|
Post by gemstone on Apr 11, 2011 12:36:31 GMT -5
So, with our new Endo and Lifestyles board, I thought I would be annoyingly cheery and ask if Endo has had any positive affect on your life? It can be physical, emotional or mental, just anything that you have gained from discovering you have endo. For me, I definitely take better care of my body with the foods that I put in it. The endo diet has forced me to do this and that is a good thing as I am now a lot healthier and slimmer (for me this is good!). I have made AWESOME new friends!!! I would never have met you guys if it wasn't for this disease, and that would certainly be a travesty I also think I am more aware of other people and how their lives are affected by illness or just not great things happening. For example, I have a greater understanding of illness in general and am more in tune with people's feelings and I empathise more which is something I really couldn't do before - I suppose I am able to out myself in other people's shoes so to speak. There are more, but I want to hear what you guys think
|
|
|
Post by omaklackey on Apr 11, 2011 12:49:45 GMT -5
It forced me to get busy and find something to do with myself instead of sitting around thinking about how much it hurts!!
|
|
|
Post by JC on Apr 11, 2011 12:59:38 GMT -5
Definitely the new friends! You all are a great bunch of people!!
And the other thing I learned is to never call myself weak ever again. I have pushed myself through things I never thought I could get through.
|
|
|
Post by hellsbells on Apr 11, 2011 13:16:14 GMT -5
All of the above! I'm more aware of my body, and have learned about anatomy in ways I never thought I would! It's also got me closer to getting seriously involved in charity work, as I really want to set up a local support group. It's showed me who my real friends are.
|
|
|
Post by pretty on Apr 11, 2011 13:34:50 GMT -5
I think the most important change is for me to quit thinking it's all about me. Being part of something bigger than myself and feeling true compassion for others has helped me so much. I'm just thrilled with my friendships and feel like I'm on a spiderweb of help and caring that stretches around the world. Like Helen just said, I want to help others and I'm learning how to do that.
|
|
|
Post by hellsbells on Apr 11, 2011 16:32:40 GMT -5
I appreciate my good days. A lot.
|
|
|
Post by Karen on Apr 11, 2011 18:14:28 GMT -5
Strength! I mean, I always knew I was stubborn and persistent, but I had no idea I had this much in me!
|
|
|
Post by uncomfortable on Apr 11, 2011 19:05:30 GMT -5
Its made me way less shy talking about bodily functions!! And Its made me more aware - to know exactly what my doctor is talking about, and be able to have multiple lists of questions and alternative counter-active questions on hand. I have become much more assertive for my own health. Something I am very thankful I have developed. I now trust my instincts more then ever.
|
|
|
Post by omaklackey on Apr 11, 2011 20:39:36 GMT -5
The "think I'm a wimp" thing is HUGE! I never realized until I was finally diagnosed that the pain I dealt with on a regular basis was "normal". I tell everyone that. I will talk to strangers and tell them pain with their menstruation isn't normal. I'm like a walking Endometriosis encyclopedia and I just hope I have helped someone make the doctor listen to them! My little sister has endo (undiagnosed since she has no health care) and she said "I hate having this sick body" and I said I have two reasons its good. Its forced me to be humble because I know I can't do things on my own and have to accept help and because of the changes its made me do which I mentioned earlier. I think its cool we are all coming up with positives!!
|
|
|
Post by gemstone on Apr 12, 2011 13:31:26 GMT -5
Yay!! It's so good to see so many positives!!! I was saying today about how I don't care about talking about bodily functions anymore uncomfortable!
It's great how we can still take something so sh1tty and turn it into a good thing - go us!!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by hellsbells on Apr 12, 2011 14:19:57 GMT -5
Gem, type sh*tty in again without replacing any characters :-)
|
|
|
Post by gemstone on Apr 12, 2011 14:25:31 GMT -5
sh*tty
|
|
|
Post by gemstone on Apr 12, 2011 14:25:53 GMT -5
Ooh, you made it awesome
|
|
|
Post by Tamela on Apr 12, 2011 14:38:49 GMT -5
Ditto on everything said. It had also given me a big purpose to set up an Endo Foundation or do something big to help other women out there with Endo. I also have had the viewpoint my whole life of , " that won't happen to me". And I have come to realize that things can happen and it's made me learn a lot about hormones, chemicals in foods and beauty products, eating organic, etc etc. I have learned a lot!!!
|
|
|
Post by Karen on Apr 12, 2011 17:49:19 GMT -5
Ooh, on that note, Tamela, it has caused me to finally reach into my very short pockets and give a lot of it to the endo association each year! Through work I can contribute to United Way and have earmarked every single penny to the endo association. Best part is they take it right out of my paycheck so I never notice it's gone. I've been meaning to contribute to a good cause for years but endo finally made me do that!!
|
|