Just the beginning...

[klaj91]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post on here, I have been reading for a while but feel today I need some advice about my journey in particular.

I have been suffering with typical symptoms for about a year, which started with pain during periods and intercourse, and has gradually increased over a year to the point where some weeks the pain is debilitating in my life. I haven't felt myself for the past 6 months, nauseous, tired all the time, constant pain in and around the left hip mainly, sometimes gravitating across the abdomen and back, muscle numbness down my left thigh and still pain during intercourse.

My GP referred me for an internal and external scan which I had about 6 months ago along with swabs which all came back fine, so then referred me to a gynaecologist which I finally got to see this morning. The gynaecologist examined me and asked about my symptoms and told me that she thinks it is endo. She talked through some treatments and said that she wanted to put me on a contraceptive pill for 4 months without a break so stop my periods, stopping the womb lining building up to prevent the symptoms and hopefully relieving some of my symptoms. She then said if this doesn't help it may be a laproscopy procedure.

I left the room feeling just...okay. I don't have full trust that what the gynaecologist was saying is the most positive plan of action if I'm honest.

I was just wondering if anyone has used a contraceptive to stop periods as a method to reduce the symptoms? I would love to have any guidance or thoughts on the advice I have received today?

Sorry it's such a long post and thanks in advance for reading

X

[nicole_44]

Hey Hun,

Sorry to hear that you've been suffering so much- Your story is quite similar to mine.

I tried the pill to regulate and minimise my periods and it had little effect and if anything just caused me further symptoms. I really had to push for my Lap from the first Gynae app that I had. The way i viewed it was- why take contraception to cover up an obviously underlying problem- if that makes sense? I wanted answers before I decided what treatment I wanted.

The Gynae was reluctant to give me the Lap but I was persistent and she signed the forms for me to have one. I'm still waiting for it but hopefully I will get some answers from it.

All I can say is that if you dont notice a complete difference after trying contraception then go back and really push for the Lap. It may seem extreme but its not quality of life to be in pain all the time, not to mention it could end up causing fertility issues.

You deserve answers and to be pain free. Push for that.

If you ever want to chat PM me- good luck and take care. xxx

[Hidden]

There are various types of the pill that can be helpful in reducing pain, so it is worth giving it a go TBH. Endo is incurable so treatment is all about managing the symptoms. It's not a 'cover up' or 'masking' the symptoms, it's trying to give you better quality of life as quickly as possible. There is also an argument for trying to minimise the number of surgeries you have because each one causes a build up of scar tissue and there is a limit to how many are possible. Therefore if you take the pill and your pain reduces and it allows you to delay surgery, it may not be a bad thing.

I had 2 surgeries last year and they have not reduced my pain. I'm having a third next month. Surgery isn't a magical bullet sadly. That said, if you're not confident with the gynae you saw, please ask to be referred to someone else, or contact PALS at the hospital and ask them for advice.

[Starry in reply to Hidden]

I don't think this is an unusual first proposed course of action. I went through a similar experience but a lump was found and so I accepted a lap in December provided they did treatment at the same time. Tbh my symptoms are as bad if not worsenow as before , I have worse fatigue had a month mot a few days off work and still need a further op I am told. Intercourse is now extremely difficult near impossible whereas before it was a deep seated but tolerable pain. I would try hormonal treatments initially to rule them out as beneficial unless you have extremely severe symptoms or nodules affecting you. Presumably you have had an ultrasound and internal exam?