Lately, I’ve been struggling. It’s probably more to do with this endless winter and less with endometriosis, but when I’m like this, it helps to write something upbeat. So here’s some humor, with a side of endometriosis realness.

These are some of the things people with endometriosis do that you should forgive:

Occasional messiness

I love cleanliness and order. I can have tons of energy and sheer determination when it comes to sorting out my wardrobe. But after a short while of hard work, my energy levels plummet, and piles of clothes surround me. Cue me lying on the bed, facedown, pile of clothes unsorted. This drives my partner crazy. Speaking with a fellow endometriosis sufferer last week, she told me about the chores that end up half-done when her “batteries run out”: laundry, framing pictures, vacuuming, the list goes on.

A lovable level of grumpiness

Sometimes the migraines I get from endometriosis make me grumpy. Other times, sheer exhaustion means I’m unable to open my eyes completely when talking to others, and I look drunk. Most times, it’s just some sort of pain that won’t go away: my left ovary, my hip, my leg. All I want to do is curl under a duvet and eat cake. Maybe let me have it?

Our intriguing (and changing) food choices

Yes, I’m the type of endometriosis sufferer who will scan the menu for gluten-free choices, yet stuff my face with cookie dough ice cream without considering its inflammatory ingredients. Some of my dietary choices are not fun, but these are rules I have to abide by to avoid bending over in pain. Also, don’t hate me if I insist on going somewhere with other vegetarian options apart from pumpkin risotto.

We can be picky regarding topics of conversation

Because this illness has such a big impact on my life, few people ask me about anything else. Barely anyone asks me about my job, my creative writing, or my relationship status with Tom Hardy. Truthfully, most of the time I don’t want to talk about endometriosis. It impacts parts of my life that are too private to talk about, and it never goes away. I’m so over it.

Yes, endometriosis patients can be difficult. We are sometimes teary and are mostly seen heading to bed clutching a hot water bottle. However, deep down, we like to believe we are like everyone else. We want to enjoy life, we want to laugh out loud with our loved ones, and (maybe only sometimes) be cuddled. Most importantly, we are more than our illness.

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Note: Endometriosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Endometriosis News or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to endometriosis.