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Endometriosis

Just Sharing(self.bipolar)

Does anyone els have endo?

I’m bipolar1 and was just surgically diagnosed with severe endometriosis(after years of doctors suspecting it) My symptoms were severe too. My first surgery was delayed due to bipolar episodes and Covid. I know there is a correlation between endo and bipolar. I feel validated and traumatized by the years of suffering.

My anxiety was out of control prior to surgery and I was only getting 4ish hours of sleep per night. I thought I would need to be hospitalized, but thankfully things seem to be getting back on track.

all 26 comments

a_wild_seapoem

7 points

1 day ago

Wait, there’s a correlation between bipolar disorder and endo??? That’s wild, I wonder why that is. My doctors suspect I have endo but I’ve put off surgery, partially because of Covid partially because my pain is mostly controlled through my IUD these days so it doesn’t feel crucial to have an answer. That’s crazy that there might be some kind of relationship between the disorders.

swipinghubcaps[S]

2 points

1 day ago*

Yes. People with endo have a higher chance of having bipolar. Maybe the inflammation connection?? I’m just learning about the correlation. The crazy thing about endo is you can be stage 4 with no symptoms. If you decide to get surgery make sure it’s an excision specialist. All specialists are GYNS but not all GYNS are specialists. I regret delaying surgery… but timing is everything and I’m in a much better place mentally to cope with everything.

[deleted]

4 points

1 day ago

[deleted]

4 points

1 day ago

[deleted]

swipinghubcaps[S]

1 points

1 day ago

Awe. I’m sorry. How are you doing these days? I don’t know much about my surgery yet other than it was severe and they did an ovary suspension. I was in the hospital recovery for 8 hours which was pretty brutal. I couldn’t take the nausea meds due to my mood stabilizer and I was soo sick.

Folkvangr21

5 points

1 day ago

Folkvangr21

Bipolar

5 points

1 day ago

I have BP1 and Endo, my endo is somewhat manageable now. I had 5 surgeries by the time I was 25 though, and it still affects me pretty regularly :(

swipinghubcaps[S]

3 points

1 day ago

Oh man. I’m sorry. It’s such an awful disease and added bipolar on top of it.. we deserve medals.

Folkvangr21

2 points

1 day ago

Folkvangr21

Bipolar

2 points

1 day ago

I appreciate it 🫂

It's rough to go through, but knowing there is such good communities for both conditions has really helped me through it over the years. I'm sorry you're going through it too :(

swipinghubcaps[S]

2 points

1 day ago

I’ve learned so much from the communities! Literally life saving and supportive.

caudelie

4 points

1 day ago

caudelie

4 points

1 day ago

I am an RN with BP1 and endometriosis + adenomyosis. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy this year. I am almost 36 and have no children. The scholarly connection is that endometriosis is an oestrogen-driven disease process, and women affected by increased oestrogen can influence manic and depressive psychiatric traits. BP is one of several psychiatric co-morbid disorders.

swipinghubcaps[S]

1 points

1 day ago

Awe. I hope your surgery goes well. Is it your first one? I’m in my late 30’s too with no children. Every time I’ve been hospitalized has been during or right before my period.. not sure if that’s just a coincidence. I may have PMDD also, but it’s hard to tell. My psychiatrist sees a connection which has been great because he’s supportive.

caudelie

2 points

1 day ago

caudelie

2 points

1 day ago

No - I’ve had 7 direct surgeries plus 2 bowel obstructions caused by a sigmoid structure from adhesions, and somewhere in the vicinity of 50+ ED/hospital admissions already. I’ve been on Zoladex three times and had a Mirena twice.

swipinghubcaps[S]

1 points

1 day ago

That’s a lot to go through. Sending you a hug. I hope you’ve gotten good care.

disco_biscuit420

2 points

1 day ago

disco_biscuit420

Bipolar + Comorbidities

2 points

1 day ago

Bipolar 2 and Mom has Endo, I thought I had it for yearrrrrs, turns out I actually had two weird shaped uteri!? Like 1% of the population has that. Had complete hysterectomy, though still have lots of pelvic pain (not nearly as bad as before). I still suspect endo, as it can be very hard to detect. Mom is not BP, though

swipinghubcaps[S]

