Endo Disrupted My Social Life — Here’s How I Got It Back

Endometriosis isn’t easy to live with, especially when it comes to getting through seemingly normal day-to-day activities. Some may think the biggest impact Endo has on a person’s life is on their physical health (and that’s super important, believe me!), but there are other struggles we should be talking about, too.

Endo has disrupted my social life and the impact it’s made has been significant.

Growing up, I was very active — I enjoyed spending all my free time outdoors, at the beach, hiking, dancing, and going out. Now, I’m pain-free one week per month, so my plans often get canceled. And even though my closest friends understand why I can’t make it, I still feel like I’m letting them down.

Sadly, my once pretty tight group of friends has downsized, leaving me with just one thing to say: Endometriosis is not talked about enough. Whenever I’m explaining Endo to a friend or a relative, I’ve found that it tends to be taken as “an exaggeration” of a “painful period.” But I and every other #EndoBabe out there knows Endometriosis is more than that. Endometriosis is a complicated issue, with a lot of incorrect information surrounding it. In short, it’s a chronic illness.

This year, I decided to join a few Endo support groups on Facebook. These niche Facebook groups gave me the chance to compare my experiences with the experiences of thousands of other women. I’ve made friends, learned more about Endometriosis, and developed an intense passion for spreading knowledge about this disease.

In addition, I’ve picked up a few helpful tips and tricks that have allowed me to continue to be social. (These tips have also helped me rekindle some friendships!)

Binge-watch a few movies.

Movie nights are a personal favorite of mine. A night in allows you to stay within the comfort of your own home (and your own PJs), which gives you immediate access to anything you need. Plus, you and the girls can get as loud as you want without feeling the need to apologize to the stuffy couple sitting at the next table over.

Eat anything and everything your heart desires.

Who doesn’t love trying out new restaurants? Make it a weekly/fortnightly tradition to get everyone together, pick a new recipe or food place, and pig out. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be counting down until the next burger.

Get all dolled up (even if you’re not going out).

Pick up some face masks, break out the wax, and pamper yourself. (#SelfLove is so important.) Bonus: a makeover party calls for hundreds of silly selfies.

But don’t feel like you need to stay at home and have your friends come to you, social activities outside of the house are still an option.

Go on an adventure.

You don’t have to drive for hours to find a magical location. Who knows, there could be a beautiful beach just a few suburbs away or a secluded cafe with amazing food. You’ll never know unless you just get up and go!

Try yoga, (you might like it!)

Yoga may improve any muscle or joint pain you’re experiencing. (It’ll also give you a legit reason to buy those sparkly leggings you’ve had your eye on.)

Find a local park and have a picnic.

You’d be surprised at how easy it is to create a picnic basket that’s fancy AF. I mean, Home Goods is packed with homemade jams, gourmet nuts, and crackers. All you need is a cute basket and a girlfriend. Want to spend some time alone? Pack a magazine or a book and just relax.

If you have any other ideas, please feel free to share them in the comment section below.