Chapter 31: Helping a Loved One with Endo (Part 1)

I know a lot of people reading this blog don't have endometriosis. They're here to learn more so that they can help a loved one battling it. I wanted to post some tips to help supportive loved ones help out their endo warrior. Every endo warrior is different, so I figured that I'd make this a 5 part series. I'll base the different parts on the 5 love languages, a theory that everyone responds to a different expression of love. The five love languages are words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. My love language is receiving gifts, so that will be the focus of today's post. It always makes me feel very materialistic to say that gifts are my love language, but I find the idea that someone thought of you enough to go pick out a gift very endearing and special.

These are some products that I've found to be helpful in my own endo journey. I've included links where relevant. None of these are affiliate links and I haven't been sponsored. They're just products that have helped make my life a little easier. Also, I'm primarily linking to Amazon for the generic products, but I encourage you to shop small businesses when possible.

1. Thinx Period Panties: These are the best. They're underwear that includes an absorbent crotch area. They're more environmentally friendly than single use pads and tampons, plus they are incredibly absorbent. Unlike regular pads, I have never once bled through these. My periods before surgery were very similar to the bloody elevator scene in The Shining. They keep you dry and they don't smell. They're pricey when you initially buy them, but they pay for themselves pretty quickly. I used to go through at least two of the big size boxes of Always ultrathin pads a period. That't about $30 worth of pads per cycle. The only downside to these? They don't travel well unless you have access to a washing machine.

2. All of the heated products: During my worst endo flares, I am completely dependent on heating pads. Because I would get lower back pain and cramps, I needed two, one for my front and one for my back. Big heating pads are the best. Another thing that was a lifesaver was a heated mattress pad. That way I could lay on my stomach and have a separate heating pad on my back.

3. Relaxing bath products: Hot baths are the best thing to help cramps. My favorite products are anything from Lush (but especially this bath oil) and the Sleep and Stress Relief lines from Bath and Body Works. This totally depends on the recipient though- everyone prefers different fragrances.

4. Comfy Clothes: When I don't have to go anywhere that requires dressing up, I live in sweats. Maternity leggings are fantastic during laparoscopy surgery recovery. A new favorite is Dot Period Clothes. They are the comfiest clothes ever AND the proceeds benefit women who need deep excision surgery but can't afford it.

5. Books: The Doctor Will See You Now and The Vagina Bible have been great resources for me. I have a few other books about endo, but I haven't had a chance to read them yet.

6. A Tens Unit: I haven't personally tried one of these, but some endo friends have had a lot of success in using these for cramps.

7. Gift Cards: Massage and Acupuncture can help with endo, but they can be pricey and definitely add up after awhile. Gift cards hep.

8. Audio book subscriptions: Endo fatigue can make doing simple activities difficult. I find that audiobooks help distract from the pain when I'm in the bath or on my heating pads.

9. Snacks: It's easy to forget to eat. It's also common to not have the energy to go to the store. Snacks make it easy to grab something when you aren't feeling well. Some people with endo have cut out dairy and gluten from their diets. Check with them first.

10. Nightshirts. They're the best when you have endo belly and are uncomfortable. I've had a lot of luck with the ones from Torrid and Kohl's, but it all depends on the size of the recipient and your budget.

I hope this list helps! I'll be sure to address none gift things you can do in later blogs!