Painful & heavy periods

[fledtoscotland]

Since having DS2 nearly 5yrs ago my periods have become unbearable. I bleed for 12-14days flooding and needing to change the towel every 1-2hrs at the worst point. Am doubled over with pain and take tramadol.

Was told I have endometriosis and scarring from prev gyn surgery (had investigations for secondary infertility 2yrs ago). My gp is good and has tried mefanamic acid & transexamic acid which didn't make any difference. Am now on depoprovera injections to stop periods totally but this isn't a long term solution.

Practice nurse suggested laser ablation but gp isn't keen to refer me to gyn. Am having bloods done in 2wks.

What other options do I have? At this point I want a hysterectomy if I can't continue with the depo injection (osteoporosis risk with long term use apparently).

Tia for any suggestions

Shameless bump

It sounds like the endo you've previously been diagnosed with has recurred:(. This can and does happen.

You really do need to see a gynae who has a specialist interest in endometriosis rather than a general gynaecologist. Why isn't the GP keen on referring you; since you already have a dx and the treatment he's prescribed has not worked (not surprisingly) then he should bloody well refer you on!!.

If GP is or remains this unhelpful I'd change GP practice or at the very least complain to the practice manager and see someone else within the practice.

Blood tests will probably not show anything; endo and fibroids if these are there are not picked up on blood tests anyway.

Hyst is not always recommended with some cases of endo as it can also recur post hysterectomy (if the endo is also on the intestines for instance). Also your ovaries would have to be removed during hyst due to the endo (the ovaries could otherwise keep the endo going).

Have a look at www.endo.org.uk as this is a helpful website.

Thanks Atilla - have only got one ovary and Fallopian tube anyway because of a cyst. Have had internal scans done by the infertility unit which show endo and adhesions. I get so depressed by bleeding for 2 out of every 4 wks, crippling pain which makes me feel like by bowel is dragging forward, bleeding so heavy I wear night towels all the time. I can't go on like it for another 10-15yrs.

Apparently I will need a dexa scan to check my bone density as I'm on depoprovera long term.

Is laser ablation really an option?

I don't know anything about these particular problems but find just ordinary peri menopausal periods are hard work. gp isn't keen to refer me to gyn This sounds dreadful! How on earth can you function? Do go back to your GP and kick up. You know you'd do it for one of your DCs no question.