Part of the goal of this non-profit was to help some endo patients learnn techniques to help with the pain. Will this help mitigate having endometriosis? No, but fighting the pain is also part of the battle. Many women with endometriosis experience abdominal and pelvic pain, as well as bladder pain, back pain, period cramps, constipation, diarrheoea, etc. There are also some conditions that when in tandem with endo can wreak havoc on the body, such as IBS and painful bladder syndrome. So, as someone who has found a few options to help relax my body and to help deal with the pain, here is a list of some tips I recommend:
Physical Therapy/Exercise
If you are experiencing bladder pain or severe abdominal pain, exercise is impeative to maintain your stamina and to create movement with in your body to help maintain your bowel regimen. Exercise or physical therapy is imperative if you have endometriosis. It cann be painful, which is why having a phsycial therapist who can help you learn stretches that target specific areas and mitigate pain can be a great way to help with endo. It's super important that even when you are in pain, you remain active.
Acupuncture
I cannot stress enough how highly I recommend acupuncture. It has really helped me in so many ways. Acupuncture has great long term effects on the body. It helps with IBS and abdominal pain. It also helps me relax my body after being very tense all day in order to keep functioning. Acupuncture is great with endo patients who also need short term relief. Acupuncture is cumulative, so it may take some time to see the benefits, but sessions can also have positive short-term effects. Definitely ask your doctor about an acupuncture specialist they recommend.
Dietician
Speaking from personal experience, my IBS and endo both irritate each other, making it hard to maintain my bowel regimen and causing spikes in my abdomain and lower back. Having a dietician to help you find foods that help keep your stomach and digestive system in check can really help mitigate endo pain and help you make sure you are meeting you nutritional needs. Some people with endo also suffer chronic fatigue, so if you are not feeling up to making a meal, finding some easy-to-make options can be really essential. There are a few online dieticians who have helped me with some great tips for chronic pain pateints. Here are the links to their accounts: -----------
Tens Machine
This is something I was introduced to during physical therapy. A tens machine creates small electrical pulses and sends them through your body in order to distract your nervous system from the pain signals being sent to your brain. It feels like a soft tapping sensation and you can control the intensity. Below is a video of how it works, how to apply it, and a link to the one I use on Amazon, although there are many different ones available.
Wheelchair
This is a bit of an extreme suggestion, but one I have found very helpful, so I thought I would share it. One of the symptoms that comes with my period is weakness in my legs, which is exacerbatted by my endometriosis. Having a wheelchair has really helped me save energy when I am not up to walking around all day. This way, I am able to handle my daily tasks and can sustain my energy throughout the day. Even if it is not for everyday use, it can come in handy ocassionally and is a nice backup plan if you are worried about making it through a long day. Here is the link to the one I got on Amazon, although there are lots of different options.
Silicone Cups
This is another technique I learned in physical therapy (physical therapy for the win!). There are silicone cups you can order on Amazon that can be used to alleviate pain. By using a moisturizer over the area where you are experiencing pain, you can use the cups to suction your skin, taking pressure off of your body and providing some pain relief. Below is a video of how to use this technique and a link as to where to find it.
Heating Pad - Weighted or for Travel
Heating Pads were one of the first things I used to help my endometriosis. I find them occasionally effective, however I feel they are more masking the pain then relieving it. But, they can be great for short time periods. I specifically recommend getting disposable heat packs that can be strapped around your stomach or back, so you can hide it under your clothes when you need to be somewhere. Here is a link to a kind that is perfect if you are on the go. In addition, weighted heating pads can add a nice bit of pressure, which can help some people with the pain and help the heat sensation cover your body more affectively. Here's a link to the one I use.
Ice Packs
Ice therapy is also really recommended for endometriosis. I do sometimes find this helpful. I think trying both heat and ice is a good idea, so you can figure out which is most beneficial for you. I personally find that heat is the most helpful, but I think it's always important to explore your options. Ice packs on your back to address your back pain or over your abdomen to address abdominal pain can be a great option and can provide some relief.
Embr Wave
For anyone who experiences hot flashes or has trouble with temperature control during their cycle...this one is for you. The Embr wave is a device that helps send pulses through your body to help you cool off or warm up. It's great for helping you regulate your internal temperature and something that has really helped during my periods. I highly recommend this one!
Baths with Epsom Salt
The next few suggestions aren't as effective, but can still be good options. In order to calm your body and to relax your muscles a hot bath with some epsom salts sprinkled in can be great! It also can really help with bleeding and period cramps. This worked for me for years and can really help give you some temporary relief.
Showers - This option is very similar to the first. If you prefer showers, they are also a great option and can help stop bleeding and period cramps.
Humming
When you hum, it actives something called your Vegus Nerve, which connects your brain, heart, and digestive system. By humming, you will stimulate your digestive system, which can help with abdominal pain. Something like singing a song or chewing can serve the same purpose. If you have stomach issues and endo, this can be really helpful.
Rocking Back and Forth
Rocking back and forth is a coping mechanism that I use in order to distract my brain from the pain in my abdomen. Other actions that take some focus can also do this. Rocking back and forth gave myself something to focus on when I am in pain so I don't think about it as much. Creative outlets are a great way to do this too, such as drawing, reading, writing, etc.
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