Need Advice! Ultrasound shows normal after terrible period pains, lower back feels like it's burning and low grade fevers...?!

[Katehoag32]

Hi all,

I need advice. I'm at 25 yr old healthy female. I finally went to see my doctor after I started my period on Sunday and I was in the worst pain I had been in before after starting. I was in bed all day with heated blanket and heating pad. I couldn't even stand up straight. The pain shot into my lower back and I was running a low grade fever all day. She wanted me to start birth control to see if it would help with my issues. Also wanted time to have an ultrasound to rule out cysts. (I've had one burst before which was pain that brought me to the ground) I usually bleed for about 5 days after my period and I only bled Sunday and Monday and by Tuesday I was done but still had the same terrible pain. I didn't start birth control until Tuesday evening so I know that didn't make my period shorter. Anyway, it is now Friday, I'm still in pain, ultrasound shows NORMAL and now I'm lost on what to do. I almost wanted it to show something so I could have a reason for this pain. I'm still running low grade fevers and the pain has not gone away! What am I supposed to do now?! Anyone else have anything like this? My doctor seems useless and is just trying to push a prescription on me!

[Abigail16]

I had a similar thing with my doctors. My ultrasound showed normal and my doctor was telling me there was nothing wrong with me. She then said I had IBS but I didn't understand as my symptoms didn't correspond with that. Basically she said I try the tablets for IBS or there's nothing they can do. I had to be on them for 3-4 weeks before she would even consider seeing me again. I went back after the 4 weeks and I'm now seeing a gynaecologist and on the waiting list for a laparoscopy. Just keep pushing with your doctor or ask to see another one if you can. Persevere until they listen to you! Only you know what you're going through and don't let them make you doubt yourself

[Katehoag32 in reply to Abigail16]

Thank you for the response. It helps more than you know. I plan on calling on Monday to set up appt with gp. Thanks & best of luck with you too! Keep me posted!

[GrittyReads]

Okay, it's good that you had the ultrasound, as that has - at least - ruled out other issues such as cysts. However, it is possible that your pain is being caused by endometriosis, and the only real sure way to diagnose Endo is with a laparoscopy.

However, the pill can help, but it can take several months to work. If they do, you should find that each period will get lighter, with the whole thing less painful, but it does take time and not everyone finds that it does work.

If they did a transvaginal ultrasound (probe inside the vagina to look at the ovaries and surrounding ligaments etc, properly), when they did the external ultrasound, that's good as they can often see some types of Endo. But - still - you need a lap to really search out and identify all the various types of endo, in all the hard to access places of the abdominal cavity.

If your GP has mentioned Endo, or if they suspect it - and that is why they have suggested the pill - there is more that they can do in the long run, if things do not improve with the pill. You should be referred to a gynaecologist for an investigative / diagnostic Lap. If it is just a general gynaecologist, it's best if it is only an investigative lap, especially if the Endo is widespread - they grade it 1-4. Severe cases are supposed to be referred to a BSGE Centre, with specialist endo consultants. General gynaes do not have the same skills to search out, identify all the types, and then properly remove all the Endo. A poorly done lap will just line up further problems.

However, if you are in pain and have fevers, I do think you GP should be checking you out for other health issues, and at least doing some blood tests, urine checks etc.

Hope this helps. Go back to the GP if the fevers, and general ill-feeling persists, if that's okay, then go back if the pill does not ease things in a month or two, but go back asap, if things get worse.

[Katehoag32 in reply to GrittyReads]

This helps a lot. Thanks so much I truly appreciate it. I plan on calling my GP Monday instead of going back to that doctor. Thanks again!