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The holiday season can be a joyous time filled with festivities, but for individuals navigating the challenges of endometriosis, it can also present unique hurdles. Supporting a loved one with endometriosis during this time involves not only empathy but also understanding the complexities of the disease. To aid both those directly affected and their support systems, a plethora of resources are available, ranging from insightful blogs and informative books to engaging movies and podcasts. These tools not only offer a wealth of knowledge about endometriosis but also provide a platform for individuals seeking a better understanding of the condition or those desiring to support their loved ones effectively.
In this guide, we will explore a curated selection of resources, offering both emotional support, educational insights, and even some ideas for your holiday shopping list to help individuals navigate the holiday season with a heightened awareness of endometriosis and a supportive approach to those impacted by this often misunderstood condition.
Understanding Endometriosis
For those of you unfamiliar with our blog, endometriosis is a chronic disease that primarily affects women (XX) of reproductive age. It involves the growth of endometrial-like tissue (the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus) outside of the uterus, leading to inflammation and pain, particularly during menstruation, though many other symptoms may be present.
For more information on symptoms of endometriosis, read our blog 20 Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis.
Despite being a common condition, endometriosis is often misdiagnosed or overlooked, leading to many women suffering in silence. However, with the right information, supportive community, and access to informed medical providers, it is possible to manage the condition and lead a fulfilling life.
Podcasts on Endometriosis
Podcasts are an excellent way of gaining insights and information about endometriosis in a convenient and accessible format. Here are some podcasts that delve into various aspects of the disease, from personal stories to expert opinions:
- “iCareBetter: Endometriosis Unplugged”: Hosted by yours truly, is a video podcast (Spotify & Youtube) that focuses on expert interviews and patient stories with a few bonus episodes of specialists who treat conditions that often coexist with those with endometriosis. We have completed season 1 and hope to have season 2 coming in 2024!
- “In Sixteen Years of Endometriosis”: Hosted by two witty best friends who share their personal journey with the disease, this podcast offers a blend of humor, vulnerability, and accurate information.
- “The Cycle”: This podcast features stories of people living with endometriosis from around the world, providing practical ways to cope with the disease.
For more podcasts about endo, check out our previous blog here.
Books about Endometriosis
Reading about endometriosis can provide a comprehensive understanding of the disease. Here are some books written by medical experts and those living with the condition:
- “Beating Endo: How to Reclaim Your Life from Endometriosis”: Written by Iris Kerin Orbuch, MD, and Amy Stein, DPT, this book provides actionable insights into understanding and managing the disease.
- “Heal Endo”: By Katie Edmonds, (F)NTP provides a book that is patient focused with a more indepth understanding of the science balanced by actionable items that range from surgery to dietary and lifestyle changes.
- “The Endometriosis Health and Diet Program”: Authored by Dr. Andrew S. Cook, MD, FACOG, and Danielle Cook, MS, RD, CDE, this book focuses on treating endometriosis holistically, offering a comprehensive program tailored to individual needs.
- “Know Your Endo: An Empowering Guide to Health and Hope With Endometriosis”: Authored by Jessica Murnane, this book provides tools and strategies to manage chronic pain associated with endometriosis.
- “The Endo Patient’s Survival Guide: A Patient’s Guide to Endometriosis & Chronic Pelvic Pain”: This book by Andrew S. Cook, MD, FACOG, Libby Hopton, MS, and Danielle Cook, MS, RD, CDE, is a companion guide for patients, offering insights into diagnosis, treatment options, and achieving optimal relief.
Videos and Documentaries about Endometriosis
Visual content can help in understanding complex information about endometriosis. Several documentaries and movies have been produced to increase awareness about the disease.
- “Below the Belt”: A documentary from Shannon Cohn who created “Endo What?” focuses on the journey of several women seeking an endometriosis diagnosis and the challenges they face. “Below the belt” is not only an empowering film for educating the masses, it has become a tool for legislative change. A must see for everyone.
- “All about NINA”: A drama highlighting the experience of a woman, Nina Geld, managing her life with endometriosis.
- “Endo what?”: A documentary featuring women living with endometriosis and experts discussing treatment options.
- “The painful truth”: This film focuses on endometriosis and adenomyosis, another related condition.
- “A thousand needles”: A short documentary about the impact of endometriosis on a woman’s life.
- “End-o”: A short film showcasing the life of a young woman, Jaq, living with endometriosis.
- “The resilience of women in pain”: This short film focuses on Rose, a woman suffering from endometriosis and chronic illness, and her journey towards resilience.
Your Endo Shopping List: Comfort Tools for Loved Ones
In case you need to do some last minute shopping and want to show your loved ones you understand, here are some essential items that have proven useful for many. While these tools may not be able to stop this awful disease, they may provide some degree of comfort and relief when things get bad. Whether you are prepping for surgery, or just need some handy tools, here are some of my favorite items.
- Wedge Pillow. This is a must for those preparing for surgery during recovery. I only found this at my 3rd (and hopefully last) surgery and it was a game changer. When your belly is full of air, tender, and you don’t feel like moving (or sitting up at the very least), this helps to provide relief for recovering in bed or on the couch and is great if you are a side or back sleeper.
- Heating pads. This is probably the number one item most endo warriors have – likely at home and work. They are always handy to have wherever you are, and for a more personalized gift, ETSY.COM has some amazing endo swag (including heating pads).
- My Obi Apollo. This is a TENS unit with heat and multiple programs to help with cramps and reduce pain. To learn more about how TENS may be helpful, check out our blog here.
- Squatty Potty. Everyone should have one. This is the gift that no one really wants, but secretly is so happy when they get one. It is essential for optimal toileting for everyone, but especially if you have endometriosis. Constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction are two issues the majority of those with endometriosis suffer from and this tool can make a world of a difference for toileting….
Until recently, endometriosis was not a term most people were familiar with, unless you are suffering. It is amazing how this is shifting and so many more people are familiar with the term, but may not understand how impactful this disease is to one’s life. Finding the right surgeon is key to address the lesions, but having tools to help in the meantime is crucial. More importantly, your loved one will most appreciate the effort you made to educate yourself about their disease, especially during the stress the holidays may bring. Give them the gift of understanding and empathy this year, and maybe something to help their pain in the meantime.
Please note: We do not have financial affiliations with any of these products listed above.
Related Reading:
- Find an Endometriosis Specialist for Diagnosis, Treatment, & Surgery
- Endometriosis Facts & Myths: Dispelling the Misconceptions
- What You Need to Know About Endometriosis Excision Surgery
- Managing Endometriosis: What You Need to Know.
