Have I got endometriosis?

[Clairem90]

I just want to hear people's opinions who have been diagnosed!

I'm 29, started my periods and they have always been very heavy and painful, but manageable with painkillers. But since having my 1st child 5 years ago, they've become unbearable. I bleed through a super tampon in 1 hour. The only way I can describe the pain is that all my organs have swollen up twice the size and then a knife has been stuck in the middle. If I can get comfy and totally still then I can breathe through the pain, but any movement is complete agony. I only have this pain 2 days a month, the first 2 days of my period then it gets gradually better for the next few days. Painkillers make no difference. It's effecting my life so much, I can't look after my own kids for those 2 days. The pain goes all the way up under my ribs and I'm so bloated I can't even wear pyjamas. I also have pain during sex (not really bad) and spotting inbetween periods. So the doctor sent me for an ultrasound and they found cysts on my ovaries and a polyp on the lining of my womb. She is not worried about these things but has booked another scan for 6 weeks time.

Does this sound like endo? I can't put up with it much longer, I spend all my time dreading it 😩

[jasne77]

Sorry, that you have to go through this much pain for so long. You mentioned several endo symptoms your doctor should act and refer you to a specialist. Also you write that you have cysts. These are often the only changes, which a general gynocologist can see in the ultrasound if you have endometriosis. It is very hard to spot through medical imaging. The only safe way to diagnose it is a laparoscopy by a specialist.

Push your doctor if s/he doesn't act and change the GP until you get referred to a specialist. Mention each of your symptoms (best way is to make a list or start a diary), emphasize the spotting inbetween your periods, pain during sex, heavy bleeding during periods and how badly your symptoms effect your daily life.

You need better painkillers. Changing your diet might help you reduce the bloating and the pain. Food intolerances (e.g. lactose, gluten, fructose) are common among women with endometrioses. Also magnesium is worth a try and many of us use hot water bottles.