Virtual Patient Day - October 17, 2020

Soothing the Pains of Endometriosis: Mind & Body

Corinne Idzal

-We need to soothe the body. In soothing the body, we reconnect with the body.

-When we think of our body and think of it as our enemy, it makes it worse. We need to know that we have the power to feel a little better or feel a little worse. 

-We can have pain and know we are going to be okay.

-It is understandable to have fear.

-Put breathing exercises and self-conversation into your morning routine.

-You have to train your muscles to contract and relax at the right time.

Follow Your Gut: Endometriosis & Nutrition

Lilia Bolgov

-Give yourself time, space, and kindness.

-Find ways to have physical activity in your life for weight and mental health.

IBS is BS when it is Endometriosis….Culprit in the misdiagnosis, and years of delay.

My mind kind of drifted at this point cause of tiredness...

Endometriosis Advocates: Supporting yourself and others with endo

-The most important thing you can do is advocate for yourself.

-Look yourself in the mirror and say, "You are not crazy."

-To advocate for yourself, you have to believe yourself and trust yourself.

-Don't let people tell you how you feel and what is going on with you.

-Speak up for yourself.

-Reach out to someone, know you are not alone.

-A doctor's ego and accountability is never more important than your health.

How to advocate with your insurance

Latia Lee

-I'm not sure how this applies to me, as I am not in the States.

-Be patient & persistent. Don't let doctors forget about you.

-Advocate for yourself because you deserve treatment.

The Endo Life Cycle: Endo through the ages

-People talking about their histories.

I was personally 9 years old when I started menstruation and it was all confusing to me.

-It can be a great mistake to not talk about endometriosis.

-You're not weak or broken. It's not your fault. Don't feel guilty about the illness. You are still a wonderful person even with chronic pain.

-You are not deficient because you are in pain.

Q&A

Issues associated with endometriosis:

-doctors not recognize the disease

-doctors wanting to not touch the disease

-Glands may go away, but the fibrosis does not go away.

-Endo belly may continue even after excision surgery because not all the endo was removed.