Paid Menstrual Leave

A few days ago my attention was drawn to an article in an Irish newspaper about "Paid Menstrual leave".
Apparently this situation already exists in many Asian countries and the topic was putting it to Women to gain their response as to whether they would approve of such sick leave being brought into the workplace. The writer of the article seemed to take the idea of this extra leave as an offensive situation, that it would be singling women out, giving their bosses an excuse to let them go or perhaps not hire them at all because they're too fragile to work.

Twitter.com

I have to say this irled me some. I feel that women such as ourselves could benefit from having these extra paid sick days because we suffer from a conditioin which we can't help that does cause us to call in sick more often than other co-workers. It's not a case a special consideration but I think one of understanding. A lot of women I have spoken to over the years have lost their jobs because they had to ring in sick so often due to the pain they were in. I'm not suggesting for a moment that this paid leave would put an end to all of that but I do think it would be a good place to start. Creating awareness and raising a level of understanding is a first step in our battle against the ignorance of this disease.

Etsy.com

You don't need to shout it from the rooftop's and I'm sure you could find a discreet way of dealing with it in the workplace between yourself and your boss. Obviously the details would need to be refined. But the general idea does appeal to me. It would allow Women who suffer with Dysmennorhea, Endometriosis, PCOS or other pelvic issues a bit more leeway when it came to their periods. Some women experience such pain that they need to be hospitalized. Others I've talked to are on such strong pain med's that they wouldn't be able to drive their car to get to work or operate machinery or sometimes even walk with the pain. I think is a step in the right direction.

Pinterest.com

I do find however that other Women are often the ones who look down at Women who suffer with their periods. It's like they can't possibly comprehend that you could be in that much pain. We should stick together not try to tear each other apart. Everyone suffers in their own way and everyone has their own story.

endo-resolved.com

Stay positive my Sister's. Hope you're all well. Love to you all.

XxxxxX

Today's Endo face

I mentioned earlier I was having a flare up. Not only have I not been able to move with the pain but I'm shaky, my hands literally are shaking and I feel so wobbly.

It feels like there's an ovarian tug of war going on all day and it's really not enjoyable. My pain meds are not doing anything and I'm down to Belladonna as I'm out of everything else. The shops are all closed now so will get pain meds tomorrow and hopefully they'll help. I got off the Ponstan and Tramadol, difene and acupan as the side effects and dependency levels were ridiculous so it's homeopathic remedies now and rarely otc meds.

Just feeling miserable and it's times like this that I'm grateful I have such loving and supportive family and friends in my life.honestly would love a Bobi snuggle now. She always make me laugh and feel good and my Mum loves to snuggle and we talk random shite all of the time
 They're the best women I know and I am so proud of them each and every day.

Literally half been in bed most of this evening except to move to the couch where I had decaf and black forest with the bf's
Mother. She pulled blankets over me and we watched Salt. It was nice.  Treatment my Mum gives me but I would never expect it off anyone else. I think so far we're getting on ok although I still need to push the Brotber and find out about the Bf's wild stories haha.

But now I'm currently in bed again, in agony still. Feel as if I've been drained of all of my energy.

It's half past midnight here. I know, party animal or what? Going to try destress and hopefully get some sleep.

Love to you all
XxxxX

Be grateful for the good days

Yesterday I managed to stumble through without too much discomfort which was epic timing as it was the meeting of the Mother's day.

My Mum and Sister were coming over for dinner to meet the boyfriend's Mum and Brother for the first time as they are over from France on a visit. This was a first for me so the nerves were up a little.

The dinner was cooking away, table set all by his Mum and I went over to collect my people. Some Dutch courage was needed so into my local for a quick drink with Mum and Bobi before heading home.

Made the introductions, the alcohol came out and in true Irish style everyone immediately began talking over each other.
The dinner went down well and his Mum made a great effort even doing a gluten free dessert as my Sis is a coeliac.

There was a surprise guest in the form of the local priest which was a funny moment and for a second we thought there might be some kind of conspiracy but he was a lovely gentlemen and very easy going.

Everyone got on and bonded. The two families are very similar in some ways and I'm thrilled it all went well. There was no apocalypse, just a bit of rain.

Today I've woken to a beautiful Endo flare up. I'm currently curled up with my hot water bottle (need to get a new heatpad) and look like crap. Feel drained and my back is do achy. Shoulders, feet and of course my abdomen ate all sore. Just feel blah.

But I'm so grateful that if only for a little while I got to enjoy some normal family time.

XxxxX

Pop goes the cyst

Finally last night my cyst burst. It has been annoying me for weeks now and yesterday I could just feel this twisting, gnawing aggravating pain so I was extremly relieved when it went it's merry way. Today however I feel utterly exhausted, like I've climbed Everest without Oxygen. I feel completely drained of energy and I'm finding it hard to keep my eyes open.

I was doing some study earlier on and when I went to go get a cup of coffee I had another sharp pain followed by a pop on my right side this time. The pain was so intense that I collapsed on the floor. I've grazed my arm and hit my head. Yay another bruise! (said sarcastically)

So at the moment I'm feeling fairly crappy. I have heat on my abdomen in the form of a hot water bottle. I'm seriously thinking of getting a TENS machine and I can't wait to try a Castor Oil Pack.

