endometriosis: endo flare-up essentials

my endo flare up essentials

what better way to start the blog than with my essentials during an endometriosis flare-up. an endo flare up! endometriosis (pronounced en- doh – mee – tree – oh – sis) is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the uterus are found elsewhere in the body. for me, elsewhere in the body translates as the bladder, bowel, ovaries, pouch of douglas, fallopian tubes and pelvic walls. it's often thought that endometriosis is just bad periods however, it's becoming more apparent that it is a full body disease.

this ultimately means that before, during and after my period (basically, the whole month is an opportunity!) pain can occur - often referred to as a flare-up of symptoms and inflammation.

during this time, symptoms can be dynamic. pain can be a constant pulling and stabbing sensation in my lower abdomen, accompanied by an ever-growing bloat. it can be a feeling of heaviness in my entire lower half alongside a fuzzy feeling in my head. one moment, I can put the washing away, go for a slow walk, the next I am hunched over in pain.

so although this is not an exhaustive list, the things I require can often change depending on certain factors. I believe that everybody is different and depending on pain levels at a certain time, the things you need are also different. sometimes there is absolutely no chance that you are prising me from my bed, my heat-pad or the sofa den Lucy has made for me - but other times, a slow and steady visit to the park is exactly what I need for a little mental clarity whilst my uterus feels like it's going to fall out. please take from this list what you will and I hope it offers a small bit of hope and support in a 'you're not alone' sort of way, if not, a new idea. I'd like to also add that, unfortunately, these scenarios are also usually accompanied by painkillers.

electric heat pad

my absolute ride or die! honestly the best £20 on amazon I've ever spent. it's became a permanent sofa addition and I find myself telling Lucy not to leave it scrumpled in a ball because if it breaks, I cannot live without it. it really hits the spot but it's best not to leave it too long on bare skin due to the risk of erythema ab igne (toasted skin syndrome) so I make sure to wear my baggiest t-shirt and place it on the top.

laptop/ipad/phone/games console

I often dream about my nintendo DS and animal crossing, being immersed into a game where I can just pretend I'm somebody else. catching bugs, shaking apple trees, fishing.. ahh! as I no longer really have a games console and the mobile version just isn't the same, solitaire will have to do, haha! the point I'm trying to make is that if you're feeling up to it, distracting yourself with a good game allows you to pretend you're somewhere else for a while. which sounds terrible as I type this, however sometimes it's what's needed.

beyou period patches

if heat doesn't work for you, trying a cooling patch instead could be an option. beyou do soothing patches that you can place on your stomach, back, legs, wherever you need them and they provide mild relief. I enjoy using them on lower pain days but for me, they don't work miracles on higher pain days.

find them here: beyou website

walking

as previously mentioned, walking is not going to be possible on all flare days. it also really helps if you have someone close to you that could join you for a short walk. my partner Lucy is an angel and will drive me to a nearby park for: 1. a change of well-needed scenery after looking at the same four walls for 3 days 2. the sunshine to hit my face (if there is any)

3. a potential ice-cream opportunity

4. the chance to see ducks, swans, fish and beautiful flowers