I've had been on the pill for 10 years and decided to come off and let my body do it's thing. Turns out that was a bad idea because my pains and symptoms got so bad and I've been referred to the gynaecologist to check for endometriosis. My appointment is at the end of October so the plan was to remain off the pill until then as to not affect the results. However, I'm getting such bad anxiety in anticipation of my period because I know I'm going to be in so much pain. If it comes when I'm at work I'm not physically able to drive home because it is so bad but the symptoms are too bad to remain at work where we don't even have a staff room I can go to to get out of peoples way (and puking at home is always more pleasant than puking in a public toilet!).
I also have a weekend away booked for my 10 year anniversary with my partner and we have activities booked that have cost a bit of money and I'm due on that weekend. Obviously if I'm incapacitated I wont be able to take part and it will be a waste of money.
Does anyone know if going back on the pill will effect my appointment with the gynaecologist. Obviously if I have endo I really want to know because when I'm ready to have kids I'll have to come back off the pill and I know it can also effect fertility, so it would be useful to have a head start. It also helps to explain to work if I have a diagnosed condition rather than just being like "I have bad periods" because I don't think people take it seriously and actually understand how bad it is.
Any advice would be much appreciated thanks.
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squash21
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Your story sounds very much like how I got my diagnosis. Going back on the pill won't affect your appointment - if anything it will add weight to your case for having endo, if your pain decreases after you go back on the pill. Try to keep a diary of your symptoms so you can be as clear as possible with your gynaecologist during that conversation.
I completely agree with RabbitJungle, if anything going back on the pill to improve your symptoms helps to show that your symptoms are related to your cycle! There is also other options that you could speak to your GP about in the mean time, there is a tablet that you can take specifically for period pain and heavy bleeding (I can't remember the name, a GP will know what it is) which you take in the 2/3 day lead up to your period and during. It apparently reduces bleeding and pain, but I haven't tried it personally. The contraceptive pill is likely going to be the best option if you're looking at having children later. A gyne may also prescribe GnRH injections which place you in a temporary menopause, it has no affect on future fertility and your fertility returns within 6 months of stopping the injection. I am on it and my periods (when they do happen) are much less painful, but it does bring its own side effects sadly which you kind of have to weigh up the pros and cons. For me hot flushes and mood swings are an easy trade off in comparison to the crippling period and ovulation pain. I was given the injections while i was waiting for my diagnostic lap, and now I've had it we are using the injections to try reduce the chance of the endo growing again. You could also ask for things like Naproxen from the GP, if you haven't already tried it. I highly recommend using heat too for pain relief, I have so many hot water bottles and heated pads now haha but they are brilliant for bad days. Without knowing what you've already tried I don't want to bombard you with loads of stuff haha! So if there's anything youve tried already it would be helpful to know, then I can maybe suggest some stuff you haven't looked at hormonal treatments aren't the only way to manage endo, there's a multi approach you can take to tackle it from all angles.
I will say, any treatment is sooooooo personal to you and whatever you decide to do is completely your decision! Do what is best for you but definitely don't delay getting relief from the pain just in the name of seeing the gyne.
Thank you both, this is really helpful. I think I've tried just about every home remedy possible as I don't want to go back on the pill, but as you said you have to weigh up the pros/cons. I have tried heat, TENS, codeine, reduced caffeine, adapted diet. And while all of these things reduce symptoms to the point where I no longer throw up, it still leaves me unable to function for a good half a day every month.
I think I will ring my GP this week and have a discussion about my options before my Gynaecology appointment.
You're very very welcome! Honestly having this condition is so hard and doctors don't often do enough to help us, so I thoroughly believe we all have to do what we can to support each other. Gosh you sound so much like me, it gets to the point where you feel like you have done everything and you're still left in agony. It can be very disheartening! May sound daft but have you tried any yoga or Pilates specifically for endo? Ive found the endo yoga particularly useful for my pelvic pain, it doesn't get rid of it but it does take it down a bit if i have a good stretch out. There's one on YouTube called "Well with Hells" and she has a video that is aimed at those of us with endo, pcos, fibroids etc. It is a beginner video so you won't be doing like stupid hard poses, it is really easy to follow and very relaxing too.
Hopefully the GP will have some ideas, but if not then keep pushing love. I know it is hard 80% of the time we are just ignored but we have to keep pushing or we never get answers.
Also, if you end up needing to use a walking stick so you can be active even on painful days (maybe not the worst days, but the moderate days) then I can HIGHLY recommend NeoWalk (I don'twork for them LMAO) I have a fab pink bubblegum light up stick, so I can go out even with my legs and back being sore, and I don't feel like a granny at 31. Lets be honest, the sticks that are available are not very nice haha, often boring or floral and make younger users feel awkward...on top of the stigma and shame that surrounds using one in general. We shouldn't be ashamed to use walking aids, we get pretty awful back and leg pain and a stick can relieve some pressure sometimes. There's nothing wrong with trying to make your disability work around your life and reduce pain best thing I did! I actually wrote a post about it on here haha there's a picture of my stick too I think xxx
I will definitely give that yoga a go! Its good to hear of people learning to work around it even though its ao aweful. Gives me hope in the early stages!
I had exactly the same thing as you. Came off the pill and period pains terrible. So bad I missed my holiday abroad due to such severe pain. I got referred to a gynaecologist which I have done privately as in sussex it’s a 9 month waiting list just to see one. In the mean time my doctor put my back on the pill and I feel so much better. Got laparoscopy next month for official diagnosis. I agree with keeping a symptom diary as well. It really helped me get referred. Hope you feel better soon and get to enjoy your weekend away x
Yes, go back on the pill you have to be able to manage your daily life,but you should get the progesterone only pill. the combined pill has eostrogen which makes endo grow.I'm sorry you are in so much pain, it's a horrible illness.
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hormonal treatments aren't the only way to manage endo, there's a multi approach you can take to tackle it from all angles. 
80% of the time we are just ignored but we have to keep pushing or we never get answers. 
Cerazette pill after a lap...
Settling into the pill
Combined pill before laparoscopy
Given no options but the pill
Mirena Coil or The Pill?
