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Post by clockwise on Oct 15, 2013 15:51:15 GMT -5
Since I was 12 I've always suffered from moderate menstrual pain that was always localized on the left side of my pelvis. It's enough to keep me in the house in bed for most of the day. But sometimes they would become so severe (fever, shaking, feeling hot or cold, back and leg pain, vomiting, loose stool) I debated going to the emergency room.
I'm 24 now. I've taken many different OTC medicine, herbal supplements and prescription pain medications. They would be effective for several months and slowly wear off. My Dr won't prescribe me anything stronger than 800mg ibuprofen (they lost there potency about 5 months ago). I'm only given birth control but I don't want to take them. I'm not sure if this is happening because I built a tolerance to the medication or if my periods are getting worse. I'm back taking Midol and it's helping for now but I'm not sure how long it will last.
For 3 years I was diagnosed with primary dysmenorhhea. I visited an ob/gyn a month ago. Had a pelvic exam and the Dr said she could feel adhesions on the left side. She suspects I could have endo, but stated I didn't need a lap. I also had an ultrasound a year ago and a cyst was found on the left side. But it was really small so my primary care physician said nothing needed to be done.
After my ob/gyn suggested to do some research, I came across this site and read a number of articles. I'm still skeptical because my symptoms seem so mild compared to what other women suffer with. And I haven't had a lap to officially diagnose me. Not only am I confused, I am frustrated because I am not sure if I should keep pushing for answers and deal with the pain every month.
Maybe ladies here can offer some feedback? Sorry for the essay I typed out.
Thank you!!!
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Post by Karen on Oct 15, 2013 19:23:35 GMT -5
Of course you belong here! We've all been through the run-around for years before we got help, so we can relate. First off, if someone suspects you have endo and you have symptoms that fit, yes, you should have a lap. What area of the world are you in? We have lots of members that have lots of good doctors to pass along. If we know where you are, we can see if someone can chime in. Everyone's suffering is different, don't ever compare what you're going through to someone else and feel you're less deserving of attention than someone that's in pain more often. Really, if it's affecting you, you have a right to figure out what's going on and, better yet, develop a plan to move forward. Some women have very few symptoms. My cousin, for example, had a hyster due to a cancer scare, and when they opened her up, she had stage 4 endo. Had no idea or inkling. Some women have very little endo but lots of symptoms. All deserve to get the help and attention they deserve. Even if it turns out you don't have endo, there's still a lot of good info here about pain management, ways to balance hormones, natural treatments for inflammation/pain, etc. Don't be shy, stick around!
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Post by omaklackey on Oct 16, 2013 15:51:44 GMT -5
;)Definitely belong... we all have to start somewhere! I would really push for a laprascopy. Its nice to have an answer an that is the only way to get one. But anyways! Welcome!!
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Post by clockwise on Oct 17, 2013 14:41:03 GMT -5
Of course you belong here! We've all been through the run-around for years before we got help, so we can relate. First off, if someone suspects you have endo and you have symptoms that fit, yes, you should have a lap. What area of the world are you in? We have lots of members that have lots of good doctors to pass along. If we know where you are, we can see if someone can chime in. Everyone's suffering is different, don't ever compare what you're going through to someone else and feel you're less deserving of attention than someone that's in pain more often. Really, if it's affecting you, you have a right to figure out what's going on and, better yet, develop a plan to move forward. Some women have very few symptoms. My cousin, for example, had a hyster due to a cancer scare, and when they opened her up, she had stage 4 endo. Had no idea or inkling. Some women have very little endo but lots of symptoms. All deserve to get the help and attention they deserve. Even if it turns out you don't have endo, there's still a lot of good info here about pain management, ways to balance hormones, natural treatments for inflammation/pain, etc. Don't be shy, stick around! Thank you The ob/gyn I visited seems to rely on a "new school approach" when diagnosing endo (her words, not mine). She wants to try different therapeutic trials first to help minimize the amount of pain I experience instead of having surgical confirmation. I really wish there was a less invasive option to tell what exactly is going on I'm in the USA; Chicago more specifically. My insurance limits who I can go visit, and a few of the best ob/gyns either aren't accepting patients or have long wait periods. I had to schedule an appointment 6 months in advance for my current ob/gyn. I'll stick around and read some of the older threads on the forum and also see what I can take/do for pain management. Thanks again.!
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