What treatments have you had for endometriosis?

[YorkieNiko]

I was diagnosed with endometriosis last year after a laparoscopy and ablation. I was advised after to take the mini pill as I get migraines and can't take the combined. My symptoms kept getting worse and it was decided by me and my GP to try the Mirena coil. I had it fitted 3 weeks ago and know I need to give it 6 months to fully take effect.

The pain I am in is so bad that I faint and feel sick all of the time. My GP has given me Naproxen and Codeine to take for the pain but it doesn't really help.

I'm just wondering what others take for pain, and after the Mirena coil are there any other treatment options? I feel like the coil is my last option before something drastic. The thought of having regular laparoscopy's makes me panic and I'm not ready to have a hysterectomy as I'm only 28.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Jcmanley98]

I can’t offer advice but I hope you find something that eases your pain 🤍

[USgalwthendo]

I had a robotic lap to diagnose and remove endo 7 years ago but was a 5-6 hour surgery and very thorough. However my symptoms (pain infertility etc) have continued and in past few years have gotten much worse. My options are meds like birth control or the new med Orlissa which I’m afraid to take so I haven’t. I have only taken ibuprofen for pain. Plus heating pads and hot water bottles. Pain is excruciating but can’t get anything stronger than ibuprofen. I could get another surgery but I have heard that can cause more scar tissue. I’ve also heard a hysterectomy won’t necessarily help endo either as the tissue can grow anywhere and many women still have endo symptoms after a full hysterectomy and into menopause. The problem with this darn disease is there are options but none seem very good when you do all your research. Just band aides but no real lasting help. More research is what is needed. In the interim I cope with my heating pads and ibuprofen and I have started gentle endo friendly yoga. I also take citalopram for depression from having this disease and it helps immensely. Keeping a positive attitude has helped but I needed a little help to get there. And I come on this site to give and receive support. Take care and best wishes to you

[Jasmineleah]

Hi, This sounds awful for you, I really hope you get the help you need soon.

I was put on Amnitriptyline about 8 weeks ago. It’s really helped with the pain. It’s not got rid of it completely, but it’s certainly better than it was. Before I started taking it I couldn’t walk, or even stand in the shower. But now I can get on with everyday things around the house. It takes a few weeks to begin working and makes you sleepy to begin with but it’s worth asking your GP.

I hope this helps

Steph x

[YorkieNiko in reply to Jasmineleah]

Thank you. I was on amitriptyline before my laparoscopy and it didn’t help. I was also taking Norethisterone which helped for a few months but then the pain came back worse than before. It was only after going through all of this that they operated and found the endometriosis.

[Jasmineleah in reply to YorkieNiko]

Ah ok, I’m having a similar problem, they’re refusing to give me a hysterectomy for adenomyosis. I hope you get the help you need soon.