Ladies... Does anyone suffer from endometriosis??

lovesabargain123

Asking on behalf of a friend who's just been to the nurse who has suggested this. She has to see the gp next week but was wondering how it was diagnosed? Also any experience of how to manage it monthly as she's literally becoming housebound for 5 days every 28 :eek: also saying her hips are often sore and pelvis sore after s*x, sometime has a little bleed. She isn't trying to conceive as her family is complete if that makes a difference.
Or websites she can have a read of? Doesn't want to google as I'm sure there will be more horror stories than real no :rotfl:

Thanks x

msb5262

Have a look at this...hoping my very basic link will work...

http://www.endometriosis-uk.org/?gclid=CNrT15OI3LQCFW3KtAodploA-Q

ellay864

We're not allowed to give medical advice here and she will need to ask her GP for more details, or checkout something like NHS direct or endometriosis-uk.org website. Those sites will give facts and she's wise to avoid forums where she will get unbalanced views and all kinds of tales.
She won't get a confirmed diagnosis from a GP visit, chances are s/he will refer her for a laparoscopy, a surgical procedure (keyhole) done as a day procedure, to confirm the presence of endometriosis. Once confirmed then treatment is tailored accordingly based on the severity etc

Cookiee

Hi I have suffered from this for over 20 yrs. I used to be in agony after sex, my periods were so heavy I used to be on the loo for up to an hour some days. The pain was so bad that I always hospitalized.

If your friend has a complete family, one thing I can recommend is the merina coil. It changed my life.


As people have said the docs will suggest the best course of action and the websites posted are great for support, advice and general information.


For people who don't go through this, it can be difficult to understand how much this affects your life. I think you sound like an amazing friend to seek help with her, as she will need it.


As for the sex, it might not be something you want to discuss with your friend but there are a few suggested "positions" and lubricants which do ease the pain. Sorry if TMI lol


I hope your friend gets the treatment she needs. If she or you want to pm me about anything I can help with, please do so.


Cookiee x

meritaten

I used to suffer from this - but nearly 13 years ago had a 'Thermal Ablation'. its been Bliss! my family was complete and I was approaching 50. The alternative was a partial hysterectomy.
I know that your friend is having a really painful time right now - in my case it got so bad that I was having ovulation cramps too.
I saw a gynaecologist who first treated me for ulcers on the neck of the womb and then said I had endo. so I really am not sure how they would otherwise diagnose, from symptoms perhaps.
Tell your friend if TA is offered to jump at it! or suggest it herself?
I havent looked back, BUT I would say to make sure it was done under a general anaesthetic.

meer53

I was diagnosed with severe endometriosis when i ended up having an emergency C Section with my second baby. The consultant came to see me after the section and told me they'd found it.

I didn't even know i'd had it but it sort of explained the 13 year gap between my children. When i thought about it, many years ago, when i was a teenager i do remember having chronic period pain. But not knowing any different i just got on with it and took painkillers. If i hadn't had that C Section i don't think i would ever have known about it.

I've recently been diagnosed with several Fibroids, off to the hospital in Feb to see about these !

lovesabargain123

Thanks ladies, I will pass the info on x

Doubledrop

Hi there, I'm 31 and today is my one year anniversary of having an Ablation. Un say my life has improved is an understatement.

my periods were so heavy and once I have a constant period for nearly 5 months.

after having this operation I ama new girl, I bleed lightly for around 3 days of the month, I'm no longer a hormonal wreck and my relationship has gone from good to great.

If your friend doesn't want children, tell her to look into this.

downshifted

I had a hysterectomy including the removal of one ovary about 15 years ago because of widespread endometriosis and it made a huge difference - no one realises quite how bad it makes you feel - including yourself - until it stops. I understand there are less intrusive treatments these days, but I have never regretted mine - and from an MSE viewpoin saved loads on sanitary products!

Firefly

Much like downshifted my hysterectomy was 12yrs ago and although they didn't take my ovaries at the time, I went back two years later to get rid of them as some of the unpleasant symptoms of endo remained. I too have never regretted the operation and have been pain free since. PS I have a ten year gap between children and likely had endo from my late teens. Awful.

ktb

downshifted wrote: »

.... no one realises quite how bad it makes you feel - including yourself - until it stops.

I have to echo this based on recent experience. I have suffered with endo for the last few years & although mine was diagnosed by laparoscopy, it was so constant & horrible i started to wonder if I was was going mad & even if it was endo or something else entirely!

However I am now 2 months pregnant and apart from a bad week at the beginning (when i should have been having my period) the pain has totally vanished!! I can't believe it & I now know 100% what is responsible for my usual pain.

I realise my relief is only temporary, but now it's gone I realise just how draining & miserable living with endo pain is. Unfortunately I can't use hormonal treatments & I do want more kids - so I know the misery awaits me again after the baby is born

I will definitely look into the ablation thing mentioned in this thread when the time is right though - thanks ladies.