Best products from r/Endo

I'm so sorry they didn't treat you well or give you clear instructions on aftercare. I believe I waited 24 hours after my surgery to shower, but it could've even been 48... I'm pretty sure I was told it was ok to shower sooner than that, but I wanted to play it safe. (And definitely no baths or hot tubs or anything like that, due to infection risks.)

As for the belly button/incisions, I used a body wash called Hibiclens (small blue/green bottle), it's an antiseptic soap that my surgeon told me to buy to use before and after surgery. You can find it pretty easily at most stores/pharmacies, I think.

Good luck, and again, I'm so sorry your experience didn't go well. I too felt rushed out afterward and to this day it upsets me.

Edit: here's the link to Hibiclens: https://www.amazon.com/Regent-Medical-No-Model-Antiseptic/dp/B000PWE3CE/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493430380&sr=8-6&keywords=hibiclens
I got mine from the store, though, not Amazon. I think I paid around $5-$6 for it. Also, I was instructed to get something to help with going #2 due to the pain meds causing constipation issues, so I bought Milk of Magnesia, which is pretty cheap and commonly found in most stores, as well. Don't wait too long to take that, which is what I did (I think I waited like 5 days lol. Not fun!)

I'm so glad I can help! It's a little daunting trying to figure it all out by yourself, I know.

I'll just drop a couple of links here to resources I found helpful & isn't full of bad info:

Diet tips for endo, pretty detailed (this website is pretty good for info): http://www.centerforendometriosiscare.com/nutrition-for-endometriosis/

Good book with lifestyle & diet plans for endo (I love this book, it's easy to read and breaks everything down, plus the diet stuff is really good & gives many tips for anti-inflammatory foods): https://www.amazon.com/Endometriosis-Health-Diet-Program-Your/dp/077880562X

(Bear in mind some of the diet info may be a little dated, or not 100% accurate, because what's good & bad it's always changing >_<)

Recent documentary on endo, good detail into how it works, coping with endo, and treatments: https://www.endowhat.com/

A podcast about endo, this episode is interviewing an excision specialist. It's got some great info & you might want to check out the rest of the podcast (I find the hosts a bit annoying, but it's nice to hear other experiences!): http://endopodcast.libsyn.com/podcast/sn-2-ep-9-dr-garza-made-paige-cry-interview-with-obgyn-dr-devin-garza

Good site about excision surgery & what endo is from one of the leading docs in endo care: http://endopaedia.info/

Hope you find something useful in these links! x

I wish this was an easy answer but for be it has been almost a 20 year battle to find out what my body likes and needs. I will say you symptoms sound like mine back when I had leaky gut. The first step it to heal the gut and clam down the immune system then I highly recommend getting a food sensitivity panel and your 23&me results so we can examine your genetics. I am feeling awesome now but I do follow a specific diet for me with a lot of supplements and enzymes. Here are some books that have helped along the way..

https://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Genes-Breakthrough-Program-Optimize/dp/0062698141/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542661699&sr=8-1&keywords=dr+ben+lynch

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https://www.amazon.com/Endometriosis-Health-Diet-Program-Your/dp/077880562X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542661718&sr=8-2&keywords=endometriosis+diet

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Good luck!

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I'm dealing with this as well, but for me I'm always hopeful I'll be pregnant. I have confirmed endo, and I've been dealing with the symptoms for 20 years, but I still get surprised at how much my pre-period issues can line up with early pregnancy indicators.

I'm surprised they didn't automatically give you a pregnancy test at the Gyn's office. I can be on my period and they'll still do it.

One thing that has helped me with the scares is getting a huge pack of test strips so that I can do one (or more) a day without feeling like I'm throwing money away. Amazon has some really good deals. (Don't forget to have plastic cups on hand too!)

Also, have you tried a period tracker app? I am currently trying both Clue and My Calendar, to see which I prefer. They can help you track symptoms as well as your period, so you can see patterns. My Calendar also tracks temperature, which is a great indicator of different stages of your cycle.

Hi, yes of course! So, he gave me his special supplier stuff, but I looked at the labels, and this is roughly the same (and cheaper):

Adrenal complex - I took something like this 2x a day.

http://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Adrenal-Optimizer-Count/dp/B0015ZW6QA

Dandelion extract - I used this 2x daily, starting on day 15 of my cycle (ovulation). This really helped to relieve the mood swings that came with my late cycle. He said it would help me "conjugate my hormones". Whatever you say, doc!

