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.

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/ Endometriosis Support Group

Anxiety

staypositive
staypositive

Hi, this is my first time talking to anyone else who knows what I am going through. So I’ll start off by saying I am 21 years old and was recently diagnosed with endo. I had a laparoscopic surgery in July and had been suffering from extreme pain for years along with cysts and more recently stomach problems. I made the mistake of thinking that after my surgery something would change. I started to feel a lot better for the first couple months but the last couple weeks have been really hard. Now that I know I can’t run away from the problem and that I am going to love with this the rest of my life, I am making some life changes... cutting certain food out of my diet, changing my routines and I’m working out less extensively. But now I find myself faced with so much anxiety, anxiety that I have to deal with this for maybe the rest of my life, anxiety that it is going to ruin my relationship and anxiety that I may never be a mother one day. I understand that I’m young and I haven’t tried to conceive but it’s hard to not worry about something I’ve always dreamed of having. Thank you for letting me share and just get this off my chest, if anyone has any advice or comments please feel free to reach out. I could really use someone to talk to that knows what I am going through. 

Stephieb28
Stephieb28
I'm at the stage where I'm off B and trying for a family for the first time...I'm 28 and have dealt with anxiety and endo and all of that other "fun" stuff. Honestly, for me, I went through the same anxiety about being able to have a family and living with it. The reality of it being a lifetime thing really smacks you in the face and it sucks! I've learnt to deal with my anxiety by literally stopping what I'm doing, breathing deeply, repeating what's upsetting me in my head, breathing some more and at that point you have acknowledged your anxiety. Once you've done that, face your anxiety. We have been dealt these cards, and it freaking sucks! But we have to make the best of what we have, there are plenty of women who have successfully had children with endo, there are some that have not, for now, like you said, you are so young, hang on to the hope that there is still a chance, focus on the hope as opposed to the negative. If it doesn't work out, there are options to explore. I know anxiety is hard and you really have to force the positive mind frame on yourself. It' taken me years to train my brain to focus on the good and control the anxiety, but it is possible, so i say start now. Don't lose hope! I'm sending you positive vibes and thoughts, you will be fine!
TheSlowDancer
TheSlowDancer
I'm 21 and waiting for my first laparoscopy in 20 days - I can relate to your anxieties. x
I know you've probably researched about this just as much as I have so I'm glad to hear you're making life choices to make your quality of life more "normal". Its so hard going through this at any age but I think especially as a young person it is really scary to be facing all these huge decisions and problems so early on in life. I would highly recommend Endoempowered.com for some strong pointers and information you might not have heard about that could really help to improve (even a little) what you're going through.
I would love to hear from you as I've been struggling through this alone so far and would love someone of a similar age to talk to and vent with who just understands that this is SO much more than just bad periods. Xx
NJendoSufferer
NJendoSufferer
I understand and I’m sorry... im going thru the same thing:(
Karen4
Karen4
I have had this since I was 14 but wasn't diagnosed until I was 21 even though I knew from the beginning it was cycle related. I have the same anxiety about my relationship. I am with a guy who seemingly understands my problem but still gets upset when I cannot do stuff especially the fact that I am rarely in the mood for intercourse because the pain is so often. I have breakdowns over fear he is going to leave me but after almost 4 years he has stayed with me and supported me. He even saw me at my absolute worse right before my surgery when I would wake up crying in pain. I can't say it gets easier but you do learn to work through it. I finally found what types of jobs I can do without irritating it more and know my limits. I know it's hard and people who don't understand will say its all in your head or you just need to work through but don't let that negativity get you down. Just do everything at your own pace and learn what works for you.