u/didsir29

I've been struggling with my energy the last week or (amongst other things). I suspect my endo is flaring as I close in on my period.

I've woken up with the lowest of energy I've experienced in a while. Everything aches. Legs feel weak. And I just want to cry.

Thing is, it's my boyfriend's mum's birthday today so they're all gathering in the parents house for a bit of cake in about 2 hours.

I'm still new to the relationship (closing in on a year) and family (haven't met one sister yet), so impressions matter.

I think the mum would understand. She's lovely and I've been given hugs and that apparently means she likes me. Plus she was a district nurse for like 20 years so she'd likely understand.

Deep down I know I should stay rest (currently horizontal) but I don't want to disappoint boyfriend and his family. My boyfriend is totally supportive with my health but the disappointment can only be natural even with understanding.

What would you do?

My energy is fluctuating so often only being fully horizontal helps. And sometimes I don't fancy napping or reading.

Do any of you have recommendations for gaming apps such as chess or word puzzles or something like that? Or even story-driven or creative games?

Additionally, other ways to occupy my horizontal time would be very appreciated!

I feel like I'm stuck in a rut with the books I pick to read. It's either crime or self improvement style ones.

My library is quite small so would it be a bit unhinged to just start from A on the fiction section and work my way around?

I find some good book recommendations on Reddit but my library usually doesn't have them so I'm at a bit of loss on what to read.

So I've been tracking a bunch of metrics: cycle day, energy level, brain fog level, previous sleep, food, fluid, stress/mood, additional symptoms.

I'm 34F, 5'7, 214lbs.

So far I've noticed that, overall, my fog goes from about 4-5 from waking until 10am, then it piques to 8-10 (genuinely felt stoned yesterday), and then drops to 3-5.

My sleep is consistent at ~8 hours. I'm improving my hydration and diet. Hydration has always factored because of meds but isn't helping like it used to. Reducing caffeine, although it was always, at most, once a day.

I have 2 inflammatory conditions: endometriosis and LAM which both have fatigue, brain fog, amongst other symptoms. (I'm also contemplating a possible ME diagnosis)

Repeat bloods are in the works. The first had all markers within range except iron was on the lower end even with a supplement.

Does anyone have insights on the brain fog pattern? It's interesting that it's typically piquing early to mid afternoon.

I want to bring some potentials with my tracking evidence to my GP because the level of fog is pissing me off to the point of erring on depression. Can't focus for more than 10 minutes, barely drive out of safety reasons, can't reliably work (even on a freelance basis). I feel like I'm a smart cookie and can contribute to the workplace but not with this crap carrying on!

I've struggled with my weight since I was little. I've tried a multitude of diets, and I used to be great with exercise, but I still binge eat almost daily.

I've gotten into some short spurts of healthy eating enough to realise that a change of diet would greatly help with symptoms and overall health. But I can't stick it. I end up having a flare or a low day and any semblance of self-restraint goes out the window. Which is annoying as during these times is when I need the healthy food most.

Does anyone else struggle with food and chronic illness? Any tips to get a handle on it? I've gotten into the frustrating habit of going 'you're tired/foggy/in pain/sad today, treat yourself' and I can't shut it off.

Tough love and tips would be much appreciated!

So, my main screen time that's unhealthy is gaming. I only have Reddit on my phone with an hour limit, I only use my laptop for work. But gaming is/was a 4 hour weekday thing and 6+ hour weekend thing. I've majorly slashed my gaming this weekend in favour of hobbies.

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I've been doing cross-stitch playing Downton Abbey in the background with a glance every so often while working. I'm thinking of breaking out a puzzle and wondering what your thoughts are on TV as background noise.

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I probably should swap to audiobooks or podcasts but I want to build these changing habits slowly so they stick so I'm wondering if background TV is a good transitional source for noise.

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Whatcha think?

I've gamed on some sort of console since I was 6 and I'm 34 now. I've used it to find friends, a relationship, and escapism.

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In recent months, I've just not been driven the same way to play as I used to. My main game, Apex, has lost its hold after 6 years of almost daily playing. And others aren't drawing me in much.

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Between this sub and my own realisation, I don't ever feel the better for it after gaming. And, more often, I come away in a worse mood or frustrated at a wasted day. Plus my need to 100% games have destroyed the intrigue of story-driven ones.

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Yesterday was a small win/achievement. I didn't fancy gaming and ended up spending about 5 hours (broken up) cross-stitching while playing Downton Abbey in the background. I have an abundance of craft projects gathering dust so I'm happy I'm actually doing something with them.

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However, I feel into the trap, if you will, of gaming today. Almost out of habit, I guess. Weekends used to be lost to gaming (6+ hours a day)and it was an understood thing. Flicked between a few games but gave up on each and now I'm done after 2 hours.

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This is the way I want things to go (I have life and career goals I want to achieve) but I also feel a bit lost if gaming does stop completely. It's a big part of my personality (well, I've made it so) and my boyfriend is a gamer too. I'll likely tip in and out of gaming, primarily cosy ones like Powerwash Simulator with a podcast in the background or co-op sessions with my boyfriend but it feels weird that lifetime of almost obsessive gaming appears to be coming to a close. Or at the least a lesser priority.

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If I don't game, I'll have a ridiculous amount of free time: work a few of hours a day (chronically ill), no other responsibilities except maybe maintain the house, so what do you all do to occupy your time? How do you keep the reward of not gaming fresh in your mind so you don't fall back into old habits?

