Does endometriosis affect the bowels? - Endometriosis UK

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Does endometriosis affect the bowels?

victoriamc17 profile image
15 Replies

Hi

I've been recently diagnosed with endometriosis and for the past two menstral cycles have experienced severe bowel pain when passing a stool, there's also a build up where I feel really dizzy & faint then afterwards I'm just shaky for 5 minutes, has anyone else experienced this?

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victoriamc17 profile image
victoriamc17
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15 Replies
Lward profile image
Lward

Hi yes I had this during my periods before my surgery and I haven't had it since then, just different pains instead 😕

victoriamc17 profile image
victoriamc17 in reply to Lward

Thank you 😊

J_d_1988 profile image
J_d_1988

Hi, I used to experience that frequently until one night it was so severe my body went into shock. I ended up in A&E and that's when I had the lap and discovered endo. It was a burst cyst causing that severe pain and shaking, especially when trying to go to the toilet. Try and get your docs to send you for another scan (internal).

victoriamc17 profile image
victoriamc17 in reply to J_d_1988

I've also ended up in a&e with it they just gave me buscopan and sent me home!

I'm seeing a consultant next week so hopefully get sorted quickly, it's reassuring to know I'm not on my own, it's so scary when it happens, thank you 😊

Sweetyassi profile image
Sweetyassi

Hi,

I go through severe bowel pains too, I've had bowel pains since 2009 when I had my first bowel resection operation done due to endo being found inside my bowels. I have been told it's either endo or adhesions causing these pains, plus taking morphine painkillers makes bowel movements painful at times. Your not alone in this, you'll find many women suffering the same pains same problems all over the world.

Sweety.

victoriamc17 profile image
victoriamc17 in reply to Sweetyassi

I've been told I've got a lot of adhesions on my right ovary, maybe that's the reason then, it's all so confusing at the moment, there's no definite pattern or link, so unclear thanks for the information 😊

Sweetyassi profile image
Sweetyassi in reply to victoriamc17

Yes, I have adhesions and endo on my right ovary which is stuck to my right side of my bowels so I know that's why I'm getting these pains.

Adhesions itself can cause a lot of pains and bowel problems too.

I'm waiting for an operation date to get the endo and adhesions removed from my bladder, both ovaries and bowels.

Sweety.

victoriamc17 profile image
victoriamc17 in reply to Sweetyassi

It's a shame the Drs don't explain this to you, no one has actually said the pain is from the adhesions, they also said the ovary is stuck to the uterus so maybe this is adding to the pain.

Have you tried the mefanamic acid, a few people have recommended it for the pain?

Sweetyassi profile image
Sweetyassi in reply to victoriamc17

Hi, sorry for the late reply. I have been down with a nasty cold.

Yes I've tried mefanamic acid and they didn't help at all. I'm trying out morphine patch to see if it works. So far I just feel very dizzy, nauseous. Hoping it will eventually help with my pains.

How are you doing today?

Sweety

EndoSLD profile image
EndoSLD

Wow, I'm amazed to read that someone else is experiencing this. The doctor looked at me like I was talking Swahili when I mentioned it and was told instantly it wasn't related to my period! I'm sorry that it's happening to you. It's really unnerving isn't it?!. It's been happening to me for the past six months to the point of passing out. It's always on day 2&3 of my period but I've noticed I've started experiencing the pains randomly throughout the month. Doctors all too keen to write me off with IBS and send me away with buscopan. I have my first diagnostic laparoscopy on Monday where I'm hoping to get some answers. I'm terrified they tell me nothing is wrong and I have no explanation for the pain. I Hope you find some relief soon. I try to talk myself through it when it starts and take really slow deep breaths. Sounds utterly mental but the more I panic the worse it is, I'm trying to manage it the best I can. Take care.

victoriamc17 profile image
victoriamc17 in reply to EndoSLD

Good luck on Monday, I hope you get some answers, as I continue on this journey I'm finding a lot of blanks and guessing what causes what, it's a minefield.

I'm just pleased that other people are out there to compare notes with, makes you feel a little less crazy!

SueRoberts profile image
SueRoberts

In short yes, endo can affect your bowels/can be attached to your bowel/can invade your bowel. I had similar pain day 2 /3 /4 of each period. To everyone seeking medical attention make sure you go armed with questions you want answers to. Ask to see a gynae consultant that specialises in endo. Do more research. There is no cure for this horrible disease but many ways to manage it so don't give up hope. I am 25 yrs + post diagnosis. Remember you are not alone when you feel you are; there are so many of us that are on this journey that can offer support. Good luck - never give up!

GrittyReads profile image
GrittyReads

Check in with the 'Endo Uk' people (link at the top of this page), read the site info, and talk to their advisors. Endo on the bowel is very common. Also check if you are seeing a BSGE 'Endo' consultant at a BSGE Clinic - talk to 'Endo Uk' about this too.

Hope this helps.

poppy75 profile image
poppy75

Yes I used to get this every month. I would dread going to the bathroom. I did have some Endo on my bowel but a lot around my womb. I was told that when you're passing a stool it goes through the small bowel and past the womb. Hence almighty pressure, a knifing pain up the rectum, dragging, sickening, heavy cramps throughout abdomen. I'd nearly black out so many times. I do the same - deep breathing and counting through it and tell myself it will be over soon. I also take a hot water bottle with me to clutch to my stomach during the ordeal. Often I'm stuck in the loo for ages then a few minutes after I've actually been the pain starts to ease as the pressure is gone. It's such a complicated illness. During my last surgery they found a lot more Endo on the bowel but those symptoms I had were way more horrific when I only had a bit on the bowel. Go figure 🤔 Xx

TwilightSparkle profile image
TwilightSparkle

Yes ,I've had a complete bit of my bowel removed .ten years ago .I'm in pain every time I go to the toilet .I am also unable to have kids because of this .doctors are no help .no one cares about this disease .

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