Try not to lose hope! i also found that stress caused AF pain to worsen. I guess it's a 'normal' response for endo.
I totally understand about your anxiety about NOT worrying about conceiving and having a baby. I too was told after my m/c at 8 weeks that i would most likely not be able to have a baby due to the endo. it was devastating and yeah, like you i became pre-occupied, and at times it was all i could think about. also, i figured that i had fallen pregnant in the past, and that alone was my beacon of hope that it could happen again. so we kept on trucking and went to the homeopath and eventually things happened.
In all honesty, i think that you are doing all the right things! (and yes, your uterus is your friend LOL!!). i can safely say that my confidence has returned in my body since having leila, and despite having endo, my uterus carried and helped birth a beautiful healthy baby, so i say stick 'em to all those drs that keep telling us that we can't and our bodies are 'broken'!
Wow Clair, you've just made me feel a whole lot better! Its soo hard sometimes because it feels like no one understands, but then you come here to BB, and you find soo much support and comfort, and feel like you are justified in how you are feeling. Makes you feel less like a hypochondriac!
I'm on the homeopathic route now. My body is soo sensitive to everything so I think a gentle approach is best. I'm just counting down the months for when DP gives the green light and we start TTC. In the mean time, I think I'll have a little talk with my uterus and come to some agreement for it to behave itself for the next 6 months or so! lol.
Its soo funny how crap I feel from a week before AF till about a day into it. Then the next day comes, the pain pretty much goes, and I feel on top of the world! Maybe if I focus on that aspect of the month, then i'll be able to feel a little more sane!
Just out of curiosity, where abouts are you? Which marvelous homeopath did you see?!
I'm glad that you found BB too! I found it also to be such a great place for info that isnt the mainstream dr version only!
IKWYM about feeling like a hypochondriac! I thought at times that i was just being OTT with everything, but then when i read on here that other women are going through similar sorts of pains and cycles, i realise that what i am experiencing is real, AND frikkin painful! that alone is comfort enough sometimes LOL!
I am now based in Melbourne. but i have to say that unfortunately my homeopath is in italy...my DH mum is a professor in alternative medicine, so she's got the connections LOL! we managed to avoid the 12 month waiting list and get an appointment while i was over there...(I had rather embarrasingly, collapsed in public due to bad pain and passed out, and being italy, it was all very dramatic...eekkk). I have to say though that she was VERY thorough. we went through my ENTIRE health history, including from when my Mum was pregnant with me and she asked if my mum got sick during that time and what she took for it. i think the consultation was over 2 hours. but it all started to make sense and we did find a common denominator and from that she was able to prescribe my the treatment. i like homeopathy as it only treats the cause and if it doesnt work, it doesnt impact on the body. in the end i was prescribed 3 things including a strong dose of 'belladonna' (granular form) and also had to do some chamomile 'rinses' just after AF...not very attractive, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do!! LOL! it is important to take care of timing when doing this stuff, and one thing she told me is to not touch the drugs with your hands as it is very sensitive and can in fact not work if it comes into contact with anything else...sorry if i am going on too much, but i am a convert as after just 2 cycles on this stuff, i was pg (after almost 2 years of TTC), and the AF before that was the first pain-free, normal one in YEARS. (in fact, i didnt recognise it as normal and freaked out and rang my mum and she laughed at me and told me that that's what it's suppoused to be/feel like!! LOL).
I'll ask DH about the lady's name anyway, as she might be on the web somewhere...
Great to hear how everyone is travelling. Thought I'd give a quick update.
My baby is almost 8 months old and is just gorgeous - yes I'm biased (lol)
On the endo front not so good. AF returned at 6 months post birth and was just as painful as before. The endo is back with all the same symptoms as before unfortunately.
Considering how long I wait to go see the dr again, I don't want more surgery but hell if I thought endo was difficult to manage before should try with a young baby who needs you to feed, rock, bath etc....regardless of how much pain I'm in.
Another thing I'm finding is that the pain is particularly bad while I breastfeed - perhaps due the uterus contracting ??? yet breastfeeding is meant to be good for endo - I don't know I'm so confused.
Any other mums out there had endo return so soon after bubs ??? I was hoping for a bit of a reprieve .