I'm off to get some rest guys. Love to my Sister's


Andie

XxxX

Pictures over the course of me writing this post. As you can see I'm not very glamorous today.

Also, notice the nice bruising that's appearing on my right cheekbone. Fun times. 

How to do a castor Oil Pack - Step by Step

Best explanation I've come across

One of my Endo Sisters shared this picture of Dr. Cook's "Stop Endometriosis and pelvic pain: what every Woman and her Doctor need to know."

I've not come across a better way to sum up Endo and that's just the first page.
Love it.

Check up - left Ovarian Cyst

After many weeks of trying to deny that everything's been ok with regard to my left ovary I finally gave in and went to see my Doctor on Monday. I've been having severe pelvic pain, radiating from my left ovary outwards. My lower back has been especially achy, my left shoulder is like a brick and the pressure I've been feeling in my pelvic area has been at times quite intense.

pingofhealth.com

I am really lucky to have such a good rapport with my Doctor. He is very understanding and thorough, doesn't take any BS and I would like to think is very upfront with me. I explained my symptoms and after some routine tests and a pelvic exam he concluded that I most likely have a large cyst on my left ovary. While I had suspected that this was the case I felt very relieved to have the diagnosis. He prescribed me painkillers and antibiotics three times a day for a week.

I'm under strict orders not to do any heavy lifting, over exerting or gymnastics

iconaarchive.com

 (there goes my big plans for the week :-) ) If the cyst doesn't calm down with the treatment then he wants me to go to hospital. I've has many cysts burst in the past and I am prone to fluid-filled ones so I'm not very eager to go running to A&E. Fingers crossed though everything works out well. I've had some pain today alright but so far I don't feel like anything is about to pop.

While I was with my Doc I also broached the subject of "coming off" my Primolut N as my migraines are increasing again. In his opinion, he thinks I should stay on it for the moment as the weigh up between the haemorrhaging I experience and the migraines are not really a balanced choice.

laokokok.com

I know he has a point and it's true I've been good in getting off the rest of the hormone treatments I was on so of course it's best to suffer the migraines instead of the prolonged bleeding, anaemia and crazy hell that would occur should I cease the progesterone treatment.

I just thought I'd chance my arm, see if I was "doing better". It's been frustrating me really badly of late how much this chronic condition affects my day to day life. Some days just finding the willpower to get out of bed is a monumental task. When my pain is what I would call "bad" I can't concentrate on anything, I'm extremly irritable and really you do approach at your own risk.

lordcraigus.deviantart.com

I know I talk a lot about staying positive and I'll stick to that as I frmly believe it can and does help in the long run to cope with this illness, or most really I suppose. I never said you couldn't have a bad day, week or feel irritated at times.

It's all about getting up each day and carrying on, doing our best, making good choices and being kind to ourselves.

pinterest.com

Love to my Endo Sisters.

Andie  

XxxX

Happy Mama's Day

A lot of my transatlantic friends are celebrating today and rightly so.

For those of you who are feeling a little down today or are wondering if it'll ever happen to you. Keep the faith I say. Whichever faith is completely up to you, staying focused on your goals and remaining positive is the main enemy.

Wherever you are and however you're feeling today tale a moment to be thankful for your Mum, Gran, Aunt or other strong female presence in your life.

Enjoy your day ladies.
Until next time
XxxxX

A Fresh Approach

I've been experiencing a bad time with ovarian pain again of late but after a visit to a wonderful homeopathic shop I am feel much more positive about things. The lady I dealt with recommended on of her colleagues for me to see as the remedy I'm currently taking is on a "stop gap" really and not a treatment for my Endo.

The lady informed that she could tune into my energy and feel the pain I was in.
I honestly didn't know what to say but the understanding from her was quite overwhelming. The card she gave me lists the person as a homeopath and an energy healer.

I had recently been discussing.g my options and right now this sounds like something I more than prepared to try. Fingers crossed.

Will keep you posted. Lots of Love
Andie
XxxX

Reflections

My absence of late can be explained by a number of things. I have been busy studying again, gaining another A in my quest for the ever elusive Herbal Medicine Diploma (determined to get straight A's)

I have also been going through alot emotionally. This year so far has seen many changes for me. From beginning a new relationship and moving in together, rekindling old friendships and letting some people go, there has been enough drama to produce a soap opera.

It got me thinking. How do we keep going? Is it as simple as "we just have to"? In a way I think so. To live a full life we must do our best each day.
Although each day I have pain, at different levels, I have truly found that, upon reflection, the more positive I am about my health the easier the day goes for me emotionally. Over the years, dealing with Endo, PTSD, and a panic disorder I've had to find ways to cope. I've reached rock bottom and it's not pretty. It's a difficult climb back up and your own negative thoughts can really drag you back. But with support and love I got back up on my feet and I don't ever intend to fall off that cliff again.

Sometimes it feels like you're threading water and of course your head is going to go under sometimes, but the important thing is to keep moving, keep going and never give up hope.