tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71118441224621609452024-03-14T08:55:57.622+00:00My Endo DiaryI don't proclaim to be an expert. I'm just an endometriosis sufferer, talking about what I know. Wanting to raise awareness of endometriosis and share my endo diary with youMy Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-19078950813230026432020-11-16T22:36:00.000+00:002020-11-16T22:36:11.572+00:00Endometriosis 5 Years On<p>Hello. I'd love to say it's a pleasure to be back. But I can't. Being back means Endometriosis is back. To the point where my daily life is being affected. To the point where I know I can't deny it anymore.</p><p>So, it's been five years since I last posted. At that time I had just had my third laparoscopy. I was feeling quite down. They had found some endo which they removed. They said it was also on my bowel again, but they didn't do anything about that part. I was so disheartened and angry. I shut myself off. Then life happens. I was in a new relationship and trying to get my life back on track. In 2017 I was blessed with my daughter. My little miracle who is now a confident, sassy little 3 year old. I'm a single mother now, but we're a great team and it is us against the world!</p><p>Florence is the main reason I'm so disheartened about endo being back. I need to be well for her. She relies on me. I can't spend days on the sofa or bed. I have no other option but to keep going. Although, admittedly over the last couple of weeks, some days have completely floored me where I have had to ask for help so I could curl up into a ball and rest. Writing this today, I have symptoms that are definitely flaring again. No mistake.</p><p>I will try sharing more and update you on current symptoms and my thoughts on Endometriosis today.</p><p>Speak soon,</p><p>C x</p><p>#MyEndoDiary</p>My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-14389908080990737932015-08-30T17:47:00.001+01:002020-11-16T22:46:36.545+00:00Endometriosis: Post op<p dir="ltr">Ok, so I thought I should update you all after my operation on Tuesday. </p>
<p dir="ltr">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. </p>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p><p dir="ltr"><br /></p><p dir="ltr">UPDATED: Endometriosis was found in my ovaries as expected and removed. It was also found on my bowel, but it was left untreated.</p><p dir="ltr">
#MyEndoDiary ♡</p>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-5957576152584334572015-08-25T01:20:00.001+01:002015-08-25T01:20:55.486+01:00Endometriosis: Operation Day<p dir="ltr">It's the night before the big day. Six hours to go and I'll be checking into the hospital ready for my third operation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For the last 24 hours I have been quite calm on the outside. Inside I've been having butterflies and my heart has been beating ten to the dozen! Now that it's bed time I'm wide awake with very little chance of sleep. My overnight bag is packed just incase I have stay. I have everything ready and in place for me to come home.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm hoping I'll be one of the first on the list to go down to theatre. Hanging about and waiting will not do me any good! I'll end up even more stressed and my mind will be up doing overtime. I will be worrying and observing every little detail going on around me. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm dreading everything about it. I can't even begin to think about the recovery yet. But I know it's something we have to go through in order to get some relief from the devil that is endometriosis. And to be honest with you, there's not a lot I wouldn't do to try and get some relief. Bring on a sense of normality again!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Keep your fingers & toes crossed for me! ♡</p>
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My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-38907153693993237382015-08-18T02:43:00.001+01:002015-08-24T04:22:32.197+01:00Endometriosis: When did it all start?<p dir="ltr">Christmas 2009 is when my life changed. I had always suffered extremely heavy and painful periods. But to me that was normal. I didn't realise then that was a symptom. I was able to manage it. Whether it was wearing two pads, scouring chemists or supermarkets for period pain relief, heat pads, painkillers, holisitc bracelets, taking days off school or spending days in bed. That was my normal.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But Christmas 2009 is when more symptoms started coming. Nothing I could put my finger on exactly at the time. I just I knew I didn't feel right. Especially my emotional health. I was so down. With hindsight it must of been changes of my hormone levels as hormones play such a big part in Endometriosis. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Looking back, I now know that was the start of the flare. February 2010, I started having stabbing pains in my stomach. I remember the 1st ever time it happened. I was doing normal things. I was actually walking across my landing to get to my bedroom. The pains shot across through my stomach so badly I ended up crippled over holding onto the staircase. It frightened the life out of me. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The next time it was Valentines day. I went to a concert with my friends to London. In the car on the way home I started to get those same shooting and stabbing pains. Trying to ignore and conceal them then was so hard. That's the point I knew something definitely wasn't right.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Fast forward to June of that year. This was the first time to experience the 'Endo belly'. The swollen stomach. I had gone away to London for the weekend with my family to celebrate my birthday. I had a lovely blue day dress that fitted me well. I have pictures of me in it with my stomach flat. Once home, pains had flared yet again. My mother took me to the doctors on a Wednesday morning. My stomach was 'normal'. By the Wednesday afternoon it had instantly swollen. With that same dress on, I looked 5 months pregnant. I remember asking my mother if my stomach looked swollen and both our reactions when we realised how big it went. That is a memory that sticks.</p>
<p dir="ltr">When was the first time you realised something wasn't right? That it wasn't normal to be in this pain? Can you remember your first big pain/flare up?</p>
<p dir="ltr">I would love for you to share. Thanks in advance.</p>