Hi JG! Sorry to hear that the endo is back . it seems that there a couple of us going through similar situations. my bubba is also 8 months and yeah, when AF arrived at 6 months i was bummed. and then with the second cycle things started to go back to bad. I too am waiting before heading back to the drs. dont know why, i guess i just want to see if it will be really bad or if i can manage it on my own for awhile. IKWYM about having endo with a bub! so now we can add tiredness to the plethora of other symptoms!!
I too was hoping that it would stay away at least for awhile. i had read somewhere that people can get around 2 years without it...so jealous LOL!!
Hi Girls,
It can be very hard after giving birth and AF returns and you find that so has the endo. I was told years ago that pregnancy is supposed to help the endo because of the 9 months with no AF. Weel that didn't happen for me and I couldn't breast feed so I got AF soon after the birth and with in 3-4 months was back to being the same as before the pregnancy. I can remember after the birth of my son I was home on my own with the kids and I was in that much pain that I fed the baby and gave my toddler an early lunch and put them to bed so that I could take some pain killers and lay down myself. But for me it wasn't just the AF pain it was the ovulation pain and the B4 AF pain. Some how I got through it if you have any family close ask for help. I didn't so I had to work around it some how. Gee wizz look what I have to look forward too!!! (but this time I'll have a 3 yr & 5yr old and a baby).
As you can see (ticker) I am 21 weeks now and still having problems. One of the things I am trying to live with is the pain factor as I have had pain all the way through this pregnancy. I am not sure if it is the endo or the Ashermans Syndrome that is causing it.
Has anyone had alot of pain during their pregnancy???
Sorry to hear about your pain Chris. I too had a painful pregnancy. I often felt like the OB thought I was a hypocondract (sp?) but from 27 weeks on was hell. I was diagonosed with an irritable uterus and was on complete bedrest for the last 8 weeks. And I'm considering having another one - NOTE TO SELF: Remember the pain - Don't do it !!!!
Big Hugs Chris - I truly hope that the pain subsides and you can get some relief and rest.
Hi Joel's girl
I know how you feel, as I have been going to the local Hospital for anti natal and I think some of the Registra's think the same of me. I have been told twice (by 2 dif doc's) that I couldn't be pregnant with Asherman's Syndrome. As rare as Ashermans is suposed to be I am also pregnant.
Ever sice my m/c I have been in pain most of the time. I was just shocked that it has continued during the pregnancy.
As for falling pregnant, all pregnancy's are different. If you think you can go through the pain again go for it.
This is the worst pregnancy I have had so I am glad it is the last for me (always wanted 3 kids).
Take care
Chris
I noticed that you are being diagnosed with Asherman's Syndrome. I have done some googling but was wondering if I might ask you about your symptoms?
I had a D&E (almost 14 weeks) in Sept 07 and a D&C (10+ weeks) in March this year. My AF used to be about 5 days, starting heavy and finishing light. Since the first procedure they have been 2, sometimes 3 days (at best) and sometimes they stop abruptly. Then a couple of days later I may bleed fresh for a day. I now get really strong O pains (never used to) and seem to cramp on and off throughout my luteal phase.I am seeing a FS in a couple of weeks, but am interested if this sounds like you? Appreciate your thoughts/history
Hi Where there's hope
Have you got endo??? As far as I know the pain that I get is endo.
But your AF is a sign of Ashermans. Mine actualy stopped altogether as my cervex was closed and my AF couldn't get out so it went out the tubes. This is very painful and causes endo (which I already had). My AF (b4 I fel preg) lasted 5 days but It was much lighter and had a 24 hr stop in the middle.
I didn't see where your from but if the FS agrees that you could have it I can let you know if there is an Ashermans Specialist near you.
To be formaly diagnosed you need to have a hysteroscopy (small cam in uterus to look around) to check the lining.
In answer to your question, I do not know if I have endo. I don't have heavy or painful periods so have never looked into it.
I notice you are pregnant with Asherman's? Did you have a hysteroscopy? Before the pregnancy? Do you have to do anything different during the pregnancy to help?
