Very painful periods!

[user122]

Hi everyone I am wondering if you can help?

Around the age of 13 I started experiencing horrifically painful periods - to the point I was rushed to hospital several times with suspected appendicitis! I was even once asked if I was sure I wasn't pregnant and in labour. They were absolutely horrific. It was always the day I came on - for about 4/5 hours after that, the pain was unbearable, after that it was just 'normal' period cramps for the rest of my period.

Anyway the doctors gave me several medications to try and none of them worked so he put me on the pill, which I have been on ever since (I am now 21)... 3 months ago I came off my pill for various different reasons, but was obviously petrified this pain would return! Anyway my first 'proper' period was fine, standard period pains no cause for concern, my 2nd period was very intense, pretty bad pains (deffo not normal), anyway I have come on my 3rd today and I have just recovered from the exact pain that haunted me previous, it was even worse than I remembered. It also comes with a number of other symptoms including - loose bowels & diharreah (sorry TMI), very heavy bleeding, vomiting, dizziness (I used to physically pass out, I didn't on this occasion), and becoming seriously sweaty and hot flushes.... some of these I suppose could be my body going into shock from the pain I suppose, I don't know...

I have NO idea what to do? Will the doctor help or not take me seriously? Has anyone else experienced this? Please help!

P.s going back on the pill is unfortunately not an option.

Look up endometriosis. Your symptoms sound familiar

I had very painful periods like yours. I went to hospital a few times.
I ended up getting the mirena coil. It has pretty much stopped my periods and the pain is pretty much non existent.

That sounds awful. You need to see a doctor to be referred for a gynae consultation. You could very well have endometriosis (which can only be confirmed through laparoscopic surgery) but I imagine they'd want to check you for other things as well ( I don't mean 'sinister' things!). I would do some research yourself on endo and consider some intermediate measures like diet/supplements that might help until you get a proper diagnosis.

I had this, same as you, from when periods started as a teen, fainting from pain, needing A&E, etc, for no reason other than intense reaction to the hormones produced. Injections of buscopan helped but the long term solution was a prescription of Flurbiprofen. I take it for a day or so on the run up then the day my period starts and it relieves the pain fully.

I have had similar problems to what you describe from teenage years as well. Having waited the best part of two decades to finally get a diagnosis in my 30s (of endometriosis) I would not wish such a delay on any other woman. I would think that the pill in your case simply dampened down the endo that is already there and then it flared up again once you stopped taking the pill. That all seems horribly familiar to me also.

Have a read of this website too www.endometriosis-uk.org/understanding-endometriosis

I would also think that endometriosis is the root cause of your ongoing painful periods and you should be referred by your GP to a gynaecologist asap. You need to be persistent in order to get answers so you will need to find a GP who will take you seriously to refer you.

If you do not already do so I would keep a daily pain and symptom diary as this will also gives the gynae clues. Do not be fobbed off with mere pills and pain relief; you need a laparoscopy to determine the extent of and remove the endometriosis that is already there.