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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To have panic spent £100 on desperately trying to resolve my period pain?

35 replies

henpeckedinchief · 11/07/2018 02:01

I've just dropped £100 on various probably quack nonsense attempted resolutions of the period pain which is absolutely crippling me. God knows if any of it will work but I have to try something! I can't go on spending three days of every month barely able to function because my pain is so bad Sad

OP posts:
LifeBeginsNow · 11/07/2018 02:19

Have you tried metaflomenic (sp?) acid? It's the only thing that worked for me. I took 2 pills on day one and then didn't need anything else. You just need a prescription for them.

henpeckedinchief · 11/07/2018 02:22

I haven't, I will raise that with my GP - thank you! I have been prescribed mefenamic acid but it isn't touching the sides, I've taken the maximum dose I can and then some and I'm still crying out from the pain Sad

OP posts:
DistanceCall · 11/07/2018 02:26

Have you been checked for endometriosis? Many women suffer for years because their GPs haven't been sufficiently trained to spot it.

henpeckedinchief · 11/07/2018 02:29

I had a vaginal ultrasound scan about two years ago which came back clear so I don't think it's endometriosis unless it wouldn't show up on a scan like that? I do bleed very heavily (which is why I was referred for the scan in the first place). The only thing that has ever helped control the pain and the heavy bleeding is birth control but currently TTC so not really an option at present 😭

OP posts:
CherriesAndGingham · 11/07/2018 02:39

Endometriosis can only be properly diagnosed/confirmed through laparoscopy (ie. actually looking inside, under anesthetic). They will tell you all sorts of rubbish and try to fob you off, but try to get referred to a gyneacologist and be persistent when you do! (Don't mention endometriosis (Dr Google Grin) but if you can get referred to a gynae that specialises in endo then do.

Best of luck, hope the pain eases soon. I've found diclofenac to be the only thing that touches the pain (even tramadol didn't work), although it certainly doesn't eliminate it when it's bad.

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 11/07/2018 02:43

This might be useful:
"Can you diagnose Endometriosis via Ultrasound?
September 3, 2016

Dr Sofie Piessens, Endometriosis Australia's Medical Advisory Committee

The ability to diagnose deep infiltrating endometriosis with transvaginal ultrasound has improved dramatically around the world since 2009.

What can the ultrasound diagnose?

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of tissue similar to that of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) outside of the uterus, most commonly on and below the ovaries, and deep in the pelvis behind the uterus, called the Pouch of Douglas. Here, the endometriosis grows on the ligaments behind the uterus and on the vagina and rectum. It also may grow on the bladder, appendix, and even sometimes in the upper abdomen or in the abdominal wall in the scars of a laparoscopy or caesarean delivery.

There are many presentations of endometriosis which may be identified by the surgeon at laparoscopy. A distinction is made between superficial lesions and deep infiltrating endometriosis.

In the majority of women with endometriosis the endometriosis found in the pelvis has only implanted superficially. Superficial lesions of endometriosis can never be diagnosed on ultrasound as they have no real mass, only colour, which cannot be detected with ultrasound. These lesions can cause as much pain as some deep infiltrating lesions but they can only be seen on laparoscopy. They may be removed during a laparoscopy and special preoperative measures are rarely required."

My bolding - superficial lesions can't be found by ultrasound but can still cause as much pain - go back and ask to be checked again. Ultrasound isn't enough.

Graphista · 11/07/2018 02:43

Endo is massively under diagnosed and doesn't show up on scans or blood tests.

Please be persistent in getting referred to a suitable gynaecologist. Especially as you're ttc.

henpeckedinchief · 11/07/2018 02:44

Thank you so much Cherries - I hadn't realised that, had just assumed that the scan would show up endometriosis!

Since I was referred for the scan I've moved to a new GP who has been much more helpful and understanding so I'll go back and see if I can get a gynaecology referral - or at least some effective painkillers! I'm not even expecting a cure for the pain - just some mitigation so I can still live my life would be enough!

OP posts:
henpeckedinchief · 11/07/2018 02:46

Thanks so much graphista and ThumbWitchesAbroad - that's so helpful Flowers

OP posts:
Ki0612 · 11/07/2018 02:50

I have endometriosis. It can only be diagnosed by laparoscopy. I was ttc and in so much pain I got one. I would persist at gp to get a referral. Explain how bad the pain is and how heavy ur periods are.

