feeling a little lost

[Sarahjayne511]

Apologies in advance for the long post but if anyone can offer any advice I’d appreciate it!

I was admitted into hospital 2 years ago for what was suspected appendicitis. I had a lap to have it removed and once inside they seen cysts and endo which was what was the cause of the pain nothing to do with the appendix. I’ve suffered with heavy bleed and terrible pain with my periods since I’ve been about 15 I’m now 31. But after the GP dismissing it when I was younger as ‘bad period pain’ I accepted it must be normal and just did whatever I could do to get though the pain. Fast forward to now, following the diagnosis of endo, o have the Marina coil which I must admit, has helped significantly with the pain. Last year I started suffering with a limp in my right leg l that was completely unrelated to my actual leg and coming from a pressure in my pelvis. The pain got more persistent and I often felt and still feel like my ovary is twisting and cramping. I had a procedure done where a mass was found, followed by an MRI that identified a 6cm endometrioma. This has by far been the biggest issue for me as most days it’s hard to walk. It wakes me up through the night and the pain in my hip is unbearable at times. It goes from burning, to cramping, to feel like it’s so full of pressure it’ll explode. I’m on the waiting list to have my ovary removed as that is where it’s attached. I’ve been waiting 6 months and following I recent check in, it’s likely to be another few months. I know there’s many people out there in a far worse situation who will need surgery more urgent. I’m just wondering if anyone out there is in a similar situation and can offer any advice on anything that helps with the pain? I’m not finding pain relief is doing much. I have an active job so a tried to take some time to rest but actually found that made it worse. So I don’t feel like I can win. Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.

[Busy23]

Would going privately be an option. Sorry to hear its taking such a long time for treatment.

[shaqshuka101]

Hi,

Im so sorry for everything you are going through!!

I am in a similar situation, waiting for my second surgery where I have an endo cyst and Im currently waiting for a bowel specialist (referred in October and haven't had a response). My gynaecologist wanted me to have surgery in the spring, but due to delays between departments, I can't have it till I've been seen by the colon specialist. Anyway, I have been doing some research on holistic and natural ways to alleviate pain.

Firstly, I have been doing gentle exercises such as yoga, swimming, and pilates to help with movement. I've been trying to strengthen my core and improve my pelvic and hip movement, and I find that when I don't do this or I do too heavy an exercise, such as a spin or a run, I end up with severe pelvic pains. I think it is called the yogi squat pose, which is very helpful when cramps are beginning and stretches out the pelvic region.

Secondly, I have cut gluten and dairy out of my diet. It's pretty shitty, to begin with, and the thought of it is horrible. It's taken me a long emotional time to stick with it, but I have noticed a difference. I am suspected of having it in my bowel, so this might be why I noticed such a difference. However, I feel like anything that can help reduce inflammation in the pelvic region helps somewhat to alleviate pain. Other foods I've partially cut out are alcohol, caffeine, meat, and sugary foods. I also try to drink herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, and green tea. I have recently tried taking 1000mg cod liver oil supplements (recommended by a friend in a similar situation).

Although my pains are frequent and bad, I have noticed a significant difference since these lifestyle changes. It's hard to come to grasp with the thought of doing it, and I was in such a fog at the beginning, but noticing slight changes has helped bring some positivity in the way I view my time until surgery.

I hope that this can help in some way, sending lots of love and support to you!!!