Endo Survival Kit – My Fav 5 Game-Changers to Tackle the Tough Days

Disclaimer: Everyone’s endometriosis journey is different, and what works for me might not work for you. This blog shares my personal experience and is not intended to be medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare provider to find what’s right for you.

Living with endo means constantly figuring out what helps and what doesn’t—and believe me, I’ve tried a lot. These five game-changers are my little lifelines: the things I carry, sip, slather, and swear by to get me through the toughest days.

 1. My Electric Heat Pack – The Ultimate Couch Companion

This little lifesaver from Chemist Warehouse only takes about 10 minutes to charge and stays warm for hours. It’s a great budget-friendly option—not another pricey buy. It saves me from constantly having to get up and reheat it, which, let’s be honest, is the last thing you want to do during a flare. It’s been a total game changer at home, especially on those long, crampy afternoons on the couch. When I’m out teaching, travelling, or even just running errands, I rely on stick-on heat patches or those hot hands hand warmers tucked into my waistband. They’re super handy and discreet, but the sticky ones can sometimes get a little irritating on the skin if I’m wearing them for hours. That’s why I’m now exploring more sleek, wearable options like the Scarlet Rae Heat Pack or Kmart’s Period Belt for that sweet, hands-free relief – portable heat without the peel-and-stick drama!

2. Partially Hydrolysed Guar Gum (PHGG) – Small Scoop for a BIG Impact!

IYKYK – PHGG is a gentle, soluble fibre that I mix into everything (except plain water – trust me on that one). It’s been incredible for managing my daily bloat, keeping things regular, and supporting my gut health. PHGG is a soluble prebiotic fibre derived from guar beans (a plant native to India), and the “partially hydrolysed” bit means it’s broken down a little so it’s easier for our bodies to digest. Science-y stuff aside, all I really know is this: it works wonders for me. I’ve found it at plenty of local health food stores lately, so it seems to be more accessible these days! Big shout out to the legend Jo Morris who put me onto it years ago – honestly, it’s a quiet achiever that makes a huge difference to how I feel day to day.

3. Somedays Cramp Cream – Not Your Average Muscle Rub

Forget that strong, overpowering smell you often get from muscle rubs – this cream comes in a cute little tub and smells really soothing. It has an instantly comforting feel, especially when paired with a gentle belly massage, and it’s become a key part of my daily routine during flare season. The only downside I’ve found is that, being an international brand (they’re Canadian-based), shipping can take a while and sometimes get a bit pricey. But I still definitely think it’s worth it. I’ve just placed another order for more goodies from Somedays, including their endo-specific teas, body oils, and a restock of their cramp cream. Can’t wait to give them all a go!

4. Tummy Tea from T2 – A Hug for the Inside

My bloaty belly loves this stuff. T2’s Tummy Tea is caffeine-free, soothing, and feels like a warm hug in a mug. Whether I’m starting my day, winding down, or needing a midday belly break, it helps settle things gently and tastes like comfort. Plus, the fact it’s now available at Woolies makes it even easier to stock up regularly! I love that it can be used any time of the day, and making a cup of tea is super easy during those uncomfy endo flare moments.

5. My Meds Wallet – Pain Relief, Organised

This is where my inner type-A gets to shine. My little meds wallet contains a detailed list of my medications on a medical certificate from my GP — explaining my treatment plan. It’s super handy if I ever need to explain what I’m carrying or why I look like I’ve packed a pharmacy just to leave the house. It’s a practical must-have, especially when I’m out and about or travelling.

With my healthcare team, I have a carefully curated list of medications I can use to manage my symptoms — ones that are safe and reliable for me. I’ve always been told chasing the pain isn’t ideal, so when I can, I try to act early before things escalate to avoid using the strong stuff. That’s why I’ve organised my pain relief into three tiers:

Level 1 – Low-Level Aches: For everyday twinges, I use over-the-counter medication discussed with my doctor, including anti-inflammatories and anti-spasmodics.

Level 2 – Building Discomfort: For those moments when things start to flare and the cramps just won’t quit. I only take this medication in a safe space where I won’t need to drive or function at full capacity.

Level 3 – Code Red- Pain Emergency: These are where I take the “big guns”, carefully chosen with my healthcare team. At this level, I document every dose (including time and quantity) and make sure someone I trust is nearby and aware I’ve taken them. Safety always comes first.

The Simple Truth:

Endo can feel like a never-ending guessing game, and what helps one person might not work for another – but over time, I’ve found a few things that truly support me. Having a few reliable tools in my corner makes a world of difference. These are the things that help me feel a little more in control, a little more comfortable, and a lot more supported on the harder days. I’m sharing them in the hope that they might give you some new ideas to explore or simply remind you that you’re not alone in this. Whatever your version of “essentials” looks like, I hope you find the things that bring you comfort, ease, and a bit more space to breathe on the tough days.
 
Anna x