By now, I'm sure you're all used to how terrible I am at posting regularly. I'm sorry about that; sometimes I just don't want to talk about what's going on (then why have a blog? I know, I know!) and other times, after working all day online, I can't do any more computer time. Working online is awesome, but it still has its drawbacks.
Yesterday, out of basically nowhere, I was hit with a case of the Bad Belly Bloat. Endosisters, you know what I'm talking about: You suddenly look 4 months pregnant, everything hurts, and there's enough gas in you to fill a hot air balloon. Ugh.
My theory behind this BBB is threefold:
1. Stress! When I get stressed, I tend to stop eating. The exception to this rule, somehow is sugar. I don't usually eat a ton of sugar, but when I get stressed, BRING IT. Sugar is a no-no on the Endo Diet, so I am full-on confessing to mucking up on that front.
2. Menstrual Anticipation. I used to go 9-12 weeks without a period, thanks to continuous birth control. It got me through university, that's for sure. However, the older I get, the less happy my body is about this system. I cut back from 9-12 to just 9, then 7, now 6 weeks - and sometimes 6 weeks still feels too long. I know medically you actually don't "need" a period, but it's like if my body goes too long without one, I start to suffer - unfortunate, if you consider how I begin to suffer once my period starts. *facepalm* Menstural week is still a few days away (I'm still on my pill) but I guess that doesn't matter!
3. My uterus and its friends are jerks. Ok, that one is less scientific and more just me being in a bitter mood today, but come on - why get a case of BBB the same week my wedding gown finally arrives? I'm refusing to try it on until this goes away. There is no way I want a mental image of myself, in my gorgeous, vintage-themed ivory wedding dress, looking like a stuffed sausage. Not happening.
I had a lovely chat with an Endosister today, the lovely Bern Bingham (@KnockOutEndo). She too suffers from bowel/gastro-related endo issues, and here are some tips we discussed:
1. Stretch! Sometimes a good, gentle stretch can really help get the gas out and sort out those adhesions. I like to stretch on my back over my yoga ball. Today this didn't really help much, but it has in the past. (One of the joys of Endo - no predictability!)
2. Hydrate! I've said it before, and I'll say it again: WATER WATER WATER. It helps flush out the system, and I find it really helpful to reduce some of the bloating. Be careful not to drink too much water, or you can end up with a sodium imbalance, which is a serious medical situation (potentially fatal). Just make sure to keep the water going if you find it helps you.
3. Say no to caffeine! Caffeine is also a no-no on the Endo Diet, so this shouldn't be news to anyone. The exception for me, as directed by my doctor, is apples: Apples contain a natural form of caffeine, but they do not seem to have the same effect on the body as other caffeine sources (coffee, tea, pop, etc). I eat an apple every day, or at least every other day.
If you're unlucky enough to suffer from Bad Belly Bloat, my heart goes out to you. The Endo journey is a difficult one. Stay strong!
With peace & joy,
Cher