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My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-44251825532793581182015-08-18T02:19:00.001+01:002015-08-18T15:58:04.931+01:00Endometriosis: 3rd Time Lucky?<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">August 25th. This will be the date of my next operation. My third. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have waited 12 months to get this date. Then, out of the blue, I receive a letter from the hospital. With only 12 days notice. In a way, that's good. Less time to stress. But for me, I'll stress no matter what. I'll just cram a year of waiting into 12 days of worry. I'm now down to 7 days. This time next week...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some people may think that knowing what will happen and how the day pans out etc, will be a benefit. A comfort perhaps. For me, it's the complete opposite. I know how emotional I will get. I know the feelings of panic, anxiousness and nervousness will build up. I know at certain points they'll peak and I'll break down. Just before I'm due to go down to theatre I'm guaranteed to start crying. The fear takes over and there's nothing I can do at that point but just trust the doctors and nurses. But that's normal I guess.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Third time around, it will not be any different. As silly as it may sound, I'm even more scared now than my 1st laparoscopy in 2011. I'm still frightened of the general anaesthetic. Will they give me too much and I won't wake up? What if they don't give me enough and I feel everything? As if either of those scenarios would ever happen! But my mind won't listen to fact and reason during this time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What if they don't find anything this time? No endo? No adhesions? What then? Would I be going mad? Or maybe they find out it's got worse and spread. Neither are situations you'd want to be in. I feel like I can't win.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then... the recovery. The part I'm dreading the most. Those without knowledge of endometriosis and surgery may think you have an operation and then you're instantly better. You couldn't blame them for thinking that. However, my recoveries are never easy. From experience I know my pain will get worse before it gets better. It will be a complete roller coaster. Some days thinking I'm better to the next day being brought back down to earth with healing pains.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'll never get used to it. I'll never be able to prepare myself fully. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I just hope that it will be third time lucky. That it will give me a longer period of relief. Of being able to live normally for a good few years! Not to have it snatched away by endo again and end up back at square one just a year down the line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I want my full life back. I want a career. I want to be 100% me, 100% of the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, third time lucky! Keep your fingers and toes crossed, please. </span></div>
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My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-45851211675166502892015-06-03T17:07:00.002+01:002015-08-18T02:44:18.549+01:00Endometriosis And New Beginnings<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know I won't be alone in these thoughts on this subject.. Endometriosis and a new relationship.. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What do you tell them? How much do you tell them? When do you bring it up? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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 and hot water bottles. As with anyone though, until they see you in pain and having a bad day, endo is pretty much indescribable. Yes we can list off all the symptoms and the technical terms, but to know how it really affects us has to be seen. This is an experience I do not want to happen any time soon! But at the back of my mind, I know it eventually will. You can never escape Endo for too long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I guess the only answer is to take one day at a time. With honesty and hope. We never know how we will be from one day to the next, so planning how/when/what to say is pretty irrelevant, I suppose? Endo is so unpredictable, so I will go with the flow. </span></div>
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My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-31549786602895857782015-06-03T16:15:00.001+01:002015-06-03T16:15:14.360+01:00Endometriosis: Highs & Lows<div dir="ltr">
How do you go from feeling like for the first time (in a long time) you're actually living your life and having a great day with friends and family, enjoying life and generally having fun... to less than a week later (or even a day!) being curled back up in bed crying with the pain, praying the stronger meds will kick in? At one moment you get hope, clarity and life, with a big sense of normality. The next minute, you're faced with pain, upset and darkness, with no sense of it ever being normal again. Why does life with endometriosis have to go from one extreme to the other? </div>
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I've been thinking of how we react and cope during such low times. The lows can definitely become more prominent than the highs. Or is it because when in those situations, we focus all our attention on the rare high days? Which makes us feel more lost than usual and back at square one when they are quickly snatched away. </div>
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How do you mentally find a balance when there is no way of controlling what endo will do next? Physically, we must rest. But emotionally?<br />
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I was once given a great piece of advice. When you are having bad days, it is important to find some positives and not focus on all the negatives. If you only have two good days but five bad in a week.. then flip it. Realise you have had two good days! That's great! You could have had a whole week of badness. If that is the case, then good things can be found in the smallest of things. We should celebrate them! </div>
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Having a chronic illness is hard enough to deal with. We do not need to put extra stress on ourselves.</div>
