Fibroid pain.....

[Akrotiri1]

I have been spotting and having very heavy periods since last Oct (45 yrs so quite possibly pre menopause).

After a few tests, I have been diagnosed with cervical polyps and fibroids, which could both be contributing to the mid cycle bleeds.

I had the polyps removed last week - not a hugely fun experience as had to have a LLETZ procedure for 2 of them, and the other removed by forceps. Still bleeding but to be expected after a LLETZ......

However the pelvic pain that I have been experiencing is still present so assume it is from the fibroids - the pain feels a bit like barbed wire rubbing on my pelvic wall, if that makes any sense?! Pain killers make no difference and the pain comes and goes, with no real pattern. But does get a lot worse when menstruating and definitely not a normal period cramp, and the only way to relieve the pain is with a hot water bottle.

I have a follow up Dr apt at the end of the month so will discuss treatment for the fibroids. I know progesterone oral contraception is often recommended to help, but as I can suffer low moods, and have put on a few pounds recently, would rather avoid this option.

Any experiences?

Tia x

They made me try P.O.P for 6 months. I had to stop after 5 months because I bled endlessly. I mean a period, 5 days break then 18 days of bleeding, a 2 week break and on and on.......endless. I was anaemic despite being on 3 prescription iron tablets a day. However they did not affect my weight or mood. The P.O.P was the last of a whole load of 4 years of treatment/torture under gynae. I’ve been waiting for a hysterectomy, I can’t wait to finally be pain free.

Excuse my ignorance but what is P.O.P ?

Sorry to hear about all the problems you have had.

Akrotiri,

re your comment:-

"However the pelvic pain that I have been experiencing is still present so assume it is from the fibroids - the pain feels a bit like barbed wire rubbing on my pelvic wall, if that makes any sense?! Pain killers make no difference and the pain comes and goes, with no real pattern. But does get a lot worse when menstruating and definitely not a normal period cramp, and the only way to relieve the pain is with a hot water bottle".

This made me think of endometriosis; fibroids are not generally painful but endo can and does cause severe period pains. I would keep a daily pain and symptom diary to show the gynae if you do not already do this.

I have endo, fibroids and adenomyosis. I have been in pain and bleeding on and off since the end of November beginning of December.
Won't bore you with all the details. Iron levels are dire had 3 transfusions in the beginning of December, iron tablets daily, had IV iron since the transfusions and will have another transfusion today.

As well as the sharp stabbing pains I also have constant dull pain and the stabbing spikes. Dihydrocodeine, paracetamol, morphine and ibuprofen at the beginning of the flare-up take the edge off.

The above pain is from endo and adenomyosis and was detected during a CT scan and confirmed with a vaginal probe scan. It's these diagnoses that are causing all my problems,

Because of severe depression, oral contraception was ruled out. The beginning of December coil was suggested as this can also help.

Thankfully my gp is great and bounced me straight to a&e in December twice, and this time I knew the signs to look for and to come straight in.

Sorry - P.O.P is progesterone only pill. Definitely keep a diary of symptoms but don’t expect a quick solution. I hope you are under a sympathetic gynae.

This made me think of endometriosis; fibroids are not generally painful but endo can and does cause severe period pains.
I have had a laparoscopy to check for endo, I don’t have endo, just fibroids and the pain can be so bad it makes me retch and co codamol only eases it slightly so fibroids can, and do, unfortunately cause abdo pain in some women.

Theworldistoosmall I was also told Mirena coil would help. After 9 months of daily spotting and bleeding I was begging them to remove it. I guess it works for some women, fingers crossed it helps your symptoms.

Bringbackthestripes - I am no longer having the coil fitted because of complications as a result of the endo etc. We have agreed that I cannot spend the next couple of months getting admitted every other week.

Thanks all.

Can endo cause very heavy periods?

My fibroids were diagnosed by vaginal ultrasound - would endo not be picked up then, or would I need different testing?

Hugs to all - being a woman is not fun at times xx

For me, the endo was picked up on the CT scan. Then sent for a probe and again the endo was visible. I don't know if the endo nor adenomyosis are normally picked up on the probe or if it's because mine is very thick and getting thicker.

Yes I get very heavy periods, for the first 5 - 7 days I'm wearing incontinence pads because not only do they hold more, but I can then sleep for more than an hour at a time.

And yes you need a decent gynae department.

Endo can also cause heavy bleeding to arise. It is not normally picked up on internal ultrasound scans, at least in my experience of them.

Thanks all - I will mention endo to my GP at me next appt. and discuss the possibility of having a laparoscopy.

Interestingly my last period, that came 5 days after the LLETZ, (well I think it was my period as hard to tell when bleeding continuously), was lighter than the last few - although the aftercare note state that the first period after a LLETZ can be heavier than normal).

Tbh' bring on menopause' as supposedly a lot of these issues are meant to disappear.