Constant Daily Pain: What Are My Options?

By browneyedgiirl

1 min read

Every since I was 16, I remember getting cramps horrible during my period. Back in 2015 I kept going to all these different hospitals in mass New Hampshire to see what was wrong with me. I seen specialist and everything but everybody would give me different answers.

Finally a diagnosis

In 2016 my prayers were answered by a Doctor Who I found and he said I had endometriosis and immediately he said I had a level III endometriosis and schedule me for a laparoscopy we did my surgery and put in the IUD, Because he said that the IUD would also help control the pain. The recovery was pretty bad although after the recovery the IUD worked out pretty well although I was still having really bad pain after about three months of having it so I got the IUD removed because I was still in the hospital all the time with pain the IUD wasn’t helping much.

Then in 2020 I got my second endometriosis surgery for my Endo, the doctor said he was sure that he took it all out but he was going to go on a take a second look because I was still having the bad symptoms when he went in he said that all he seen was a bunch of scar tissue.

What are my options?

Not really sure where my options lie because Tylenol does nothing for my pain and he gave me stuff to relax my muscles but nothing has helped heating pads help sometimes but every day I’m in constant pain at least a 4 out of 10 that’s just how I live my life. I’m on the verge of trying to figure out what to do next because I have one daughter and I’m only 28 and I do want another child eventually down the road so I don’t wanna hysterectomy but I can’t deal with living with this pain every day.

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Keri Wiginton Member
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm sorry you're going through all this, but a lot of us know exactly how you feel. Chronic pain is so hard to deal with, and like you said, OTC options and muscle relaxers aren't good everyday solutions. I'll share my story in case it's helpful. I've tried lots of non-medication options to deal with pain. Recently, I've started an antidepressant called duloxetine that helps kind of dampen some of my nerve-pain signals. Pelvic floor therapy, physical therapy, low-fodmap/anti-inflammatory diet changes, and meditation has also helped. I'm due for another surgery soon. If that doesn't help, then I'm going to see a pain specialist. Those are doctors who help people deal with ongoing pain. I'm wishing you well today and I hope you can find some relief soon! - Keri (endometriosis.net team member)
1. weedsofthewomb Member
 Hi Keri, Thank you for sharing your story. It really resonated with where I’m currently at in my endo journey/treatment. I’m due for my third laparoscopic robotic surgery on 2/8 and I can’t wait another day! I’ve also done pelvic PT in the past which really helped but had to start from scratch with all my doctors when I lost my insurance benefits when I turned 26. I’m on Medicaid now and for a long time gave up on finding another pelvic pain obgyn specialist that took my benefits *and* took my medical history seriously (which is almost never) All that to say I’m elated to finally be back on text after being referred to a specialist who completely supports my decision for another surgery and getting me back on track with post-care via pelvic PT and a pain management specialist. I’ve worked with pain management specialists in the past for things like medicinal marajuana, lidocaine patches, but one thing I never got the chance (before my previous benefits expired) were a series of injections that would focus on the sacroiliac joint which is often inflamed and source of great pain for women with endo. Have you ever considered or heard of doing something like that? I’d also love to hear more about your diet with you’re down to share! Cutting dairy put has been one of the hardest challenges I want to keep strong to being healthier as part of my post surgery care. Much love, Raven 🌈💗
2. Kimberli Davino Member
 <inline-mention username="weedsofthewomb" user-id="2058521"/> hi Raven! I just wanted to check in and see how your surgery went. I hope you have been recovering nicely and have been able to find relief. I have actually never heard of those series of injections. Sounds intriguing though. Absolutely at the point where I would try anything to help with my pain. I am thinking I will be needing to set up my third surgery as well. I have definitely been working on my diet! I am not sure what Keri's is, but for me personally, I have cut out dairy, soy, gluten, sugar (for the most part), red meat, alcohol, caffeine. I have been back and forth with the LOWFODMAP and keto diet. Mostly just trying to be lower carb but not cut them out completely. I found even the smallest of things, garlic powder, ketchup, mustard even- bother me! However, I am at the point where it seems like any type of food bothers me. So I am working on trying to figure that out right now. It truly is hard cutting out foods, especially foods we once loved or used to consume all the time. But I have found there are really a lot of yummy options and ways to eat things 'similar' that may be a little bit easier on us. Truly hope you have been feeling better since your surgery. Know we are here to chat always <3 So reach out anytime. Big hugs. -Kimberli (team member)
RainyDaze32 Member
A hysterectomy is not a solution unfortunately. Endometriosis can still spread if it exists outside of the uterus and isn’t removed ENTIRELY from all places that it could be present. If marijuana is legal medicinally and / or recreationally in your state- I would suggest looking into that. Narcotics are no longer an option for me so medicinal marijuana has been the next best thing. It doesn’t shake a stick at the ability of narcotics but it’s better than nothing.
1. kayleighhill Community Admin
 Thanks for commenting! Unfortunately, It's true that endometriosis can still spread and that women can still experience symptoms even after a hysterectomy. We have a large community of people that can attest to it both working and not working for them. It goes to show that every person's body reacts differently to different things. I am going to include an article here about that very topic: <a href='https://endometriosis.net/living/hysterectomy-stories' target='_blank'>https://endometriosis.net/living/hysterectomy-stories</a> <a href='https://endometriosis.net/affect-body-areas' target='_blank'>https://endometriosis.net/affect-body-areas</a> <a href='https://endometriosis.net/living/after-hysterectomy' target='_blank'>https://endometriosis.net/living/after-hysterectomy</a> I would also encourage anyone looking to add any type of medication to their routine to discuss with their physician first as, just like with procedures, it can affect people differently. Warmly, Kayleigh, <a href='https://endometriosis.net' target='_blank'>endometriosis.net</a> Team 
2. Kimberli Davino Member
 <inline-mention username="RainyDaze32" user-id="2080578"/>thank you so much for your comment. You are so right. Hysterectomy is not a solution, sadly. Some women do find relief from it, while others just, absolutely do not. Endometriosis can still grow no matter what and I think some doctors have a hard time realizing this and telling their patients that. I have been up and down about medical marijuana. It is something I have not tried yet and I am thinking maybe it should be. I need to check to see if it is legal in my state for sure. I have heard so many other endo warriors say it has been so helpful for them. At this point, willing to try anything for some relief! Sending hugs. Hope you are feeling well. -Kimberli (Team member)