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Answer-Alcohol-Free-Dandelion-1-Fluid/dp/B000I4DH08/ref=sr_1_1

Progesterone cream - he said this would help support my low progesterone. I'll be honest - it did nothing for me.

http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Progesterone-Cream-Lavender-Ounces/dp/B0019LTGTA/ref=sr_1_6

Adrenal complex + dandelion extract worked for me. I don't know if it's right for you, but maybe it will give you some idea do what to try!

Before he gave me any of this, I did a saliva hormone test. It was pretty gross spitting into little vials every day, but he said it gave him a good look at my cortisol levels.

Please keep us updated!

hey girl! i found these rechargable hot water things off amazon that i absolutely love. i call it my “waterbaby” and it’s basically the only thing that helps me besides straight up painkillers.

the downside is that it may not come in time for your trip- it does take a few weeks or so for delivery. you’d also need an adapter to charge it from a cigarette lighter if you do take it on trips (one that lets you plug a normal wall plug in) but it might help you when you do get it!


https://smile.amazon.com/Lavender-Rechargeable-Portable-Personal-Heating/dp/B01HQM880S

there’s some similar items from other sellers, but i can’t personally vouch for any of them. i’m just fond of my “waterbaby” because it’s a good weight (not too heavy, just a nice, comforting, almost “kitten curled in your lap” feel), i can charge it again as soon as i feel it’s too cold, and it doesn’t look suuuper weird. i take mine to my boyfriend’s apartment all the time and am able to use it kind of in front of people and not be too embarassed (i can’t imagine using one of the big flat heating pads plugged into the wall while trying to chat with his friends who drop by suddenly and unannounced).

First of all, I'm so sorry you've had to go through that. <3

Before I was ever diagnosed with endo, I was diagnosed with vaginismus as a result of sexual assault. I passed out the first time a doctor ever gave me an exam - and that was just with his hand. I used to literally no exaggeration SCREAM getting examined. The first time I had sex I bled so much he thought I had my period.

It took me a lot of hard work - both emotionally and physically to deal with this. I read a lot of books about healing from sexual abuse, I did a lot of writing and talking about it, and for the past two years or so I've been seeing a physiotherapist for my vagina (sounds so ridiculous haha) and I am finally having the best sex with no pain. I can finally use tampons. I can have my boyfriend finger me without screaming in pain. I can have sex in tons of different positions, not just the usual safe ones that people with endo usually stick with. I can have a vaginal exam. It sounds so overdramatic but I'm legit tearing up writing this because I never thought I'd be able to say any of this! To this day, I still don't know if my pain/inability to be penetrated was from the assault or endo or probably a mixture of both.

Waking up from anesthesia hopefully your first thought won't be of your assault because you'll just be doped up and trying to figure things out, remembering you just had surgery... and unfortunately you'll probably be in pain lol. So that stuff will probably be more prevalent in your mind than painful memories (hopefully at least). I'm assuming you'll have family/friends with you to be there when you wake up as well, so that will be a big comfort.

This book was a huge, huge help for me. It's a thing you can write in, there are speeches to say in the mirror, stuff like that. But I think what helped the most was physio... even though her job originally was just to help with vaginal pain she really turned into a kind of therapist as well. You have to be able to trust someone who is helping you with something that physically intimate lol.

Good luck <3

You could have some vagus nerve dysfunction especially if you have a lot of stress. The vagus nerve is responsible for the Parasympathetic state (rest and digest). It controls the muscles of your digestive system. Anyways, there are supplements that you can use to boost and stimulate this nerve.

• alpha GPC (a form of choline)
  
• Acetyl - Carnitine
  
• Huperzia A
  
• Vitamin B1 Thiamin
  
  I've used this product called Parasym before and it works really well. Also a really cool calming effect too. It has the ingredients I listed above but you can buy em sperate and it would be cheaper.
  
  You could also try a nicotine patch on your stomach haha. Nicotine is very good a stimulating the vagus nerve because it acts on the acetylcholine pathway.

Ladies! My husband found a major score on Amazon! (I love that man!)

Big wide band, not quite as comfortable (or twirly) as a dress.... But easily nice enough for work and can easily be dressed up. Bonus! These suckers are under $20 AND come in 15 colors/patterns!