Skittlesandbeer · 11/07/2018 02:51

Consider getting checked for uterine fibroids too. They’re (non dangerous) lumps within the uterus, that grow and can slowly worsen period pain to insane levels. They can be removed or shrunk.

I’m sure you’ll find an expert who can get to the bottom of this, it’s no way to live. Good luck for a pain-free future.

Graphista · 11/07/2018 03:44

www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-faqs

Without wishing to alarm, I am concerned about the ttc side. I wouldn't want any other woman to go through what I did unnecessarily.

LifeBeginsNow · 11/07/2018 04:49

Sorry OP, your spelling is right and that's what I had in mind. I haven't needed it since I've had a baby as I don't suffer at all now.

I think the dosage from memory said to take just one at a time. I'm afraid I was a bit naughty and took two but I very rarely needed anymore during that period. Those two seemed to get me through the worst of it.

Hope you feel better soon!

henpeckedinchief · 11/07/2018 07:11

Just realising now how little I actually know about endometriosis Blush certainly a fair few of the symptoms I have (although I know that there could be other causes for all of them as well). I'm going to make a GP appointment this morning to discuss the pain, will see where that gets me! Thank you all for being so helpful, I had ruled out endometriosis in my head but it looks like it is definitely still a possibility.

OP posts:
ihatethecold · 11/07/2018 07:24

Maca can be helpful with period problems.
Have a look at Organic burst website.
They produce very good quality supplements.
I use Maca for pmt symptoms but I’ve read it can be very good at helping other menstrual issues.

thelastredwinegum · 11/07/2018 07:37

I had one of these when I had periods (Mirena now) www.mn8.uk.com

It actually did help. I don't remember paying that much though 😮

thelastredwinegum · 11/07/2018 07:40

Just want to add I hope you find out what's causing them to be so painful.

longwayoff · 11/07/2018 07:47

Dont suffer any longer. GP for gynae referral. You shouldn't have to suffer this. Hope things improve soon.

longwayoff · 11/07/2018 07:48

Insist on referral if GP resists.

BloodyBosch · 11/07/2018 07:49

I have prescriptions for co-codamol 30/500 and ibuprofen 400mg for period pain. Mefenamic acid was making me feel sick so stopped that. The best thing I've found to help is cura heat pads for back pain. Really important to make sure they don't make contact with skin(!), you need material in between but they help a lot.

KirstenRaymonde · 11/07/2018 07:53

Another option that many women don’t seem to know about is Adenomyosis

www.webmd.com/women/guide/adenomyosis-symptoms-causes-treatments

It’s plagued my DM her entire life, she’d get through a super tampon and super pad every 2 hours as well as very severe cramps. It’s now causing further problems as she’s seemly gone through the menopause (shown by all the tests) but is still having bleeds. Endometriosis is mentioned so often when women are having extreme period problems, but Adenomyosis never is.

ClemHFandango · 11/07/2018 07:55

I bought a tiny tens machine from Amazon for about £15, which has been brilliant. It was this one: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B077XQTGJX?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title&tag=mumsnetforum-21

oreosoreosoreos · 11/07/2018 08:03

I've got endo (diagnosed by lap when ttc) and have very painful periods.

I'd recommend some lavender essential oil - a few drops in a carrier oil massaged info the abdomen a few times a day. I have no idea how or why it works, but it's taken me from excruciating pain even on max pain relief to usually not even needing paracetamol, so definitely worth a go!

PostcodeJack · 11/07/2018 08:27

Tranexemic acid worked for me in terms of reducing bleeding which then helped reduce the pain. Taken with mefanemic acid for the pain.

snackerextraordinaire · 11/07/2018 08:42

KirstenRaymonde - Thank you for raising this. I have suffered from Adenomyosis for years. It was diagnosed about 10 years ago following a laparoscopy but I have suffered for most my adult life, worse after children. I have had terrible heavy periods and cramping that is like labour pains. I tried all the various things people mentioned but my gynaecologist put me on high levels on ibuprofen 3 times a day. I have switched from tampons to a menstrual cup which I do think has helped and I also now back up with period pants. I have to change my cup hourly on some days. It makes it hard to go places.

This condition has been explained to me as having a network of channels inside your endometrial wall so that there is a build up of blood there and your body has to cramp hard to get it out. Also due to this condition I have a much larger uterus than normal.

I was given a Mirena to help with this but it made me bleed for 6 months and I had it removed. I now just use Ibuprofen.

I hope that you don’t have this but maybe I have shed some light on this condition for others too.