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What tips do you have to battle the emotional lows that come with endo? Please share!!</div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-28219810496251843222015-04-28T15:37:00.000+01:002015-04-28T15:37:25.556+01:00Endometriosis - The Invisible IllnessI<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> recently found myself in a situation that really made me think. I pointed this out to my Mother, who was with me at the time and since then it has played on both of our minds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's the scenario...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I had received free tickets from a television audience company to attend a recording of a new Sky TV talent show. Whilst waiting in the foyer, members of the audience brought chairs out from the nearby bar themselves, to sit down. Quite quickly, the audience manager approached everyone to advise it was a standing only event and the chairs would have to be removed. Which I had no problem with. Over the other side of the room from me, a woman was on crutches. The members of staff explained again to that side, that it was standing only. The woman on crutches was allowed to keep her chair. Now, I have no issues with a woman on crutches being allowed to sit down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My point is that I have a chronic illness. Standing for any period of time leaves me in pain. My back, legs and feet hurt so much, I have trouble walking afterwards or remaining in one spot. The pain in my stomach from Endometriosis can leave me crippled over. I was aware it was a standing only event, like everyone else was and accepted that before going. However, at that point in time where this woman was allowed to keep her chair because of a physical ailment, on the outside I looked fine. No one would have guessed with the pain I suffer from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The difference to the general public between visible and invisible illnesses is so vast. The statement 'but you don't look sick' keeps going around in my mind. It is the fact that physical ailments, illnesses and disabilities get automatic priority over someone who has an invisible illness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Before the show started recording, the tv audience company then stated they would leave a few chairs out at the back of the room, so that in between recordings, people could sit down as it was going to be a long day. Very accommodating of them and I used these in between breaks and then stood back up when filming restarted. However, in the middle of filming, two chairs were placed in the crowd by the tv company right next to me. An elderly gentleman who had an oxygen mask took one. A pregnant woman was given the other. Again, I was completely bypassed because to them I looked ok. Does having a chronic illness and being in constant 'invisible' pain equate to being of a lesser need than a pregnant woman?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So this has got me thinking. Should people with an illness or disability make their views louder? If in a similar situation, should we point out that an 'invisible' illness can be just as painful, it not more painful, than visible ones? Is it our responsibility to make other people aware of our invisible illness at every event we go to? Or should the companies providing such events, gain a greater understanding of chronic pain? If you have a physical problem, no questions are asked and allowances are made. Is it fair that we have to explain ourselves just because our illnesses are not visible? Do the companies need educating on bringing it up themselves? Should they should ask certain questions such as 'do you need a chair for a medical reason? - whether it be on a short or long term occupancy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">People should not assume you are fine just because you look 'ok'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What do you think? I would love to hear your views!</span>My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-54333765263988380342015-03-18T20:31:00.000+00:002015-03-18T20:31:41.364+00:00Endometriosis: We Are Survivors<div dir="ltr">
Endometriosis is just one word. Made up of thirteen little letters. But to explain the impact it has on a woman's life would take hell of a lot more!</div>
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When you are suffering from a chronic illness like this, there will be days where you see no light at the end of the tunnel. Only last night I was asking my Mother 'when will I be getting some relief?' It can be constant. Exhausting even.</div>
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But no matter how hard things get, or how many times we are brought down to our knees. We do not give up. We get back up. We fight. Endometriosis is such a cruel illness. But I'm telling you this... It hasn't seen the last of me.</div>
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I will keep fighting. I will keep on raising awareness. And I will always be an advocate for all who suffer from this. It will not win.</div>
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Endometriosis may knock us down...</div>
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But we will always get back up.<br />
We are survivors.</div>
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My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-39941503763235968512015-03-13T14:15:00.000+00:002015-03-13T14:15:48.926+00:00Endo March 2014: A Year On<span style="line-height: normal;">One year ago today, the first ever March for Endometriosis was held in capital cities across the World. I am so grateful to have been a part of it in the UK. In two weeks time, my Mother and I will be going back to London to take part again. Meeting up with other endo sufferers and their families. Bring it on! </span><div>
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We will be marching through the streets of London, united in utter determination to raise as much awareness for this awful disease as we can!<br /><div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"> The more awareness we can help raise for #Endometriosis, the better! </span></div>
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Here is a photo of the Endo March in 2014. </div>
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It was an amazing day. I'm hoping at this year's March we will be even bigger and louder! Our voices deserve to be heard.</div>
