Hi all, I'm new here and recently heard the word "it could be endometriosis" from a doctor.
I've always had painful periods, always known that they weren't normal. At school I would have to be sent home as the cramps would go from my front right through my bottom up my back. At the moment my symptoms include painful heavy periods, the pains are so bad I can't work the first 2 days of my period. The cramps seem to travel down my legs and I work on my feet so it is awful. I get cramps and spotting inbetween periods, drenching night sweats and hot flashes for the past year and as well ive developed a deep achy pain in my lower left side, this is what sent me back to the doctor as the pain seems to worsen during sex. I get terrible bloating and at the time of writing this look about 8 moths pregnant. I was starting to lose hope as it feels like I've been tested for everything. I've had blood test after blood test, been tested for celiacs disease, had my thyroid checked, have even been tested to see if it was early menopause. I've been on all contraception (i wish I was exaggerating about that but other than sterilisation I've tried it all) my periods are so heavy that the mirena coil got flushed out during one cycle. I'm constantly anaemic when my blood test come back and have been given Mefenamic acid and tranexamic acid but nothing's helped.
The GP was great, it's a new doctor and this is the first time I've spoke to him about my gynae issues. He immediately said it could possibly be endo and it instantly felt like a relief to be told it was something other than a normal painful period and be sent of with more pills. The GP did an internal exam and took swabs, he's referred me for a scan to rule out anything else and I then have to be referred to a gynaecologist.
It's such a relief to be finally taken seriously. I had an emergency scan 2 months ago which showed my left ovary is quite high up compared to my right ovary. It took the sonographer a while to find it, she had to get a second opinion. I'm now wondering if this could be endometriosis pushing the ovary out of place.
Any advice and support anyone has to offer would be great. I know this is all speculation and it may not be endo but your stories of how you were diagnosed may help me prepare for my appointments. Many thanks in advance