Mobility aids : Hello! I was diagnosed... - Endometriosis UK (2025)

Hello!

I was diagnosed with endo August 2022 during my laparoscopy where they also found multiple small fibroids, adhesions on my uterus, bowel, ovaries and POD.

Since the surgery my left hip/leg has developed a lot of pain which resulted in a diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain. I did not have this problem before my surgery.

I feel like I should be using a walking stick for balance and support during flare ups and high pain days. Which tbh is most days now. But I’m also having a lot of issues with my right elbow which is the arm I am supposed to use a walking stick in.

Firstly, did anyone else experience embarrassment or shame due to needing a mobility aid? Because of my age and the fact that endo is invisible I have a lot of anxiety around using a mobility aid for fear of looking like an imposter and also drawing unwanted attention to myself.

I currently can’t work and have had to move in with parents due to the frequency of my flare ups. I’m feeling really lonely and tbh I feel like I’m disabled but no one will help me because I ‘look normal’.

Thanks

5 Replies

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your not alone on here feeling the way you do .

check out these posts:

healthunlocked.com/endometr...

my diagnostic lap left me in constant pain and bleeding. I can normally walk for hours, however, after it, on bad days, difficult walk and I’d have to sit down a rest!

At this point I started to send emails to the consultant’s secretary highlighting the pain I was in a the negative impact it was having on my life. My initial lap was in May and I had a total hysterectomy September. Fortunately, the second op appears to have gone well - though it is still early days.

I’m hoping, that once I am fully mobile, I’ll regain my confidence in walking again.

My work place has been amazing and did work with the wider staff about invisible conditions. I believe you can buy lanyards to such effect on Etsy.

My advice to you is use what you need to live you best life, but also to be a squeaky cog’ make your voice heard as much as you can as I do think it helps you move towards the front of the queue.

Wishing you well.

Hello. I was in so much pain and so exhausted as a young adult with this condition I used to sit on the floor in the supermarket while doing the shopping. I gave up my seat on the bus for somebody and sat on the floor and was berated for being a trip hazard.

I was bullied mercilessly for needing a cushion with a hole in it for my exams at 16. I had special permission to stand up and walk about in the exam hall too.

I used to crawl around the house and pass out in the kitchen.

Since treatment I am not as bad. Nobody ever offered me a walking stick. It was during lockdown as a carer one of my clients gave me one of their old ones as they were getting new ones. It has helped me so much. I've been using it when I need it for stability with both legs. I switch sides as needed. Now I have a stick, men get out my way when they see me coming.

I also ride my bike instead of walking alot. I don't have the correct frame for my height. I have a medium instead of a large due to mobility issues. I can't lift my legs over the taller frame. But I have a higher seat.

I'm 33.

I've had some very nice open conversations with elderly people and young people with fibro about my stick. In my job I meet depressed people who have lost confidence and who think they are out of options, then I tell them about my stick lol. And if I can walk better with a stick and make it look cool so can anybody else.

With the rise in popularity of nordic walking poles, people assume you are making a statement. It makes you distinguished. Own it. Lots of love