Possible endometriosis?

[BlueStar123]

Hi all, I’m looking for any advice as I believe I may have endometriosis and have scheduled a doctor’s appointment to discuss this soon. For some context - I’m 22 and have always had very heavy periods, accompanied with intense stomach cramps (both when I’m menstruating and ovulating), and very painful lower back pain which often means I’m bedbound whilst I’m on. I was put on the pill for this when I was 15 and whilst it did slightly help, I came off the pill 3 years ago and it’s got much worse since. I had ultrasounds and allergy tests when I was 16 to also check for any other reason for this pain and nothing came up. I was then told I had IBS and had no further treatmenr. Over the past year, my IBS has become really bad (sorry if TMI). My bladder feels alot weaker, constantly will suddenly need the toilet if I’m out which is just stressful and am dealing with bad pelvic pain on a daily basis. Sometimes it’s so bad I have thrown up, and even had to go to A&E in July when the pain was so bad I thought something awful was happening to me (after being prodded a bit I was told they didn’t know why and that was that). Sorry this is so long and I doubt anyone will even read this but if there is anyone that has who has endometriosis and thinks that there may be a chance I might have it too then please any advice would be so very appreciated! I just want to have my health back, I’m still young and it’s really difficult at the moment unfortunately Many thanks xxx

[Tangoandmax]

Hello, this journey sounds the same as mine. I was on the pill from quite young then when I removed all hormone contraception, symptoms progressively got much worse. It took 7 years for me to get a diagnosis. I was also told it was IBS despite never having any digestive tests carried out because I didn’t qualify.

My advice would be to take a diary of your symptoms with you to the doc appointment, they take this more seriously (not certain why just telling them verbally doesn’t suffice but it often doesn’t). Don’t let them fob you off.

They may offer ultrasounds but be aware unless it’s a specially trained sonographer or endo cysts are on ovaries it might be missed. Referral to a hospital gyne is needed, push for this and make sure you stand up for yourself x

[BlueStar123 in reply to Tangoandmax]

Thank you - I’ve been logging for the last 6 months whenever I notice symptoms so I’ll bring that with and will push for myself x