I'm here and totally understand what Endo can take from you. I have a 7year old. I was diagnosed with 4th stage endo that has eaten through my bladder lining, gallbladder, and intestines. I have to get anal surgery every 4-6 months until I decided enough is enough and have the ostomy surgery. I have not been able to work and it has caused a large strain on me and my husbands relationship. I made him come to the Dr's with me and It helped him understand what I go through on a daily basis. Maybe it was just hearing it from someone else in a different way. Its so hard when you have chronic pain to push yourself . I know a lot of times I cry because I blame myself for not being a good mom, wife or housekeeper. Except I am those things!! I think sometimes we are harder on ourselves then we need to be. Its okay to take a break and do a quite activity with our children. I just do what I can when I can. I have found so much strength in the lord. Thats what helps me so much!! I look at this disease as the enemy even the devil! I try to not let negative thoughts in my head and make goals I can achieve. In the end its what you make of it and its not fair but its also not fair to let it have power over you. I hope you know you are not alone and when you read this it helps you understand you are a survivor and strong!! God Bless you and your family:)

I understand so much what you are going through. I am not a mother, but I was a toddler teacher for over 10 years. I used to have so much energy and enjoyed actively playing with the children. The sicker I got, the harder it was for me to do my job. I felt horrible when the kids wanted me to pull them in a wagon, chase after them around the playgroud, and so many other games and having to tell them no. Eventually it got so bad that I had to quit. Now, I miss that interaction, fulfillment, and joy that I had being a toddler teacher. I understand what it's like, feeling like this illness is endless torture in your life, blocking you from being able to live the way you want to. But the truth is, it only has as much control as we give it. I spent so much time focusing on the things I could not do, that I never gave myself credit for all the things that I could do. I found that, although I could not commit to a regular work schedule, I could volunteer to do work that I enjoyed. Sometimes I babysit. I also volunteer my time to teach children and adults about the Bible. It makes me feel good being able to focus on enjoying the things that endo hasn't taken away from me. Building my faith played a big part in this as well. 2 Cor. 4:13,16 mentions that although we may physically be wasting away, spiritually we can be renewed and built up by learing about God's precious promises and principles. Just the way that I could learn to find more joy in my life by focusing on what I still can do, so can you. I hope all of my rambling helped give you some hope and encouragement.

Yes, thank you and God bless.

Thank you girls for your encouraging words! Today was particularly difficult, so I know it's no accident that I felt the need to check my messages. Thank you for sharing that verse with me Cizipkey! I will start reading it everyday! I know God will use this pain for good someday, just like He's using your pain to help me. Thank you girls for taking the time to read my post :) I truly feel hopeful now and ready to conquer another day!