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.
Hey guys! I'm new here so I'm not really sure how this thing works. I guess I'll just start with telling y'all why I'm here.
So for the past almost two years I've been battling Graves' Disease and have had radioactive iodine twice to try to kill it. Finally it's dead! Now I am Hypothyroid post ablation. So that's been hell... I also had double hip reconstruction via laparoscopy. (PS. I'm only 20 :( )
But in the past 6 months, however, I have had extremely bad problems with my period and I have had to go to the hospital and urgent care many times.
Here are my symptoms:
EXTREMELY excruciating cramps
back pain
heavy, heavy bleeding
nausea and vomiting
pain/cramping throughout the month (more heightened with ovulation and period)
constipation
and that's all I can think of right now.
The pain is so bad that I have to miss work because I can't walk. The pain extends through my back and all the way down my thighs to my knees.
I finally went to the Gynecologist and told him everything. He prescribed Lutera for 3 months and I just started that. I guess what I really want to know is if the birth control is worth it, or if I should talk to my doc about doing laparoscopy. I asked him about it and he recommended we do something less extensive first. But I'm really scared to stay on BC because everyone I know has had really bad side effects. Plus I'm already on medication for my thyroid and I didn't want to keep putting things in my body.
Please help!
So for the past almost two years I've been battling Graves' Disease and have had radioactive iodine twice to try to kill it. Finally it's dead! Now I am Hypothyroid post ablation. So that's been hell... I also had double hip reconstruction via laparoscopy. (PS. I'm only 20 :( )
But in the past 6 months, however, I have had extremely bad problems with my period and I have had to go to the hospital and urgent care many times.
Here are my symptoms:
EXTREMELY excruciating cramps
back pain
heavy, heavy bleeding
nausea and vomiting
pain/cramping throughout the month (more heightened with ovulation and period)
constipation
and that's all I can think of right now.
The pain is so bad that I have to miss work because I can't walk. The pain extends through my back and all the way down my thighs to my knees.
I finally went to the Gynecologist and told him everything. He prescribed Lutera for 3 months and I just started that. I guess what I really want to know is if the birth control is worth it, or if I should talk to my doc about doing laparoscopy. I asked him about it and he recommended we do something less extensive first. But I'm really scared to stay on BC because everyone I know has had really bad side effects. Plus I'm already on medication for my thyroid and I didn't want to keep putting things in my body.
Please help!
I am sorry to know that you have battled Graves at such a young age. I am very happy that you have WON the battle. KUDOS for all things positive. As for the endometriosis...I don't really know what to tell you other than definitive diagnosis is essential. If indeed you do have it, early detection will be in your favor.
So many of us spent YEARS just trying to be HEARD...and still spend a lot of time battling with those who are "supposed" to be treating us.
PLEASE find a doctor who is capable of diagnosis and who is willing to aggressively fight the disease, rather than "wait and see". You are NEVER "too young" to get this crap under control. If you wait, it only gets worse. We are here whenever you need us....warts and all=)
I ADMIRE YOU for the agony you have suffered through with your health issues. As far as "what should you do"...I don't know what to tell you. I think sometimes this disease "feeds" on those of us who have a compromised or non-existent immune system.(just my own personal theory) I KNOW that I was too weak to fight when I first got a doctor to actually listen to me.
Do you have a good FP that you trust? Or a specialist that has treated you? If so, perhaps they can help you to "network". Also, these ladies on the forum are more than willing to provide any info they can to help.
Meanwhile, I hope that you can get some relief and rest tonight=)
Agree you should try to get a laparoscopy, both for the definitive diagnosis and because it is one of the best treatments. My first lap helped with my pain a lot for about a year. (Second one, with a "better" specialist at a "better" hospital, less successful.)
However if you're worried about birth control pill side effects, you should be aware that OCPs are the usual first line treatment, and unless you react really really badly to them, your doctors will probably have you on them (or on other more intense hormonal treatments) for the foreseeable future. I have taken several different OCP formulas and have found that each one has different levels of effectiveness at treating my endo, different side effects, etc, so if you are having side effects you don't like see if your doctor can prescribe a different pill to try.
This is a great place for support and information. all of the ladies here are really great and can absolutely relate to the pain you're experiencing and the frustration of trying to get some relief. it's a horrible cycle of pain, frustration and trying to fight for the right treatment for you. We are hear to listen and support you.
You have been through so much! I'd hate for you to be like a lot of us and not get proper treatment (not on our part, by our doctors not listening) for close to a decade. It just gets worse. Oh boy does it ever get worse!
*HUGS* Wish we could've met under different circumstances! We're all here to support each other. No question is too personal and chances are, someone here has experienced the same thing :)