I'm pregnant! Happy but in for a difficult time.....advice or others experience would be great.

[kitty270]

So after 3 surgeries in 2.5 years, it took just 5 months for me to get pregnant! I am so happy but I know that many of us are not this lucky. I just hope it still provides some hope for others who are trying and that endo doesn't mean infertility.

Anyway the reason for my post.....my last surgery I had deep infiltrating endo, with left ovary, uterus and bowel stuck together. I even have suspected adenomyosis but not confirmed. After I got pregnant I was in increasing crippling pain in my back and groin areas. I thought it was the endo but having spoken to the consultant he believes it's due to the adhesions. It seems that in the small amount of time following my surgery and trying to get pregnant (5 months),my organs have fused back together again. This is causing extreme pain. As the baby grows the adhesions are under stress, being pulled and twisted. I am only 11 weeks pregnant and have many days when I can't walk or sit. Having to take 30/500 cocodamols daily, using tens machine and ibuprofen on really bad days ( ibuprofen safe in first and second trimester only). Apologies for the graphic nature of this next statement but my consultant said that as my baby continues to grow the pain will increase until my baby tears the adhesions, ripping the organs apart. I have to say I was horrified at this but given the pain I am in and the significant mobility issues ,it makes sense. I am scared of the pain I will have to endure to carry my baby. If anyone has gone through the same experience I would appreciate your advice. No one knows how long this pain will last and the prospect of it lasting till I give berth is unbearable and freaks me out. If anyone can help please contact me.

Many thanks for reading my post. I hope you are all well.

[endopains]

Hello lovely,

It sounds horrific, doesn't it. It feels pretty shit too. They say that you instantly stop having endometriosis when you fall pregnant, this is crap but it does stop growing after 3 months though, when your body works out its pregnant. It is really tough and gets harder when baby kicks your endo sites and gets even bigger but you cope with pain killers. The reassuring thing is that none of this affects your baby, they grow healthy and strong regardless so that's how you keep going. Take it easy and make sure you get the right painkillers, you can use heat and maybe a tens machine?

I've found that it did ease eventually and I breastfed for over a year and that definitely helped. I'm pregnant with my second child and it's so much better! Nowhere near as painful. I had surgery in between and my endometriosis has grown back quickly too. It's grown into my main organs. I see it as a countdown in a way, waiting for my 'big h'. The closer you get to completing your family the quicker you can have the big surgery to hopefully get rid of it all. This helps me and terrifies me at the same time. And remember pregnancy is 40 weeks. 28 to go and be grateful - I would love a consultant as understanding as yours! Xxx

[kitty270 in reply to endopains]

Thank you for your support. I have been lucky enough to have three scans already even though i'm only 11 weeks and my baby is growing perfectly safe in its little bubble. You're right it does keep me going. I just wish someone could have prepared me for this. Everyone said pregnancy would be a pain free break but they lied. However at 33 I have longed to have a family and really didn't think it was possible naturally but I'm grateful for my miracle. I was considering hysterectomy after the baby is born but will see how the pregnancy goes. Us endo women are strong and I will cope especially to have another child to complete my family. So happy that this one for you is less painful. I wish you lots of love in your pregnancy and birth.

Many thanks

[Ginger5641]

Be careful. Watch for any problems. Contact your Dr. immediately. If you have problems. That's very serious. That's great! You have a baby on the way. Hope your pain eases up, too. And get rest you need. Don't overdue anything. Having Endometriosis and being pregnant, at same time can cause more problems, too. Make sure take care of you, and your baby. Good luck to you.

[kitty270 in reply to Ginger5641]

Thanks I really appreciate your concern. Since I found out I was pregnant I've been off work for no less than 16 days out of 6 weeks. It's not good. The pain is awful and I feel like I did before my surgery last year. I am writing this while in bed again! The hospital is keeping a good eye on me and that's reassuring. I just hope this doesn't last too long but I am keeping a diary to ensure I can spot anything that is not normall for me especially where the pain is and they type of pain. So far I have not had any bleeding which is increasingly reassuring as well. But I will keep an eye on it. Many thanks for your support.