I’m really at my wits’ end and would be so grateful for any advice or shared experiences.
To give a bit of background: I’ve been struggling with severe pelvic pain along with bladder and bowel problems for several years. Initially, doctors believed the cause was a large fibroid and adenomyosis. I had a hysterectomy 18 months ago, which initially made a big difference — my symptoms improved massively. However, about eight weeks later I started HRT, and unfortunately, all of my symptoms came back with a vengeance.
My gynaecologist suspected microscopic endometriosis, as nothing was found during surgery or on scans. Since then, I’ve been seen by several specialists, including colorectal, but all of my tests have come back normal.
My current symptoms are:
Constant, severe lower pelvic pain that radiates to my coccyx and the fronts of my thighs.
Bowel pain that feels like passing glass, with much worse pelvic pain afterwards.
Constipation unless I take Laxido — but sometimes I swing to diarrhoea.
Rectal bleeding (investigated but no clear cause found).
Bowel urgency, and recently I even had an accident, which was very distressing.
Bladder irritation that feels like a constant UTI, though tests are negative.
Gynaecology have now discharged me following a recent MRI, but I’m still in daily pain. I had to leave my job a year ago because it’s become unbearable. I’m currently on Co-dydramol, Gabapentin, and Naproxen — the Gabapentin has helped a lot, but I’m still struggling.
Emotionally, I feel completely drained and can’t see a way forward. I avoid eating when I’m out because of the pain and urgency, and my quality of life feels so limited. I’m now wondering whether IBS could be part of the problem.
Thank you so much if you’ve taken the time to read all this. ❤️