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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Women's Health
/ Endometriosis Support Group

Trying to remain hopefull

LITG3J
LITG3J
Recently married and as I lay defensively in bed I feel as if he didn't realize what he signed up for.... Undecided as he makes the comment about things I need to be doing such as unpacking and military drills. We have an appointment with the fertility doctor and though I'm excited, I am equally nervous as to if it's too late for me. Recently have been having tremendous pain located over my right ovary and this pain seems to last week's after my cycle! I'm emotionally drained and don't know how to get my husband to understand my daily struggle with endo! He is a Drill SGT and has been active since he graduated from high school. I am in the reserves, which is sort of like working part-time in the army and I've been in for about two years now. In his mind it's mind over matter, but endo doesn't work that way.... I've learned this early on.... I DON'T WANT OR NEED A PITY PARTY, BUT MOST DEFINITELY NEED SOME UNDERSTANDING! This morning he looked at me like it was time for me to get up and get moving. I can't make him understand... I'm tired. He works out almost daily and I, lately, barely have the energy to do school work that's online! My concentration level has been off as well, working on obtaining my MSN. Also I've moved away from my home town, started a new job, and in grad school. Oh and don't forget need to start back doing my monthly drill weekends and finish unpacking...
SayYesToCarbs
SayYesToCarbs
It has definitely taken some time for my husband to completely understand the toll that endo takes on me. I suffered from daily pain and fatigue for about 4 months before I had my lap and while he was supportive, I knew he didn't understand. He's a very active person and is rarely sick or in pain so it's a very foreign concept to him. Not really until I recovered and he saw me bounce back and feeling so great. Then again last year I started having pain again and was diagnosed with IC, he seemed to really GET it. Now my endo is back and he is really my "champion" when talking to others that voice doubts or surprise at how I can be so I'll and yet not LOOK like I'm suffering. He still gets frustrated with how I'm sometimes unable to do things or don't pull a lot of weight around the house with I'm feeling bad but he doesn't push me.


I guess I really am not much help. Just know you're not alone in not being understood by your spouse. Just this weekend he was complaining about a backache and I told him "well, now you know how I feel 24/7" and he sort of laughed. I had to tell him "babe, I have a constant lower back ache. It never goes away. Even taking ibuprofen, it's still there. It's not minor pain and it's constant. And that's not considering how much pain I'm in when my endo flares up around my period." That got him to thinking! But you don't understand it unless you've lived it.
mcassidy85
mcassidy85
I understand completely. I suffered for a very long time with endo and that is one of the main reasons that my marriage failed. It's hard to understand someone else's pain until you live it yourself. I recently had two surgeries to remove endo and my last one was successful. I saw a specialist who removed the endo tissue by cutting it our versus burning it - which leaves behind a layer that will continue to grow after time.

Before my last surgery, I found that my symptoms slightly improved by changing my diet. There are books for endo patients that highlight what foods you should avoid. Red meats and carbs are a few. Anything that makes you feel bloated should be avoided as this will amplify your symptoms.

I also found that red maca powder helped with symptoms as well as energy. I still did not feel 100%, but anything was an improvement just to get me out of bed and to work. I mixed red mama powder in my coffee, or my breakfast shakes.

Don't give up on yourself and don't allow others to make you feel as if you are unworthy. As an endo sufferer, we endure enough pain and feeling bad for ourselves. Know that you're not alone!