Dragging pain with period

[MsVanRein]

I wondered if anyone had similar experience or could shed any light on this.

I have always suffered from extremely painful and heavy periods.
Throughout school I would miss days at the beginning of my period due to fainting and throwing up with the pain. I was prescribed mefanamic and tranexamic acid and told to take regular pain relief. Later I was prescribed the combined pill.

I can no longer take the pill due to another medical condition.

Anyway my period is still extremely painful and as well as the cramps in my uterus, I have a real ache actually in my vagina and cervix. Like a dull constant ache it's actually as painful as the cramps but in a different way. This is something I've only experienced in more recent times - maybe the last year and it's slowly becoming worse. It's accompanied by almost a dragging feeling at times.

I know I should go to GP but wondered if anyone has any suggestions as I feel that it's been a real struggle at times to get them to acknowledge my past menstrual issues.

Thanks.

I can't really offer any advice, but I get that feeling. Have been told my ibs could be making it worse. I'm convinced it's hormones and age x

Endometriosis? Sounds similar to when I had it.

This was mentioned to me as I also get pain when having a poo during my period. What did you do about it? X

Saw gp and he referred me straight away to consultant. Laser keyhole surgery to zap it all and put in the mirena coil. Touch wood been fine for 4 years now. Got to the point when I had about 5 pain free days in the month and would pass out with period.

How did they diagnose it? X

jolufc - now that you mention it a few years ago I had a couple of hospital admissions with unexplained pain in my abdomen, and at the time endometriosis was (briefly) mentioned. I was shipped about from surgical to gynae and had scans but never really got anywhere and was just discharged with no furthe investigation when they got the pain under control.

Maybe something I should look into.

I have had real trouble ever since I can remember but this heaviness and dragging are becoming harder to handle.

I have this feeling too and I have endometorisis.

I meant Endometriosis (should have previewed!)

I don't know much about endometriosis but have just googled and some other things have matched up - on and off over the years I have had bleeding between periods which GP made me have STI tests for even though I knew hadn't put myself at risk. I also have had pain during sex on and off - sometimes very bad have to stop or can't start at all.

Have seen GP about all these things seperately but they've always put it down to one thing or another.

Is there a hormonal link with endometriosis?

The first thing I thought of when I read your post was endometriosis (the facts that you've always suffered with both heavy and painful periods clinched it for me along with the nature of the pain).

It is a very common (infact its the second most common gynae problem seen in women after fibroids) and much under diagnosed condition. Many GPs do not readily recognise the symptoms and give such tablets out rather than try to determine why this is happening. They think that if the pain can be managed its job done.

Deep pain during sex is also highly indicative of endometriosis being present.

Currently it is not known what causes endometriosis. Most experts agree that there are many responsible factors, possibly including genetic, immunological, and hormonal reasons.

You need a referral to a gynae and also one also who has an interest in endometriosis; some gynaes are definitely better than others. You need to see the same person each time, continuity of care is vitally important.

www.endo.org.uk is a good website.

You will need to be persistent in order to get answers, do not be fobbed off!!!

In the meantime I would also suggest you keep a daily pain (note pain on a scale from 1-10) and symptom diary if you do not already as this would also give the gynae clues.

they can't tell until they cut into you.

Atilla thanks that's really helpful. Will have a look at the website later.

I'm in work and have had to come of the floor, I feel so ill the pain is really bad today and I feel faint - have asked DP to book me a GP appointment really need to get to the bottom of this it's really affecting my life.

I still remember lying down at work because of the pain (due to endometriosis, I realise that now).

If GP is unhelpful or has no real idea insist to this person there and then you are referred to a gynae for further evaluation. You must not be fobbed off with yet more pills, the CAUSE of this needs to be properly determined.

Scans (e.g. internal ultrasounds) or blood tests will not detect endometriosis if it is there; it is usually diagnosed through a keyhole surgery op called a laparoscopy.

Can I ask...does the pain happen all the time with endo or just when your on your period? X

Mrs Van - have you had children? I used to have horrific pain when I was younger similar to you. I was going to bore you with my gynae history but I won't I will say though that the mirena has helped me greatly - I had it fitted four months ago and my periods are very very light now (I have endo, suspected adenomyosis and a slight prolapse) I am still having slight back pain but no tiredness. Just thought it might be worth suggesting?

Really feel for you though, it's not fun .

Attila thank you for the advice it's so helpful. I have started a diary and am doing some reading around endo and the more I read the more convinced I am that this could be my problem.

Strawberry I have one DS, would love another child. Have looked into the mirena a little bit in the past but I've always discounted it as hoping to get pregnant next year. I will definitely look into it again though as it sounds like it really does help some people.