Pain Management

[LunaBea]

I’ve recently been told that I have endo and very recently found out I have kissing ovaries. I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2020 and have been suffering with the pain. I started prostap injections last month but had to stop due to it making my pain worse and I couldn’t get out of bed. My pain is currently unbearable to the point that I am getting suicidal thoughts. What do you guys use for pain management as I need something. Thank you.

[Pacotj]

hey,

I’ve been trying out something one of the anaethetists I work with recommended. For example-

7am 500mg naproxen

9am 1000mg paracetemol

11am 500mg naproxen

1pm 1000mg paracetemol etc etc

plus using buscopan for cramps and dihydrocodeine for breakthrough pain. They advised that doing it this way meant you’re never going without pain relief on bad days and that along with heat or rubbing strong alcohol (doesn’t matter if it’s vodka gin etc) over the sorest areas because that generates heat too.

I’ve recently also been recommended ponstan by my union rep who also suffers with endometriosis but I’m waiting on a phone call with my gp to try that x

[lucikam in reply to Pacotj]

How long have you been doing this schedule?

[Pacotj in reply to lucikam]

only returned to work last month so I’m still very much trialling it and had to get separate prescription from my GP as well, anything is worth a try though

[Cailleach]

Personally I have always found paracetamol a good support for other prescribed drugs (always checking that the other meds do not contain paracetamol of course).

Basically there are three different types - opiate types like co-codamol, tramadol- can make you drowsy though, and constipated.

Anti-inflammatories like naproxen, mentioned above, ibuprofen, diclofenac. If taken regularly you should also take med to protect your stomach such as omeprazole.

Meds for nerve pain such as amitryptyline and other anti-depressants, gabapentin, pregabalin. Also have side effects of course, in the case of the anti-depressants, drowsiness again but as you usually take them once a day you can time the dose accordingly.

In all cases side effects may ease off after a while and you have to decide what gives you the best quality of life.

Your GP should be able to get you started with a prescription. You can be prescribed several different pain killers to use in combination as the previous post suggested. Make sure they are quite clear about the level of pain you are having, there is no reason you should have to put up with that.

Is there a treatment plan for your endo? If you are waiting for a Gynae appointment or treatment, let the department know you are in a lot of pain, it might help speed things up.

Hope things improve for you.