Endometriosis pain management and the ‘Spoon Theory’

18 Feb, 2018 - 00:02 0 Views
Endometriosis pain management and the ‘Spoon Theory’

The Sunday News

‘Spoon Theory’

Tine Mataz
WHEN I think of endometriosis, the first word that comes to mind is pain. In the weeks before, we learned about the symptoms and a lot of them are pain related. This week’s article is about ways we can manage pain at home before we go to the ER. I will also explain what the “spoon theory” as it is a great way to manage pain.

Firstly, I will enlighten you on the “spoon theory”. This has helped me so much. Basically the spoon theory works like this: a person experiencing pain or with chronic pain has a select number of spoons (remember this is theoretical). These spoons represent all the things you do like chores, errands and activities, for example, going to work, cooking, or even cleaning. Each time you do an activity, you lose a spoon or more.

For me, because I have such severe endometriosis, my spoons run out very quickly. If I have 5 spoons to use in a day, I have to use them very wisely.

When I get up, I have to bath, that takes up a spoon. Yes, you may be wondering if bathing is painful? It is, if you are in serious pain.

After bathing I have to dress up, that’s another spoon gone. After that I have to get something to eat, that’s another spoon gone. So that’s how it goes.

Basically what I’m saying is that you need to manage your day as wisely as you can, every activity you do may actually be straining you. Pace yourself and don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t give yourself too many things to do when you are in pain and use your spoons on only the really important stuff.

The reality is that when you are in pain you cannot do what other women are doing and that is okay. Use your spoons and be kind to your body. I’ve learned to do this even if people call me lazy but it’s about you. Now let’s talk about ways of alleviating pain.

1. Painkillers (discuss this with your doctor)

2. Visiting a pain management clinic

3. Using a hot water bottle

4. Stick on heat patches

5. Using a TENS machine. A tens machine is machine used for pain relief. It creates electrical currents produced by the device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes.

6. Make a rice pack: Get a sock, fill it with rice then secure the top, creating a seal. You can even add some essential oils to make it smell good. Put this in the microwave and heat for about a minute. Put this where you are feeling the pain. I have been doing this for some months now and it really does alleviate pain.

7. Try acupuncture. I have tried this as well and it has helped me with nerve pain 8. Make a castor oil pack: get a piece of flannel or cloth, enough to cover your abdomen. Saturate the cloth in oil. Lie down and place the cloth on your abdomen. Cover the flannel on your abdomen with cling wrap.

That’s your castor oil pack! You can further lie down and put your hot water bottle on top. You can even move around with the pack inside your clothes. This has helped me countless times. Do not, however, do this when you are on your period.

9. Changing your diet (as we talked about last week)

10. Drinking ginger and turmeric tea (reduces inflammation): grate 1 thumb of ginger. Add ginger to boiling water. Strain. Add ½ tsp of turmeric powder. Add lemon to taste.

11. Manage stress levels. Stress increase pain.

12. Exercise : this doesn’t work for everyone so if it’s not helping and making you worse, please stop.

13. Naturopathic care

14. Do yoga

15. Steaming: boil water and put it in a bucket. When the temperature is okay to sit on, sit on the bucket and allow the steam to travel up your vagina.

This will relax the pelvic muscles and can reduce pain. Pain is a horrible thing, trust me I know. I hope these methods will help.

Until next week, be safe and remember, I am here for you. You can contact me on +263778026402.

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