Endometriosis has taught me…

Endometriosis does not define who I am as a person, but it is such a significant part of me which has taught me so much over the years, especially as my journey with endometriosis has been ongoing since I was a young teen. 

Endometriosis is so unpredictable, sometimes it is bearable and sometimes it is intolerable. This has meant that I constantly deal with uncertainty, however I have learnt that I cannot control everything in my life. I cannot control how I feel, my body, my days or my symptoms. I have accepted that some days I will not be able to do anything and some days I can do so much. I used to feel super guilty on the days where I do nothing but curl up in bed or on the sofa with my painkillers, hot water bottle and other things to comfort me. But having a chronic illness has taught me that I shouldn’t feel guilty, and neither should you! Endometriosis is so debilitating that we need to take it easy on ourselves and take each day as it comes. 

After years of being dismissed by multiple doctors I eventually had my diagnosis of endometriosis at the age of 22. However, if I hadn’t pressured the doctors and been so persistent that it wasn’t just bad periods and something more was going on, then I may never of achieved the diagnosis and getting the help I need. At the beginning of my journey I used to think that everything my doctors was telling me was right and that they knew best. Clearly not, for myself my body was telling me through all my multiple symptoms that something was not right, which then led to me keeping a diary and tracking everything. If I hadn’t of done this, I may not be an endometriosis warrior and it could of gotten worse. Only you know your body the best and we need to listen to our bodies as they tell us when something isn’t right.

When I was diagnosed, I was reluctant to telling people that I had endometriosis, mainly because I thought I would continue to be dismissed by family, friends, and work as it just being bad periods. However, over time I realised that they needed to know so that I could be supported from them all. My family and friends support me so much in all their own ways and I am so grateful for it. Work also support me, by having an understanding of my chronic illness it provides so much support. This blog is a huge support for me as I have communicated with so many other people going through this like me, I can also support others and raise awareness for endometriosis. Getting the support means that we do not have to go through this alone. 

Making yourself a priority is essential, having a chronic illness means that we go at our own pace. Some days I need to put myself first by not worrying so much about any commitments with relationships or work that I have.  Having endometriosis has taught me that I need to put myself first and self-care is a must. Self-care can be found in so many different forms and it doesn’t have to be glamourous. For example, eating the right food, getting enough sleep, exercising, having a skin/hair care routine, taking up hobbies, and treating yourself are all forms of self-care. Mainly, just do anything that you want that is good for you!

Endometriosis has taught me a hell of a lot, however as my journey continues so will my learning.

With love,

Nakeita xoxo