Palazzo Pants with Pockets in Several Colors and Printed Designs by Conceited (Solid Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J2ADFD2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KMRxzbR5EWCJV

So happy for you! Dermatix Ultra helped a lot during my last lap. I found a link for Amazon here

I bought it from my usual pharmacy that can be found in my country. Not sure where you are but you could probably get it there. You can only put it on after you take the stitches out me thinks. Best to check with your doc.

Rest well!

I just got a new one from Amazon after my last one crapped out. Its a wrap around and super soft. The best part is the company has a lifetime warrenty, all you have to do is contact them and they will replace.

Check this out at Amazon.com
XL Heating Pad with Auto Off, Moist/Dry Electric Heating Therapeutic Wrap, 12" x 24" Ultra-Soft King Size, Machine Washable, Pain Relief for Back, Neck and Shoulder, Knee, Safe for Pet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079DQ6QG9/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_niOTDbQX37WTJ

soaking tub

This is a soaking tub i bought on amazon. It’s the greatest thing ever! Best 50$ I’ve ever spent. You can submerge in it.click blue link above!

Oh man. I hear you. Puzzles, coloring books (might I suggest: http://www.amazon.com/Enchanted-Forest-Inky-Quest-Coloring/dp/1780674880/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449980561&sr=8-1&keywords=enchanted+forest+coloring+book), knitting, spinning ( seriously--so fun), drawing. I've also started sending letters and cards to all my friends and family--it's a creative way to let people know you care, and you don't have to leave your bed! Everyone has been really moved and a few people have even started writing back!

I also found it very difficult to put the different types of pain into words, but this book was really helpful, if you can possibly get one.

The author made it much easier for me to tell the different types of pain apart, and gave advice on which treatments or medications might be most effective. Even having read it several times, I could open it at any page and still find some useful information or advice.

I like the Pure Enrichment XL heating pad... They last the longest and heat the best of all the other ones I've tried. I literally buy 2 at a time just in case one burns out. Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad for Back Pain and Cramps - Fast-Heating, Ultra-Soft Heat Therapy with 6 Temperature Settings and Auto Shut-Off Feature - 12" x 24" (Charcoal Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KVYTV86/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_Dk.TDbGCPGE5X

Good luck!

I didn’t become anemic until age 25 when my endo got bad. Here’s a link for liquid iron, easier to take if you don’t like pills, more friendlier on the stomach:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LTCAU2/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_fRD6Cb13KQVXV

NOTE: unless you have had lab work and is determined low on iron to where there primary told them to take iron, i wouldn’t advise anyone to do so just because. Once you’ve reached your ideal numbers STOP taking it.

We don’t need multivitamins etc, excess can cause buildup and overdose. Happened to my friend with calcium, now she’s having surgery etc, to remove it.

Hi, I got bought an endo cookbook by my boyfriend for valentines day! It is fantastic. I have been following the diet for over 10 weeks now, and I am finally starting to feel the effects. I have slowly cut things out of my diet and I can't tell you how different I feel! I have got my confidence back, my health back, and after my laparoscopy I will hopefully have my life back. I can't recommend Wendy K. Laidlaw's books enough, as they have literally changed my life.

My absolute favorite is this oversized heating pad. It doesn’t get too hot to burn but hot enough to bring down the pain, and turns off after awhile. Full disclosure, I fall asleep with it on the highest setting all the time and have never gotten burned.

Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad for Back Pain and Cramps - Fast-Heating, Ultra-Soft Heat Therapy with 6 Temperature Settings and Auto Shut-Off Feature - 12" x 24" (Charcoal Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KVYTV86/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kHS1Db0KH64XH

Although, this is another one of my favorite options. For me, the heat from water is much more therapeutic (see my massive water bill for the several hot showers a day I take haha). But this is like an old fashioned rubber hot water bottle. A lot of them come with cute covers on them. You pour hot water in it and it literally lasts the night.

Hot Water Bottle with Knit Cover, UBEGOOD Rubber Transparent Hot Water Bag, Good for Pain Relief (2 Liters, Blue/Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K6BMNPX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FJS1DbKPR4BFD

Finally, I personally don’t like this because it is too tight on my belly, but some of my other friends with endo swear by using this at work. It might be more discrete in the workplace.

DOACT Waist Heating Pad for Back Pain, Heat Waist Belt Hot Compress Therapy for Menstrual Abdomen Cramps, Lower Back Pain Relief, 5V Electric Heating Pad for Women Men https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SR1JRHR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PKS1DbQTMM4CR