Aside from AI being a problem, I've always wanted to be an editor/proofreader (likely a freelance proof-editor). The thing is I've only realised it in recent years so need to retrain.

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I've bought a course but I get bogged down as most days I don't have much brain clarity and it feels like nothing is going in.

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I'm also painfully aware it's a focus-intensive career I want but I assuage those worries with the fact that I'd be freelance and can pick how many projects and the length.

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Do you push through the brain fog knowing (or hoping) something is going in, or is this all a lost cause?

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Most days (recently, at least), I start off with a level 8-9 fog and then it slowly improves to about 3-4 late afternoon or evening.

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I'm trying to improve my diet by adopting more anti-inflammatory foods and increasing my exercise but I'm not sure what else can help.

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All my bloods are in normal ranges, apparently. Though iron was on the lower end, even with supplements, so I hope my repeat bloods at the end of the month can tell me more.

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I don't know what I'm looking for here. Some support, insight, or advice, I guess!

I've made some epic friends in the last 4 years after moving country but I feel like our friendships are still at a superficial level. How can I deepen them as I still feel like I'm being my 'polite to stranger' self a lot of the time. Or I'm awkward at even the prospect of a 1 on 1 even though I want that.

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Also, how would you deepen childhood friendships. I moved away when I was 18 so we never went through growing pains of adulthood as much together but, again, I want to have a no-holds barred type of friendship that all of us can go to each other for anything.

So my money is running low, I'm dependent on my partner who makes a good wage but I don't want to be a burden, and I'm waiting for my PIP to be assessed (though even full rate isn't great). I do have a freelance thing going but currently no clients and competition is rough.

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Just been invited for an interview for a part-time role as an Online Picker for Iceland (if anyone knows it) but I'm stressing about whether or not to go. It's going to be mentally and physically demanding.

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My brain fog in recent days/weeks has been the worst, stopping me from safely driving and keeping track of everyday conversations is rough. Energy fluctuates but it's always a case of extended rests after showers or resting like cooking/doing chores.

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I had to go freelance from my old full-time office job as my body was burning out (all I need was nap and have ready meals as I had no energy) and my work wasn't truly accommodating: they didn't even entertain occupational health assessment or part-time.

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Am I just being a choosy beggar?

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I'm asking you all as you'd have a better idea of the reality of work and illness. So any and all insights would be great!

I understand that this sub is primarily focused on stopping gaming but does anyone just regulate their gaming?

During the week, I can spend an easy 4 hours a day gaming (xbox). Weekends, 6 hours easy.

I want to trim that all down as I have hobbies and career goals I'm just shoving onto the backburner for gaming and the escapism it provides. Like, I even park good nutrition and any semblance of exercise for gaming.

But, once a month, usually, I flare and the brain fog and low energy is ridiculous so all I'm able to do is rest and do low brain-energy things like get bored with TV or game.

During these times, would you allow a pause on gaming restriction during these times or should I still be looking to divert my attention elsewhere? If so, what would you suggest?

I get irritated if my mind isn't stimulated in some fashion so any suggestions would be welcome!

Had a CT scan last yesterday morning with contrast, which included getting a cannula.

I absolutely *hate* cannulas so I've been dreading the appointment. Went to the hospital and I nearly fainted from the nerves. Ended up waiting 2 hours after I was accidentally never checked in.

Walking down the car park stairs, my legs were like jelly from an adrenaline crash. Napped for 3 hours before meeting friends for DnD.

I felt I slept alright, a bit disturbed from overheating but that's it. But today I've the worst brain fog (I feel like I'm in a dream and words are hard to reach) and I've no energy.

I thought the nap yesterday would help me recover but apparently not. Am I the only one to be knocked back the day after an appointment?

So I've always had cramps with typical tampons (Tampax). Like the relief is instantaneous when I take one out. The thing is I don't like pads. Don't like the feeling of blood running out nor the worry of leakage.

In the last few months, after diagnosis of severe endo, my body feels like it's leaning into worsening pain so I'd like to avoid adding to it.

Does anyone find good solutions with period cups? Or anything else?

My period is weird in that the first couple of days are heavy or "normal" flow and then it drops off to almost spotting level. Would period cups be overkill? Or is this a time for period panties?

So, this might be highly unique but I'm leaning more and more toward a clean slate start toward getting a dumb phone. (An aside question for anyone, any solutions for someone who uses 2 SIMs simultaneously?)

The key question: do you make allowances for when you're sick or chronically ill/flaring?

I usually flare during my period (pain, severe brain fog, low energy) so it's typically a case of flake on the couch and doomscroll.

Would you allow yourself to do so in those situations (granted you still have your smartphone) or is it just a case of redirecting toward low-effort hobbies?

So, I was diagnosed with endo last year, by accident. With "kissing ovaries" but I don't have heavy periods nor bad period pain so I just assumed it was really mild.

Had an MRI and the report came back with "significant" endo with some adenomyosis a couple of months back and it's like my body has gone, 'sweet, so now we can lean into this?'

My periods are fine but I've noticed my cramps don't really go away completely from regular OTC pain meds anymore. I also get really bad lower pelvic pain that meds, hot water bottle, and lying down can touch. I've actually started taking a quarter of gummy when it's bad to help but the worst is usually nausea and it's daily. I have bad brain fog and fatigue is worse but that could be other underlying conditions acting up. (I think my iron is low)

Has anyone else experienced that? I know how powerful the mind can be but I dunno if my mind can be *that* powerful.

Apparently my inflammatory markers are high so I'm worried if I could have aggressive endo. (Bisalpingectomy 4 years ago had no mention of endo)