Endometriosis symptoms all the time

by Josie
(OR, USA)

My symptoms of endometriosis are affecting my general health every day. I have all the main symptoms of pain with my periods which can be very, very severe. They seem to be worse when I am stressed or get over tired.

I have pain symptoms with bowel movements, so this affects me just about every day. The pain I suffer with my periods is in the abdomen where you would expect it, but also goes into my lower back, and then down into my thighs, especially my inner thighs almost down to my knees. The pain in my thighs is like a dragging heavy sensation and makes me feel heavy and I find it more difficult to walk. In fact, the further I walk, the worse the pain gets.
As well as pain with my periods I can sometimes feel very nauseous and do not feel like eating. This can last for a few hours or all day. I try to eat little and often to combat this.

I have started to change the foods I eat to the recommendations for the endometriosis diet and have noticed something of an improvement so I will probably work to improve my diet even more. I have definitely noticed that coffee, sugar and bread can make me feel worse.

I get very tired sometimes and it can be at any time of day and this symptom is definitely related to endometriosis for me. I used to have lots of energy before I developed endometriosis, which I have had (or should I say, been diagnosed with) for 4 years. I am now 27 years old and never felt like this in my late teens and early twenties.

Recently I have noticed a pattern of suffering from colds and flu bugs more easily. I recon this must be due to my immune system working on overdrive to deal with endometriosis.

The other pain I suffer is with intercourse which is very upsetting both for me and my partner. We hope to have a family one day, but with endometriosis and all its symptoms, I find it hard to believe that this will happen, but I have to remain hopeful.