Trying to figure out if I have Endometriosis

[Liz123456789]

Hi there,

I have been going to and fro to the gp, having various ultrasounds and blood tests, for about four years now. I first went to the gp when I started experiencing a regular 'pinching' pain in my lower right abdomen. One of the scans showed what they thought was a small hemorrhagic cyct - but this was gone by the follow-up scan. All blood tests etc are clear - no signs of infection or imbalances.

My symptoms are:

- Ovulation pain that lasts for around 6-7 days and is accompanied by general abdominal pressure, bloating, constipation, and a feeling that my intestines are all being 'pulled down'.

- My uterus is retroverted

- Periods are not especially heavy or painful, and pretty regular (I know this is not expected in someone with endo). But they do stop and start throughout the 5 or so days (I have read this might be a result of a retroverted uterus)

- Period pain when running and not on my period.

I am confused because 1 in 10 women have Endometriosis, but all the personal accounts I've read sound far more painful than what I am experiencing. So I am worried it might get worse, but also not sure that I have it if I am not experiencing severe pain? And mostly pain at ovulation rather than menstruation?

Does anyone has any ideas? Does this sound like Endometriosis? Or could this be Pre-menstrual syndrome instead? Or if anyone has a similar experience it would be great to hear, I am getting very anxious and confused.

Thank you, Lizzie x

p.s: I am 24

[Cal15]

Hi Lizzie,

What you are experiencing sounds similar to my endo symptoms. I get worse pain during ovulation than during menstruation. The reason I decided to get a gynae referral was because I felt like my insides were being ‘pulled down’ and I had constant bloating and heavy periods.

From what I’ve read you don’t have to be in severe pain to suffer from endometriosis. Some people experience no pain while others have small areas of endo and are in a lot of pain from it.

Sorry to hear you are in pain but hopefully you get the answers you deserve xx

[Liz123456789 in reply to Cal15]

Hi Cal, Thank you so much for your reply. It's really helpful to hear that you have similar symptoms and have endo. I'm especially helped by the fact you also experience the 'pulling down' feeling, as I wasn't sure if this was just me! Thanks so much again, and I hope you are doing okay!

Lizzie x

[Cal15 in reply to Liz123456789]

No worries. The pulling down feeling is really hard to describe, but I definitely get that a lot during ovulation and the week before my period!

[Liz123456789 in reply to Cal15]

Yes! So difficult to describe - sort of like my organs are insecure and going to fall out!

[Liz123456789 in reply to Cal15]

Do you mind me asking how you got your diagnosis? Thanks again!

[Cal15 in reply to Liz123456789]

Sure, I had a laparoscopy almost 2 months ago. The whole process for me was about 2-3 years. I was fortunate to get a hospital referral and a gynaecologist who listened to me. I had various blood tests and scans which all came back normal. I had my copper coil removed a year ago and was told that if my symptoms persisted then I could get booked in for a lap. Hope that helps

[Liz123456789 in reply to Cal15]

Thank you that's so helpful. I have finally been referred to a gynaecologist, so am crossing my fingers they can help me!

[Cal15 in reply to Liz123456789]

Ah that is good news. For me, and for many others I’m sure, the hardest part was getting the referral. Fingers crossed!x

[Jb_x in reply to Liz123456789]

Have you had your lap or awaiting one? Xx

[Liz123456789 in reply to Jb_x]

No I've not, and I'm not awaiting one either. I'd like to get to that point though so I can get s definite answer! X

[Jb_x in reply to Liz123456789]

That’s such a shame. So frustrating isn’t it. I had one back in 2017. Adhesions but no endo they said. It was my first surgery. They had said it could be in the muscle? Still having problem after the years have went on. Was on coil and pill together as the coil only last for 2 years. I got that put in when had op. And constant pain in right side of pelvis and randomly in left. Feel bruised inside and like someone stabbing me and dragging my womb down. I’ve just came off the mirena coil and pill as worries me with the hormones in my body as my mum was on hrt that caused her bc. So now back to square one x

[Liz123456789 in reply to Jb_x]

So sorry to hear that you've still not found the best way to deal with your symptoms, and thanks for sharing. Also really helpful to hear another person with the same pulling/dragging down feeling. I would love to know what causes that sensation! I too am reluctant to go on hormone medication. I was on the pill for two years about 5-6 years ago now, and will only go back on it as a last measure. I have heard that some people find ways to ease their pain through diet and exercise, so am interested in exploring that some more. But for now I'm going to push to have the laparoscopy to hopefully get some answers! x

[Jb_x in reply to Liz123456789]

Hope you get some answers. Yeah sometimes I feel like a dragging and also feel even just sitting and barely moving I feel bruised inside at my ovaries and along where you would get cramp x

[Liz123456789 in reply to Jb_x]

Yeah it's so strange and uncomfortable, I feel it also when I stand up and walk around.