I live in the Illawarra, but have heard there is a good Dr at the RWH in Randwick. I do not know what his waiting list is like if I have to see him.
My AF is due on Monday. If I have a normal period (it will be my second since my second D&C) I will feel a little out of the woods. My period last month was 2 days - Heavy then Medium then stopped abruptly. I bled on Day 7 for a couple of hours (fresh) but we did BD that morning. Then I spotted on Day 9. It is that last one that got me... If I have good fresh bleeding, do you think that is a good sign?
I hope I don't sound like a hypochondriac - I really appreciate your POV.
Thanks
I fell preg 2 weeks before the hysteroscopy, so it was postponed until after the pregnancy. (I was on the waiting list at the local hospital). I went and seen a Dr at the Endo gyn clinic at the RWH last year, he told me to TTC while waiting for the Hysteroscopy.
With Ashermans there is the risk of problems happening with the placenta. I will be haveing a few u/s to check it.
When I got my appointment last year I only had to wait 8 weeks to get in to see them. The op waiting list is alot longer.(that is why I went to local hospital)
I mainly went down to see the Drs at RWH because the gyn I seen here was talking about a hysterectomy and no mention of fixing the problem (like the Dr's in RWH).
I would suggest going to a local Gyn and see what they think, they might do a hysteroscopy to check things out. Make sure you tell them not to do anything it is to be to diagnose only. Then once diagnosed you can go to the best to have the Ashermans repaired.
This is Tiffiny, i just have laparoscopy to remove my endometriosis (moderate) by Dr Molloy in QFG, and i thought my realistic pregnant rate should be normal after the surgery, whlie Dr still recommend me to IUI two months after the surgery, is there anyone who has been conceived naturally after laparoscopy? i am 29 years old and my husband is the same age with me and his sperm count/ motility is good but percentage of abnormal sperm is a little bit higher than normal. we have been trying to conceive for more than one year.
Sorry to have taken so long to reply - I have been away.
Firstly, I forgot to congratulate you on your pregnancy!!!
AF returned yesterday, a day later than expected (I think because I have been taking a lot of B6 - desperate to do anything to help my lining get to a good place). Day 1 was pathetic. But it has picked up a little last night. I am just praying it sticks around. However, this is the most painful period I have ever had in my life. I am worried there must be some scarring and some of it is being forced into the tubes, etc. I will definitely bring it up with my FS. I wonder if he can do a diagnostic hysterscopy on the spot. I imagine he would want to do it before "O' so as not to waste a month, which will be cutting it fine.
I do not know whether we should be ttc this month or not. I wonder if Asherman's caused my lrecent missed miscarriage (around 9 weeks)??? Can it?
I would have thought a 5 day period as you described, even with a break, was ok - it never would have occured to me it could be Asherman's. It makes me think there must be so many women out there who have no idea they could be at such high risk.
I cannot believe your local specialist was recommended a hysterectomy - that is so extreme!
The two names I have of Sydney Dr's specialising in Asherman's are: Prof Alec Welsh at the Maternal Fetal Medicine Dept. RWH Randiwck or there is a Prof Vancaillie. I got these names through looking through forums. Are you using one of these? My clock is ticking an I am freaking out about waiting even 2 months, as I understand there is a 3 month recovery period.
Any further light you can shed on anything is always appreciated, oh wise one!
Hi Where ther's hope,
I feel like my pregnancy is a mirical (even though I have been in so much pain and MS).
Well you do have a good sence of humour, me "wise one".
It is just the path I have had to walk to get where I am today.
I went to Dr V (endo gyn clinic) He is one of the best in the world. He has a few Dr's who he has taught and who work with him down Sydney. You will be in good hands down there.
Your local FS could do a in office Hysteroscopy but alot of Drs would rather do in thearter as he could come across some adheasions. the in office hysteroscopy is painful and it is recomended that you take some painkillers b4 you go in to have it done.
B4 I forget, do you know a high dose of Vit B6 for a long time can be harmful, I take 100mg tablets.
As for TTC I was told by the Dr in Sydney to TTC because I had a period of sorts (very light) so I did have some lining. It was mainly the blocked cervix for 10 months with a pain cycle that was the main reason I was told I had Ashermans. I think I will have a hysteroscopy after the birth (if I still have my uterus) to check things out.
