The last 2 days have been building with back, abdomen & leg cramps & that all-too-familiar pinching sensation in my lower right abdomen (my worst side).
Today it's the most painful day, like early labour. I have no energy, a huge, bloated tummy, nausea & a headache. Don't even ask me to sit down, because that sends a sudden sharp pain like I've sat on a huge metal spike, which continues to ache & throb whilst I remain sitting. The shock waves with each footstep are nothing short of disturbing (and keenly remind me how much extra wobble I have around my midriff)!
Bed sounds like a nice option, if I could only sleep (except for my 3 kiddies running around)!
I know that the next 2-3 days will be as painful as the first, before I settle back down to my regular 24/7 cramps & pinches... Awaiting the dreaded Aunt Flow!"
I am looking forward to getting an official, recognised, diagnosis... Whenever that'll be. But I live in hope.
Just wanted to share, in case anyone else has similar symptoms; you're not suffering alone xx
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PurpleSynesthesia
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I suffer exactly the same as you. I have been diagnosed for nearly three years now and in a fortunate way I am only just getting flares back after my surgery in 2018. Have you tried a hot water bottle or tens machine at all? These seem to help my pain. It must be horrible when you are having to look after your children as well?! Xx
I do use hot water bottles, when I'm not having a hot flush lol. It's not so easy to use them when I'm moving around after the kids, so I end up warming the sofa rather than my achy parts 😅. I've not yet tried a Tens machine, but you're not the first to recommend one. I'll definitely look into it, my sister in law might be able 2 lend me hers to try out.
I feel guilty for not having the energy to be there for my children, so it does add a new dimension to the struggle.
May I ask what exactly were you diagnosed with?? I've had a partial hysterectomy for Adenomyosis & fibroids, one year ago. Left ovary was completed adhered onto the front of the uterus so that went too. Scarring was found on the bladder and the Pouch of Douglas and was removed, also adhesions on the outside of part of the bowels causing it to stick to the front of the uterus also, this was also removed, the adhesions that is, no bowels re-section was done. Only the right ovary & tube remains & the ovulation can still get really gnarly & she is being Super Woman/Wonder Woman/Harley Quinn all at once trying to do the most, sometimes she'll have a 2nd go at it. Also does anyone else get constipated at ovulation time, that triggers my IBS & it can be extremely painful. I also get dizzy spells and some nausea, extreme fatigue & serious bloating. It was all worse pre- surgery, but still can disrupt my life for a few days every month.
Here's the catch - I've only ever been diagnosed with ovarian cysts over the years - apparently not polycystic - & nobody has been interested in pursuing any further investigations. I know I have another cyst right now because of the specific knife-point pains.
I've been fighting for years to be heard, but because I've had 3 children in the middle of everything, I've had to keep going back to square one. We've finished "building" our family now & I know how lucky we are to have been able to conceive 3 times, after being told it would be difficult.
I've lost count of the number of scans I've had, but I'm trying to push for a laparoscopy because every month, ovulation seems to get worse & totally disables me. There is rarely a single day in the month that I don't have cramping.
In answer to another of your questions, I don't get constipated during ovulation, but everything swells up & my cervix pushes into my colon, making me feel like I constantly need to "go" & causing bowel cramps. This also happens during my period. I do get nauseous & I often look hugely pregnant when I'm not.
Us girlies get it rough, don't we? But at least we aren't alone
Ok thank you for your response. I'm sorry that we have to go through all this. I was also diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome. I have had some small cysts burst over the years- those were extremely painful & I needed to have antibiotics as I had secondary infections after.
It is very unfortunate that some of the Docs don't seem to want to diagnose us. SMH I have had my share. What about IVF Docs? In my experience, they have more experience diagnosing and treating Endo, Adeno, etc... I am not sure how the medical system works in your country. We usually have a better chance with private medical Docs, but it is also way more expensive. All my diagnosis and surgeries were done privately, thank God my Dad could pay for it.
Well before the surgery, I used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments to help with the pain and long list of other symptoms. Basically it was acupuncture, cupping, heat therapy and herbal treatments. I have not had much treatment post surgery due to COVID lockdowns. My hot water bottle helped a lot too.
I hope you get some assistance. All the best to you.
hi. That sounds just like I was☹ its miserable and especially hard when you have kids to entertain. What pain relief are you on? Hope you get a diagnosis soon are you awaiting an appointment / surgery? If it helps I had surgery and it was like a switch the pain reduced so much, I had injections for 6 months and was blessed to have another addition to our family, I'm finding the ovulation pain has completely stopped and I just get a tummy ache that paracetamol helps with once a month which is a real treat as I used to struggle just to get to the bathroom ☹ . I did find using the Endo diet really helpful, even now some things I just can't eat without pain. Xx
I'm just on paracetamol. NSAIDs aggravate my stomach & give me a reflux. Getting an appointment with my doctor is one thing, getting him to listen is another.
I'm currently under gyne, but they've forgotten to continue with my treatment & lost my records... I'm in the process of changing GPs and exploring referral options for BSGE.
I do find that my diet really affects me too, pretty much as soon as I swallow anything. I usually bloat throughout the day, but during ovulation, I start the day bloated & just get bigger.
hi, yes😊, I had 6 months of prostap injections, it doesn't agree with most people and can cause alot of issues but for me it was fine and really helped me get over it ( stage 4, full frozen pelvis and bladder and bowel issues). For diet I followed the endometriosis diet for healing and fertility through nutrition ( a book by Diana someone). Because I was in such a bad way I did the diet strictly for a few months so it was eating plenty of fruit ( not citrus) and vegs ( lots of kale, spinach etc), a bit of fish, chicken, goats milk and i didn't have any sugary treats, bread, pasta etc. Once I was feeling a bit better I reintroduced things one at a time, so I was able to work out what brought on pain, so for me I m fine with milk, yogurt, cheese and the occasional glass of bubbles 😃, I can't have pasta even gluten free brings pain on, I can't have any seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower seeds as they also bring on pain. I struggle with bought cake sometimes I'm ok, other times I'm not so I generally try to home bake the things in ok with. Took time and effort but for me it definitely does help. Xx
Thank you so much for you reply. I'm glad that all this worked for you. I heard that some of the injections are better for endo than pill. I personally can't stand the pill.
