The 5 most important lessons I have learnt from my journey with Endometriosis

When we first find out we have Endometriosis, it can really be quite a devastating blow. I know it was for me. I think it took me 3years to even acknowledge its real existence! I preferred to live in denial. I just followed what doctors told me and just drowned my pain with some good wine. It worked for the night and then I just drowned my poor body in pain killers to get through the hangover period. Yes, I was not very kind to my poor body. Thing is, I honestly didn’t really think that these things would make any difference. Besides, what difference would it make – it’s not curable anyways… right?…. those were the days when I simply didn’t know and simply didn’t research further.

I have since been through every considerable option for Endometriosis. It has been over 15years since those early days and I hope that my little bit of knowledge can help you, to have it a little easier than I did.

Here are the lessons I have learnt that may help you:

1. Never give up trying new things.

I do my best to share different ways of coping with Endometriosis and I also try to research things as much as possible before recommending anything. I feel that, by having options and knowing that there are methods out there that we may not know about or have heard of, it gives us hope that we can keep trying. Now, it is important for me to stress that some of these methods may work for you and some might not but at least you can keep trying. Trust in your own self in knowing what might work for you – your inner instinct will actually tell you.

For me, it is this trying, this hoping that really keeps me going and stay positive that there are methods that can work to heal us.

2. Take care of your body

I know I didn’t and I faced the nasty consequences. What you eat, what exercise you do and how much sleep you get all affects your body and your ultimately health. It is quite dramatic and will contribute to your healing and your pain levels with Endometriosis. Take care of you!

3. Don’t believe everything doctors tell you

It is sad but many doctors don’t understand Endometriosis and misdiagnose or mistreat us. I am not just referring to western doctors but natural practitioners too. You need to learn to trust in your own instincts, in knowing what is working or not working. If you feel worse, then it is not working – stop that method and try a different one. I know it is hard to learn to trust in your own instinct because I have done that too – totally trusted doctors for over 15years. Unfortunately, my true healing only began when I learnt to look after myself

4. Avoid toxins and chemicals in your daily life

We expose ourselves to so many toxins and chemicals, each and every day. We can reduce this exposure by becoming more aware of them and cutting them out as much as possible. That means your shampoo’s, your nail vanish, your skin products and the chemicals you use in the house. It all affects our health and unfortunately gets absorbed. Avoid plastic containers – drinking out of them and cooking in them. Storing is okay but glass is better .

I never thought these little things could possibly make that much difference, until I cut them out. It was hard giving up my nail polish – since this had been my Friday night treat for years!

Unfortunately, it also includes stuff in our foods. Flavourants, colourants and all those non recognisable ingredients are toxic on your body – read the ingredients and choose wisely. Easier and tastier to make them yourself!

5. Recognise your “little devil” in foods you eat

I used to be addicted to sugar. Believed I couldn’t live without it and my life would be miserable without it. Whatever food you feel this about, is likely to be the one that is causing you the biggest problems in your body. I started to recognise this trend with other girls who also have endo and noticed the funny correlations with the symptoms they were having and the foods they were most addicted to.

Find yours and get it out of your diet. You will be amazed at how much better you feel, once it is gone!

So, I hope these help you to do the best that you can for yourself and your endometriosis. I wish I had gotten this list when I was starting out cos it sure would have saved me a whole bunch of pain!

Big hugs to you all,