not diagnosed yet but need pain tips

[Citrusheights79]

Hi

can anyone give me any tips on dealing with pain please? I’m on a years waiting list now with a gyno to check for endo and ando. I may be going on to HRT soon for the peri menopause.

I’ve tried different pain killers, exercise, meditation and mint tea. Nothing works. The pain is only 5 days a month, so I know I’m lucky but it hurts more than my tattoo.

At the moment I’m working from home in a pair of oversized pjs, because my stomach is too swollen to fit in to my clothes. It feels like it will burst. Obvs I know it won’t. It keeps me awake all night. I think Tranzamic acid may be making the pain worse but I can’t be sure. I was thinking of trying a TENS machine next. Has anyone had success with that?

Thanks Helen

[Hidden]

Hello!

I use an electric heat pad and I can honestly say it's been the best purchase for pain management.

I also use mefenamic acid (anti inflammatory) which takes the edge off and codine for the peak days. Hth.

I'm sorry you have such a wait.

[redpot]

Hello,

besides the usual anti-inflammatory pain killers and a hot water bottle,tarragon essential oil works well for me. It is a natural antispasmodic and a few drops on the skin directly above the ovaries area helps reduce the spasms and cramping. Hope this helps.

[Awwy]

Hi lovely,

Sorry to hear your in so much pain. I usually manage mine with a combination of tablets, hot water bottles, tens machine and I have had support from a private therapist to help me cope. I've been waiting for excision surgery and a hysterectomy for over 3 years.

I was on zoldadex injections. They did help manage my pain but I gained a lot of weight on them. After 2 years (I was encouraged to take them off licence). I have stopped them as my surgery is not forthcoming. Still 🙄

I was referred to pain management. They just gave me nortriptyline. After 6 months of no difference I was told to up my dose from 30mg to 50mg over 2 months.

They way I take my pain medication is I don't let it wear off. So I might start with paracetamol, then after an hour ill take nefopam, then after that it will be time for paracetamol. Then at night I take nortriptyline.

In between that I have tens machine and hot water bottles.

I refused to take anti inflammatory medication as it messes with your stomach.

I stopped codeine based medications because I couldn't function on them at all. They would knock me out totally and they can be addictive.

It has been trial and error and a case of perseverance. My therapist gave me techniques to cope with the pain and emdr therapy which is why in all honesty I am still here.

Also try an anti inflammatory diet. In addition to stage 4 endometriosis. I also have Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. So my pain is probably different to others.

Wish you all the best. X

[Char30]

sorry to hear your in so much pain. I have also been thinking I’ll try a tens machine for the pain.

If you don’t mind me asking what symptoms do you have for peri menopause and how was it diagnosed?

[Citrusheights79]

Thanks for all the advice. It’s so helpful. I think I’ll try the heat pad to start with and stick to the FODMAP diet I do because my husband has chron’s. Maybe try the TENS machine too.

Where I go wrong is I get cravings during my period and give up the FODMAP diet, which I don’t think helps. I’m sorry to hear what you all have to go through. It’s just not right at all. You’re right about the anti inflammatory pain killers. They are awful on my stomach and don’t even really work.

As for the peri menopause. They can’t diagnose it as there’s no test. My symptoms are hot flushes but not regular, really heavy periods/flooding/clots, fatigue, insomnia, nose bleeds, dizziness, pain in my left ovary/a swelling lump, extreme bloating, where I can’t fit in my clothes, hair loss, urinating all the time, pelvic pain, pain during sex and extreme mood swings.

The doctor said it could be peri menopause and something else like endometriosis or it may be endo on its own. I’ve had full blood tests, hormone tests, colonoscopy, smear test and ultra sound scans over the years. They can’t find anything ever. I take tranzamic acid but they are still heavier than average and the pain is getting worse. After I stop taking them I just flood on and off for 3 days, so I have to sit on a towel. I keep giving up trying to get answers but this time I’m fighting it all the way.

I joined this forum and got some amazing advice. That’s how I’ve managed to finally get on a waiting list. I don’t know how I’ve managed this for 29 years. It’s a joke. I try to stay positive but it does get me down. Keep fighting everyone! We’ve got this. Xxx

[Shell1212]

Hi Helen, It's good to know your in the system so hopefully you will be seen soon.

I've been diagnosed with Endo, although waiting in the 2yr waiting for a laproscopy.

I suffer with pain daily, so have a wee toolkit of things I try.

I purchases a mobile massage/heat pad from amazon for £21. This is used daily.

I also have made up an aromatheraphy oil using clarysage rose & lavender.

A hot bath also helps.

A knee or back pillow is ideal to get you comfy.

CBD drops or gummies

I also have a paingone pen.

I hope some if these help you.

[Citrusheights79 in reply to Shell1212]

Sorry I’ve not logged on got a while. Thanks Shel. I’d love to try the oil.