pain relief?

[charl02]

Pain relief

Gynaecologist has said that it’ll be around three years until i can get a laparoscopy. i’m currently on the pill and taking pain meds but i’m still struggling to move my hips or bend down, any pain relief tips?

[Moon_maiden]

Get another gynaecologist What are you currently taking? The GP could refer you to the pain clinic as urgent.

The pain nurse at A&E recommended Tramadol, then pain consultant Amitriptyline with Oramorph a a back up as needed. Helped but not perfect.

[charl02 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Hi thanks for replying,I currently take codeine, which was supposed to be for “when needed” but it’s all the time now and the side effects are making it difficult to get work done.

i’m still only seventeen so they won’t prescribe stronger meds, i’ll ask about the pain clinic, thank you so much for the advise

[Moon_maiden in reply to charl02]

There are specialist endo clinics for teenagers. Are they saying three years because of your age?Have you tried different versions of the pill?

[charl02 in reply to Moon_maiden]

The area that i live in is already extremely underfunded and with the covid backlog i think that three years is the best that they can offer. i’ve only been on one pill (rigevidon) for the last year and it’s made my periods lighter but my daily pain is actually getting worse.

[Moon_maiden in reply to charl02]

I’d go back to the GP about the pain clinic, but you could also ask about referrals elsewhere, three years is too long. I know covid has caused issues but that’s ridiculous, completely outside the realms of the 18 week guidelines. You don’t have to stay within a set area. I really hope you get something sorted soon about the pain, and that your GP is certain it’s nothing else causing the pain.

Take care 🙂

[charl02 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you so much, the advise has been really helpful, i’ll definitely go back to the GP and also look into how to speed up the surgery xx

[TennisAM in reply to charl02]

Hey so sorry your struggling and so sad particularly as you're so young. How far away are you from a good endometriosis centre area thats not underfunded? For appts its generally over the phone now so no real need for travel, if Gynae wanted an ultrasound done etc it could be done in the community via your GP. If you pick a hospital 100miles away for example you could stay for a few nights in a b&b until you're able to travel after and operation. It might be worth it because the average wait in England is a year or under normally for an op. My wait was 9 months for an op but that isn't recent.

Hopefully there are Pain clinics more local to you but I guess there will be a long wait for an underfunded area. Near me the funding is OK and the wait is still over 6 months. They will recommend three things, CBT to help you deal with the emotional side of pain and your condition. If you are in an IAPT area you can google it and refer yourself to your local talk therapy service without the need for a GP but it could be a long wait. They aren't suggesting it's in your head, its important to learn not to stress about the pain, get upset about it etc as this all makes pain /quality of life worse.

The second will be something like acupuncture/physio which can be great for pain relief.

The third will be appropriate pain management. There's many painkillers you can take, these days most of them are trying to wean patients off could codeine products as the downsides (constipation etc and possibly addiction) outweighs the benefits. They normally advise amitriptyline to start if suitable but be aware it does affect some people's mental health. They can also do things like neuromodulation. Also they may recommend a tens machine which is something you can buy.

For alternative natural therapies please send me a private message as I'm not allowed to post it publicly due to forum rules.

Hope you get some relief soon xx

[H4PP1]

Hey lovely, have you looked into making some changes to make your diet anti-inflammatory? It will help to bring some of the pain down and also taking supplements like magnesium and b12, but if you can start with googling endometriosis diet... you may not have this but change in what you wis very good for your body to learn to heal itself and self regulate. Happy to help if want more info x

[Missy100]

I'm sorry you are in the situation you are in. It sucks.

You might find something in the following helpful:

* Pain med review (if it isn't helping your GP might be able to review and offer an alternative)

* Tens Machine. Lloyds do one for about £20. I recommend getting the double port one. You can then choose to use two or four pads depending on which best suits your needs. Replacement pads are cheaper online. I buy them bulk on Amazon. Some are better than others. I am happy to let you know which ones I find best if this is an option you want to explore.

*Heat. I prefer microwave heat bags. I get mine on Etsy (scentless due to allergies). I prefer flaxseed as I find it most comfortable and the lady I buy mine off will custom make pillow cases that can be changed and thrown in the wash. Others prefer hot water bottles or electric heat pads. The disposable ones you can stick on (Can be found in the pain relief section at the grocery store or pharmacy) are good in a pinch if you need something on the go but beware that they can react nastily against your skin if you stick them on yourself and they are the type meant to be stuck to the inside of your clothing.

*Gentle yoga or stretching on a regular basis can help with mobility if you can manage it.

*You can also be asked to be referred for physical therapy to see if they can offer any suggestions to help. I didn't find physical therapy helped but others have found it did offer some.I'm not sure how this is working during the pandemic but your local GP office should be able to let you know how they are approaching it currently at their location.

*As much of a pain as it is, cutting back on wheat and dairy does help some people. Keep a food and symptom diary if you want to monitor how it affects you.

*I find music helpful. When I am in too much pain to cope or focus on anything, I position myself propped up with pillows, in the most comfortable position I can find, on the couch, with a soft blanket, my heat bags (I use more than one), my tens machine, with the lights off, and play something soft and relaxing.

I hope something there offers some sort of help.

[RedbudTree]

I second the recommendation for a TENS unit - I use Ovira (Ovira.com) and it has made a big difference in my comfort level and ability to live a somewhat normal life. The physio recommendation is probably worth looking into also if certain movements and positions make your pain worse. I see a US-trained osteopath/GP who has been doing some pelvic alignment and nerve distraction techniques and those give me 1-3 weeks of reduced pain.

I’ve also found that some natural remedies can help - different things work for different people. Keep looking into your options. I hope you find relief soon.

[SueRoberts]

Have you considered taking the pill constantly with no break for period? Discuss this option with GP. For me no period, no pain. I ended up on Depo-Provera which stopped my periods and pain but you are a bit young for that as side effects can affect bone density in younger women. If Gp agrees to the Pill on a constant basis, try it for 6 months then review. Make sure you don't drop off GP radar either. Keep pressing for Laparoscopy, bear in mind this is only a diagnostic tool not a remedy or cure. Stay positive & don't get fobbed off. Good luck.

[Niahn in reply to SueRoberts]

Similar response from me but most of my pain went away when I got the Mirena coil since most of my pain was during and around my period. Definitely worth a try if you’re comfortable with the idea