Extreme Periods

[Fergie]

I should start by saying I have been diagnosed with endometriosis for 16 years now, but my periods since I had my son (he's 1 next month) have been totally all to pot. They are erratic, heavy, extremely painful, full of clots and it's getting to the point now that I have no life. I can't plan anything with my kids, I can't even have sex with my OH as it terrifies me to fall pregnant again (I can't use the pill as I've had a DVT, allergic to latex and the coil gave me a 4 month long period so i'm not doing that again). I have no idea when they will turn up (i'm a week late atm), I go through 1 pkt of pads and a box of tampons on day 1 alone. I take tramadol to help with the pain but even that is only just taking the edge off it. I can't cope anymore and Ideally I would like a hysterectomy, but my GP won't even refer me to gynae. I don't know what else to do. My GP has fobbed me off with the fact I have endometriosis as the reason my periods are like this, but I've lived with this condition for 16 years now and although my periods were heavy they were nothing compared to what they are like now. I dread them, absolutely dread them. I could just sit here and cry just now as the pain is horrific and yet again I can't get a GP appt til next Wednesday. I've tried turning up at A&E and although they were sympathetic there is nothing they can do for me as it's not an emergency, which is fair enough.

I just don't know what to do anymore. If anyone has had symptoms like these and been diagnosed could you give me some advice please. Short of paying £7000 for a private op I don't know what else I can do to persuade my GP to refer me to gynae.

Sorry I know it's a bit of a shpeel, the tramadol is finally kicking in now.

 

[seoj]

First big hugs!!!

Although I can't personally relate- my friend has dealt with similar issues most of her life and my daughter was diagnosed with Endo recently and her periods too are horrid- she's so young, I can't imagine!!!

That is ridic you won't get refered? Here we can just call and make our own appt with an OBGYN- that is who I see for my annual exams... I would push your GP to refer you- if only for insight with someone who specializes in that area more. Maybe even do some research - or, you could say it's gotten so bad that your in constant pain (lie a bit if you have to)-- I can't imagine not being taken seriously on this issue- so frustrating I'm sure.

There is a procedure here- that my friend almost did before going on the IUD (as that can lighten periods)- where they go in and basically, not sure how to say it, kinda burn the lining of your uterus so there isn't as much to shed during your period-- so it's lighter, if anything. But then you can't have more kids. So that's probably not a viable options till your ready to be done.

Sorry I've no better advise hun- I know it's not the same thing, but I had tummy issues for YEARS- and saw doc after doc and just kept being told "all is normal" or put on this medication or that one... and it's so disheartening to get told that when you KNOW something is wrong. I went through so many tests and stuff- and finally saw a naturopathic doctor and paid out of pocket to get help- and in 3mos I was so much better... and still am years later. It's kinda crazy when I think about it. I just truly hope you get it sorted soon...

 

[Fergie]

Thank you

I finally had enough last week and made another appt with my GP. This time I went prepared and took my OH. Sod's law as it was a locum GP and she said straight away that she'd refer me . My childbearing days are well over and she agreed with me that a hysterectomy would be the answer to all my prayers but it's unlikely to happen. At least i'm being seen though .

 

[LoveCakes]

I was going to suggest seeing another gp, I'm glad you got referred. In sure a gynae will take you seriously as this is kit normal even with endo.

I had 2 different gps tell me that 2 week long very heavy periods (days where I would get flooding) were normal. They put me on the pill but while that helped with predictability I had to plan my life around those days, I wouldn't go anywhere that didn't have toilets, long work meetings had my nerves on end etc... Drs don't understand how much it can take over your life and how upsetting it could be. With me the fs diagnosed PCO which caused unrestricted oestrogen so lining just built up and up (more than 20mm thick) until it couldn't sustain. This over time led to atypical hyperplasia which is precancerous so I really wish if pushed years ago for more help.

Please let us know how you get on. My advice is to write down all the info you have and questions you want answered because sometimes you get so worked up your mind goes blank!