Awful, awful periods

[mummery]

I'm posting this as a precursor to going to my local women's health centre.

I have had terrible periods recently. November was OK but October and my most recent period began with me almost collapsing. Both times I was out and about with DS and if I stood up straight or tried to walk my eyes would start clouding at the sides, the way they do if you're about to faint. This is very sudden onset eg on both occasions I was happily going about my business (period having already started) and then suddenly, boom, I have to sit on the fecking pavement. This is on day 1 of period/cycle.

On the occasion in October I had to spend two days in bed, literally just got up to walk the 2 mins to do the school run and back. I also projectile vomit, really violently. The pain is so bad I have taken Cocodamol and max strength ibuprofen, and I speak as someone who never takes pills for anything.

My cycle is fairly regular, 28-32 days, but very long, I bleed for 7 days, heavily for 3-4 of those. I used to have bad periods when I was a teen but not with the dizziness. I'm concerned because I'm a single parent and on this most recent occasion DS got upset when he recognised my symptoms were the same as last time, when we were out of town and I spent an hour vomiting in a public toilet and most of the next hour lying in the back of the car in order to recover enough to drive home. This time I was only 200 yards away from my house but I had to keep stopping and sitting on the kerb because I knew I'd pass out if I kept walking. I did the last twenty yards doubled over leaning on DS's shoulder.

This isn't normal is it. I am going to seek help but I was wondering if anyone had any idea what this could be.

Hi,

Really sorry you're in so much pain. No, it's not normal. There are a few possibilities that should be considered. Top of the list is probably endometriosis - especailly as you also have a history of bad periods as a teenager (very common in women with endometriosis) and heavy bleeding.

Have a look at the information here and the uk site here, and see if it looks like you. If so, you need to ask for a referral to a specialist in endometriosis - not just a general gynaecologist, who is unlikely to be experienced enough to treat it effectively, regardless of what they may tell you.

Another possibility might be something that has just onset now, such as fibroids - they are very common, and can also cause pain/heavy and long periods.

Hope that helps.

I have had similar problems, and had wondered if it could be endometriosis, especially as my mum suffered from it which I think increases your risk.

I'm actually OK at the moment as I'm on the Pill (which is a wonderful wonderful thing) so I can skip periods and those I have are nothing like as bad. But before that I had an awful time with severe pain, plus dizziness/fainting and sickness, like you describe. Will have to come off the pill sometime if we're going to ttc, really not looking forward to that.

I hope you get a proper investigation and find out what's wrong, I agree do push to see appropriate specialists etc if necessary.

How awful for you. I hope you get some answers & solutions soon.

Mummery

I would also cite endometriosis as a possibility for your symtpoms here.

Would also second Vigilante's (hello!) counsel to get a referral to an endo specialist or at the very least a cons gynae with a specialist interest in endo. Do read the sites she recommended as well.

You will need to be persistent in order to get answers.

Thanks a lot for that. I've heard the term endometriosis before but I don't know anything about it, will be sure to do some homework before I see the GP/gynae and will bear in mind what you've said about the importance of seeing a specialist.

Hello mummery

Your experiences sound awful.I had similar symptoms for many many years; my periods were always really painful and I was very often (although not quite every month) violently sick, dizzy, hot, cold and had a horrible upset tummy. Like you I would be unable to walk. It was only when I developed other gynae problems that I was sent for an MRI scan and hysteroscopy which (in addition to a cyst) identified a condition similar to endometriosis called adenomyosis. As Atilla says I would really encourage you to request a referral to a gynaecologist.

I hope you feel better next month.

Hi Mummery you sysmptons were exactly the same as mine.

the pain is that bad and comes on in a second without warning doesnt it? I also had to sleep it off.

In a nuetshell eventually went to dr's after thinking for months it was in my imagination! sent for scan diagnosed cyst and endometriosis on ovary, had a lap to remove as much as possible and to also which is more important confirm endo - a lap is the only real way of confirming.

12 months on I am sort of pain free but manage my monthly pain with perscribed pain killers , my wonderful consultant who is an endo specialist (this is also very important to get referred to a specialist) said lets try out different options - they love to put you on the mirena coil but I opted for painkillers which work so far for me.

Keep us up to date but please go see your Dr endo can come on at any time.

Im late 30's and it popped up out the blue!