Following my diagnosis, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I now felt it was real and not all in my head, which is what my GP told me. On the other hand, I had been trying to conceive for 16 months and had to face that I had a condition that could affect my fertility.
I naively thought that my operation would solve all my problems. Unfortunately my first period arrived on Christmas Day and I was doubled up in pain again, but I put this down to having surgery.
My second period arrived in January and the pain returned. I expressed my concerns to my consultant but he just told me to take strong painkillers and manage the pain for the next six months, then try IVF. After this, I felt completely helpless and at a loss at what to do as I did not want to rely on pain killers to mask the pain.
My salvation came when my lovely husband bought me a book about endometriosis and nutrition. After I read the book it was a like a dark cloud had lifted from over my head. The book included case studies that I could relate to and it gave me hope for the very first time. I went to see a nutritionist in London, who went through a very detailed medical history questionnaire and put me on a strict diet. I had to cut out yeast, cows’ milk, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, red meat and eggs and reduce my wheat intake. I also had to take various supplements. After just one week I could feel the benefits and for the first time in ages I felt like I had energy!
My period arrived without much pain and I could get on with my life. I am now in my second month but I have struggled to keep with the strict diet. However, when I do stray I become bloated and I can really feel the difference. I am delighted to say my second period arrived almost pain free! I know it is still early days but I feel this is not a diet but a lifestyle change and so far I am feeling 100% better! I would definitely recommend it!
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