...what were your symptoms, and how long did it take to diagnose?
I should say from the off that I have always had extremely painful periods. So did my mum, and her mum before her. I just figured that was part of life's rich tapestry. I was on hormonal contraception from around age 18 to age 34, which gave me blissful respite from periods. However, I was diagnosed with IBS in my 20s. I haven't been on hormonal contraception since I had my daughter in 2012 - had the copper coil fitted in 2013.
Now, I've been back and forth to my GP for about 18 months. Started with severe fatigue and dizziness; loads of blood tests done, all normal except for female hormones which were a little out of whack, leading my GP to suspect early menopause (I'm 42, was 41 at the time) and possible depression. GP recommended sertraline and seeing how I got on, as she was unwilling to prescribe HRT due to all the adverse side effects...
More bloods done about 12 months later - female hormones now normal . Fatigue still the main symptom; legs like lead, every step an effort, brain fog etc. GP said she thought it was still early menopause despite the test results, and that she was willing to consider HRT, and that I should go away to think about it.
Due to various life events (new job etc) I didn't go back to the GP for a few weeks. However, last September I ended up in A&E with persistent lower right abdominal pain. Found to not be appendicitis but the A&E doctor told me to "ask my GP about endometriosis" as he'd seen my GP notes and had clocked that the "appendicitis" had started right at the end of my previous period.
Since the A&E visit, I am now getting severe period-type pain both before, during and after my period, rather than just during my period. It focuses particularly on the spot where I had the not-appendicitis, and sometimes extends to my upper leg. It's a burning, grinding kind of pain, not crampy at all. I also get nausea and diarrhoea along with the pain. Painkillers are useless, even those got illicitly from my MIL with prescription-grade codeine in.
GP sent me for an ultrasound to see if there were any cysts or other weird shit - all clear.
I'm due to go back to the GP next Tuesday, after some particularly bad episodes of pain and worsening fatigue. It's beginning to affect my ability to work, look after my children, and generally live a normal life
So, what do you think? Does this chime with any of your experiences? What outcome did you get? Is there anything I should be particularly asking for?
Thanks in advance for your help! (Apologies if my writing style is a bit terse - I'm in pain again...)
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If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis...
29 replies
SlipperyJack · 14/01/2016 15:20
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