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My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-826365842087327652015-03-09T16:06:00.005+00:002015-03-09T16:10:33.395+00:00Endometriosis Awareness Month - Week One<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The online support this year for endometriosis awareness month has been incredible. We are only one week into the month and I have been overwhelmed with the awareness raised so far. So many women have gone 'yellow for endo'. This is a fantastic campaign that has made my twitter timeline come to life. I love seeing all the yellow profile pics appearing daily!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have also been taking part in the #endophotochallenge made by EndoHappy. Everyday you post a fact about your endometriosis. This is a wonderful and well thought out campaign that provides a necessary insight to our lives with endo. It's still not too late to join in if you haven't done so yet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Facebook, I have been posting awareness posts and pictures. This year I have had an amazing response to my posts. The amount of likes and comments I have had really surprised me. Friends and family have been sharing my status's and people who I rarely talk to on there have contacted me and shown their support. This means so much to me. Spreading the word about endometriosis is vital.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On a more personal level, I am thrilled with the awareness raised by my blog in this first week. I was first contacted by HealthExpress to be awarded with the 'Endometriosis Awareness Blog Award 2015'. The feedback I have had from this has been tremendous. I have been in contact with HealthExpress since and today they confirmed they will continue raising endometriosis awareness to their readers and patients! This is due to the vast response they have had after publishing their article! How amazing is this?! To visit the blog section of their website about women's health click here, <a href="http://www.healthexpress.co.uk/blog/womens-health/" target="_blank">http://www.healthexpress.co.uk/blog/womens-health/</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Secondly, I was contacted by a leading online fertility website. They have asked me to write a blog post for their website on endometriosis. I have submitted this article and will hopefully be able to share it with you all very soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So much has been achieved already this month. I look forward to seeing what the next three weeks will bring!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>#MyEndoDiary</b></span></div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-41144983050780176112015-03-05T17:28:00.001+00:002015-03-09T15:28:02.872+00:00Endometriosis Awareness Blog Award 2015<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been selected as one of the top 8 Endometriosis information sites and given the 'Endometriosis Awareness Blog Award 2015' by a panel of HealthExpress experts. To say I am overjoyed is an understatement!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFs_4618qq3mrbmWiJZS8wzsmgMZUJYEoMdRN_EXVtraPX753bVAglYgqo0biHVoBHRW4-LDouNzv31Kt5TAyL-GvsAxr70qVJSoLj0TI8QuNAZ4Ox3sJl6tY4tMagLk_NPt5D-6wtDM/s1600/2015-03-05+17.25.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFs_4618qq3mrbmWiJZS8wzsmgMZUJYEoMdRN_EXVtraPX753bVAglYgqo0biHVoBHRW4-LDouNzv31Kt5TAyL-GvsAxr70qVJSoLj0TI8QuNAZ4Ox3sJl6tY4tMagLk_NPt5D-6wtDM/s400/2015-03-05+17.25.26.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is what they had to say about my blog:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji10RWLoj7y31yYHFwWtKcojjSYdv6FwYwi_2N5qi6R1mcOcbyUpwjTE_YF7PySkLtFHWK-Hj4eEnRuR7ZRZLNpMHbutgXIoblUialEsaCnuo3CS4V7UBWfgM80kSV2HJI3dZATv7G9jA/s1600/2015-03-05+17.23.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji10RWLoj7y31yYHFwWtKcojjSYdv6FwYwi_2N5qi6R1mcOcbyUpwjTE_YF7PySkLtFHWK-Hj4eEnRuR7ZRZLNpMHbutgXIoblUialEsaCnuo3CS4V7UBWfgM80kSV2HJI3dZATv7G9jA/s320/2015-03-05+17.23.56.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been listed alongside Endometriosis UK, SHE Trust UK, Endometriosis Foundation of America and Endometriosis Australia, plus others. These organisations do so much to raise the profile of Endometriosis and support sufferers and their families. Having my little blog included with them for the award means the world to me! All I have ever wanted to do with my blog is to share my experiences as truthfully as I can, so other ladies know they are not alone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Receiving this recognition spurs me on to keep posting, blogging, talking, tweeting and raising awareness. To know that my blog has been even a little help to those on their own endo journey makes me feel so honoured.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A massive thanks to HealthExpress for choosing me. Please take a moment to read their article on Endometriosis Awareness Month, where all their top 8 sites are listed <a href="http://www.healthexpress.co.uk/blog/womens-health/endometriosis-top-blogs.html" target="_blank">http://www.healthexpress.co.uk/blog/womens-health/endometriosis-top-blogs.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">HealthExpress provides patients with support, advice and treatment for common medical conditions that are often seen as 'taboo' subjects or ones which people don't feel comfortable in talking about. Just because a medical condition may be awkward to talk about, doesn't mean it is any less real. In my opinion, having HealthExpress available to bring these topics to the forefront of online discussions and being a source of support is invaluable. They have been set up since 2002 and helped thousands of people during that time. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.healthexpress.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.healthexpress.co.uk</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#MyEndoDiary</span></div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-3044076533136948282015-03-01T20:18:00.001+00:002015-03-01T20:18:34.158+00:00Endometriosis Awareness Month 2015<p dir="ltr">Today is the start of Endometriosis Awareness Month. So much more awareness is needed for this invisible illness that I suffer from along with 1 in 10 women! The same amount of women suffer from asthma and diabetes yet so many people have never heard of Endo!</p>
<p dir="ltr">It's ridiculous in 2015 we still have to fight for doctors to listen to us, fight for treatment & support. And there is still NO cure!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I've met so many lovely ladies with endo that suffer unnecessarily, who also support me daily. I personally think it's about time this changed! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Please join me & help raise awareness for Endometriosis 💛</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i><b>#MyEndoDiary </b></i></p>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-46683580765517813792015-02-27T18:08:00.002+00:002015-02-27T18:09:57.597+00:00Endometriosis Awareness PicsEndometriosis awareness month is fast approaching! Endometriosis UK are focusing their awareness campaign between the 2nd - 9th March.
For March, I have made an awareness profile picture. If any endosisters would like me to edit one for them, just send your photo to my twitter account @my_endo_diary and I will be more than happy to do it for you. Here is mine...
