Navigating life with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis has been a real challenge for me, especially during the times that I didn’t have a diagnosis. But over time I have figured out the ways that I can look after my body, my mind and my heart, through physical and mental health care.

Yoga & Meditation

I would say that Yoga has been one the most important part of my pain management techniques. I practice yin yoga to relieve pain and vinyasa to strengthen my pelvic muscles. I also using breathing and meditation to calm my central nervous system and reduce my pain.

Diet

For me, a lot of my Endo was growing on my bowel, so I find that food really influences my pain. I was already vegetarian, and through trial and error I now avoid diary, lentils and nightshades (eggplant, tomato, capsicum and chilli). While I miss out on some food, the reduction in pain and bowel symptoms is SO worth it.

Hormonal Medication

I was having three week long periods, and only one week off. So for me (not wanting kids), stopping my period really helped. I have a Mirena and I take Microlut (the pill, one of many different types). These medications have really reduced my cramping pain and long periods.

Understanding My Pain

Pain is a funny one, and hard to express and understand. By keeping a pain journal for a year I started to really understand the different pain I was experiencing. The difference between cramping period pain, pain caused by what I ate and that underlying chronic pain. By understanding this, I feel more able to know what pain I can reduce and what pain I have to ‘sit with’.

Being Kind on the Hard Days

When I am having a bad pain day, and it’s not something I can change, I rest. I might do light yoga or gentle stretches, but most importantly I am kind to myself. Finding this kindness from myself, and understanding from friends and family has been essential for my ability to have fun and adventure when I feel up to it!