Endometriosis Support Group

Endometriosis is a common medical condition where the tissue lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, typically affecting other organs in the pelvis. The condition can lead to serious health problems, primarily pain and infertility. A major symptom of endometriosis is pain, mostly in the lower abdomen, lower back, and pelvic area.

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Women's Health
/ Endometriosis Support Group

Scared

lllovelyrecovery
lllovelyrecovery
Hi, I'm 19 years old. I've been getting a really severe, sharp pain on and off for about 7 months. I went to my gp and told her my symptoms, and she sent me for a colonoscopy - that went horribly, I might add, but that's a different story. I was having sharp pains that made it almost impossible to walk sometimes. Afterwards, I would get diarrhea (when the pain was at it's worst). I had it for a few weeks before it calmed down and went away. After that, I didn't have it for awhile. Now I've had a few more episodes, but the pain is much less. A friend of mine was reading about it in an article and read me a list of symptoms because she said it sounded like the problem I'm having, and she was right - I have a lot of the symptoms they described (bloating, feeling full, painful bowel movements, heavy periods, cramping, pain in my hips and lower abdomen).
My mother, my aunt, and my grandmother all had this and all eventually had hysterectomies. I read that it runs in families.
I'm getting really scared about this. I've never been to a gynecologist, and didn't think I really needed to just yet until I realized that a lot of my symptoms lined up. To be honest, I'm terrified to see the gynecologist. It sounds so stupid to some people but I have a history of sexual abuse and I have no idea what to do at this point. I'm terrified of not getting checked out but I'm horrified of getting a pelvic exam.
I really need some advice from ladies who understand :(
Also, I know I'm young for this problem but it's the only thing I've found so far that has really made sense.
I'm so scared I won't be able to have children. The one thing I have wanted most in life is a family. It's heartbreaking to think about....
SpeckledPup
SpeckledPup
Sweetie...You seem to be overwhelming yourself with so many emotional issues. It seems that each issue may require a different specialist. Since the sexual abuse seems to add to your fear of seeing a GYN, I would suggest that maybe FIRST you find a support system through a therapist (who will then guide you through the process). You'll be amazed at how much better you will feel if you have a confidante to purge these emotions. Those emotions can perhaps be blocking you from moving forward with your physical health.

PLEASE DON'T for one moment think that I'm saying that your pain is all psychological. Your pelvic pain is quite REAL. I just think you'd benefit from an M.D. and a PhD.

It's understandable that you have anxiety regarding a pelvic exam. Just plan to take a Xanax beforehand if you need it. The earlier you get a diagnosis (if it is endometriosis) the better your odds for a good prognosis. HUGS of support. You are no longer alone=)
deleted_user
deleted_user
Why would you be terrified? They wont find or see anything they havn't seen a hundred times before. No need to worry. The doctors are people too so just let them know you are nervous.
Alana3
Alana3
Also, you are not "too young for this" I started bleeding when I was 3 and went to a gyno then. Take a Xanax (or something else that they prescribe to relax you) and tell them your fears. When I was 14, my problems came back and I was scared too. They only did a consult my first time where they told me what they were going to do and why. The only way to start feeling better is to go to a doctor so bring someone with you that you trust and get on the road to feeling better. Also, try not playing doctor google since any one of those symptoms could be another disease, which is why it's important to go to a medical professional. Vans is right, those doctors have seen everything a million times so don't panic!
kDeezy
kDeezy
If you tell them you have a history of sexual abuse, I'm sure they can help you out. I'm sure they see patients regularly who are in the same predicament. Maybe you could call ahead of time and ask them to prescribe you a Valium to help calm you down before the procedure.

While it's definitely uncomfortable (especially if you have endo) it's not really painful. I know that's not what you're afraid of, but hopefully that makes it a little less scary.
KSprizzle89
KSprizzle89
I definitely think going and getting checked out is a great idea. From what you wrote it definitely sounds like you have symptoms and remember that endometriosis symptoms are different for everyone. I didn't show symptoms until nine months before I was diagnosed and even then I didn't have the major symptom, cramping during period, until right before my laparoscopy and now I have cramps all the time. If you are afraid of not having children then the sooner you get checked out the better because the longer you wait, then the longer it will have to do damage inside of you. I know it is really scary and overwhelming, but not knowing for me was the worst part. I felt like once I had a name to my pain then I could move forward and do what I needed to do. Just breathe and do what you have to do and you have all of our support.