Possible endometriosis

[sk1920]

Hi,

Idk if anyone will read this but I really need advice.

For the past four weeks, I’ve been really unwell. It all started on May 21st (only lasted for 4 days) when I had an abnormal bleed two weeks after my period.

My periods are normally regular and right on time, my cycle lasts 28 days and I bleed for 4-7 days heavily. For one cycle I bleed for 4 days then the next month I bleed for seven days.

I’ve been having problems with my stomach and periods for a couple of years now as my period has always been heavy and my cramps have been excruciatingly painful from the very beginning but since I had this abnormal bleed I’ve just been so unwell that period has just stopped and this has never happened to me before because I’m always regular.

For the last few years my mum and other people have always complained to me that I have no colour on my face my face is all white and I look sick but over the years I’ve had so many blood tests and they’ve always been fine except for the odd low vitamin D levels every now and then. Today is my first time getting my hormone levels checked.

Symptoms for the past four weeks:

Joint pain

Body shape has changed

Breasts are more firm/enlarged/heavier

Nipples are dry and darker than normal

I have been having pain/tightness/discomfort/twitching/hardness in my stomach (mostly my lower abdomen is swollen)

My stomach is usually very soft and I have extra back fat but all of that has gone since being unwell

Veins are more visible than normal in my breasts, legs and arms

My discharge hasn’t been normal either, it was white cottage cheese like and since yesterday it has turned into a light brownish colour

My cervix is more swollen than usual

I was feeling lightheaded/weak/numb

Neck/Back/Arms/Legs pain

Fatigue

Trouble sleeping

I normally have get constipated/have diaherra

I’ve lost weight

I’ve taken 6 pregnancy tests bc I thought I might be pregnant and all negative (3 at urgent care, 2 at a clinic and one clearblue digital test) all spaced out

Advice or just general knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

P.S this is my stomach now (it wasn’t like this 4 weeks ago)

[Swats]

Hi,

Sorry to hear your having a rough time of it. Obviously I’m not a doctor but I’d say you have a lot of Endo symptoms. Ive got severe Endo. I got diagnosed last year. Looking back my first symptom was a really bad bleed the wkend after my period in 2012.

Can I ask have u been to the doctors and if so what did they say?

Sending big hugs 🤗

Sarah xxx

[sk1920 in reply to Swats]

I’ve been going to my gp every week for almost 4/5 weeks every Monday since that abnormal bleed.

1st time I went: he said it was normal and I asked to be referred to a GYN and he said I was too young for all of this.

2nd time I went on my 20th birthday: he said it was all down to my anxiety and prescribed me anxiety tablets (the next day in the early hours of the morning I was taken to urgent care by ambulance because of how bad my stomach pains were)

3rd time I went: I brung up the irregular bleed (again he said I was too young to be referred to a GYN) and digestion problems so he referred me to the digestion department at the hospital

Finally this Monday, I went to see him again and thankfully it was a different doctor this time, he listened to everything I had to say and what I wanted to happen. He also did an abdominal assessment and I literally winced in pain whenever he was pressing after my assessment he’s booked me in for an ultrasound! I asked him if I could have my hormone levels tested bc a nurse at the clinic suggested I should and he also did that.

A few hours ago today I started having an abnormal bleed again but my flow isn’t constant or heavy it’s just little droplets of blood and from under my breasts to the bottom of my torso it’s really tight/uncomfortable/feels heavy. My normal flow is very heavy an fills a pad up very quickly and I bleed out big blood clots (approximately 1cm long).

I’ve decided I really need to transfer to a different practice where there are female doctors who understand. I’ve been going to the same gp since I was a little girl and when I had my first period the next day I went to see him bc the night before I was doubled over in pain and crying from the cramps, I’ve been telling him for years that I have painful heavy periods but he’s never done anything about it.

Thanks for the reply btw

[Swats in reply to sk1920]

Ohh bless you. Your really going through it aren’t u. Well don’t think your by yourself and we are all here to support each other on here.

I had clots with my abnormal bleed too. It too me 5 years of fighting with doctors to eventually get my diagnosis. And I just had my opp 3 wks ago. Hopefully u will get your scan date soon then u will get some answers. If they can send you to the gyno that would be good for u too.

Your doing well and try and stay strong I know it’s hard, but u got this.

If there is anything I can help u with feel free to chat or message

Xxx

[sk1920 in reply to Swats]

Thank you and I hope you’re doing well after your op.

I just wanted to ask when your belly was hard/heavy/tight did you feel like you couldn’t breathe and you’d faint bc of it?

[Swats in reply to sk1920]

Hi,

I’ve had symptoms for years. But it was only last year when I started with the bad cramps. My belly has been swollen for abit and I go to the gym a lot and could never understand why it was like that when I’m training but obviously now I know. When things got bad last year, I tried to do lots of research on Endo and do anything to help me. One of the things that helped was trying to do the Endo diet. Things, like gluten, dairy, caffeine and alcohol cause inflammation and actually make Endo and the swelling worse. I always used to eat lots of bread and pasta etc. But now I have alternatives or gluten free, I also opt for coconut or almond milk. It helped for me anyway. Could be worth a look In to, to help u. If u go on google or Pinterest, there is loads of info about it. Peppermint tea is also good for inflammation.

Hope this helps

Xxx

[sk1920 in reply to Swats]

I started going to the gym a few months ago and have completely changed my diet. I honestly think I might be pregnant but due to hormonal imbalances it’s not showing up on pregnancy tests or blood tests. My stomach feels like it has a human growing inside me I keep feeling hard kicks.

I called up a clinic and said I tested positive just so I could get an ultrasound early.

[Swats]

Well I really hope u get sorted soon and get some answers x