I am always happy to help, but I can only go by what I have been through myself and what I have read/found out through other women going through Ashermans.
Well, today on the 2nd June, which is exactly a year since my miscarriage, I got a !!
So to all you Endo ladies out there, who are told that you won't conceive without help, i'm living proof that miracles do happen. I'm not getting super excited yet, because as some will know, after having a miscarriage it is hard to not worry and be scared. I'm a little paranoid about ectopic pregnancy, because I know it is more common with Endo. But, I will be counting the weeks down till my ultrasound for the reassurance that everything is alright.
And to think of at least 8 months without endo pain...
CONGRATULATIONS ANGEL D!!!
This is fantastic news! i got goosebumps reading your news!
IKWYM about the nerves...i was kinda like that for the whole pregnancy (ie extra vigilant about what i ate and drank), but the journey was sooo much fun and the end result of a gorgeous bub is even better!
you must keep us posted as you go along!
Sorry to take so long to reply. We have been changing computer networks and have been offline.
It is such a shame your pregnancy has been painful and I hope things improve. It is such a special time for you. I can?t wait for the opportunity to have a big bulging belly again?
Since talking to you last I moved my appointment up to see the FS at Day 7 after my second period after my second MC. That period was rather painful, but did last five days of varying light and medium flow. I was pretty happy with this. More worried about the pain. But here I am Day 8 with a mild spotting and mild cramping after taking DD swimming this morning. I have also been having the odd night sweat and am wondering if it might be hormonal rather than Asherman?s, especially now I had had a reasonable period?
But back to the FS ? was disappointing. I went armed with an A4 page of questions and he pretty much said my symptoms last month could be ?practically anything?. He offered to do a Hyst and Lap ? could squeeze me in this Thursday ? but did not expect to find anything. When I asked for a diagnostic hyst he told me I was doing ?too much reading?. UGGGGGH! I was worried about being put under the knife, perhaps for no reason and asked him how often he had performed these procedures and would he be gentle. He said he had done ?30,000? laps and ?10,000? hysts. That?s a lot for a guy who does surgery once a week. How old is he, a thousand? Anyway, I asked after recovery time after the op and when we could TTC. He said usually next cycle. He said the recommended protocol is no sex for two weeks after but that that did not really matter. So then he said this cycle if we wanted. This is when I decided I would not go ahead. For all my reading (which apparently I do too much of) and from talking to you I did not feel confident with going ahead with the hyst. with this FS. I opted to monitor this cycle, and do the excellent list of blood tests he came up with (related to my MC) and to have an ultrasound. Unfortunately I could not get in until next month for the latter, but at least I can monitor things in the mean time.
The FS said a bunch of other stuff which I know will frustrate my fellow TTC?ers on another thread. He is was pretty much anti-everything. Was not interested at all in my BBT charts (which I had dedicatedly completed and printed for him), amongst other things.
I have now had my vent. Will commence enthusiastic BD?ing in the days to come now we are officially allowed to try once again. Sigh.
BTW ? I have been taking B6. I was on Elevit in my last pregnancy but a couple of months back switched to Blackmore?s Conceive Well Gold. It has 50mb of B6. I then took an extra 50mg last cycle and my period moved by one day. I was not so worried about my luteal phase ? just trying to suppress my estrogen a little and help my progesterone (I thought it might help my uterine lining). Have changed back to just an extra 25mg a day now as I thought the 100mg might be a little extreme for me.
Thanks for all the information you have been sharing with me. You have been a great help and I know I have made the right decision. Good luck with your pregnancy. I might check back with you, if that?s ok.
C
Reply With Quote
).
. it seems that there a couple of us going through similar situations. my bubba is also 8 months and yeah, when AF arrived at 6 months i was bummed. and then with the second cycle things started to go back to bad. I too am waiting before heading back to the drs. dont know why, i guess i just want to see if it will be really bad or if i can manage it on my own for awhile. IKWYM about having endo with a bub! so now we can add tiredness to the plethora of other symptoms!!
almost 14 weeks) in Sept 07 and a D&C (
.
!!
Bookmarks