Am I imagining it?

[star81]

Hi everyone,

I can't tell you how much I have been reading this site over the past few weeks, it's been so helpful.

I am 40 years old and I am at the beginning of my Endo journey and after suffering for a while, I finally went to my doctor who instantly said she believed it was Endo and referred me to the hospital and I have my first appointment in a few weeks.

I get the following symptoms: painful, heavy periods, lower back pain (sometimes to the point where I can't even be touched without flinching), pain that radiates down my thigh and leg, sometimes it's a sharp pain, sometimes a dull ache or tingling sensation, uncomfortable intercourse but more importantly on that side of things, shooting pain when orgasming. I get cramping and pain about 10 days before my period is due to start, all throughout my period and then an ache for a few days after, so I am suffering quite badly about half the month at the moment. The other days are always niggly little pains that I can cope with. My bowel movements are unusual, never constipated or diarrhoea as such but not quite right, there is nearly always an urgency when I need to go, much like IBS I believe and my stools are never firm. I feel sick when I do go to the toilet. I am so tired, all the time. I have a hot water bottle with me most of the time, even at work.

All of the pain I get is on my left side and the reason for my post was to ask advice on one particular symptom. I have a pain on my lower left pelvic area, quite low down, almost where the thigh meets that area, it hurts sometimes when I go to the toilet and sometimes for days after. When I lay on my side or cross my legs I feel like there is something there, like its compacted in some way. Does that sound like anything anyone has experienced?

Many thanks,

A

[RedS4]

Hi AI'm really sorry to read about your experience, I know how daunting the uncertainty can be. I'm new to the site but I have been diagnosed with endometriosis for some time. The low down left side pain sounds familiar to me, though for me it was pretty constant and I still get the occasional jab but it hasn't been linked with going to the toilet for me. That said I'm quite sure it must be a bit different for everyone as it must depend on where the infiltrations are, how deep etc but for me this was associated with my left ovary and bowel. I had surgery in 2017 which has definitely substantially reduced the symptoms and the surgeon advised that menopause helps - though that comes with its own issues! If you can, it might be worth taking a friend, partner or relative with you for your appointment - its can be a lot to take in and can sometimes feel overwhelming but you aren't alone.