RA and Endo

[Lfox]

Hi there,

Around 4 years ago i was diagnosed with endometriosis and 3 months ago Rheumatoid arthritis. Does anyone have both? Im worried about taking all these different medications and side effects! Im 29 no children and dreading my future. Any advice? Xx

[Hidden]

Hi,I'm not saying I know anything about Endometriosis,but I have had RA for 15yrs,I also take medication for my heart,lungs,cholesterol,blood pressure, and more. I have no choice,it's the Meds or die or pain. So it's not ideal but if you have to,to live a decent life so be it. BUT as your only 29yrs old,one word of advice,if a medication your given don't do what it should after about a month,give it up,and see if there's an alternative. It's far to easy to give them a month,oh no I'll give it another and another,and before you know it your struggling to taper off. Take it from someone who knows,much to my detriment. Take care love,and give yourself care.

[Kai-- in reply to Hidden]

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Amen, Gemini71. 🙏 😌

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[Lyneal in reply to Kai--]

I had endometriosis, had a hysterectomy at 38 because of it, have been diagnosed with RA 4 yrs ago.

[Lfox in reply to Hidden]

Thank you and take care yourself x

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Lfox, welcome. I have both RD & endometriosis, RD diagnosed in 2008, endometriosis way back in the '80's. The only meds I took for endometriosis were anti-inflammatories twice a month, when ovulating & when menstruating. Now, being 57, it's not so much of a bother so I don't take anything for it. The meds increased of course when I had IUI, IVF & finally ICSI.

I take repeat meds for my RD & OA & have annual prescription reviews to ensure I'm not taking more than I need, the correct doses for my needs & not doubling up on meds, specifically my pain relief. If you're not comfortable with your med regime or unsure if the quantity you take are all necessary maybe you could request you have an annual review, that is if you don't have one already.

I can empathise with you being your age & no children, yet, because I've been there. Your future, well, that's yours to plan. It's dependant on your circumstances, if you're settled & wanting to start a family or not there yet, single & that's why you're so uncertain. I wish the best for you whenever you start planning, but don't leave it too late would be my advice. 😌

[Lfox in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you so much - look after yourself x

[Hidden]

Hi

In looking for some information for you I came across this reply to a similar question and thought it may be of interest to you rheumatoidarthritis.net/liv...

I also wondered if you had posted on the Endo Healthunlocked page. healthunlocked.com/endometr...

Best wishes

Lorraine

[HMSHelene]

Hi Lfox,

Sorry to say it, i know exactly how you feel. I also have endo and RA. Got diagnosed with Endo June 2016 after a MC the year before with constant pain and bloating etc. I was then diagnosed with Sero+ RA Dec 2016. So everything was prerry much back-to-back.

My other half had private healthcare through work, so got the whole Endo diagnosis/operation through Bupa. My consultant said if i wanted to try again for a baby (currently dont have any) and was having issues to get rerefered for "help", IVF etc. But with all the issues going on with my RA (which isnt under control). The idea of kids is the last thing on my mind. Ive just turned 37, so im not entirely sure what im going to do. In terms of medication are you taking anything for the endo and have you started with RA medication.

After debating whether to have kids for the last 5 years, ive decided to put that on the backboiler til my health is "normal-ish". Currently i doubt me and my other half could cope with the idea of children, but that deosnt mean the same applies to you.

Think about how you want to proceed, what medication options are available, think about if you need "help" and affording it.. If you need anything else, drop me a line.

Helen

[Lfox in reply to HMSHelene]

Helen, thank you so much just a bit daunting at the moment thanks for you message xx

[HMSHelene in reply to Lfox]

No worries, I completely understand. There’s not a lot on here about RA and Endo. But it’s a good place to get some feed back etc. Is your endo genetic? X

[aokesky]

I’m 37 and have both. I’ve had endometriosis since I was a teenager and was diagnosed with RA in December. I’m curious to see if there could be a connection.

[HMSHelene in reply to aokesky]

Hi aokesky,

Just wondering how you’ve coped with both. I find that they both set each other off and I have to take Buscupan as it also effects my bowel lining because of where the endo is. there is a connection from research papers write, but definitive proof.

[Lfox]

Me too very curious to know if there is! Hope your feeling ok x

[Lyneal]

Seems really odd that so many of us Ladies have had Endo & RA. Wonder if there is a connection. Luckily I managed to have my three girls, but my last daughter took ages to conceive.

[Lfox]

Thanks Ladies - you all make me feel less alone in all this! Hope you are all having good days today 💖