When it swells, it literally blows up and at that moment there is nothing I can do about it. People would actually think I'm pregnant. I used to have my 'favourite black cardigan' that I'd wear as a comfort to hide the swelling. Even that won't hide it these days. It's so depressing. It's embarrassing. Along with the ballooning size, also comes pain and the feeling of being so uncomfortable to the point where even breathing hurts. You can't sit, stand or lay down without feeling awkward. 

Everything is a struggle.

Here's a picture of my stomach when it started to swell...and this is not the worst it gets. It gets bigger. Much bigger. Much to my disappointment and resistance. But I have no control over it and that's what I'm struggling with. The unpredictably. The lack of control.

Are any other endosisters finding this particular battle a hard one to fight?
#MyEndoDiary
Labels:

Comments

  1. Unknown9 January 2014 at 21:47

    I'm struggling right now too. I've had Endo for 18 yrs. I've been able to manage it birth control and exercise so I became a fitness instructor. My IUD is due to come out soon. I've been hospitalized for a UTI. My bladder and Uterus are swollen and my stomach is extended. I feel so defeated. To make matters worst, my Dr. has ordered me off work (and and fitness related activity) for at least a week. I can't lay flat... so yep, I can relate hun. Stay strong, as I am praying for you. In my darkest hours, I recall the fact that God doesn't put more on you than you can bear.

    -Angela Mattox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My Endo Diary9 January 2014 at 23:09

      Hi Angela, thanks for reading my blog and for your well wishes. I'm sorry to hear you are in the same position. I had to leave my job last year due to Endo. Take this time while you're off to relax and look after yourself. I hope you get some ease soon too.

      Delete
    2. Jude26418 February 2014 at 13:06

      I was just diagnosed last week and this is one of my biggest (literally) problems!! Ultrasound showed I have a 6cm endometrioma too which I am sure doesn't help. It is also sooo painful, trying to muster up energy to leave the house! Am getting sick of being asked when I'm due but at least am glad that I have found a reason why I look like this... I think what makes it harder is I worry I will never actually be pregnant but will spend my life looking like I am! Any tips much appreciated...

      Delete
    3. My Endo Diary18 February 2014 at 13:31

      Hi Jude, thanks for reading & commenting. So sorry you're experiencing the same. Having a 6cm endometrioma, I'm sure will cause a lot of inflammation! I've tried loads from water retention tablets, herbal tablets, heat packs..

      A few of us on twitter have been trying new things recently to help with swelling. One being a hot bath with Epsom Salts, if you live in the UK you can get them in Boot's for £1.49. Need to use it 2-3 time a week. I will keep you updated but it's worth a try. Other suggestions is using a castor oil pack.. have a look at this blog which explains them in a few more details.. http://hannahsmith86.wordpress.com/

      Hope that helps, I'll continue to share on here if I find any more tips. Any questions feel free to ask!

      Delete
  2. Jude26418 February 2014 at 14:50

    Awww thank you - I do live in UK so shall get myself to Boots! Will keep you posted :)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Endometriosis: Post op

Ok, so I thought I should update you all after my operation on Tuesday.  I have a lot of mixed emotions after the laparoscopy though and I promise to fill you all in soon. I'm sure many of you have felt the same way I'm feeling now so I will post in the near future about all the details. Sharing information is the best way to know we're not alone in this. But for the moment, I'm just getting my head around things and concentrating on recovery. UPDATED: Endometriosis was found in my ovaries as expected and removed. It was also found on my bowel, but it was left untreated. #MyEndoDiary ♡
16 comments
Read more

A Day In The Life Of An Endo Girl - 16/04/13

Seeing as I've named my Blog 'My Endo Diary' I've decided to start this project, 'A Day In The Life Of An Endo Girl' to portray just a snippet of a day with Endometriosis. Women with Endo are not lazy. Some, such as myself suffer daily pain. Chronic pain. Sometimes mild, sometimes exhausting, sometimes severe. Small things hurt massively. What some people take for granted doing, can take all of my energy. Even down to doing the dishes or making food. Endo is unpredictable. Tomorrow may be a better day. It may be worse. If I look or sound OK one day it doesn't mean I'm better. I'm either hiding the pain from you (I've become quite good at this), having an 'up and down day' (explained below) or on the rare chance having a good day. Every day with Endo for me, is different. However at the moment, they all contain some sort of pain. So here's my first entry. 16/04/13                   5:45am Woken up by E...
9 comments
Read more

Endometriosis And New Beginnings

I know I won't be alone in these thoughts on this subject.. Endometriosis and a new relationship..  What do you tell them? How much do you tell them? When do you bring it up?  A million questions have been overloading my mind lately as I start a new chapter in my life. The last few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind for me. A good one! But, fast moving, exciting and terrifying all at once. The scariest part of it all is how endometriosis will impact everything. Right now, it is behaving. But we all know how quickly that changes. I don't want my life revolving around Endo. It has taken over way too much of it already! Now, I have started enjoying my life again, I'm terrified it will be snatched away to pain once again. I have shared The Spoon Theory with my new boyfriend, who was extremely understanding about it. Which actually made me feel so much at ease. I have explained a few of the symptoms. He knows I get 'bad days' and that i'll need rest ...
9 comments
Read more