Tell me about Endo (*TMI*)

or whatever else this could be

Pre DS my periods would last 7ish days and were quite irregular -Before DS I could go 6 months without one then have 3 in 2 months -and always accompanied by abdominal pain. Nurofen and panadol do nothing.


Now during my period I get

- Really bad period pain, starting an hour or so before my period. It's in my middle and lower back and down my thighs as well as abdominal. I've always had some degree of pain but it's been getting steadily worse since DS's birth. on a scale of 1 - 10 I'd say they are now about a 7.

- My periods have become heavier and short - was 7 days now it only lasts about 3. From needing 1 regular pad a day to 3 or 4 on the first day. Timing wise it seems to have evened out a bit now.

- I get a migraine, mild diarrhea. Cant remember if I've always had these or if they are new.

- Random really sharp pains in my bum, like someones jamming a pointy metal pole up it and twisting it and all I can do is try to remember to breathe and wait it out. Nothing helps until it subsides, which thankfully is normally only about 30 seconds to a minute.

- I cant use tampons since DS birth. Before that I had no issue with them now I get a really painful stinging sensation when I try to put them in, I cant get it past my first knuckle.

Thoughout the month lately I've also been having abdominal pain, less severe than with a period but enough to bother me. I've never had this before.

I dont know if it's related but in the last couple of months I've become moody and sensitive, really tired all the time.

I did a bit of googling (I know, I know, Dr Google = bad) and found that endo is sometimes accompanied by chest pain. I've been getting sharp pains in my chest for a few years. It makes it hard to breathe and move. I've been x-rayed and they couldn't see anything wrong so just wrote it off as muscular pain, but now I'm wondering if it's related to this.

If the chest pain could be related then maybe this is too (:dunno: Who knows) - I've also got nasty dandruff that I just CAN NOT get rid of! I've tried eveything natural and not so natural (except for prescription meds which I'm trying to avoid) and with everything it gets better for a week or so then goes to hell again.


I've spoken to my doctor about most of this (not so laid out like this though) and while he didn't exactly brush it off, he didn't seem concerned and said there wasn't much we could do about any of it except my moods + energy which he thinks is related to depression and give me stronger pain killers for the period pain.

I'm not sure what exactly I am asking. Just looking for a bit of direction, I guess. What do you think, does it sound like endo? Something else? Is there anyway I can manage it without going back to the doctor or do I just have to do it. I don't want to put up with this for the rest of my life. I feel like absolute crap for at least a week after every period. But I feel like a hypochondriac and that I'm wasting the doctors time, everytime I go in there.

Hopefully this all makes sense, I did try not to ramble. lol

Anyone?

Can I ask, did you have a C-section? Or have you had a D&C before??

The reason I ask is it could be adenomyosis???

A friend of mine has a lot of similar symptoms and she has endo. Abut 3 years ago they found a small amount and removed it and since then her symptoms have been getting worse. She has severe bloating most of the time, heavy and painful periods and she also gets the stabbing pains in the butt. A few weeks ago she got in the car to leave work and when she sat down the pain was excruciating (like a pointy metal pole!) and she cried all the way home.
Just recently she was at a wedding and a close family friend was there. He is a gynaecologist (or something like that) and he didn't have much advice. It was pretty much it is what it is :(
Sorry you are going through this, I always feel for her when she is bloated and in pain.

Endo is hard to diagnose. I have (on and off) similar symptoms to you. I also have a history of Adhesions and i have had a fibroid removed aswell. I can't tell you what pain/symptom is related to what condition. There is something that can be done about it and it's not just pain meds.
The incredibly heavy periods are debilitating and I'm not sure if you are working ATM, but if you have to start taking time off work then it's not right.
Personally i think it's risky trying to compare your symptoms with mine IYKWIM? A doctor once told me that the only people who came in with 'textbook' symptoms of an illness were the ones who had read the textbook! Everyone presents with different things.
I would a) go back to the dr and tell him/her that this is an issue for you and you want some investigation or b) go to a different dr and get a second opinion. You are paying the dr - you are not wasting their time.

N2L - only a vaginal birth. No D&C either.


Thanks Tasha, it's good (well not good but you know what I mean) to know I'm not alone or going crazy.

Thanks Lenny, I guess I'm just worried that he thinks I'm an idiot. He's a really good doctor most of the time, I feel a guilty going behind his back.

The periods aren't *that* heavy just heavier than before. Itms? I do wonder if I'm becoming anaemic when I'm bleeding and that's why I get so tired. I was falling asleep by lunchtime today and we didn't even have a bad night last night.

I agree with Lenny - I reckon if you just say something like "I really can't handle this pain anymore, can you please refer me to a specialist who can investigate further for me" He will totally understand. They get it all the time! and if you don't ask you'll never know and always wonder - and any pain is worth investigating!!

I agree with going back to your GP and asking for a referral to a specialist. It doesn't sound normal and it doesn't like like very much fun. :hug: im sorry i don't have any advice but as someone who has pcos i do understand what its like to have uncomfortable and painful periods (thats if i get them..)