Am I right to suspect endometriosis and ask to see a private specialist?

[pinkie25]

I’m worrying I was wrong, asking to see an endometriosis specialist. What if I’m being dramatic or I’m just really sensitive to completely normal period pain.

I have to take naproxen on the first day of my period cause when I used to not take it, my pain would get severe and I kept vomiting or feeling sick and feeling faint. I still get a lot of pain though even after taking painkiller. Co codamol does nothing on it’s own or with naproxen. Mefenamic acid didn’t really do anything, neither did ibuprofen or paracetamol. I get period pain also that starts in my tummy and then goes all down both legs though sometimes does it more in my left leg and mum said that’s normal for periods pain. I’ve been on the birth control patch for 2 months and it’s not yet helped with the pain. I also get some mild mainly aching pain on and off, every day and sometimes stabbing pain for like a second and then it stops again. It’s not worse after eating. I don’t have constipation or diarrhea. It’s often worse in the morning when waking up. I had an ultrasound by a general gynaecologist who wasn’t looking for endometriosis but any other abnormalities and she said it looked normal.

am I right to suspect endometriosis enough to ask to see a private specialist?

[Moon_maiden]

Hi

You don’t need a referral to see a private gynaecologist, I found one I liked the look off and booked directly. I didn’t suspect Endo I went to discuss fibroids but he correctly diagnosed Endo. Unless Gynae knew what to look for on ultrasound re Endo I wouldn’t put too much faith in that.

[pinkie25 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Yesterday I filled in an online form requesting a consultation with a private endometriosis specialist and the ultrasound I had the woman doing it said endometriosis doesn’t show on ultrasound but the gp said it was to rule of other potential problems not to look for endometriosis. I’m just saying I hope from the information I just posted that I’m not wrong to see an endometriosis specialist and Hope I’m not just being overly sensitive or dramatic.

[Moon_maiden in reply to pinkie25]

Endo can be seen on ultrasound but the person doing it needs the right training, that is improving.

You aren’t being overly dramatic at all. Start making notes about symptoms and how it effects you and when. Include any bowel issues especially around period or ovulation. There is some useful info on the Endo uk site about consultations.

Take someone with you if you can, gives another pair of ears.

[eunha]

You are definitely not being over sensitive or dramatic ❤️‍🩹

My cramps went down into my legs too but I actually think thats not too common. Me and my sister didn't have any endo show up on the ultrasound. Actually I had my surgery before my sis and the two small pieces cut out did not test positive for endo but then my sisters surgeon cut out much more (even though visually the endo wasn't obvious, she had experience and recognized the subtle signs) and my sis' was positive for endo. But no, we didn't have any confirmation of endo before the surgeries. Unfortunately this disease is often not easy to diagnose or treat. I recommend reading as many reviews as you can for the surgeons available to you and choose the one you feel you can trust has skill and good judgement. Look for the more detailed reviews, not just basic "they were amazing life changing" or reviews that focus on the office staff or whatever.

Don't let them diminish your pain 🫶❤️ You wouldn't be on here if it wasn't affecting you so badly ❤️‍🩹

[Sunset-lady]

Please don't normalise severe pain; I did for years, and now I have stage 4 endometriosis that nobody will operate on. See the specialist xxx

[1Poppy1234]

It's definitely worth it as they don't always seem to pick it up at different scans do they. I'm waiting an MRI as I'm sure mine is spreading it getting worse. It's very hard to cope with the pain and period pains like that aren't normal all the research tells you that and it's best to push so you know what your dealing with for your own peace of mind. Hope you get some help. X

[KezMurr]

I had an MRI and ultrasound. Both were clear. I had a laparoscopy about 2 years later as I had deep pain during sex for about 8 years. Pain is not normal but it's easy to normalise it. Fainting and vomiting during your period is not normal. My periods weren't anywhere near as bad as yours but during my laparoscopy I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis. Fight for yourself as if you were fighting for your best friend or a loved one.

[Chel91]

Yes you are right. Period pain isn't really normal. My Mum and GP told me the same thing since my first period, blamed just being a young girl. I literally believed that some girls just get painful periods!

Fast forward 20 years. I had endo removed by a private endo specialist. 3 days later I got my period. NO PAIN! For the first time ever. Wow. Please make sure the specialist is worth what you are paying them. Some are good some are not x