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpTPnq8OxdohvNUYEJnKJzMGYD2QeJ-T8mbLbUn8mOxPMvoKW4U4uM_6zrOGEFI38glPXc8w-UlzVo1UgLF1TvOD9JMXh7Retr7O88z6xaNskhA14c6ZRw2SF4QR_8PouZXfIF7dLl2s/s1600/IMG_20150227_173303.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpTPnq8OxdohvNUYEJnKJzMGYD2QeJ-T8mbLbUn8mOxPMvoKW4U4uM_6zrOGEFI38glPXc8w-UlzVo1UgLF1TvOD9JMXh7Retr7O88z6xaNskhA14c6ZRw2SF4QR_8PouZXfIF7dLl2s/s320/IMG_20150227_173303.png" /></a></div>
And this will be my mother's...
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvD6Qg4VKcfjeMzHiii5DHNHQ4HnLqv5AG3gFrr22ZRH9RzGDJg6OhmMlt4CdmEaqyjHeC4X2x94hkx_1WIFdndUBBVJ0tT6_sr0jzkhpe_fCyb2CvJZvxMy5v8T4Jx37K-NFONm7_OU/s1600/IMG_20150227_172340.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvD6Qg4VKcfjeMzHiii5DHNHQ4HnLqv5AG3gFrr22ZRH9RzGDJg6OhmMlt4CdmEaqyjHeC4X2x94hkx_1WIFdndUBBVJ0tT6_sr0jzkhpe_fCyb2CvJZvxMy5v8T4Jx37K-NFONm7_OU/s320/IMG_20150227_172340.png" /></a></div>
We will be uploading them as our profile pictures from the 1st of March for the whole month. The more awareness we can all raise, the better!!
#MyEndoDiaryMy Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-91328006025412997592014-10-03T14:18:00.001+01:002014-10-03T14:18:39.232+01:00My Endometriosis Tattoo<span style="line-height: normal;">Endometriosis comes with so many struggles and obstacles that you have to fight to overcome. It can sometimes feel like a burden, stopping you from doing small things such as completing daily task. On the larger scale, it can stop you from achieving your dreams. It can become overwhelming and take over your life. Some days it feels like there'll be no relief from the pain.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;">For that reason, a few weeks ago I mustered up some courage (or some may see it as a moment of madness!) and I went for an endo tattoo! I wanted something feminine that also represented the strength and courage needed to endure this chronic illness. Here is the result:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlzaVtLKm_Y5xRoWdHZtF7L09MfyOBGBfZrJlQPj9X8TsmqSxkx7yd9w2Y1nStqiIKT39cf6eqk8yYVWFCEOIEuYTEqsXQlp5dbRHcWUdazb5cExpRrFGxMyEnPbFqmJVU_ItVPYfqn4/s1600/20140920_162154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlzaVtLKm_Y5xRoWdHZtF7L09MfyOBGBfZrJlQPj9X8TsmqSxkx7yd9w2Y1nStqiIKT39cf6eqk8yYVWFCEOIEuYTEqsXQlp5dbRHcWUdazb5cExpRrFGxMyEnPbFqmJVU_ItVPYfqn4/s1600/20140920_162154.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;">Now I'm not going to lie.... IT HURT! A LOT! But all I could remind myself was that if I can get through endo pain, I could certainly get through a tattoo. I am so happy with the result. Now during times of struggle, I can look down at my tattoo and remind myself of my strength. During happier times it will be a reminder of what I have overcome. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><b>#MyEndoDiary</b></span></div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-55154042159010763042014-09-13T15:30:00.002+01:002014-09-13T15:31:15.358+01:00Endometriosis: What I Want<div dir="ltr">
Preparing for a bad day with endometriosis and expecting the unexpected is becoming a chore. </div>
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I want to feel normal.</div>
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I want to go a whole day without taking any painkillers. I want to get through a day without my hot water bottle or electric heat pad. I want to be able to say yes to plans, months, weeks or even just days ahead. I want to be able to go out and not come home early because the pain has crept out of nowhere or it has become to hard to manage. I want to be able to stand for long periods of time without getting crippling back and leg pain. I want to have a normal stomach, not one that swells and makes me look 5 months pregnant. I want to know what it feels like to go a day without a stabbing pain that comes out of the blue and leaves you curled over, holding onto something to steady yourself. I want to have a period that doesn't leave me bed bound for a week. I want to carry out the simplest of tasks like getting out of bed or going in the shower, without feeling that it's a massive struggle. I want to be able to do things today and still be able to do things tomorrow! Not end up in too much pain because today I went for a walk or cleaned the house. I want to be free of consequences. I want to know that I will definitely be able to have children in the future. When asked how I am feeling, I want to respond that I'm fine and actually mean it. I want to accomplish so much in my life without endo stopping me or changing my path for me without my consent. </div>
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Some people may read all my 'wants' and think I'm being selfish or needy. But to someone who suffers from endometriosis or chronic pain they will see it as me asking for one thing only... a cure for endo. Every single thing I listed is what a 'normal healthy' person would take for granted. I'm not asking for the world...</div>
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I just want to feel normal.</div>
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<b>#MyEndoDiary</b></div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-35329483129082128092014-09-11T22:24:00.001+01:002014-09-11T22:41:21.093+01:00Endometriosis: Highs & Lows<div dir="ltr">
How do you go from feeling like for the first time (in a long time) you're actually living your life and having a great day with friends, dancing, singing, drinking and generally having fun... to less than a week later, being curled up in bed crying with the pain, praying the stronger meds will kick in? At one moment you get hope, clarity and life, with a big sense of normality. The next you're faced with pain, upset and darkness, with no sense of it ever being normal again. Why does life with endometriosis have to go from one extreme to the other. The lows are definitely more prominent than the highs at the moment. Or maybe that could be because I give the rare high days so much attention, that as soon as they're snatched away, it makes me feel more lost than usual and back at square one. How do you mentally find a balance when there is no way of controlling what endo will do next? </div>
