Any point in diagnosis?

[Skijay]

Hello all

I’d appreciate advice as I’ve seen doctors in the past only to be told my pain was normal.

I suspect it could be down to endo (not sure what else causes such heavy bleeding and unbearable pain/passing out/vomiting?), but have read up as much as I can find on treatment available, and I wouldn’t want any of it (various drugs, multiple surgery etc...).

Also, as my symptoms only crop up every few months, and for just 2 hrs at the start of my period, it seems a bit much to go through all the hassle.

Any advice much appreciated!

[AllthatGlitters]

Have you been diagnosed by a GP?

I have adenomyosis and endometriosis, I have heavy bleeding , pain, vomiting, blood issues so similar to you.

I would definitely see a doctor about this to consider what they can do to help you. Don’t suffer in silence x

[Skijay in reply to AllthatGlitters]

Thank you for the reply!

I haven't been diagnosed no, so I've just been dealing with it as it's such a relatively small amount of time that I have the symptoms.

Tbh I haven't had much faith in GPs, as ones I've seen in past just seemed to write it off as normal period pain (put me on pill, but I dont want to keep taking that)

I suppose I was just thinking if there's no other risks/ long-term problems that could arise from ignoring it, then I'd accept it, rather than side effects that come with drugs.

Also trying to make changes to my diet, just hard to know what works when the symptoms are so sporadic/infrequent...

It might not happen for a year, so seems like the problem's disappeared, then it's 2 or 3 months in a row.

I'll maybe start a diary and see if I can see any patterns!

[Christin_a]

Hello

If it is endometriosis it's a progressive condition. So if you leave it it could not only make your symptoms worse but also the amount of symptoms you have do not always relate to the amount of endo you have or where it is.

So although symptoms may not be bad now they can get worse. So it is worth getting the diagnosis and surgery now as it can get rid of any endometriosis you do currently have.

[Skijay in reply to Christin_a]

Thanks, Christina. I didn’t know it tends to progress and could get worse. I guess it’s maybe time to see a doctor for a different opinion...

[Christin_a in reply to Skijay]

Yes I recommend getting another opinion. Sometimes you may have to see a couple of GPs before finding one who will take you seriously, I now have a list of Dr's I will see in my practice and ones I won't, because of weather they took my pain seriously or just told me "it's part of being a woman". But hopefully with endometriosis being in the news alot recently in the UK you won't have to battle now. I would suggest going in and saying that you think it could be endometriosis and want it investigated.

They should then refer you to a gynecologist who has a specialist interest in endometriosis (check this as this is a requirement when being referred for endometriosis). They may also send you for ultrasound scans this generally doesn't pick up endo it's more checking for other things such as cysts on ovaries, so even if the scans are clear you still need to be seen by the gynecologists.

I hope this helps