Bowel problems

[Greenlady48]

Hi everyone

Just wanted to know if endometriosis and adenomyosis causes anyone else bowel issues.

I either have extreme diarrhoea or am constipated at least once or twice a week now. And now also hip and back pain! Is that also part of it.

I’ve been formally diagnosed with both for about 15 years so thought I knew the disease well

I have recently finished 3 lots of zoladex injections and nothing worked

So I’ve tried to reduce the pain meds slowing over the past 2-3 months

It’s been hell! Im waiting for a full hysterectomy as I’m past menopause age and that’s what they have decided 😓

[MalachiteAli]

Hi greenlady. I'm an Occupational Therapist as well as living with endo. I try to only take the pain meds I absolutely have to take, for me that's 2 weeks of the month maximum at the moment for naproxen and omeprazole together, then co-codamol and amitriptyline as and when I need them on top. I am following the anti-inflammatory diet, more faithfully when I'm in pain as avoiding wheat is hard. I am also trying to reduce my stress levels and get more active. Activity is always good for back and joint pain, though this only need be a walk in the morning and evening. Do you take your pain meds all the time? They may be affecting your gut too. I'm also adding some fermented or probiotic foods into my diet to replace the good bacteria that are wiped out by the meds because the good bacteria will help reduce the inflammation caused by stress and improve my mood which may help me cope with the pain. I've been havingbowel pain, diarrhea and constipation too, which is why I've been shifting my diet, trying to only take the meds I must not all the time and thinking about managing stress better whilst waiting for MRI and surgery.

[Hope698]

Hi, I had both endo and adenomyosis and had a hysterectomy 5 years ago, I've always had bowel issues but they have become much worse since my hysterectomy. I would definitely speak to your gp or specialist and explain what is happening, make sure they investigate before your op so they can make sure they have all of the correct surgeons there. Before my hysterectomy nobody seemed concerned about my bowel. I now know I should have had a bowel surgeon in theatre when they did the hysterectomy but it didn't happen. I now have three separate prolapses in my bowel and I'm waiting on my 3rd bowel surgery since the hysterectomy. Good luck and make sure they listen to you xx

[Avourneen]

Yes the endo can and frequently does grow through the bowel. Get an MRI or TV ulrasound to see if it has. I can barely eat due to this. If it's left it can cause blockage of bowels etc. Rule this out and it's true check your painkillers they can cause constipation but get an MRI.