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Post by ouchy on Mar 19, 2006 1:15:11 GMT -5
I totally agree with you. I'd also be wary of any doctor that just wants to take the liberty of snipping on me as the first line of investigation.... Also, in the chance that the nodes contain anything cancerous or pathogenic, I'd be scared that during a biopsy or something that some of that would get free in the bloodstream. I think that blood tests are the best way to go as a first-line investigation.
A really good blood test for infection is testing your white blood cell count, which I think shows up on a blood physical as C4 count, but I'm not sure right off hand if it is called C4, but I think it is. If the count is too high, it is likely that there is an infection. There is so much that they can tell just through blood. I think you're making a wise and informed decision.
Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
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Post by christinefrench on May 2, 2006 9:14:54 GMT -5
Hi christine here. Have you tries caster oil packs at night. Look them up in the internet, they do help the pain and they are psychologically soothing, best wishes
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meka
Full Member
Posts: 164
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Post by meka on May 2, 2006 20:09:19 GMT -5
Hi Christine, I've tried castor oil packs. In fact there's one sitting in my refrigerator feeling neglected right now. They were soothing. Messy, but soothing. It was just difficult to wear them while I was twisting and turning in pain. Silly note of caution for anyone who tries it: Be careful with the oil and the heating pads. I kept it on overnight and woke up with a tad bit of a burn on my abdomen (a month later, and I still see a little skin discoloration).
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Post by kb on Sept 24, 2007 1:39:17 GMT -5
I keep meaning to post this, and keep forgetting, but since ive mentioned it in another thread, ill tell it properly now.
Last time i had pain, it was probs bout 5/10, so not sure if it would help with severe pain, i took:
2g vit C at once, 1.6gms valerian, 1 magnesium crampbark formula tab (has magnesium, zinc, vit B6, crampbark).
I also rubbed an oil mix i made up straight where the pain was (worked wonders on my back pain), with calendula oil, vit E, Lavender oil, clary sage, and marjoram. I think i used equal portions of each essential oil, and twice as much calendula oil as each essential oil, plus 1500uig vit E.
It got my pain under control to the point it was only just there. Not bad i thought. Better than taking nasty drugs.
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Post by puddleduck on Sept 24, 2007 6:31:12 GMT -5
Hi,
I think much of this depends on your individual constitution and what suits you. In my case I have found a combination of approaches have helped reduce endo pain. -Drastically reducing my intake of wheat and replacing it with organic wholegrain rice and other cereals -As much organically produced fruit, veg and meats as possible. -natural progesterone cream.
Remembering, of course, that this was helpful after two ops. However, I have heard that the dietary approaches are helpful in the run-up to surgery to make it easier.
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Post by minnie on Sept 28, 2007 7:59:04 GMT -5
Tara, I will add my advice to this thread for you:
We spoke about the acupuncture and herbal medicine before which I have personally found ideal. There is the endo diet that this website suggests. I haven't used it but have followed some of the guidelines. I eat all organic meat now as non-organic is usually pumped full of hormones and anti-biotics, not helpful for anyone, particularly endo sufferers. I try to limit the amount of red meat and just stick to fish/chicken and have upped the intake of veg. No coffee, no tea (herbal is ok though), try and stay off alcohol (this I have a relaxed approach to), stay off junk food and fizzy drinks. Just eat the best diet that you can and cut out the processed. Another useful and more general thing I read somewhere is switch your table salt for sea salt crystals or flakes as these are much better for your system. Supplements are also very good. I take a very specialised multi vit (do pay more for this as the quality is important, evening primrose oil, Udo's Omega 3,6, 9 oils. I occassionally take Uva Ursi for urinary issues such as cystitis and maintaining a healthy water works. I have even had Noni Juice which I personally found to be great for reducing pain and improving the bowel movements though I know that not everyone agrees on this one. You can supplement also with Pine Bark, flaxseed and various others though. Try and take gentle exercise as much as you can as it is good for mind, body and soul. Try and change the products you use, eg shampoo, moisturisers etc for paraben free alternatives. The books that Carolynn wrote which you can download from the site is brilliant and very imformative. Please read it and then decide on what suits you best xx
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Post by tfaith on Oct 1, 2007 6:44:24 GMT -5
thanks so much for the info....i am printing it out and will try what i haven't yet! i haven't eaten meat for 1 1/2, which has helped with my stomach problems and a little for the endo...i eat some sushi, or tilapia/salmon at times which doesn't seem to upset anything. i am just now as of last week trying to totally cut out caffeine, which is a bit difficult but i am trying at least! i think the toughest thing for me will be the dairy and wheat. i have tried veggie cheese but it just doesn't taste so good. i guess it is just trial and error though!
