Suspected endometriosis

[Helzabelz]

Since around the age of 17 (a guess) my periods have been painful, getting worse into my 20s (I'm 24). The pain I always describe on my period is 10/10 pain. I couldn't physically imagine more pain. I throw up and get diarrhoea and back pain. I went to the doctor's for years, they looked inside my vagina then do a scan after much pushing and would tell me it'll just be painful periods. I felt stupid and embarrassed. In the past year I now suffer from painful sex. Burning sensation during sex. Then, cramping and feeling faint for a day or so afterwards. It even hurts during foreplay.

I also suffer from sore stomach bloating. I have diarrhoea everyday pretty much. My stomach is very sensitive and I get a lot of ibs symptoms not sure if that would be related.

Anyways, after sex became painful I went to a new doctor's and was taken seriously this time. I'm due to see a gynecologist to talk about getting a laparoscopy. However, I'm just worried I'll go through with it all and have no answers again and waste their time. I'm also very scared about the procedure and don't want to go through it when it might not be that. I find my self doubting myself a lot (maybe these symptoms are normal? Maybe I'm over reacting? Maybe I'm imagining them) although I'm not sure if that's just because I was dismissed so much.

I have so much anxiety ATM. It's actually making me feel depressed. I'm exhausted. I don't feel intimate with my partner too. I worry about getting my period. I worry about not getting the answers. I worry about fertility if it is that. I feel lonely and people around me can't relate.

Sorry it was long I just needed a safe space to talk to people who might have been in the position as me right now.

I guess I need someone to reassure me I'm not mad haha.

[Bespp]

All the things you have described myself have gone through so do not dismiss your symptoms and feelings but pen them down so you can start observing when and how things happen. I am sorry to hear you going through all this, is not an easy time on you at such young age. I too remember feeling the same way when I was young and having all those doubts only to be diagnosed later on with endo and everything made sense finally. You are human being and being seen by doctors is basic human right so you are not waisting anyone's time. Sending healing wishes your way and fight for yourself.

[mwhitee]

I feel exactly the same! I am only nineteen but deal with all the symptoms you do. It is such a scary and difficult time to not know what is going on with your body and especially not feeling supported by healthcare professionals. I promise though that you know when something doesn't feel right with your body so are not overreacting or imagining it. I hope you get the help you deserve and just know you are not alone x

[Joely21]

Sorry to hear what your going through, unfortunately it’s not uncommon for GPs to not know what it is, it’s unfortunately a constant battle but you know yourself and your body and that it’s not right to feel the way you do.Please don’t worry about laparoscopy I had mine albeit 7 years ago now! The recovery isn’t too bad at all the worse thing for me was the gas pain that became trapped in my shoulder trying to find a way to escape, listen to your body you know what’s right, usually they are diagnostic laps so it will be good to find out what’s going on sounds crazy but will give you some form of relief, here if you need me x

[Bleeding-Soul]

Hey late reply but I had all those symptoms. I’ve never had a laparoscopy but did have an MRI which showed an endometrioma, adenomysosis and even a polyp. So it think it’s unlikely you have nothing but maybe ask for an MRI if you haven’t had one already.

[Helzabelz in reply to Bleeding-Soul]

Hello,

I had MRI and internal examinations nothings ever showed up.

Since this post my symptoms have gotten worse. I have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia following some recent blood tests. I believe this is due to how heavy my periods have been. I got to the stage where I had a meeting with another gyne doctor and she strongly advised I do not have the laparoscopy, claiming I think she said 10% of endo cases they only find something. And based on my age and risks included within the surgery it won't be worth it. She also said if my symptoms get worse and I need laparoscopy in the future this will be made more and more difficult each time I have one. So she diagnosed me as probably endometriosis claiming theres nothing else it can be anyways.

I felt like she was really trying to scare me away from getting the surgery. But, at this point I'm not even sure if it's worth it. The gyne nurse has basically diagnosed me now anyways and is treating me as if it were endo. She's gave me the pill to see how that goes for the next 3 months.

My doctor was pretty frustrated they didn't offer me much help or them much guidance. The whole journey with endo is just frustrating. So much confusion and little answers. I feel conflicted all the time. I'm so sick of feeling unwell. Currently, it just feels like it's a lost cause and I just have to cope with it.

[Helzabelz in reply to Helzabelz]

*Probable endometriosis

[Bleeding-Soul in reply to Helzabelz]

Hey I definitely feel your frustration. I had the opposite issue where I was told to have surgery by my gynaecologist but didn’t want it so I’ve been managing my condition with medication that’s worked for me. If you did want surgery though ask for a second opinion. I had loads of confirmed issues from my MRI so I knew surgery wouldn’t even solve half of them. But maybe for you surgery May give you clarity. Wishing you the best