Looking for Advice and Support – Endometriosis Symptoms

[OceanHeart]

Hi everyone,

I’m feeling a little lost with my symptoms and was wondering if this is typical for someone suffering from endometriosis?

I’m still in the early stages of diagnosis. My blood tests have come back normal, and I’ve had several transvaginal ultrasound scans showing cysts that come and go. My most recent scan showed that a previously identified cyst had resolved.

However, I’m in constant pain on my left-hand side, including:

- Groin, deep pelvis, and lower tummy discomfort

- Hip stiffness

- Lower back pain

- Shooting pain up my bottom

- Loose stools

- Bloating

- Fatigue

- Emotional lows and no sex drive

I’m curious—does anyone know what typically triggers flare-ups? I maintain a pretty clean diet, take supplements for general health, and avoid caffeine.

Interestingly, I just finished my period, and it wasn’t overly painful this time, but I seem to miss a cycle. I’m not sure if this is related to the pain on my left side—is it normal to miss your cycle on the side that hurts?

I’ve recently developed angry acne on my chin, which is unusual for me—is this common with endometriosis?

I have an upcoming GP appointment, and I’m currently on the contraceptive implant, but I’m questioning whether it’s right for managing my symptoms. Does anyone have recommendations for managing acne outbreaks or other symptoms?

I’m hoping my GP will recommend the next steps in getting this properly diagnosed, but I’d appreciate any advice on what I should be pushing for in terms of referrals or treatments.

Apologies for the long message—I’m just really struggling and would love some guidance or reassurance.

Thank you so much!

[Emmesy]

Hey, I am at a very similar stage as well with trying to get a diagnosis but a lot of scans coming back normal. I also have the implant but am getting this removed at the end of the month as I feel it might be impacting the pain and it has caused me to gain a crazy amount of weight in a super short space of time. Of course it's different for everyone but I always feel that if you feel your contraception is not working for you to try something else. Depending on how long you have had it in as well I think they can change your symptoms (I started it with no bleeding at all but now have mighty heavy periods). Trial and error sometimes ❤️ sending over and good luck❤️

[OceanHeart in reply to Emmesy]

Hey Emmesy,

I was just reading your post and couldn’t believe how similar our journeys sound!

I feel like I have so many questions, but since this is all still pretty new to me, I just don’t know if what I’m feeling is normal or what’s to be expected—if that makes sense?

I’m seeing a new GP soon because my last one wasn’t very supportive. They basically suggested it was all in my head since my recent cyst had disappeared… but honestly, I feel so lost with it all.

I know I’m not alone, and seeing so many people in this group experiencing similar things is reassuring, but I still find myself questioning whether my symptoms are actually endometriosis or if something else is going on.

[Emmesy in reply to OceanHeart]

Hey, me too! And I was pretty amazing at how many things on this forus sounded similar to my experiences too. Switched GPs sounds like a plan, I am also considering this after my new appointment to see what they say. So far they have suggested it's just IBS or trapped wind which I feel is definitely not the case. You know when you just have those guys feelings?

I suppose the good thing to do is just to keep going, maybe it's endometriosis maybe it's not but I am sure we all just want to know something at the end of it all. Again sending love and luck!

Side note, do you have any tips for pain that you have found work for you so far? A hot water bottle is the only thing that's seems to touch it for me and I am already getting burns on my abdomen from it😬

[OceanHeart in reply to Emmesy]

I completely get what you mean - they initially said similar to me!

So I’ve tried a few things. My current favourite is this heated vibrating machine. But saying that a TENS machine has helped, I’m on an anti inflammatory diet, over the counter pain medication and prescribed medication (Codeine). To be honest though, not much is helping and I’m really struggling to manage the pain/dulling ache.

I’m thinking of trying some reflexology, not sure if that’ll help but worth a go!

This is the vibrating heat patch I’ve got - amzn.eu/d/b0X7che

Sending you positive thoughts, love and luck too xx