Are my symptoms severe enough to go to the doctors?

[Jssclarkex]

Hi all

Ive recently seen the footage covered by BBC news and have been looking into endometriosis but I’m in two minds wether this is just my diagnosed IBS.

Over the last 4 years I have suffered extremely with IBS, constantly having stomach issues, constant bloating, and extreme stabbing pains near the right side of my belly button. Over the last 2 years I also noticed a change in my periods- I’ve had period pains before when growing up (I’m now 24) but these have got to the point where the first two days of my period I am extremely nauseous from the pain around my stomach area, I am taking constant tablets which don’t seem to ease the pain, wearing heat patches everywhere and crying with a hot water bottle every night. The pain leaves me screaming and has even woken me up in the night contemplating going to the hospital.

I thought this pain was just from my IBS but I’m unsure if it’s worth getting endometriosis looked into with my doctor? I also have constant fatigue where I can instantly sleep for days after eating specific foods, migraines, irregular periods and a constant aching in my pelvic area which feels like a “faint” period pain most days (which I’ve just kind of thought is normal now I’ve had it for so long!)

Any help or advice would be appreciated, I’m in two minds to go ask about this as the research online is making me question my diagnosis of just IBS

X

[Endopink14]

Hi Jssclarkex,

As an Endo suffer myself I am glad to hear that the BBC coverage has prompted you to question your symptoms. I hope it prompts many people who are suffering with these awful symptoms in silence and without any diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Endo this earlier this year and I’m currently recovering from my second laparoscopy. I’m no expert but this is my input. I think that by what you’ve described I would definitely go to your GP to see if you can be referred to a gynaecologist ( Endometriosis specialist if possible). You shouldn’t have to suffer like you are and least if you follow up with doctor, you will get an answer either way. So don’t feel like your wasting your GPs time as your not! Good Luck x x x

[Char411]

Your symptoms sound like they are impacting your daily life, that’s reason enough for a GP to investigate. It took me 18 months to get diagnosed and I had to be quite pushy to get answers.

Be aware endo doesn’t show up on scans, ultra sounds etc, mine didn’t even show up on an MRI but I knew something was wrong.

Good luck and just remember pain should never be your normal

X

[Pinkprincess22 in reply to Char411]

It sounds to me that it’s really impacting your life so I would speak to a dr rather than continue to suffer.

Do you have heavy periods also?

I have ibs and understand how miserable that can be.

Just to try to help you with IBS have you worked out what foods cause you more issues? I find white onions, cabbage and cauliflower are some of my triggers. I have found peppermint oil capsules from healthy direct every day have helped a lot.

For the bloated pains (I had endometriosis and fibroids had my operation 3 weeks ago) I found charcoal tablets from Holland and Barrett really helps also.

Good luck x

[Starfish123]

Whatever you do don’t get fobbed off like I was when I did see a dr about it, I had an operation last year where stage 4 endo was discovered, I’m over 50. I should have persisted with it years ago, instead it was found by accident.

[Tracey4668]

To me it sounds like endo. I would def get checked out. Lots of people get fobbed off so if need be get more than opinion.

Normal periods should not make you feel sick. Painkillers should also be enough to help ease any pain. The fact that they are not helping and neither are heat remedies, sounds like it's not normal. Hope you get some answers x