Any help with pain?

[Exw1]

Hi, I'm in the process of being diagnosed with endometriosis, with the laparoscopy booked in for March. Every month I've been experiencing this unbelievable pain that leaves me not being able to get up because it hurts more when I'm standing up. The doctor has told me to stay on the pill constantly so it's not period pain. Painkillers don't help, the only thing I can do is sit down. Does anyone have any suggestions to help the pain so I can continue standing as I'm a trainee teacher so I need to be able to stand up most of the day. This is completely new to me as this amount of pain only started about 5 months ago.

[emmaquinny]

Hi, I’m a teacher living with endometriosis-I totally sympathise with how you are feeling. Which painkillers have you tried? I am lucky and have an excellent GP who tried me on several different types and varied doses to try and help me. I’ve ended up with pregabalin and codeine (and tramadol atm as I’ve just had my lap) and they help me to manage my pain-I’m still not pain free. I find heat helps and have a hot bath most nights to help manage, and when I don’t I can honestly tell the difference. I use a hot water bottle at home and I have a microwaveable heat pack at work to use as often as I can get to sit with it. I hope this helps xxx

[Exw1 in reply to emmaquinny]

Hi, thank you for your reply! At the moment I'm on naproxen but it doesn't seem to be making a difference. Heat really helps but as soon as I stand up the pain is unbearable so I'm very concerned about teaching. I'll definitely go back to the doctor and ask them to try different painkillers. Thank you

[Adoradearheart]

Are you taking the naproxen constantly or as the pain hits? Naproxen will only work when you take it before your pain starts as it reduces the amount of a chemical that your body releases, but does not a lot when already released.

I had no luck with it until taking it before my pain🙂

[funkyduck]

Oh my goodness I'm a trainee teacher too and I'm having the same issues. I want to do the pgce more than anything but I'm pretty much in pain all of the time. I was diagnosed in Sept after a lap and the pain has returned and I'm constantly nauseous. I'm on naproxen and tramadol but can't take tramadol when teaching. I take naproxen, wear heat pads and take sitting breaks. My uni and placement know about the condition so do let me sit some times. I definitely would talk to your school as they usually are understanding. I just hope you can find a consultant who can help you manage your pain x

[StefaniaJW]

1) I hope the laparoscopy won't just be an explorative one (because the more surgery you get the worse it is for endo) and that a REAL endo specialist will perform it, not just any gynaecologist.

You need an experienced excision endo surgeon or the situation will only get worse after surgery!

2) As far as pain management goes, it sounds like adhesion pain because it hurts in certain positions. I suggest you stay on the pill continuously but I cannot give you more advice unless you help me understand the origin of the pain: is it sharp? is it like needles poking you? does it feel like pulling? Like twisting? Was it worse when you were off the pill? Did you ever get ovulation pain? Do you have cysts or endometriomas at the moment? Do you have diarrhea or constipation? Pain during urination? Have you ever had your vitamin D levels checked out?

In the meantime (while you responde) I suggest castor oil packs, ibuprofen, pycnogenol supplements (a pill every two days, but you can choose other antioxidants as well), eating plenty of fish (especially salmon, mackerel, sardines), veggies and fresh fruit to reduce inflammation. Cutting out refined carbs and processed foods, cured meats and cow's milk and cheese for a while wil be beneficial as well.

CBD oil us widely used for endo pain too.

[weekari]

I've been using CBD oil for 2 months and it's hugely helped with my pain. I'm just trying to get by until I have surgery in a few months. I hate taking strong painkillers as I find they always create another problem. With CBD oil, I've no side effects. My pain is much better, as is my sleep. No down side (other than cost).

Get a good quality one of the indica variety, starting 10% strength. For week 1 take a drop in morning before food, and a drop before bed. Then week 2 take 2 drops and so on. Build up gradually until you feel you're at the right level. I was taking 6 drops am/pm and then switched to 15% strength so it's a bit easier and works out cheaper. I use We Thrive Wellbeing oil but I've heard good things about CBD bros and simply CBD too.

I hope this helps.

[Missy100]

Hi emmaquinny,

I did not find Naproxen helped and along my medication journey, they next step my GP took was to replace Naproxen with Mefenamic Acid, which might help you. Also, as you have been taking an anti inflammatory long term, does your GP also prescribe you something to protect you from getting heartburn and indigestion pain? If not, it is something you should bring up.

*Note: Do not double top on anti-inflammatory medications. Ibuprofen, naproxen, mefenamic acid, etc can not be taken together.

In addition to medication, have you tried heat? For while you are at work there are heat pads you can get in the pain relief section of pharmacies and larger grocery stores that stick to your clothing. Not as good as being able to wrap a heat bag against you, but better than nothing. You can stick them to the inside of your clothing closest to where it is most effective for you.

Good luck at finding something that helps you.

[Hidden]

I use bio identical progesterone cream. I use it am and pm and it helps. Also CBD cream. If you can get help with the psychological element too - it helped me when I know the pain is not harming me so to speak. I ran through pain last month ignoring it worsening. After I felt a lot better and got through the period best so far by running everyday despite it feeling last thing to do. Acupuncture can also be helpful. Keep us posted how it goes xx