A little over a year ago I started getting sharp abdominal pains that would sometimes last a day or two. The pain used to get so bad that I actually had to go to the hospital. They did ultra sounds and ct scans and found nothing. They gave me pain pills and sent me home. I was getting these pains almost monthly with the same treatment being provided... embarassing tests which showed nothing and more pain pills. I was gettingt he feeling that my Dr. was not believing me. My sister and my mom both had endometrosis and had symptoms similar to mine so I asked my Dr. if that could be the issue and she just said no.
My Dr. finally agreed to send me to an GYN after months of complaining. The GYN came into the room did a quick exam and said it was all im my head nothing was wrong. At this point I had been in soo much pain I couldnt walk and I was sick to my stomach. I had had enough. My mom put me in the car and drove to me a hospital in the city (I live in a very small town). The Dr. in the ER in the city agreed that something was going on and it wasn't just in my head. He recommended that I get some more testing done and switch to a new DR.
My new Dr was amazing.. I explained my story to him and he sent me to a new GYN right away in the city. My new GYN told me that my old Dr thought I was a drug seeker! I was shocked... Im a 25 yr old young professional who is married and wanting nothing more than a family in the new future and that was my LABEL!!! make no wonder the first GYN i seen did not take me seriousally! I am still in disbelief that a dr would prescribe narcotics for my pain if they thought I was drug seeking!!
Thankfully this new GYN saw past a label that was clearly WRONG...
The new GYN said he thinks it could be Endometriosis but wasnt sure. We tracked my symptoms for 3 months started new b/c pills and now I'm scheduled for a laproscopy next month. Its all moving soo fast... but finally I will be getting some answers. Its so depressing being so sick and not knowing what the problem is and its even worse when your Dr. won't believe you. I actually cried when the GYN told me something was going on and he was determined to get to the bottem of things.
I just wanted to tell my story because sometimes you need to stand up to your doctor. You know your body more than anyone and if your not feeling right you really need to do something about it. If your Dr. doesnt believe you don't be afraid of getting a second opinion.
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Yes, I agree with you. If you don't get any changes even though you are following doctor's prescription then you have to search for another way just like above. I think your decision is very important. First we have to explain doctor very clearly. Then only you get best result.
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November 2, 2012 - 5:07amThis Comment
I experience are pain before and during periods, general, chronic pelvic pain throughout the month, irregular periods, severe cramps, painful urination during menstruation, and fatigue. My doctor suggested I go on birth control to tame the intense pain I was feeling in my lower back and pelvic area. Pain with endometriosis and Currently-the only reliefe I have of my symptoms is to use marijuana-I do not find that this is right-it is not who I want to be. So I am searching for an alternative way to ease my crippling pains.
May 4, 2011 - 8:53amThis Comment
Hi Adriabold,
May 4, 2011 - 10:03amThank you for your comment, and for joining EmpowHER. Have you been diagnosed with endometriosis by your doctor? What did your doctor say about treatment beyond putting you on birth control pills? Do you need to have surgery? If you are experiencing so much pain, you may want to go back to your doctor for more investigating and treatment.
This information about alternative endometriosis treatments may provide some insight for advocating for your health with your doctor also: Endometriosis: How is it Treated?
Good luck, and let us know how you are doing.
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Thank you so much for writing back with the solutions. I have recently been to the doctor and he prescribed me with another set of birth control pills. I now feel much better than previous days. The links sent has much information related to Endometriosis. Have A Great Day.
May 23, 2011 - 11:24pmThis Comment
I hope you feel better soon! I have laprascopic surgery soon and am not looking forward to the gas pains. But, better than the pain from cysts (endometriomas) due to the endometriosis. I also had delays in identifying what was wrong with me when I first found out I had endometriosis several years ago -- if you experience severe pelvic pain once a month, that is a huge clue that a GYN visit and ultrasound would be a good idea. Doctors in the ER thought I was having heart problems or reflux, and the cold sweat/stabbing pain was only for about 30 minutes each time, once a month. But each time I had a huge cyst.
April 15, 2011 - 2:06pmThis Comment
I am feeling 100% better and its just a little over 3 weeks post op. the incisions have healed... i have no belly pain and life is back to normal. It took me 2 weeks to feel well enough to go to work.. but thats partly my fault... i tried to do too much to fast.. so my best advice is to just relax and stay in bed after the surgery.. let your family and friends help out if they can (as hard as it might be to watch someone else take care of the house... trust me it will be worth staying in bed :P)
Get a hot water bottle, lots of gingerale, some gas-x and take it easy :) good luck with your surgery!!! Hopefully you have a speedy recovery :)
April 25, 2011 - 6:22amThis Comment
Hi... me again with an update :)
I had the Laporoscopy yesterday and hysteroscope and they also checked to see if my tubes were open. Well the good news it that I finally have answers. I have endometriosis which they were able to remove and they also removed a cyst that they found on my right ovary. They are hopeful about me being able to have kids... i follow uo with my gyno in a few weeks.
The pain is a hard issue to control. The gas pain was brutal from the moment i woke up... however when i left the hospital i took gas x and had my husband rub my back which helped. I also had to get out of the car a few times on the way home to walk to get the gas moving. (had to drive almost 2 hours to get home from the hospital)
i've been taking pain meds they help but it doesnt take the pain away completly... just takes the edge off. I been doing relaxation and breathing techniques that are helping.
All in all yesterday sucked and today sucks so far... but its soo worth it to finally have answers and know its not in my head. I know its all going to fine from here on in. It will heal and get better and my life will come back.
April 1, 2011 - 6:12amThis Comment
Thank you so much for your advise.
March 11, 2011 - 2:39amI am due to see a specialist next tuesday so I will put hthose questions to him.
Annie
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How do I get rid of the pain... the doctors just dont seem to care!
March 6, 2011 - 3:08pmThis Comment
Hi Annie,
You are three weeks post-op, and still experiencing pain? You also say your doctors do not care about the pain, and I am so sorry you are dealing with this!
To get rid of your pain, you need to find a doctor or nurse who DOES care and who WILL take your pain seriously. It is important to rule out any possible infections or other causes to your pain. It is also important to talk with your doctor and advocate for yourself, asking questions regarding their pain management philosophies and their expectations for your recovery. Here are a few questions you can ask:
- I am still experiencing pain [describe type, severity, intensity, duration, location, triggers, etc] 3 weeks post-op, and would like to know what I should be expecting in my recovery at this point.
- Should I not be experiencing pain any longer? Since I am still experiencing pain, what are my options and next steps?
- Have we ruled out possible causes to my pain?
- Are you concerned about possible addiction to pain medication, and if so, what can I do to alleviate pain (after medical reasons are ruled out) without medication? Is there other pain medication that is not addictive (if they think you are just calling to seek out medication; some patients do get this "bad rap")
- I do not feel you are taking my pain seriously, and I do not want to feel like a "high maintenance" patient with you. I am experiencing pain that is unmanageable (explain how it effects your day briefly), and would like a second opinion regarding my pain management.
These are some options for you, as I am not sure how far along in this process you have already been. Does any of this help, or are you more frustrated then ever? How can we help?
March 6, 2011 - 8:17pmThis Comment