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#MyEndoDiary</div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-50262030714949362252014-08-27T12:03:00.004+01:002014-08-27T12:05:28.394+01:00Endometriosis: What is Chronic Pain?<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The word chronic is used to describe an illness that lasts a long time or one which constantly reoccurs. When referring to chronic pain, it means pain that has lasted more than three to six months. A serious condition which lasts less than this time scale is usually referred to as acute pain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The most common types of chronic pain include headaches, backaches and pain from an injury. Other sources stem from the shoulders, neck, pelvis, muscle or nerve pain. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chronic pain can vary in severity, it can fluctuate from mild to severe, be sporadic or continuous. It can be described as shooting, aching or burning feelings. You can get discomfort, stiffness or soreness. Unfortunately, pain doesn't come alone. People with chronic pain also report changes in their moods, fatigue, insomnia and the need to rest a lot more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are different types of chronic pain which depending on location or illness, are put into different categories. <b>Endometriosis</b> falls into what's known as nociceptive pain. This is pain that is detected by soft tissue, muscles or organs. Visceral pain branches off from this which detects pain specifically from your internal organs by your sensory nerves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are so many different types of chronic pain that people suffer from, which makes it hard to diagnose or treat. There is not just one type of treatment, it will all depend on the pains and causes. You may have some tests or scans before diagnosis to rule out other conditions. Chronic pain can be treated medically or through physical therapy. When it comes to endometriosis, medications and surgery and usually the way forward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Speak to your doctor or consultant in order to work out the best plan available to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>#MyEndoDiary</b></span></div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-30441614651471985612014-08-12T18:46:00.000+01:002014-08-12T18:58:54.136+01:00Endometriosis: My Battle With Depression<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today is exactly one year to the day that I was diagnosed with depression. August 11th last year I had my first panic attack after being extremely depressed for a few months. August 12th last year I had to finally admit that I couldn't control it. I couldn't hide it and certainly couldn't cope with it anymore. I was taken to the doctors by my mother and put on antidepressants. I wrote a post last year on my diagnosis which I found quite hard to write. (Click <a href="http://myendodiaries.blogspot.com/2013/09/endometriosis-my-depression-diagnosis.html" target="_blank">here</a> to view.) This second one is not proving to be any easier for me. I can write about my endometriosis symptoms quite easily, all the ins and outs of it, I find it as a second nature to be as open as I possibly can. So why when it comes to my mental health do I feel myself clam up and struggle?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The honest truth of the situation is I don't think I portrayed the full extent of my depression last year. Even close friends and family wouldn't know the full extent of it. Thinking back on the thoughts I was having terrify me, yet now I can't fathom how I could have thought such awful things. It got to a point where I noticed a packet of my sleeping tablets under my bedside table and I started thinking how many would I need to take to just sleep and not wake up. I had this thought on more than one occasion. I felt that I had no purpose in my life. I was no use to anyone and especially no use to myself so what was the point of me being here? I felt my life had already been taken away from me by endometriosis. It took away my health, made me lose my job and stole my social life. I was just existing day to day, waiting for the hours to pass so I could go back to bed. I never felt like I would act on my thoughts but I just wanted to stop the pain... physically and mentally. I was breathing but not living.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I still get days now where I don't feel myself. I get bad days when I can't cope with even the smallest of things. But compared to where I was this time last year, I am so different. I am still out of work and in pain from endo. However, my mindset has changed. I have faith and hope that things will improve. I realise I have a purpose being here by being a daughter, a sister, a best friend and an endosister. Just by being me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Due to depression being highlighted in the media today I wanted to post this to remind anyone reading this that you are not alone. Please go and talk to someone if you are feeling depressed. See a doctor, tell a family member, a friend, even me! I won't be able to fix you or wave a magic wand but I can listen. It is nothing to be ashamed of. It is not something you can just 'snap out of' or try to 'pull yourself together'. It is a medical condition and you deserve the best help possible. Don't be too hard on yourself. Things will get better. You may not believe in yourself right now, but trust me there are plenty of people who do - even if you can't see it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>#MyEndoDiary</b></span></div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-19612917507871835772014-08-11T20:00:00.001+01:002014-08-12T18:58:36.672+01:00Endometriosis: Pain Management Appointment<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At my Gynaecology appointment last week I was referred to Pain Management. I was more than surprised to be contacted the next day to be told they could fit me in a day later. I was somewhat apprehensive on what would be suggested... if anything! I am so used to explaining to doctors about endometriosis and my symptoms to just be met with a blank look across their faces. If I am being completely honest, I thought it would be a waste of time, but worth going as I've tried everything else that's been thrown at me. I'm happy to report that I was completely wrong with my prejudgment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I met an endometriosis specialist nurse at the University of Wales Hospital who went through every single one of my pains and symptoms. A history of my pain was noted as well as current pains, including what types of pain I get during cycles, pains during the rest of the month, energy levels and sleep. Thorough is an understatement. We also talked through my current pain medications (Tramadol, Oramorph, Paracetamol, Marvelon, Mefenamic Acid and Tranexamic Acid) and how much relief they provided.