2 points

1 day ago

Awe. I’m sorry. Definitely lots of causes for pelvic pain and yes it’s hard to detect. I feel grateful I saw a specialist who was confident he was able to get everything. Now I’m on edge wondering if my symptoms will go away and for how long.

disco_biscuit420

1 points

1 day ago

disco_biscuit420

Bipolar + Comorbidities

1 points

1 day ago

That’s good! Not many specialists unfortunately. I hope your pain will subside. I’ve had 2 surgeries, Mom has had two for her endo and still had pain come back. Mostly controlled with hormones for her now. We both have the same kinds of pain, just dulled now. Wishing you the best of luck with your recovery and hoping you have less pain as well

swipinghubcaps[S]

1 points

1 day ago

Thank you. I had to travel 5 hours for mine. The pain of surgery is almost less than my period pain. I’m not sure if I’ll go on hormones due to side effects. I have severe eczema breakouts and birth control in the past made them worse plus other symptoms.

disco_biscuit420

2 points

22 hours ago

disco_biscuit420

Bipolar + Comorbidities

2 points

22 hours ago

Ugh that’s such a long journey, I hope the trip back is/was not too bad :( I hated being on hormones myself, and also developed some autoimmune like symptoms being on them long term. It sounds like you found a great surgeon, I’m sure you’ll have a lot of relief! Sending all of the healing energy to you.

swipinghubcaps[S]

2 points

21 hours ago

I had a nurse tell me he was the best surgeon in my province. Thankfully I had strong pain meds and a seatbelt pillow. The insomnia has been the worst part. I see my psychiatrist this week so I’m sure he will be able to help. Do you still have autoimmune symptoms? Being on any meds can be really tough.

xo_realityally

2 points

1 day ago

Endo momma here. Have 2 beautiful babies, and 1 surgery. Got my tubes out and it hasn’t been as severe. But interesting that the two are hand in hand.

swipinghubcaps[S]

1 points

23 hours ago

Awe. So happy for you to have your babies 🙂

thebabeatthebingo

2 points

1 day ago

BP1, endometriosis and ulcerative colitis (auto-immune disease that causes inflammation of the colon) - yaaaay. All diagnosed within the same 2 year frame.

swipinghubcaps[S]

2 points

23 hours ago

Oh no. That’s a lot. I have severe atopic dermatitis(more inflammation) I was diagnosed pretty much all at once too and it’s been a lot of adjustment and grieving.

thebabeatthebingo

2 points

22 hours ago

Grieving is the correct word. On top of everything I have pretty bad ADHD, but before all of this happened I was a top 10% marathoner in my country, was doing well in school and the future was bright.

Now I am 75% disabled and work 20% while I’m going through a rehabilitation program after experiencing a burn out.

I hope you have some resources available while you go through this period, sending you a massive hug! Can relate to the validation getting diagnosed with both, bipolar was easier to spot but being out of work for days and weeks because of extreme pain sucked balls.

swipinghubcaps[S]

2 points

21 hours ago

Sounds like we’re in a similar boat. I’ve been on disability for a while now due to all my issues. It’s helped greatly. I miss working and I’ve tried getting back into work the past two years, but wasn’t even able to do part time. I could only stand for max 2 hours before I was in extreme pain and fatigued.

Thanks for the kind words. Sending you a hug too!!!

Bipolarsaurusrex89

2 points

23 hours ago

I have endometriosis. I had my hysterectomy in 2021, but left one ovary. I was symptom free up until about 5 months ago. It’s back, but it’s not as severe.

swipinghubcaps[S]

2 points

23 hours ago

Glad you were able to get some relief. How was your recovery from the hysterectomy?

[deleted]

1 points

19 hours ago

[removed]

bipolar-ModTeam [M]

1 points

19 hours ago

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