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Post by ams56243 on Oct 8, 2007 13:14:32 GMT -5
I have found something that works GREAT for me. I was introduced to some products through Herbalife that have completely stopped my pain during ovulation. A side benefit is that I have minimal cramping during my period, kinda like mild gas for a day or so. My period now only lasts for about 4 days. Before I had cramps so bad that I would cry for 3 days & bleed heavy for 7. Also, since I started on the herbal supplements I don't have the violent mood swings like before. Just a little cranky the day or two before, which is like heaven for my family! All together this treatment costs me less than $60/month. It's given me my life back & I'm so grateful that it came my way! I've also been able to lose weight, help my sensitive tummy, and improve my depression without traditional medications that cause so many terrible side effects- But the big one is that the Pain Is Gone!!!
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Post by kb on Oct 9, 2007 1:18:34 GMT -5
Thats wonderful, im so glad your having success Do you happen to know what herbs are in the mix?
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Post by anneny on Oct 10, 2007 14:03:44 GMT -5
Great thread!
Going gluten-free has been the biggest lifestyle switch for me. It's hard, but it seems to be helping a lot, so I'm going to keep it up until I'm pregnant. :-) I also reduced caffeine to one cup of coffee or tea per day at the most. Most days I don't have any, but when I can't wake up or when I just plain crave it, I go ahead and have a little.
Physical therapy has also been very helpful, so check out that thread. Another thread with some related info is the one called "Manage Pain without Drugs." I use the Spanish-Cuban tea recipe from that all the time.
For me, I'm willing to use Tylenol for mild pain, ibuprofen for moderate pain or a prescription for severe pain, but I try to cope by using other things first. Cherry juice has been helpful for me, but it has to be pretty concentrated. Chamomile tea and cinnamon tea are calming and help with the pain a little bit. A warm bath helps sometimes, too. If none of that helps, I decide which medication to take, and start with the lowest dose. I don't like relying on medications, but managing the pain is the most important thing.
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Post by scarlett on Dec 10, 2007 18:28:19 GMT -5
Things that have helped my pain are:
- stoppping using tampons - the pain lessened immediately. - warm / v. warm baths - acupuncture - I can't say exactly how much this has helped as the amount of pain varies from month to month and has never been as severe as for some, but it's definitely been less severe since I started acupuncture 7 months ago, plus I have a lot more energy.
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Post by momfrommo on Feb 22, 2008 11:25:28 GMT -5
WOW I am new here and have had ENDO for about 5 years now - I am pain as well so I am making notes of all of what you all are saying here then will lay them all out on the table! Thanks so much!
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Post by scarlett on Feb 23, 2008 15:50:32 GMT -5
I would also now add cutting out caffiene totally has helped me. I never took much, but after 2 months completely without it, 1 cup of tea left me feeling like I'm been severely punched in the abdomen only 10 minutes after drinking it - so I can only assume caffiene was the culprit!
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Post by jellybean on Mar 5, 2008 16:35:19 GMT -5
Try calcium ascorbate (vitamin C). I buy the crystals (Source Naturals brand) online and take anywhere from 4-16g per day whenever I'm cramping. How much I take depends on how bad the pain is. If it's not too bad, I go with 1-2g dosages. If it's terrible, I use 4g dosages. Pain's usually gone within 30 minutes and I can keep it away if I keep up the doses every 4-6 hours. If the pain is so bad that my usual dosage of vitamin C isn't enough, I also take anywhere from 500mg-1g magnesium per day. Again, depends on how bad it is. I just gauge it and take as much as I feel I need. I use a 2:1 magnesium:calcium combo (Now Foods brand). I could just take more vitamin C instead, but magnesium is a good muscle relaxant, and sometimes I just want to get rid of the pain without having to drink juice constantly to take the vitamin C. Magnesium has the added benefit of getting rid of the migraines I sometimes get as well during my period.
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Post by melissa1012 on Apr 24, 2008 14:49:02 GMT -5
Hi There Has anyone tried Frequency specific Microcurrent for Endo? Melissa
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