I thought I was going to start last weekend. On Saturday I had cramps bad enough that I just wanted to stay at home in my pajamas. Everything in that area just felt very heavy if that makes any sense. I didn't start until yesterday though (Thursday). Before that though I was still having cramps off and on.
I know that surgery is the only way to definitively diagnose it. I'm not sure if that's what my doctor will recommend or not.
Here is a list of symptoms with those that I have bolded:
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into your period and may include lower back and abdominal pain.
- Pain with intercourse. Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis. (I've never had this symptom)
- Pain with bowel movements or urination. You're most likely to experience these symptoms during your period. (This one is rare, but I've had it before)
- Excessive bleeding. You may experience occasional heavy periods (menorrhagia) or bleeding between periods (menometrorrhagia). (A lot of times my period can be heavy, but it only lasts for a day. My periods tend to last only 3 days. From what I read longer periods are more typical with endometriosis)
- Infertility. Endometriosis is first diagnosed in some women who are seeking treatment for infertility. (Obviously we're infertile, but I didn't bold this one because my husband has issues and I have diminished ovarian reserve (which reminds me, I read somewhere about a link between that and endometriosis, will have to look at that more) so I don't think endometriosis is the cause of our infertility)
- Other symptoms. You may also experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods. (I get what I call period fatigue. The first day of my period I am normally just wiped out. An hour after I wake up I will feel like I'm falling asleep. I also have diarrhea with my period, bloating and occasionally the cramps are so bad that I get nauseated)
So that's that. Anyone have some opinions on whether I have it or not? Have you done laparoscopic surgery to diagnose/treat it?
3 comments:
I only have 2 symptoms: very painful periods (like stay home and moan and groan for 2 days while wishing for death...yeah, that bad) and painful BMs. No pain with intercourse or excessive bleeding. Endo is one of those that can be tricky as some have no symptoms and stage IV endo while others have a ton of symptoms and stage I. Or not at all.
If you think that there is even a remote chance that you have it then I would definitely do the lap. It is relatively painless and will tell you a lot. I had one in 1998 and was not diagnosed (stupid dr) and again in 2005. Mine was so bad there was nothing they could do and I had to go back for a full surgery (laparotomy). After that my pain almost completely subsided until about 4 months ago.
Hopefully you don't have it, but I would have the lap just to rule it out or clean it up if you do. HTH
From the symptoms you have it sounds like you do have it, I had a lap last month to see why I can't get and stay pregnant, and it turns out I have stage 1 endo and a polyps.
Sounds like you may be getting some answers, or at least rule some things out.
Good luck with your lap.
Hi Brandy, I am new to your blog. I stumbled on it via Rachel's blog and your post. Anyway, would love to chat sometime. I have PCOS and lots of other wonderful complications. Yes, my story is different....I do have a daughter. But, we have a lot of common stories...I don't blog about them often. I appreciate your honesty and not sugar coating everything...email me anytime.
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