Post by jennapurr on Oct 11, 2006 15:07:35 GMT -5
My name is Jenna and I was just diagnosed this past August with Endometriosis after years of seeking the cause of my pelvic pain.
I can remember having pain as far back as High School (painful cramps, bloating, stomach problems, periods lasting longer than 7 days) but about 4 years ago I started having pain that wasn't just associated with my period. I started having pressure and the need to urinate a lot and I was also having stomach problems all month long including severe nausea, vomiting, bloating and alternating C/D. I also began having severe leg pain during my period to the point where I couldn't walk and stabbing pain when I went to the restroom. After that, the huge blood clots came along and severe bleeding during the first two days of my period. To make a long story short, I was diagnosed with IBS and IC even though there was no evidence of having either of them through the appropriate testing.
Finally my primary care doctor sent me to a gynecologist after I begged him to. During my first app. the doctor asked me about my family history and symptoms. I told him that my Mother had endometriosis very badly as did two of my Aunts. Both of my Aunts lost their ovaries. I then told him my symptoms and he seemed pretty convinced that endometriosis was causing my pain. He did a pelvic exam and felt nodules in both my ovaries and in my uterus as well as inflammation. Without a lap, he diagnosed me with endo based on the pelvic exam, symptoms, and family history. I was told a lap would put off treatment longer than it should and he didn't feel I needed it to be diagnosed since other conditions had already been excluded.
The first treatment he recommended was Lupron even though BC had not been tried yet based on my pain level, however I have refused this treatment until less risky options are tried and ruled out first. I admit, I am CLUELESS right now. My mother and my Aunts are not of much help because they have not had symptoms for so long they can't really relate anymore (all have had success with their treatments). None of my sisters are having problems or friends...I feel pretty isolated and alone. Hopefully I can find some people who I can relate with.
I can remember having pain as far back as High School (painful cramps, bloating, stomach problems, periods lasting longer than 7 days) but about 4 years ago I started having pain that wasn't just associated with my period. I started having pressure and the need to urinate a lot and I was also having stomach problems all month long including severe nausea, vomiting, bloating and alternating C/D. I also began having severe leg pain during my period to the point where I couldn't walk and stabbing pain when I went to the restroom. After that, the huge blood clots came along and severe bleeding during the first two days of my period. To make a long story short, I was diagnosed with IBS and IC even though there was no evidence of having either of them through the appropriate testing.
Finally my primary care doctor sent me to a gynecologist after I begged him to. During my first app. the doctor asked me about my family history and symptoms. I told him that my Mother had endometriosis very badly as did two of my Aunts. Both of my Aunts lost their ovaries. I then told him my symptoms and he seemed pretty convinced that endometriosis was causing my pain. He did a pelvic exam and felt nodules in both my ovaries and in my uterus as well as inflammation. Without a lap, he diagnosed me with endo based on the pelvic exam, symptoms, and family history. I was told a lap would put off treatment longer than it should and he didn't feel I needed it to be diagnosed since other conditions had already been excluded.
The first treatment he recommended was Lupron even though BC had not been tried yet based on my pain level, however I have refused this treatment until less risky options are tried and ruled out first. I admit, I am CLUELESS right now. My mother and my Aunts are not of much help because they have not had symptoms for so long they can't really relate anymore (all have had success with their treatments). None of my sisters are having problems or friends...I feel pretty isolated and alone. Hopefully I can find some people who I can relate with.