Endometriosis Support Group
Endometriosis is a common medical condition where the tissue lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, typically affecting other organs in the pelvis. The condition can lead to serious health problems, primarily pain and infertility. A major symptom of endometriosis is pain, mostly in the lower abdomen, lower back, and pelvic area.
I used to work out on the elliptical regularly before my endo started causing so much pain. I stopped working out for many reasons around the time this got worse, including just not feeling well. I tried to start exercising again after my lap (waited at least a month before trying), but I stopped after two weeks of working out because the pain was just too much. Now that I'm in the midst of daily, severe pain, I just don't see how I can get back into exercise. I'm confused because I know when my only complaint was mild cramps, I could still work out and it would make me feel better. But now, I don't know whether I'm supposed to push through the pain or if I'm really just not able to do this anymore for a while.
I thought about doing yoga and of course doing a little bit of walking would probably be okay, I just don't know whether to accept that I can't really exercise. Do you guys do something different? Should I get away from the cardio? The elliptical is low impact (much better for me than the treadmill because of my asthma), so that's why I'm surprised/sad that I can't seem to even do that anymore.
I thought about doing yoga and of course doing a little bit of walking would probably be okay, I just don't know whether to accept that I can't really exercise. Do you guys do something different? Should I get away from the cardio? The elliptical is low impact (much better for me than the treadmill because of my asthma), so that's why I'm surprised/sad that I can't seem to even do that anymore.
Yoga and walking are two other things I know a lot of women on the board to. One of them even has links to an amazing endo-specific yoga course (I think it is on youtube). I had it before I had to reboot my computer, or I would just link it.
My advice? DON'T try to 'just push through it.' I tried that and LITERALLY ended up in the hospital after my uterus RIPPED OPEN. It literally ripped from one incision to another from when I had my lap. This happened a few months shy of being a year AFTER my surgery.
I am not trying to scare you by any means, but seriously-- don't try to push through the pain. Your body puts you in pain because it is your body's way of saying you can't take any more, or are reaching a point you could physically damange yourself.
In short-- other women do go through this. Don't overdo it. Consider yoga, walking, or something low-impact like waterobics.
Don't do what I did- I stopped doing everything, and now I am trying to get back into the exercise scene, and if I wouldn't have stopped, it would have been easier for me than it is now.
Good luck!!