Advice and recommendations please! X
Hi everyone, I'm new here and trying to get a diagnosis. I'm 23 years old and suffering a lot down there 😰
Since coming off the pill 5 years ago, my periods/ bleeding have been all over the place, and gradually getting worse. I kept putting it down to being overweight or stress.
I finally started getting quite concerned and taking note of the pattern about 6 months ago. I am bleeding for 6 weeks at a time, then a 3 week break. I pass large blood clots, I have a lot of pain in my lower stomach and back, and it hurts during/ bleeding after sex. Things like stress also have a huge impact on the level of blood and pain.
I first saw the doctor in Dec 2020, since then I have had swabs taken, urine tests and blood tests, which all came back clear. The doctor prescribed me the Cerelle contraceptive pill in an attempt to stop the prolonged bleeding, however this hasn't worked and the bleeding has become a lot heavier.
I have also had an internal scan, and since been referred to the gynaecologist who took 2 biopsies last week (one of the womb lining and one inside of the womb). Those were extremely painful and I have been in agony for the last week, having contractions and passing huge blood clots. The doctor prescribed mefenamic acid capsules but these haven't eased the pain.
I haven't yet recieved the results of the biopsies but given my symptoms and age, I think it's much more likely to be endometriosis. But from what I've read online, the only procedure that can detect it, is a laparoscopy.
I'm currently on day 28 of extremely heavy bleeding and I'm in so much pain😰
Just wondering if anyone can tell me how long it takes to get a laparoscopy please?
And also, if there is any advice/ recommendations what to eat/ take to help with my symptoms?
Thank you so much for reading and any help would be greatly appreciated 🙂
Molly x
firstly, we are so sorry to hear of everything you are dealing with 🙁 I know how stressful and frustrating it is. I would start by checking out Nancy's Nook- a group on FB. She lists out endometriosis specialists that you can search in your specific location or surrounding areas. Unfortunately, diagnosing endometriosis is only done via laparoscopy, as you said. The time frame of getting one would be based on your doctor, their case load, where they are located, etc. So it is hard to give an exact time frame. The process is different for everyone. Sometimes they get in right away, other times it could take months. But I would certainly start with looking for an endometriosis specialist. If you cannot find one close by, I would certainly look at gynecologists who are familiar with endometriosis. Here are a few articles I think you may find helpful. https://endometriosis.net/diagnosis, https://endometriosis.net/diagnosis/laparoscopy-surgery-biopsy , https://endometriosis.net/clinical/ablation-excision , https://endometriosis.net/clinical/doctors-visit,
As for the heavy bleeding, I had the same thing and it ended up being because of fibroids. Everyone is different so that is certainly something to discuss with your doctor and something they would be able to see/find during surgery. Diet change has definitely been very helpful with managing some symptoms and pain. Dairy free, soy free, gluten free, sugar free, no fried foods, no spicey foods, no red meats- are just some of the many things I have started to take out. Here is a quick article about the endo diet https://endometriosis.net/living/the-endo-diet , https://endometriosis.net/living/doctors-diet .
Other things that I find helpful for managing pain and symptoms, TENS unit, CBD, heat pad and cold pack, yoga and light stretching/walking! I know this was a lot thrown at ya, so if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. We are here to help you the best we can to get answers and find relief <3 Certainly start looking around for an endometriosis specialist and then go from there. Hoping you do get answers and relief soon Molly. Sending you the biggest of hugs! -Kimberli (team member)wow, honestly thank you so much for taking the time to give me such a helpful and supportive response! I was starting to get so consumed with it all and feeling so lonely, it's such a huge relief to hear from someone who can relate! <3
I will definitely work my way through all of your recommendations, thank you so much. I have followed the fb page now. I had never heard of a TENS unit but I am 100% going to order one now, they sound brilliant!!
Just a little update, I spoke to my doctor yesterday, he has taken me off the contraceptive pill, stopped the Mefenamic acid capsules for the pain relief, and prescribed me Tranexamic acid tablets for pain relief and Naproxen tablets to hopefully stop the bleeding by clotting it. And just in half a day, the pain and bleeding has considerably reduced!! 😅
Thank you again for being so helpful, I'm going to spend my afternoon having a read through and looking into everything you've sent me <3
