I'm 25 years old, have suffered with awful pain ever since I started my periods. I've tried nearly every type of contraception in the hope it would help reduce the pain.. Pills, patches, coil and the implant. I started going back to my GP about 5 years ago when it was becoming harder and harder to cope with the excessive pain, I was given painkillers on and off for about 3 years before I finally received a gynaecologist referral. I had a laparoscopy 2 years ago and they found nothing... My consultant diagnosed me with dysmenorrhea... The pain has since become worse! There are days where I can't get out of bed, my stomach feels swollen and painful. I went back to my GP after being prescribed some Tramadol as the pain at times can be unbearable. She decided since I am bloated that I must have IBS.... and finally a few appointments later I presented her with a pain diary which has triggered a referral to a general gynaecologist. I have spoken to my GP today to ask for a referral to the endometriosis centre at James Cook. My doctor told me that I am 'jumping the gun a bit' as I have not actually been diagnosed with endo... She said that if I had a lap they would have been able to actually see the Endo? What should I do? She said she will refer me to the specialist centre but I don't want them to think I am wasting their time.. I just can't go on with this pain. It's starting to rule my life! Dreading the 2 weeks of every month where it is constant and God forbid I am ever intimate with my partner. Why did my consultant not find anything before and what on earth does dysmenhorrea actually mean?
Any advice would be so helpful! Feeling so lost