Pelvic and rib pain after period

[KH509]

Hi. I am wondering whether anyone else has had similar symptoms as (so far) the doctors haven’t identified the cause.

In the lead up to, and during my period I feel completely well and normal. However, the last day or so of my period (when I just have effectively spotting), I get pelvic pain on the right side and pain under my right rib. Both of which are like twinges that can be dull or sharp, but which are fairly constant. This pain goes on for about a week during which time I can also feel exhausted and just generally unwell (almost flu-like). Then, like I say, I can feel perfectly well for a couple of weeks and it all starts again after my next period.

My doctor suggested it was pudendal nerve damage and I have had a steroid injection for this. When administering this he said he could feel ‘thickening’ around the nerve. This injection hasn’t helped.

What I don’t understand is, if it is nerve damage, then why can I feel no pain at all during some of my cycle, but constant pain at other times. And why would I get pain under my right rib?

Apologies for the long post, but just hoping someone can relate to these symptoms. Thank you.

[Alaine1 Administrator]

Hi,

I’m sorry to hear you are suffering. It might be that the different levels of hormones at different parts of your cycle play a part in your nerve pain which is why you get no symptoms at other times. This is seen with migraine headaches, IBS, painful bladder syndrome/IC etc. Female hormones have a lot to answer for when it comes to our health both during our reproductive years and beyond! It’s very much trial and error with nerve injections and they don’t work for everyone. I’ve had them myself to help with one of my pelvic pain conditions but found it did nothing. Sometimes it can be like finding a needle in a haystack as the exact location needs to be hit. I’m just wondering was yours a guided injection by a specialist or radiologist or was no imaging used? I hope this helps but please feel free to contact me and/or continue posting as I’m sure someone will have a good suggestion on another treatment for you

[KH509 in reply to Alaine1]

Thank you for replying.

The injection was done without imaging. The gynaecologist prodded and when I identified where it hurt he then guided the needle in.

What is your opinion on the pain under my right rib? Any ideas whether nerve pain could cause that too? At the moment I am being referred to a gastroenterologist as the gynaecologist said there was no link, but it’s strange that the pain under my rib and the pelvic pain are always present together...and they disappear together too!

Thanks again.

[Alaine1 Administrator in reply to KH509]

But it’s the same with IBS which isn’t a gynae condition but often flares up during a period so sometimes there is an improvement on the pill. I would see what gastro have to say as they might have some idea of what’s causing the pain