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.
It's a viscous cycle! Start having pain a week before my cycle- start taking pain med (usually ibuprofen), during cycle double pain - double the meds I take ( usually alternating between vicodin, ibuprofen, and take ambien nightly), week I'm going off- continue with pain med cause still in pain (usually just ibuprofen).... Attempt to stop taking pain meds when I'm off and pain free- get a headache that won't go away unless I take more ibuprofen! I know the side effects of all three, but think the risk are worth it (esp when I'm going through the pain). However, fear if I am not just stuck in this cycle yet I will be soon! Do I treat today and worry about tomorrow as it come?? Or should I tolerate pain to prevent more pain and future complications? Ibuprofen usually works better then vicodin as far as the pain goes, yet vicodin helps me sleep the day away(ESP when taken with my ambien)... No drive and energy to exercise most of the time, but exercising does help some. I tolerate the pain when at work with no meds and put on a mask (because it's a new job), also because I don't think it's smart to take any meds that can make me drowsy at work. My insides just hurt constantly it seems... I'm just getting so confused! Is the meds causing the pain outside of my cycle or is it just my endo? I knw it could be either or....
deleted_user
ibuprofen is a painkiller, but if you take to much of it you can become immune to it. i feel you should ask your doctor for some pain killers. i hadnt thought about vicodin but it can really make you sleep. i am going to ask my doctor about it when i see her.
whyme123
Please don't make yourself suffer. Treat today and worry about tomorrow as it comes. When I had daily pain I told 800mg ibuprofenss continuously. When i only had minor pain i took it so it would always be in my system. Your pain is from endo. You can take ibuprofen at work without it making you drowsy. i wouldn't take the vicodin outside of home. Try Melatonin to help you sleep. It helps you fall asleep naturally and doens't make you feel like you took a sleeping pill.
honor435
you take ambien and vicodin to "sleep the day away"? is that the first day when you are in major pain? I fyou can get by on just ibupr, do that, if the pain bad take vic, I say take it day by day.
LITG3J
Thanks u guys... I truly appreciate u guys! And as far as the pain- some cycles is worst then others, so I can get by with ibuprofen most of the ok ones but always take vicodin at least once a day when I'm on... For the really bad cycles the only cure for the pain is sleep... Hence the vicodin and ambien. I suffer from insomnia and that's why I take ambien most nights normally. When I'm having a very painful cycle and need to sleep the week away I alternate between ibuprofen pm and vicodin during the day. I'm sure it's the depression as well that makes me just wanna forget I'm having the cycle all together. Tried melatonin and lunesta- neither worked. Usually have to take 800mg of ibuprofen when I take it... Just don't like taking medication of any sort while at work. Usually I would use my Family med leave and take the week off... But just started a new job. I'm so happy I survived this last cycle- truly was ready to give up! I would love to not have to take any meds.... :o( there are studies out about vit D3 working for cramps, check into it- they are still unaware of side effects though and the dose it would take for it to work effectively could cause worst problems longterm (as with many meds anyways). Anyways once again thanks for the support!
whyme123
I just heard about the vitamin D thing but have tried Vitamin E and it really does work. i saw an article about it in O Magazine a few months ago and tried it and it really helps. My 17 year old daughter tried it also and she noticed a difference.
LITG3J
Vit E.... Thanks, I'm gonna have to try it!
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