Canceling Plans:

I’m so tired of feeling bad for canceling plans because of my pain. On top of the terrible Endometriosis pain that literally makes you feel like your entire abdomen is caving in on itself like a dying star – THEN you have this layer of guilt for making a choice that was honestly the best thing for you and for your health.

scenarios:

Hell no I can’t take a 15-hour road trip – I can barely sit comfortably in the car to drive to the grocery store.

No, I’m sorry, I can’t make it to dinner, I’m so nauseated and have been throwing up all day.

I’m so sorry I can’t make it to your birthday party, I really wanted to be there.

I don’t know if I’ll be able to commit to that event that’s happening 6 months from now. With my pain, we kind of take it on a day-by-day basis.

The Truth:

If someone with an illness cancels plans with you it is not an attack, it is not a choice.

And I will no longer accept it when others consider our illness as an excuse for not participating.

For too long women with Endometriosis have been pushed aside, guided in different directions, or plain and simple – they were just ignored. I share my opinion and my illness with everyone in the world because I am on the other end of this getting the messages and e-mails from those of you who it really helps. Those of you who e-mail me late at night because you found a post of mine about Endometriosis the day of your diagnosis. That makes my heart so happy, and I love getting to know you all.

This is why I have to be honest and convey this message to you – because I genuinely care. If you have to cancel an event due to your pain you should not feel bad. I know how it feels to miss events both big and small due to Endometriosis pain – it’s a terrible, heavy feeling making you feel like you can’t be counted on for anything, that you can’t commit.

None of us chose to live life sick – we’ve got to give ourselves a break. If we have to cancel plans due to pain, that is acceptable – it’s reasonable – and anyone that makes you feel otherwise either A) knows nothing about the disease and your pain B) has no empathy for others C) are just jerks.

Okay? You do you, girlfriend. Take care of your body – you’re the one that has to live with it.

Love this post? Pin it for later here: