Advice for potential endometriosis
I have had ongoing endometriosis related symptoms for years with no diagnosis. My symptoms became apparent about 4 years ago, severe abdominal pain to the point doctors suspected appendicitis, but negative. Left with no answers. Over the course of the next few years I experienced episodes of extreme abdominal and back pain, bladder urgency and suspected either UTI or kidney infection.. each time, negative. Again, left with no answers. The episodes have become increasingly more frequent and much more painful. I was in the ER last week with what everyone thought was gallstones, after blood & urine testing, CT scan and ultrasound... Nothing. Left with no answers once again. My symptoms are always present. Lower abdominal pain, rib pain, lower and mid back muscle pain (sometimes feels like Braxton Hicks contractions), severe bloating but unable to release the pressure. I barely eat due to feeling uncomfortably full afterwards, belly is protruded and no matter what I do I don't lose the weight even with my small food intake. My body feels heavy all the time like I weigh 1000 pounds and the exhaustion is awful. I've had 4 kids so thankfully infertility was never an issue, but I feel like that has contributed to not being diagnosed at 38 years old. I have not been on birth control for over 2 years (husband had vasectomy) and my period is basically non-existent. If I do bleed, it is for approximately 12 hours of active bleeding and I'm done. Continuing to have severe cramps, bloating, and all around like I have the flu sometimes. I recently found out my paternal grandmother had endometriosis and an emergency hysterectomy at 37 so it is in my family history. I'm working on seeing an OBGYN who specializes in endometriosis. Any advice, tips, etc you ladies can offer? I am done dealing with this and as much as I don't want it to be endometriosis, I just want answers so I can start on a path to some recovery and relief. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer! 🙏🏼🫶🏼
I hear how desperate you are for answers. I'm so sorry you're experiencing such constant pain and that you had to leave the hospital with no resolution. How are you feeling now? I imagine that must have felt incredibly disheartening. I can understand why you think your symptoms may be related to endometriosis. What you describe sounds similar to the experience of many of our members. Extreme abdominal pain, bloating, irregular periods, extreme fatigue...This is all very relatable. The worst part is the fact that you have to convince doctors that your symptoms are real, otherwise you're not taken seriously. Please know that we hear you and your concerns are valid!
I wanted to send a couple articles that came to mind as I read your post.
This one is about endo belly, which is a common symptom of endometriosis: https://endometriosis.net/living/endo-belly-management
We also have this article about which foods can help reduce bloating: https://endometriosis.net/living/foods-bloating
And this one talks about how endometriosis can cause irregular menstrual bleeding: https://endometriosis.net/symptoms/irregular-menstrual-bleeding
I hope this helps to give you a place to start your research. Please let us know if you need more information. We're always here for your support when you need it.
Sending healing thoughts,
Kat (Team Member)I think your story is something that a lot of people with endometriosis can relate to. It is really frustrating when doctors tell you that everything is fine. You are still, in a lot of pain and it just keeps getting worse. It is great that you are going to see a doctor who specializes in endometriosis. This is a deal because you need to find out what is going on with your body and you need a doctor who will listen to you and take your symptoms seriously.
Even if it is not endometriosis you deserve to know what is going on. You deserve a doctor who will take care of you. Do not let anyone tell you that your pain is not important just because you have had kids. I hope you get some answers soon. I hope you can finally feel better and get the help you need. I hope you have an idea of what to do next and that you can move forward with your life. 💛
