endo flare

[Sprocker23]

I’m suffering with a major flare at the moment been admitted in hospital. All they are doing is giving me the meds I was at home. Is there any medication I can ask for to help me?

[Purpleindigo]

Hey,

So sorry you're having a nightmare of a time! Unfortunately, unless there's an indication for immediate major surgery, all they can do is manage pain symptoms.

Are you on any contraception/hormone therapy? This is a key NICE recommendation and can help to prevent flare ups/spread of the disease. If there's a gynaecologist there with an interest in endo (or you're at a BSGE centre) discuss this with them as lowering your oestrogen may benefit you.

In terms of pain relief I've found it's best to use a variety of anti spasmodics, anti inflammatorys and analgesia.

- Buscopan can be added to reduce cramping/spasms within the bowel and uterus

- mefenamic acid , this is a type of anti inflammatory that's stronger than ibuprofen and has shown good effect in dysmenorrhoea. In the same vein you could even request diclofenac suppositories depending on the severity of pain (probably wouldn't advise if you have rectal endo)

- Paracetamol, if you're in hospital ask for IV paracetamol, this is so much better than oral and will hopefully control your pain without going onto controlled drugs

- request to speak to the pain management team in regards to a TENS machine. These do not work for everyone. However, TENS has been shown in research to improve endometriosis pain

- if these in combination do not help, the next steps are the stronger medications and controlled drugs.

- if they are unable to control your pain, NICE endo guideline states you should have a referral to a pain management team and a BSGE centre for more effective management.

Hope this helps! Xx

[Sprocker23 in reply to Purpleindigo]

Thank you for getting back to me. Doctors have came up with a plan for medication. Hopefully it works

[Purpleindigo in reply to Sprocker23]

Fingers crossed for you! X