Symptom control

[Stormygirl]

Hello

This is my first post, be gentle with me!

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in August last year. I was listed for surgery but then the whole COVID thing happened so it has been postponed. I have been regularly symptomatic for about 18 months now.

I’m looking for advice of dealing with the bloating that occurs around menstruation. I actually go up a dress size around my waist at this time, the pain is crappy and, no pain relief touches it. I have an allergy to NSAIDS and opioids so I only take paracetamol. There is always the associated crazy bowel movements and bowel mucus leakage resulting in burnt piles - always unpleasant.

The bleeds are always large so they exhaust me and the amount of tampons and towels I get through is becoming expensive. I have started to get migraines too, not sure if they are related. In the last few months I have developed acne too, again not sure if that is related.

Anyway I’m a single Mum with 2 young kids and a job. I’m just wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom as to how to manage symptoms.

Thanks in advance 😊

[Moon_maiden]

Hi

That you’re holding down a job with two children is amazing. I don’t think I could at the moment.

Although I can take Opiate, I prefer not to due to sleep apnoea, they don’t mix well. I take Nefopam which isn’t classed in either group, but don’t ask me what. The hospital gave me some when I went home. It’s more expensive for GP, but might be worth discussing to see if it could work for you if you need it. I think it’s mainly cost that means they go for codeine, etc., don’t let that put you off discussing options. Wheat bags are a lifeline.

Migraines could have different causes, have you had eyes checked recently? All this COVID stuff will have given extra stress if you’re juggling work and children.

I hope you get the op date through soon. Beautiful cat 🙂

[Stormygirl in reply to Moon_maiden]

Hi

Thanks for the response.

Is Nefopam more of an antispasmodic? I hadn’t thought about trying one of those for the cramps

Some days I struggle to sit down and have to kneel only, other days I can’t bend over.

Some days are fine, like today despite bleeding quite heavily I have no pain. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it

[Moon_maiden in reply to Stormygirl]

I don’t believe so, but not entirely sure.

You could speak to GP about this and antispasmodic, you could be on the right lines.

Great you don’t have pain currently 😊