Possible endometriosis symptoms

[n0166895]

Hi

I'm writing on behalf of my wife as I'm more concerned over some strange issues she's been having since having our second child via csection 18 months ago.

Shortly after having our little girl my wife started to get a strange pressure in her back passage and stomach. She explained it as if she felt like her insides were swollen. She also seemed to develop period cramps with this as well. Apparently my wife has always had irregular periods, and her sister had a huge ovarian cyst in her 20s which had to be removed.

After our daughter she started to have what we think we're regular periods but they were accompanied by these issues I've spoken about. She also was sore, and had pain during sex, again only when close or coming up to what we believe is her period. She last has occasionally bled after intercourse.

Lately she has also developed lower back pain but only after sitting down then standing up, straightening her back. It also hurts her to break wind and go for a poo- again this only seems to be when she is on or coming up to her period. Months back they diagnosed here with a 'dry vagina' due to hormone changes after having our daughter. They gave her cream and the pain subsided.

These symptoms were bad initially and then subsided a little. But they again have worsened recently.

To start with we thought it must be to do with the csection and things will get better but I'm not sure they are or will. She has been sent for physio for her back, and we are waiting to see a gaenocologist. She has had blood tests too as my wifes hair seems to thin around her period. This has only happened before when she was pregnant and blood tests showed she was slightly anaemic with both pregnancies.

Do these symptoms sound like endometriosis? Please let me know your opinions.

Thank you

[Hidden]

I think these problems very much do sound like endometriosis. I'm very sorry to say that because it's such a horrible illness.

I've had endometriosis since only 14 but didn't know I had it until 45.

My problems significantly worsened after the birth of my 2nd child but I was fobbed off over and over again (IBS was often mentioned).

A lot of my problems were bowel / digestive related, sounds similar to your wife but got worse and worse over years.

Based on my horrible experiences, I'd try and get a sympathetic GP and get referred to an endometriosis specialist or gynaecologist with a special interest in endometriosis. If it is endometriosis, it won't go away and you really need to know. At first, I wasn't unwell all the time but eventually this progressed until I was.

It's not easy but quietly stick to your guns and hopefully you'll get the help you need.

Good luck!

[Sarah_Meriel]

Unfortunately the only way you will know it's endometriosis for sure is by having a laparoscopy. Before that your wife we probably be referred for an ultrasound and MRI scan. But I agree that you should definitely pursue a specialist BSGE centre if not already referred to one.

It will feel like you are completely out of control and frustration will rise throughout the process of not knowing what is causing this. But as someone who has had endo diagnosed and dealing with the worst of it for the past 3 years, there can be light ahead if you can muster the energy to look at the body holistically. Diet, exercise, yoga and alternative treatments can really help - especially with bloating. I have had two surgeries to get endo removed and I'm not sure it's really made much difference in the long term. It's left me with scar tissue and symptoms returning after only a few months...hang on in there, as you have children already, some of the hormonal treatments might not feel so drastic. Endo can be kept at bay and lots of women can live a pain free life with it.