Zoladex injections.

[Caitlincee1]

Has anyone else with endometriosis still have severe pelvic/lower abdominal pain whilst on Zoladex? I’m 3 weeks into my first injection and in extreme pain.

[Moon_maiden]

The consultant told me it can take 2/3 months to help pain. It doesn’t work for everyone, I kept going for six, but didn’t help much.

It’s always worth checking with GP and test for uti, it’s too easy for other things to get missed.

[Caitlincee1 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thanks for replying ! Maybe I just need to wait until second injection two weeks away. I’m in so much pain at the minute can barely eat. My GP just sends me to A&E which is pointless.

[Moon_maiden in reply to Caitlincee1]

What pain relief are you taking? Your GP should refer you urgently to the pain clinic.

[Caitlincee1 in reply to Moon_maiden]

I’m currently on co-codamol 30/500, ibuprofen 400mg and amitriptyline. Even with all that I’m in severe pain

[Moon_maiden in reply to Caitlincee1]

If you’re taking ibuprofen, next step up from that is Naproxen, stronger NSAID, often used for gynae conditions. If you went down this route GP should prescribe something like omeprazole to protect the stomach. The pain nurse said Tramadol is better for endo pain. I’m still taking it even with hysterectomy. I’m on Amitriptyline and started Pregabalin a few weeks ago. There are thoughts it’s nerve pain but not sure that would explain abdominal pain.

I think Pregabalin might be helping a little, or it’s a combination of both. Also got Oramorph as back up.

If GP is reluctant re opiates there is Nefopam. I think many here resort to Oramorph at some point.

Tell GP you want an urgent referral to the pain clinic. You shouldn’t suffer at all.

[Caitlincee1 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you so much for your reply. There’s a lot of pain medication I can’t take unfortunately including naproxen and morphine. I will defiantly get back in touch with my GP re pain clinic referral I think this would be helpful for me. I’m in so much pain I’ve been thinking of going to A&E but I just can’t stand how they dismiss me once they see endometriosis

[Moon_maiden in reply to Caitlincee1]

Be careful with ibuprofen as it’s the same family as Naproxen, not sure what reaction you get.I started the Tramadol after going to A&E they told GP to refer to the pain clinic.

Don’t be put off going if you need to. It’s what they are there for, paid by us, it’s not a free system as such. It’s our right.

When I went that time they nearly turned me away saying it was a GP issue. Told them GP isn’t doing anything and I’ve come for help, words to that effect but with far more firm 🤣

When I went a few weeks back, similar views but got a bit crosser, they did get gynae, but as much use as, well not much 😂 they tried diclofenac, took edge of. Did stay in, but rough night couldn’t sleep.

What made me cross was someone else was being told they’d have to stay in to get pain under control for gout! The difference in how treated was frustrating. I’ve included that in my complaint.

[Caitlincee1 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Yeah I’m not long discharged from hospital after staying a week due to blocked colon. Blocked colon they believe was from morphine so can’t have that anymore. They just can’t wait to discharge once they see gynae on medical notes. I think if it stays this bad I may just have to go. I’ve never tried tramadol just morphine. I really think pain clinic would be best for me thanks

[white61 in reply to Caitlincee1]

Hey, I'm currently on tramadol and I was told by a nurse it turns into morphine when it gets to the stomach. Sometimes it doesn't touch my pain and sometimes it works well it just depends. However, I do find it makes me feel very tired and often I don't wake up until 11am or 12 mid day because I feel so drained from it. So that's one annoying side effect and often they don't want someone to take it in the long run and it is so strong but I know I won't manage with weaker tablets as my pain is just so bad. Sorry for the random reply just thought to mention it xx

[Caitlincee1 in reply to white61]

Thank you! I work full time but I’ve been off for 2 months due to my pain so I can’t really take anything to strong for work which is annoying. Hopefully it will go away after second injection

[white61 in reply to Caitlincee1]

Yeah I completely understand before covid I was full of tramadol and / or codeine and paracetamol and I felt constantly tired and in pain really struggling while on my feet all day. I find 'beyou' patches really help with my pain. Can type it in google or on instagram, they are strips which help cool the area and it really does help - defo recommend! x

[Caitlincee1 in reply to white61]

Thanks , I have been using those patches and they are deff helpful when not In full flare. Heating pad is also helpful, however, struggling so bad atm can’t get this pain under control. Can’t even eat it’s that sore

[white61 in reply to Caitlincee1]

I guess you've already rang your doctors or been to hospital? Just seems like very extreme pain to put up with you would think they would be able to provide something to ease the pain, so sorry your experiencing this.

[Moon_maiden in reply to Caitlincee1]

Opiates in general cause constipation. I had that before taking them, so if I stop laxatives can’t go. Gets more painful as well.Did they mention endo while you were staying in?

I find it weird how they run if it’s gynae, it’s like the most common thing going as far as women are concerned. 😂

[Caitlincee1 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Yeah that’s what I was confused about because I take strongest co codamol and never been constipated or had a blockage weird. Yeah I was on a gynae ward for a week. But yeah A&E on the most have been poor wouldn’t even offer me a scan the last time until I was eventually rushed in

[Moon_maiden in reply to Caitlincee1]

Hopefully all the recent publicity re medical, gynae and women, will improve things.Maybe get hospital records and see what’s what.