I’ve been diagnosed for a few years now and have come to understand that there isn’t much that can be done to actually stop the pain and there’s only so much that medication can do. Over the years I’ve compiled a list of staples that help to ease my pain, through adapting my lifestyle for example.
I LOVE TEA!
Fruit tea, green tea but especially everyday breakfast tea. Though, lots of people cut out caffeine to help symptoms but I find the heat helps. I’ve learned that different teas can help with different issues: Green tea eases my bloating and peppermint tea can be really helpful with trapped wind, so when bloating becomes a matter of looking 6 months pregnant, it’s the go to concoction!
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| This was 'boo tea' |
TENS
After continuously suffering and searching for different ways to ease my pain, I finally invested in a TENS machine … best decision!! So, you may be wondering what this contraption is? A TENS machine is a small device which sends electrical signals (like mini shocks) into the muscle to help relax and ease intense flare ups of pain. The TENS machine I use is one which is wireless which means I can wear it when going out and about to lectures or shopping (my guilty pleasure!). I use a giant rectangular shaped pre sticky pad which sticks to my lower stomach, the sensation is a weird one and takes time to get used to but the relief is similar to a hot water bottle but is a lot more practical for day-to-day life.
Here is a link to my TENS machine.
Here is a link to my TENS machine.
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| It's soooo much better being wireless! |
Hot water bottles
You can never go wrong with a good old hot water bottle. I think if I could I would marry a hot water bottle one day - sorry Harry… but they keep you warm, don’t talk back, are always there for a cuddle … like a boyfriend but without the hassle! Hot water bottles can be a girl’s best friend whilst on their period, I would recommend this to anyone in pain!! All my house mates will vouch for me when I say that I am addicted to them: I always have one on me, or two, wrapped around me. I have a standard bottle and a longer one. The long one is perfect to wrap around my stomach and back but they are awkward to fill and require a lot more water!
Here is a link to my long hot water bottle.
Here is a link to my long hot water bottle.
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| Perfect size and so fluffy!! |
Going out
Going out is a student staple, right? It’s a ritual and a need. Getting drunk, dancing to bad music and feeling hungover are all parts of being 21. However, when suffering from endometriosis, going on a night out can sometimes leave me bed bound for a few days. I find this difficult to explain to other people my age, it’s hard to understand I suppose, I worry about coming across boring or uninterested. But, to avoid the issue of not being involved or being in pain for a few days, I pick and choose when I go out and try to stick to going out when I don’t need to be somewhere early the next day or can rest for a few days afterwards - eating and watching tv. Another way I deal with it is by only going to the pre-drinks before everyone goes out which can be made easier by having pres at our house so I don’t have to travel as well.
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| Maddy and I at a gig |
There are many other ways that have helped me to deal with endometriosis and these are a few of my helpful tips and tricks.
Love Ottilie x