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once the nurse had collected all the information (which she needed extra sheets of paper for!) some recommendations were made to try and help alleviate my pain or make it more manageable.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stop Mefenamic Acid. I have Asthma and this medication can make it worse.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I take Tranexamic Acid, I can take it four times a day (currently told three) and I need to take it between days 1 - 4 of my period. If not done this way, the medication will not work to its full effect.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Buscopan has been prescribed to try and help with pain, spasms and cramps, especially when going to the toilet.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It has been recommended that I should be taken off Tramadol and put onto MST which is a morphine slow release tablet. MST should provide a long lasting relief throughout the day. It will need to be taken twice a day, every day. The reasoning behind this swap is that I have been on Tramadol over two years and the relief I get from it is very hit and miss.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To have Oramorph prescribed on a regular basis so that I can take it for any breakthrough pain whilst taking MST. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been told to purchase a TENS machine to help with managing pains. It can help to block the pain nerves.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The nurse will now send all details to my own G.P to tell him the changes that are required. Normally I have to fight for any help from my G.P's so this will make a nice change for them to process it without any arguments (hopefully!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope some of you may find this information helpful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will do further research into MST and the benefits of a TENS Machine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>#MyEndoDiary</b></span></div>
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My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-2570652341266900932014-08-05T16:17:00.002+01:002014-08-12T18:58:02.035+01:00Endometriosis: Back At Square One?<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you ever feel like you're going round and round in circles? You think you have jumped through every hoop and crossed every hurdle that endometriosis can throw at you... then all of a sudden you end up back at square one? That's kind of how I feel right now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was confirmed to me yesterday that I definitely need another operation. In the back of my mind I knew it was coming, but having it said out loud by my doctor makes it somewhat more real. Definite. Thinking that my endo may have got worse is no longer a passing thought that I can put to the back of my mind. The pain I've been having is real. And I'm on the list for a third laparoscopy, my first only being in 2011.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The doctors think that more cysts may have developed on my ovaries and are concerned that endo may have spread to my bowels again. They are currently checking my notes from my previous operation to see where on the bowel it was found. From this, they will decide if I need a longer time in surgery. The waiting list for this operation will definitely be over 6 months, so I feel in limbo at the moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course I am happy that I have such a great gynaecology team, my specialist and his staff are so lovely and I spent a whole hour talking to them at my appointment. The doctor listened to everything I had to say and was extremely knowledgeable. I know I am finally getting the help I need and I am extremely grateful for that. I just have a lot of mixed emotions at the situation, being back in this position for a third time is not something I wanted. But then again, endometriosis never gives us what we want. It never plays by the rules. That's just something that I have to come to terms with...again.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>#MyEndoDiary</b></span></div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-23576660947780299652014-06-09T18:57:00.001+01:002014-08-12T18:55:36.655+01:00Endometriosis: My Daily Challenges - Housework<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For most people housework is just a tedious chore that they would rather not be doing. For people with endometriosis it is exactly that but with a huge dollop of pain on top! A simple task like washing the dishes this evening has left me with so much aches and pain. By half way through, the pain in my back from standing was radiating upwards. Making me want to just lean over the sink and hold on. Hoovering is the same. When I finish I am exhausted. I've gone a bit unsteady on my feet a few times towards the end and my mother has to make me sit down. I look forward to the day when cleaning will not be painful, just tedious! With endometriosis you learn not to take anything for granted! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv1qLtsUlWLkVHvTMTmNGINghaPfQ4xZfIv1gNcx7xuClHmwyYT9YiQpSHEhQ6tcSzeAOTDmYJchzaoXpYCmAqK1RP4MQ6CRZRbAKczV2gyzmKUIiMczEM6_UVQvuKdZtoqVWwAx1DGQ/s1600/2014-06-09+19.13.09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv1qLtsUlWLkVHvTMTmNGINghaPfQ4xZfIv1gNcx7xuClHmwyYT9YiQpSHEhQ6tcSzeAOTDmYJchzaoXpYCmAqK1RP4MQ6CRZRbAKczV2gyzmKUIiMczEM6_UVQvuKdZtoqVWwAx1DGQ/s1600/2014-06-09+19.13.09.png" height="294" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#MyEndoDiary</span></b></div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-39729151403012008282014-05-24T18:12:00.000+01:002014-07-03T14:04:09.717+01:00Endometriosis: An Emotional Roller Coaster<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These days, you hear so many people saying they've been on a journey. Or an emotional roller coaster. The term somewhat loses its meaning. Yet when it comes endometriosis, there really is no other explanation. From one day to the next, you don't know what's around the corner. Last week I was at such a low point. I felt that all my strength had gone. I felt weak and extremely down. I even blogged about losing my faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is important to remember that tough times never last... but tough people do! A few days later, I am feeling re-energised. I'm not jumping for joy or bouncing off the walls. But I'm content. And that's a massive difference to how I felt last week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When these bad days pop up, they can really hit you hard. As much as you try to look for a way through the pain and darkness, it doesn't always present itself. I'm ok today but don't know what tomorrow will bring for me. I wanted to post this update so that anyone who is in a similar situation can look forward to better days. They will come. I promise. A roller coaster has highs and lows and lots of loops. But it always comes to an end. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If things are not ok for you at the moment. It's not the end. Hang in there.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>#MyEndoDiary</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-29153167647388276032014-05-21T15:17:00.001+01:002014-05-21T15:18:00.475+01:00Endometriosis - Lacking Faith<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: normal;">How do you keep faith and hold onto hope when you're in so much pain?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Where do you find the strength to pick yourself back up and keep going? How do you fight through the next waves of pains? I keep asking myself these questions. Repeating them over and over again. Whispering them so quietly it's hardly a murmur. Shouting them loudly when anger takes over. It doesn't seem to matter which way, I still cant find the answers. This physical and emotional roller coaster has had too many twists and turns for me. Can I just get off? I'd much rather a go on the merry go round, the swings or anything else but this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: normal;">I sometimes feel like the help I am looking for is completely out of my reach. Faith is believing things will get better, even when you may not be able to see it. In times of darkness, deep down, you just know better things will come. Faith eludes me at the moment. However, my hope remains. One tiny sliver of hope. A wish. I hope and wish on every bad day that I'll find some faith. Faith which will give me the courage and wisdom that I'm so desperately needing. I'm constantly hoping to find relief from pain. Always hoping for better days.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;">Never take away someone's hope. It may be all they have.</span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">#MyEndoDiary</span></strong></div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7111844122462160945.post-66594487695613609842014-04-14T18:38:00.002+01:002014-04-14T18:42:00.591+01:0013 Ways To Rest, Relax and Regain Energy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jQD5v7dWBfUYla_rfFtBAZ7Lu17jt0tASBGTCKg-C5c6btQ_FMNFrjWmnSeQFf6UU8FG6-rw8WQWpnZiV9pu_etsSvinEwhd17K1Q3qwULJ_WuRjQ9DWT6h0-SaYY4SNPCVGv8CT5nw/s3200/b5dbb24119f6d28c9a91cde2ad5a951f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jQD5v7dWBfUYla_rfFtBAZ7Lu17jt0tASBGTCKg-C5c6btQ_FMNFrjWmnSeQFf6UU8FG6-rw8WQWpnZiV9pu_etsSvinEwhd17K1Q3qwULJ_WuRjQ9DWT6h0-SaYY4SNPCVGv8CT5nw/s3200/b5dbb24119f6d28c9a91cde2ad5a951f.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These last few weeks I have been speaking to some inspirational women with endometriosis, who just don't stop. Whether it's working, studying, housework, raising awareness, looking after family members or all of the above! These brave ladies are struggling daily with endo pain, very little sleep and relying on medications to get them through the day (and I assume endless cups of coffee!!) But they still put everyone and everything else before themselves. They are selfless, brave and generous beyond belief. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It makes me wonder how it is possible for a woman in so much pain to achieve so much?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Reading this you may think you haven't done much today, or this week, or this month. But take a step back, have a look at the <a href="http://bit.ly/1dFpeuH" target="_blank">challenges</a> you face everyday... and realise you've got through them all! You will wake up tomorrow and succeed once again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So my challenge for you brave ladies this week, is to take some 'you time'. When was the last time you took some time out for yourself? You more than deserve it! Here are some idea's that you can try and fit into your day. Rest, recover, regain some energy. Five minutes, half an hour or an hour. Just make some 'you time'.. Even <a href="http://bit.ly/14XShWs" target="_blank">superheroes</a> need a break sometimes...</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Curl up with a good book.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do some writing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Listen to music -turn the volume up!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take a nap! & don't feel guilty!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take a long hot soak in the bath.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Buy your favourite cake or desert - eat it all yourself! Go on, be a rebel!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do a craft - finish that project you've been wanting to.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take a walk - Having some alone time, being with your own thoughts and people watching can be therapeutic and relaxing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Catch up on your favourite TV programme.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meditate - breath, relax, chill!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Go shopping. Browse your favourite stores, treat yourself! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Get a manicure! A good varnished set of nails will always make you feel good! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Go for a coffee with a friend. Can't get out? Invite them around. A good catch up with your bestie, a gossip and a laugh will do you the world of good!</span></li>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>#MyEndoDiary</b></span></div>
My Endo Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15437933817177540733noreply@blogger.com5