Period returning after giving birth?

[youngerthanspringtime]

Hi all.
DD is 9 months old, BF 2x a day (has FF in afternoon) so not sure when to expect period to return.

I've had lower abdominal pain for a few months which I'm being checked for bowel things (colonoscopy in a few weeks) or my GP thought it may even be related to back probs but the back exercises did nothing.

It's not gone away and the past week it's felt like period pains and comes and goes. It seems stronger at night. I've also had sharp pains where I think my ovaries might be and (TMI!) discharge that is whitish/clear (could be a couple times a week). I thought this could mean I'm ovulating? Finally (weirdly), the backs of my legs are sore which also feels related.

Did anyone get a few weeks of similar symptoms running up to period returning? I have an appt with my GP next thu but wondering if I should call and get a sooner appt with someone else.

anyone?

last attempt to bump. sigh.

anyone reading, what were your 1st periods after birth like? eg did you have more pronounced cramping, painful ovulation?

thank you.

IIRC, I had no warning whatsoever before my periods returned.

I had miserable periods before having children, couldn't get through them without Feminax, but when my periods started again after having dc1 - oh bliss! No pain, no nausea, virtually no cramping. I think I've taken Feminax maybe once or twice this century.

Are you under the care of a gynae - if not I would ask for a referral to such a person as a matter of course.

This certainly warrants further investigation.

Endometriosis could be a possibility here as an underlying cause for your symptoms. Pains mid cycle, pelvic pain, stomach pains (it can get misdiagnosed as IBS) and pains down legs can all be very suggestive of this.

You will need to be persistant in order to get answers. If this is endometriosis it is usually only diagnosed through a laparoscopy - keyhole surgery type op. Scans and blood tests do not detect endo if it is there.

I'm afraid mine returned when DS was about 4 months, despite bf. .

Hope this bumps the question even if it doesn't answer it!

thanks all.
Attila, I have a GP appt next week and will ask to be referred.

I have been diagnosed with IBS in the past and GP said my pelvic pain 'could be all in your head' . She may be right but it's persistent (since one month after dd was born last May). I've switched GPs since then to one who has been recommended in my area and will hopefully be more practical/sympathetic with me.

Hi younger,

re your comment:-
"I have been diagnosed with IBS in the past and GP said my pelvic pain 'could be all in your head'

Endometriosis can sometimes be diagnosed as IBS (endo can also get onto the intestines and bowels and cause pain). And as for your previous GP's comment re pelvic pain, well words fail me...

Do seek a referral to a gynae and be persistant with the GP. I would think that the possibility of endometriosis being the underlying cause of all this is of merit and your case certainly warrants further investigation.

Infact any symptom that is cyclical and that gets worse leading up to and or during menstruation could be due to endometriosis. It is a disease that is very much underdiagnosed and many GPs, let alone some gynaes, just don't know enough about it.

Thanks Attila.

I'm defn going to be referred to a gynae. Endometriosis has crossed my mind as did an ovarian cyst (I had a grapefruit sized one removed 10 years ago). in any case, referral will be the answer to some of thequestions.

I, too, am at the GP's comment. She really made me question my judgment, whether I'm just anxious over nothing.

anyway, I hope my new GP is a bit more understanding and objective.