To celebrate endometriosis awareness month, I’m posting endometriosis related content every Wednesday in March.
If you haven’t already, catch up on the previous posts here!
I have already talked about the many ways I support my mind, body, and spirit during difficult bouts of endo here. Today, I’d like to focus on my endo survival kit - the things I always have on hand and within reach.
Water and a snack
I drink water religiously throughout my cycle but when I’m facing a particularly bad week, I aim to up my intake. Water is essential for me in preventing headaches and detoxing my body when I use therapies like Castor Oil Packs.
I never go anywhere without a snack. I know myself and part of knowing myself means admitting that I’m not perfect. One of the ways in which I am perfectly imperfect is that I am a HUGE B when I’m hungry. Low blood sugar does not serve me on a good day. Add in the fluctuating hormones, inflammation, and pain associated with my cycle - forget about it. Having a healthy snack with me prevents me from reach that point of no return.
My favorite water bottle* and the best Larabars*!
Electric Heating Pads and Hot Packs
One of the treatment modalities that works best for me and my pain is heat. My heating pad * lives in my nightstand and is ready to go at a moments notice. I love to just lie back, crank it up, and relax. When I’m not at home, busting out a heating pad isn’t always practical or feasible. So, I turn to these Thermacare Heat Wraps*. They are perfect for keeping in my purse in case of emergencies.
Much like the handwarmers you’ve used while skiing, the Heat Wraps activate when opened and last well over 8 hours. The ones made for specifically for women stick to your undies not your skin. They’re honestly a lifesaver.
Notebook and pencil
When I’m fatigued and in pain, my memory is the first thing to go. Then my mood. Keeping a notebook handy helps me keep calm and organized. Whether I need to jot down something I’m bound to forget, write down a gratitude to remind me that it will all be ok, or send a quick prayer, I rely on paper and pencil to keep me sane.
Essential Oils
If this is your first time visiting Laurel and Iron, welcome. If not, you already know that I adore essential oils. Not only do I diffuse oils to help me relax, I keep a rollerball of a cramp relieving blend in my purse.
When ever I start to feel pain, I duck into a bathroom roll across my lower abdomen for instant soothing.
My favorite supportive essential oils * to diffuse:
Lavender
Rosemary
Clary Sage
Frankincense
Copaiba
Grapefruit
My Cramp Relieving Blend:
5 drops peppermint
5 drops eucalyptus
5 drops clary sage
Carrier oil *
Glass Rollerball Vial *
Remove the cap and top of a glass rollerball. Add the oils. Fill the rest of the way with carrier oil. Replace the rollerball top and cap. Shake well before each use. Apply topically for pain relief.
Ear plugs and an eye mask
Getting a good night's sleep is essential to combating the fatigue associated with endometriosis. Because I live along an ambulance route and work an atypical hours, I keep ear plugs * and a eye mask at my bedside. I put them within reach before I go to sleep so I can grab them in a jiffy should the need arise
What do you consider your essentials? What do you never leave home without?
