Why It Takes Longer to Bounce Back

and how I'm learning to feel better, faster

There’s nothing quite like a stomach bug to remind you that healing isn’t always linear—especially when you’re living with endometriosis.

A few days ago, I was hit with a fast and furious wave of nausea, vomiting, and (let’s just say it) diarrhea. The kind of sick that knocks you out and leaves you camped on the bathroom floor wondering how long it’s been since you last felt like a human. While most people seem to bounce back within 24 hours, I found myself still wiped out days later—body sore, energy zapped, gut completely thrown off. And if you’ve ever been there, you know how defeating that can feel.

But here’s the thing I keep learning over and over: my baseline is already different.

Endometriosis is a full-body disease, not just a “bad period.” It messes with inflammation, hormones, digestion, and immunity. So when I get sick—especially with something gut-related—it’s like my whole system gets sent into panic mode. I’m not just recovering from a virus. I’m also calming an already sensitive nervous system and coaxing a very confused immune system back to baseline.

Here’s what’s been helping me feel better, faster—without pushing myself too hard:

1. Hydration, but make it gentle.
Instead of chugging water (which made me more nauseous), I sipped on ginger ale, peppermint tea, and electrolyte mixes (thank you Pedialyte pops!) throughout the day. Bonus: warm teas also help ease inflammation in the abdomen.

2. Easy-to-digest foods that don’t cause a flare.
BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is the classic sick-day diet, but for me, toast = gluten = potential endo inflammation. I stuck to gluten-free options, like Rice Chex and gentle proteins once I could stomach it.

3. Rest—but not total stagnation.
I let myself nap and rest, but I also did some light stretching when the body aches got worse. Movement—even just a walk around the house—helps with lymph drainage and can ease cramping, both from illness and endo.

4. A gut reset—slow and steady.
I added in a gentle probiotic (Florastor works best for me) a few days post-bug and started being mindful of fiber intake again. Gut health is already compromised with endo, and stomach viruses can throw things even more out of whack.

5. Grace. Always grace.
I reminded myself (repeatedly) that my body isn’t “behind.” It’s protecting me. Recovery might look slower, but that doesn’t mean it’s less valid. Living with endometriosis means healing happens on our timeline.

If you’re someone who feels like it takes longer to bounce back, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. Chronic illness changes the rules of recovery. But with the right tools, mindset, and a little patience, we can start to feel like ourselves again—even if that self needs a little extra care.