Newbie

[Blonde3]

Hi I’m new here.

I’m due to see a private endometriosis specialist for a consultation in a few weeks. The waiting time for nhs gynaecology was six months. My pain started in November the dr originally treated me for kidney stones/infection. But that never worked. My periods are heavy and the pain is enough to knock me out for a few days. Now I pretty much have pain everyday in my lower back under my ribs and when I get a flare up which is during ovulation and a week before my period and during my period the pain is unbearable I take zapain and it doesn’t touch it. I have cramps and it feeling like someone is stabbing me and the bloating makes me feel like my stomach will explode. I have pain having bowel movements too. The past few days are really painful and it’s taking it toll on my mental health.

Any advice or just a chat will be welcome

[Harpyiai]

WRITE THIS ALL DOWN! Honestly, because every time I saw my consultant I forgot questions or aspects I was going through. Writing it down ensures they know what they are dealing with. Just a general diary with pain levels, where, what you ate, what you did. Super helpful

Pain wise, hmmm ... its always tough to give advice as everyone is different. I constantly use hot water bottles, tens machines and veer away from dairy as it can make it worse. I have endometriosis on my bowels so I understand the pain, and I know its not the easiest thing to talk about. Make sure you take antibiotics (helps your gut and helps you poop easily) and make sure you arent constipated, so fibre and water to make it ... easier, hard to explain xD

Only you can understand your body, take time for YOU okay? You know what is best for you. Mental health wise, this condition likes to hold hands with depression. My advice, do what you love helps distract yourself.

Quick question, how much (if you dont mind) was it to see someone private? I am currently on my 'last restore' treatment before taking more serious action and want to see if I can get anyone elses help.

[Blonde3 in reply to Harpyiai]

Thanks for the advice I will definitely start keeping a diary. The consultation is £150. Depending what they say I will go back on the nhs list then for any treatment

[Bluebird23]

Hi. I too and waiting to see a specialist. Is the wait really that long on the NHS?! I've only just been referred! I'm struggling with the abdominal pain, it's agony!

[Blonde3 in reply to Bluebird23]

That’s with the gynaecology department not a specialist my dr only referred me for a routine appointment I am going back to her to see If I can go thro as an emergency because I cannot deal with the pain much longer. I’m not sure if that will bump me up the list or not

[Bluebird23 in reply to Blonde3]

I think the Gp is just referring me to gynae. I don't know how to cope with this level of pain. How do people go to work?!

[Blonde3 in reply to Bluebird23]

I have no idea I currently don’t work because I’m a carer for my son but even getting out of bed to look after him during a flare up is a nightmare. I’ve been trying CBD oil for a few weeks the one I have doesn’t help with the pain but it does make me feel overall better if that makes sense. I’m going to try a stronger version and see how that helps

[lisaevans2912]

Sorry your having such a rough time 😞 im going to 2nd the tens machine, it really did help during flare ups, i actually used to wear it to work at times. Really hope you get some answers and start feeling better xx

[Blonde3 in reply to lisaevans2912]

Thank you I will have a look at buying one x