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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hotchocolate 02/19/2012

This could be more of a vent, but I am just tired of people asking me how I am. I know they do it out of concern, but I feel like I have to say "fine" or "great" or it looks like I'm complaining. I'm glad that they ask and care, but I feel like they don't really want to know the truth, unless it is positive.

This goes for people who know I have endo and for people who don't. My mom just asked "Are you back to 100% yet?" How do I respond to that? No, I'm not at 100% and I don't know when I will be, but I don't want to complain, either. People just don't seem to get that this isn't like a cold or the flu...you don't fight it out and have it go away.

Thanks for listening...I think I'm just having a bad day.

deleted_user 02/19/2012

This used to realllyy bother me. people would ask and eventually i just snapped and would say 'no do i freaking look fine>???" thats not the right way for me to act so within the last year or so i started responding with 'im still hanging in there" it shows people that no, you're complaining, but no you're not going to lie either. I hope this helps you!

ReachingOutForHope 02/19/2012

This is a tough and puzzling disease, especially for those who don't understand all that it entails. The Endometriosis Survivors Letter has helped me in helping others to understand. Here's the link for it....

http://www.endo-resolved.com/support-files/endometriosis_survivors_letter.pdf

Anyway, this particular question used to bug the heck out of me too, and still does sometimes.... so you're certainly not alone on this one. WE know we're not feeling fine, and don't want to start complaining to others.... so when the question does pop up, I usually respond with the typical, "I'm hanging in there", or there is always," I'm better than I was, but not as good as I'd like to be", etc. Of course, it depends on who is asking the question. Is the person just an acquaintance or someone you know and trust. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you.... if only a little bit. Take good care of yourself.

((Hugs))

hotchocolate 02/20/2012

Thanks for the support! I think with some people they just really care so much and are almost in denial that I have an issue, so I feel like I'm disappointing them when I say I'm not fine. It helps to know I'm not alone. :)

deleted_user 02/20/2012

If I am doing well, I'll say so, but if I'm anything less than well I usually just say "I'm okay, thanks, how are you?" and smile. With certain people I will let them know if I am hurting a lot but if it's someone I don't know too well, but that I'll be interacting with for a while, I'll say that i'm "okay" so they know that I'm not doing great, but so that it's not awkward. I hope that helped a bit!

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