The importance of self-care

For the last 8 weeks I have been recovering from a hysterectomy due to endometriosis. Recovery has been tough, but the support group I have around me have been amazing and I’ve been sharing my journey on Instagram, which has allowed me to speak others that have also had the surgery and raise awareness around endometriosis. The surgery went well but as with many recovery journeys, I’ve had some setbacks. For me, there have been times when I’ve thought “I should be feeling better by now, it’s been x number of weeks” but I have to keep reminding myself that I had a major operation and I need to be kinder to myself.

Recovery isn’t linear, it takes time. During my recovery I’ve realized the importance of self-care and how self- care can change depending on your circumstances. For many, it might be a day at the spa or going out for a run, but while recovering from surgery, it looks quite different for me. Self-care for the last 8 weeks has meant taking my medication on time and ensuring I order my medical supplies, so I don’t have to worry about running out while I’m recovering.

There have been days where I’ve felt pretty rubbish and emotionally, it’s been tough. The tough days are when I have to put myself first and remind myself that it’s not selfish and it’s okay to concentrate on me.

On days where I need a little extra self-care, I pop on a facemask, run a bath with some bubbles and just relax for an hour. It’s so nice to just take some time out to enjoy something simple that makes me feel good physically and mentally.

My aim is to continue to practise self-care regularly. It’s important when you live with a chronic illness to take a step back and check in on how you’re doing,

I’m due to have another procedure to have a permanent sacral nerve stimulator fitted in order to restore bladder function that was impacted due to my endometriosis. I know that the recovery isn’t going to be easy by a good support system and a self-care routine will get me through it.

My advice to anyone reading is to be kind to yourself and find something simple that you enjoy.

It can be difficult to put yourself first and not feel guilty. But I want to reassure you that it’s not selfish and you deserve to give yourself a break.

I wanted to finish with a quote that really resonates with me, “an empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.”

Sending love to you all.

Dionne x