Kids seem to know when someone isn’t well, probably more empathy when you’re young. I don’t have any, but have seen them in action 🙂 doctors could learn a bit from them 😂
I hope you feel better for tomorrow, we’re you planning on going out
Ouch! I was getting pain like that- worse than my actual period pain once my norethindrone acetate stopped my period! I’m investigating a TENS unit also so if you try one, let us know what you think! I’ve also used menthol/camphor patches (like for arthritis) if it’s too hot for a hot water bottle or heating pad, and weirdly a quercetin supplement made a huge difference for me specifically for the ovulation pain and fatigue (it’s an antioxidant and has some anti-inflammatory effects).
I have also found that there are some osteopathic manipulation techniques that can clear out some of the pain - one is a “nerve distraction” technique to remind the nerves in the pelvis to calm down, and another is a pelvic alignment technique. I’m really blessed that my wife is a US-trained osteopathic family medicine specialist/GP so she does it for me and has figured out that those techniques work best. It might be worth a try for you before your next cycle.
Oh wow. So wrong about my peak day! Extra long build up & today is absolute, hellish agony. Pains spreading right up to my kidneys, down to my knees. Pinching pain has moved from right to left (double ovulation??), I look about 7 months pregnant & feel like giving birth... All the pressure, none of the pleasure!
Absolutely terrified of passing out on the loo because any movement or change in pressure is intense at best.
I really hope today is the worst because if tomorrow takes it up any higher I'll be in A&E (probably wasting my time).
I am depending on 2 hot water bottles, which are taking the edge off.
😱🥵🤢😖
Here's hoping to a less debilitating day tomorrow!
Wireless TENS machine is well worth the investment! I have had two surgeries for my endo and waiting on a third. Couldn’t be without my TENS. I have two units and put one on my back and one on my right side. Although I experience some level of pain everyday, pain is always the worst during ovulation.
My machine has seven settings, so I go between settings depending on the pain. The sticky pads do need replacing often if you use it a lot, and machine is more effective when pads are fresh. I don’t think you get used to the TENS, but it can become less effective if pads aren’t maintained.
Thank you. Mine arrived today, it's the Lloyd's pharmacy own brand with 4 pads on 2 channels. I'll have a go & experiment next time the pain warrants it. X
I seem to be OK with dairy (lactose free though). Bread hates me, as does pasta, so I should probably minimise gluten. Any highly acidic fruit is bad news, so no pineapple or citrus (I do still have these sometimes, but rarely & in small amounts, because they taste so good 😋).
I think, largely, everyone is different & will be able to tolerate various foods in various amounts.
For me, personally, these kinds of days work best: -
Breakfast = a large glass of lactose free milk
Lunch = mixed salad leaves with cheese/ pieces of chicken/ fish, chopped banana & apple/ a few berries
Dinner = rice/ mash with steamed vegetables, mushrooms & slow roasted meat with fresh chopped ginger, garlic, lemongrass & coriander to add flavour. I'm also fine with a little soy sauce, but I know there's a link between soy & oestrogen, so I don't overdo it.
I try to snack on dried dates, pecan nuts & cranberries if I'm craving sweet things.
What diet works for you?
Tillyfloss mentioned the endo diet for healing just further up.
So, a month later, here we go again, & I have used my TENS machine for the first time.
Here's my honest review : -
Ovulation pain had been steadily building over the last couple of days, more of a discomfort than a pain.
Yesterday evening, at roughly 5pm, I hit that all-too-familiar peak.
I attached my TENS pads on my lower abdomen, on both sides & set it to a programme 3, level 5 (it's Lloyd's pharmacy own brand).
I have to say, I noticed immediate relief.
The sensations from the machine were a bit weird at first, but they definitely distracted my body from the extreme & nauseating ovulation pains. Whilst I was still aware of being sore inside, unless triggered by going from sitting to standing & vice versa, the comforting stimulation of the TENS was the dominant feeling.
After 30 minutes, the TENS unit automatically switched off & I very quickly became aware of the ovulation pains rapidly escalating.
Now, I'm not someone who will stick the machine on for every little gripe, but I must confess to using it repeatedly last night, so it covered me for about 3 hours, until I went to bed with a hot water bottle.
I know it's recommended to not exceed 3 times each day and to space those times out, but I only plan using it during ovulation peaks, so once, maybe twice a month if my period is especially horrid.
After all, I need to get through it and function.
I hope this is helpful to some; would be interesting to hear others' experiences.
Here's to a slightly less painful day - so glad it's the weekend!
I feel quite similar! Whenever my ovulation peaks I feel constantly nauseous or I loose my appetite for 24-36 hours. Today I’m struggling to walk, last month I was admitted with a. Cyst on my R ovary and today it feels quite similar pain but on my L. I’ve had to ring doctors to switch my pain meds from codeine to tramadol. Fingers crossed it works!
I hope it all works out for you. I can't take either codeine or tramadol - one makes me sleepy & gives me sleep paralysis, the other makes me feel like I'm having a bad trip 😅
I do recommend using a TENS machine if you can though. That plus a hot water bottle saw me through the night this time round.
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