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.
Hey again ladies!
I am hoping some of you might be able to help me out. I had my lap 3 weeks ago and was diagnosed with endometriosis. I had my follow up with my doctor last Friday and one of the things we discussed is my job and the travel I do as part of my job. I usually travel about 2 weeks in the spring ( I am actually out on a trip now), and anywhere from 5-8 weeks in the fall. When I travel I work unusually long days, it is very stressful, and very exhausting. My doctor said that she does not advise me to be traveling. She said that when I am on the road and in pain, I am not going to be able to do my job well, and I have no choice but to show up for all of my appointments. She also said that stress can make endo worse and makes it "angry". I am afraid to tell my boss about this and afraid of what she might say. I really do not want to jeopardize my job, but I want to take care of myself and keep myself healthy...as healthy as possible anyway. If you have any advice I would really appreciate your opinions!
Hope everyone is doing well!
I am hoping some of you might be able to help me out. I had my lap 3 weeks ago and was diagnosed with endometriosis. I had my follow up with my doctor last Friday and one of the things we discussed is my job and the travel I do as part of my job. I usually travel about 2 weeks in the spring ( I am actually out on a trip now), and anywhere from 5-8 weeks in the fall. When I travel I work unusually long days, it is very stressful, and very exhausting. My doctor said that she does not advise me to be traveling. She said that when I am on the road and in pain, I am not going to be able to do my job well, and I have no choice but to show up for all of my appointments. She also said that stress can make endo worse and makes it "angry". I am afraid to tell my boss about this and afraid of what she might say. I really do not want to jeopardize my job, but I want to take care of myself and keep myself healthy...as healthy as possible anyway. If you have any advice I would really appreciate your opinions!
Hope everyone is doing well!
I understand what you are going through although not with the traveling. I work in the medical field at a hospital in an ICU. My job is very physically demanding. The one thing that probably kept me from not getting fired for so many call ins was the fact that I told my boss everything! I have always told her everything which was not easy for me but it also helps that she is part of my support system. I would share this with your boss but start off slow with it. A lot of people don't understand Endo and they just don't get it because we don't "look sick". It took me a really long time...about 6-10...but I learned how to live with the pain. I would try really hard to suck it up when I could and then fall apart when I could. Endo sucks and Im sorry that you are having to go through this! I hope that something that I said helps you!
sorry for your diagnosis. PLEASE DON'T LET your doctor scare you away from working. Yes, stress is not good for endo or anything else for that matter and yes being in pain can make things rough but NOT impossible. Once you have in your mind that Endo WILL NOT control your life it won't. After not being able to work for seven years when i finally started my career I haven't looked back. I've had two surgeries since. It is important to tell your boss whats going on just so she will know but you do not have to stop working. For me 800mg motrins worked to manage the pain. I also bought a TENS Unit which i would sometimes need to wear around the clock. It is a small electrical device that you can clip to your clothes and keep going. It sends electrical stimulation to the pain areas through electrodes and can help/reduce the pain. You can get one online without a prescription for under $50. You can also try acupunture and pelvic floor therapy. If you have really bad periods every month, try getting on Seasonique (the 3 month birth control pill) so you will only have a bad week every three months. Living with endo is all about exploring everything until you find what works for you.
Good luck sweetie.