What pain relief do you take ?

[JenD1972]

Hi I’m new here and don’t t currently have an Endometriosis diagnosis as yet and I’m really only at the beginning of looking for a diagnosis but I suspect that that’s what my issues relate to. So while I’m waiting for a Urology app (yes my GP has referred me to urology because of blood in my urine and cramping when I pee) can I ask what pain relief you use? I’m only taking ibuprofen for the agonising pain on the back right hand side of my pelvis/hip. I’m in pain every day and it’s a struggle to walk, at times the pain gets so back I feel like I can hear something snapping, like my muscle being torn apart. I’m pretty fed up but my GP had said to carry on with anti inflammatories.

[Hidden]

Hi Jen,In the short-term, you can consider alternating ibuprofen and paracetamol. Check the pack leaflet for safe dosage and max recommended in a day.

In the medium-term, try asking your GP for "pain management". Key words to get the GP to think.

For endo, many find that hormonal treatment helps to reduce pain. I have Mirena & mini pill.

Pain relief comes in three categories: anti-inflammatories, neuropathic, and opioid (e.g. codeine - good to avoid if possible due to constipating effects and possible addiction).

For people with endo, I've read it's useful to combine approaches.

I'm starting on amitriptyline, but keeping on with paracetamol and ibuprofen. I have Mefenamic acid (anti inflammatory) for period pain.

Also, I'm experimenting with CBD oil (full spectrum) which seems to help to relax a bit.

I haven't figured out the pain management yet, but I'm trying.

[JenD1972 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. Yes paracetamol alone is useless. The ibuprofen do take the edge off. I’m not keen on opioids, codiene is even a bit strong for me, think I’d be in bed all day. I’m already far more sedentary than I’ve ever been..... but at the moment I do see a time when I’ll be able to return to the gym when I struggle to walk some days.

[Aquaria]

Hi Jen!

Sorry to hear how difficult it is for you, I was in the exact same place as you prior to my diagnosis & some months the pain is still quite unbearable.

I have tried almost everything, I’ve had the surgery to burn off tissue, hormone injections to prevent my periods from occurring and also taken the pill. None of these worked for me, but that’s not to say they won’t work for you.

I personally take Naproxen which seems to do a tremendous amount of good for numbing the pain. Although that does carry the side effects of feeling slightly “out of it”, however, to me that is a small sacrifice I’m willing to take.

Superdrug sell paracetamol & ibuprofen combined in to 1 tablet which works for me when I have no Naproxen to take, these can be really effective! I’m not a fan of paracetamol on its own, but combined with ibuprofen it does a really good job! They aren’t too expensive either.

I also have used heat pads that have stuck to the inside of my pants & they have been helpful too on some occasions.

I hope your GP can have you diagnosed quickly, once I received my diagnosis it seemed to help me cope with it more each month as I knew exactly what was causing the pains.

Best of luck to you!

[Angellouise]

I’m sorry your going through so much pain. My daughter has the same issues as you and is taking tramodol for the pain. I hope you get some pain relief soon.

[Mumsie31]

Hi Jen, I have yesterday started using the be you patches off Amazon, and I am finding them really good. Also try some cbd balm and oil. If you vape you can get cbd vape liquid. I hope this helps. Sending you light and love.

[Sun_Kissed_Princess]

Hiya, you could try getting some otc co codamol from a pharmacy, you can take that with the ibuprofen. If it makes a slight bit of improvement with the pain, but doesn’t completely stop the pain, you could ask your gp to prescribe you the stronger ones. Co codamol and ibuprofen were my goto at the very beginning of all of this. Hopefully this might help.Best wishes!!

[Hidden in reply to Sun_Kissed_Princess]

Do take care with the co-codamol / codeine. They're good for very short-term use, but they can prompt constipation. In a sore system, constipation can be very uncomfortable. The last time I felt that I needed the codeine at night, I actually took senna tablets to relieve (future) constipation as well, and everything was fine in the morning. Also - for those taking amitriptyline, codeine is recommended to be avoided.

[Katiemo2007]

At the beginning I was in paracetamol and mefananic acid which worked for a short while. I have been on strong co codamol and diflofenic (anti inflammatory) I have severe asthma thats the only one I can take. I'm currently on tramadol with paracetamol and the diflofenic l. I've had injections and 3 years ago had my ovaries removed but unfortunately the pain came back a year later so I'm still on this journey. I was diagnosed 4 years ago stage 3 and advanced to stage 4 very quickly (within 6 months) try a tens machine I use mine alot and the foot long hot water bottles are great. Make yourself up a wee box of your favourite things and some painkillers so when you are in pain you know where everything is and you can relax as much as possible xx

[vizzle_01]

I have read those TENS/EMS machines can be useful yet to try one myself but might be something to have a look at. I, like you have not had a diagnosis yet I came off birth control a few months ago after being on it for 15 years and have found my periods bleeding heavy, awful pain, bloating and nausea unbearable. I had a lot if issues with them when I was a teen aswell hence part of the reason I went on birth control. I have just been prescribed Mefenamic acid and have been told to see if my periods settle down in 6-9 months. I explicitly told the nurse I do not want to go back on birth control again after being on it for so long I feel my body and mind needs a rest but if you've never been on it before it might be a good option for the pain. Painkillers for me weren't helping. Hope you manage to find something!