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

Pain Management

ashleyeliza314
ashleyeliza314
I was diagnosed with Endo about 5 or 6 years ago. I've had three laparoscopies with laser and have found that being on Nexplanon birth control has helped with my pain. However, I've been recently informed that I have to put ff another surgery as long as I can and I need some help with pain management techniques. I do plan to start Lupron in September after my wedding. I have a script for Naproxen but it doesn't help with sharp pain or tugging and it's terrible for your kidneys. With that said, I don't want to really be taking opiate pain medication. Does anyone have any suggestions for alternative pain management options or advice on what has helped you?
Cizipkey
Cizipkey
I do have some advise because I have tried numerous alternative treatments. Trigger point injections are very painful but can defiantly help for about a week with all the muscle spasms. Physical therapy helped me a lot but I had a women health therapist that was experienced in pelvic pain. The exercises made my abdomen stronger and stopped some of the spasms and also helped with relaxing the tension. I also work with a pain management counselor that helps me with visualization and breathing exercises. Even though I incorporate all these techniques I have been on opiods now for almost a year. It was a hard decision but it does help my quality of life in one way. Except in another way they have taken me down a Rd. I did not want to go down. The side effects and possible addiction and the hoops you have to jump through make me feel like an addict. I fight everyday to make sure I dont become one. It is a hard battle because the pain is so intense and its easy to take a pill. My hope is that you continue to look and find an alternative treatment instead of pain medication. Now that I am on the medication I do feel awful side effects from the medication. There is no right answer, I hope this helped a little and even though its hard stay strong. You are stronger then you will ever know. Good luck!!!
ronniliz
ronniliz
I've tried naproxen for a few things and it just plain doesn't work. Honestly what helps the most with my endo pain is heat! Steaming hot bath or lying on a heating pad for hours. Some nights it's so bad that I wake up each time the heating pad turns off. I also put on soothing noises, like the beach or a campfire or a rain storm. There is a wonderful app if you have an iPhone called the zen app that has all sorts of relaxing sounds. The more I can "relax" the easier it is to "manage" the pain
deleted_user
deleted_user
If you have nausea with the pain, as I sometimes do, a cup of ginger tea can be exceptionally soothing. Almost always takes away the nausea. Ginger can also help with inflammation.

Also for me, stretching out can help. Being bunched up, like curled up when lying down or even sitting on a chair can make the pain worse, so standing, stretching, or lying down stretched out often provides some relief.

That's all I've got, but hopefully it helps.
jacintaann
jacintaann
Community acupuncture. $20 a session and helped with my pain a lot. There are centers across the country.