Today I was diagnosed
Hello
I'm almost 28 years old, today I was diagnosed with endometriosis and I have questions.
But first, I'll tell you what the symptoms were.
A month ago, on the first day of my period, I did not feel the usual unbearable acute pain in my stomach, which lasted continuously for several hours. Instead, during the 1st and 2nd days of my period, every couple of hours I experienced cramping, sharp, short-term pain in the area of the right ovary. The pain moved to the right thigh. This continued for 3 days and stopped.
During these periods, my stomach did not hurt at all, and I was happy. However, on the 7th day of the cycle, the pain in the ovary and hip returned and became prolonged. I felt pain after a half hour walk around the city. For the first time in my life, it became painful to have sex, which is why I began to fall into depression, although my husband supported me. For 7 days my temperature remained at 37-37.7 degrees.
Today my husband and I still went to the doctor. I put it off for a long time because we are traveling in Thailand and I don't have my doctor here. The doctor said that a urine test and ultrasound showed no infections, cysts or other formations, but the history suggested endometriosis. He also added that only laparoscopy will give an accurate diagnosis, but I can’t afford it now. So, question #1: can a doctor diagnose endometriosis based solely on a survey and medical history?
The doctor prescribed me progesterone injections and painkillers. So, question #2: Is it normal that the doctor prescribed progesterone injections once a month for 3 months and then once every 3 months? It's enough? Has progesterone helped anyone?
I'll tell you more about my symptoms and history. At the age of 17, I suffered an ectopic pregnancy and removal by laparoscopic my left fallopian tube. The doctors didn't tell me why my tube was blocked. After that, for several years I had just terrible PMS, I went crazy 2 weeks a month, I was aggressive and depressed. The psychotherapist even diagnosed me with bipolar disorder, and I took heavy medications for 3 years, which I stopped a year ago without consequences. After carefully tracking my cycle, I realized that I was mistaking severe PMS for bipolar disorder, and the male doctor did not understand this.
In 2020-2022, I took combined oral contraceptives, but against their background I rapidly gained weight and was generally depressed all the time. After the withdrawal I felt like myself again. Question #3: Have you experienced this reaction to oral contraceptives? Is there a difference between them and hormonal treatment for endo?
[At this point I apologize for the long post.]
After stopping contraceptives, persistent subcutaneous acne on my chin returned. I don't understand what to do with them, I've had them since I was 18 years old. Question #4: Do you have such acne? How to get rid of them?
Question #5: Can endometriosis somehow affect weight gain? And if so, will progesterone correct the situation?
Question #6: Will I now have to take painkillers every time before or after sex? This makes me very sad.
Sorry for the rambling post, I'm still in shock.
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Hi
. My heart goes out to you. That is a lot to take in during one visit, especially when you are in a foreign country. I am glad you have your husband for support. Unfortunately, the only way to decisively diagnosis endometerioisis is through laparoscopy. At some point, you might want to opt for the surgery both for the diagnosis and to remove as much displaced tissue as possible, which should bring you some relief. Here is an article about the diagnostic process: https://endometriosis.net/diagnosis.
We are not medical experts, but I am guessing that the doctor is recommending progestrone because you have reacted so poorly to birth control pills. Progesterone doesn't help everyone, but it might alleviate some of your symptoms. There is no way to know for sure until yu try it. Here is an article about endometriosis and progesterone that explains it better than I can: https://endometriosis.net/clinical/low-progesterone.
Without treatment, sex will probably remain painful, but the progesterone might help that and there are several natural or complimentary treatments you can try, inclduing an anti-inflammatory diet. Here is an article about treatments: https://endometriosis.net/treatment and here is another about diet: https://endometriosis.net/complementary-alternative-treatment/diet.
I have thrown a bunch of articles at you. I hope I didn't overwhelming you, but it is really important to understand endometeriosis if you have it. Every case is different, so you really have to advocate for yourself and be patient with a trial and error approach to treatment. How long will it be until you have insurance and might be able to afford surgery?
As for the acne, my older kids had great success with Accutane (Isotretinoin), an acne treatment for people who couldn't get clear skin from other medications. Accutane, which is made from high doses of Vitamin A, is a pill you take for a few months that cures acne. It is pretty powerful and can leave you dehydrated, so it's important to stay out of the sun, use lip balm and get lots to drink of you take it. You also cannot get pregnant while on it because it can cause birth defects. I don't recall the cause because their treatments were covered by insurance. But that is an option if all else fails.
I really hope this helps and that you get some relief. Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. No post is too long and all questions are worth asking. Sending lots and lots of gentle hugs your way. - Lori (Team Member)
