endometriosis
#318660 - 11/14/07 05:34 PM
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Aly
Reged: 08/16/04
Posts: 669
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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Hi friends.
So I have been really struggling with female issues for a few months. TO make a very long sob story short, I usually took 2-3 packs of BC pills back to back to skip some periods. My doc told me to do this and it worked pretty well for a few years. However, in the middle of Sept, I got my period and it was horrible. After 12 days I went to the doc (mainly b'c I was getting married a few days later) and he said to take 2 BC pills day to stop the bleeding. This worked for a bit, but then the period came back. bigtime. lots of cramping. My doc put me on progesterone. This stopped it again for 5 days. Came back again... So I have had a period on and off (no more than 2 days off) since then. O
n Monday I got my period for real and the pain has been unbearable. I tried 4 advil, didn't work. Tried my pain killers I have on hand for IBS just in case...and it worked a bit. I don't mean to be too graphic, but its VERY heavy with lots of clotting and the cramping is pretty severe. My doc has always said to wait this out and give it a few cycles to regulate after that bit of progesterone.
Anyway, I'm miserable and wondering about endometriosis. Could I have this? I have read about have endo on the bowel and since I have IBS already and a terribly sensitive belly, maybe this could be why?
If anyone has any experience with endo, could you tell me your experiences? I'd appreciate it. I did have an internal ultrasound a few years ago and it showed nothing. So I was unsure if the only option now would be a laprascopic thing? I have my gallbladder out a few years ago and I am familiar with the laproscopy...
Anyway, any suggestions would be great!
Thanks:)
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IBS-A
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Honestly, I think you need to look at a new doc. That much bleeding is not normal and it could be endo or something else. You're best bet is the laproscopy. Hope you feel better soon. I am all too familar with the painful periods. They never figured out whyand now I use NuvaRing until I can convince my doc to do a partial hysterectomy.
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Susan
IBS-A, Gas, Pain, Reflux
"The first in time and the first in importance of the influences upon the mind is that of nature. Every day, the sun; and after sunset, night and her stars. Ever the winds blow; ever the grass grows."
Emerson, August 31, 1837
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Re: endometriosis
#318665 - 11/14/07 06:21 PM
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Dizzy
Reged: 03/04/07
Posts: 206
Loc: university place washington
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hi, I have endometriosis and irritible bowl, it has taken me a really long time to manage both, 7 laproscopic surgeries, and pretty much only doing soluble fiber during my period because of the insane horrrible cramping. I have had extremely heavy periods in the past lasting up to 14 days, and the clotting. (for the record my doctor swears by aleeve, and I have had some success with it.) I would definitly ask my doctor if endo is a possibility, the experiences you are describing sound simmalar. for me it hit young, 12! and has got better in the last couple of years, I'm now 30, the right birth controle pills can help, but it's trial and error and some were really hard on my Ibs
talk to your doctor, try aleeve, heat therapy. hope your better soon.
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ibc a but c predominent doing hypnotherapy and taking it one day at a time
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Oh sweety, I feel for you. I am a 22 year old Grad student, diagnosised with IBS almost 3 years ago and just last winter I was diag, with endo. They discovered in the laproscope that I have endo "everywhere and the worst case" my doc has ever seen, so i know how you feel. She immediately put me on Lupron hormone injections for 6 months and now I am on Seasonique (the BC where you only get 4 periods a year) it has helped emensely! I wish the best of luck to you.
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Hello
I was diagnosed with endo and IBS-D a few years back.. I went through with the laparoscopy, which permits the physician to see inside the pelvic region to observe endometrial growths. I ended up having to have the sugery done to remove the tissue that was growing on the outside of my uterus instead of on the inside. Before I had this done my periods were horrible. It helped for a while then the pain came back.. I was going to start the Depo Lupron shot, but ended up getting pregnant before I started.. my Dr. always told me, "the best way to get rid of the endometriosis was to have a child"(sad, but it was true). So anyway my periods are much better now, but I would def look at getting yourself looked at and going through with the laparoscopy. 
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thanks everyone... I'm going to call my doc today and ask for an earlier appointment. I want to get in with him soon so I don't have to deal with another period like this. it's day 4 and I'm still miserable....
Thanks so much for telling me your experiences... is IBS and endo related? seems like a lot of you have it...just curious
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IBS-A
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Yes, my doctor told me that the Endo was causing the IBS. Endo also caused a couple other disorders I can not remember right now. But take care, it will be alright. At least you have a support system (your husband:)) -- I am dating which is rather tough with all of my conditions.
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Thanks a lot. IBS certainly seems agitated with these cramps.
I just called my doc to see what to do. The cramps are really bad and NOTHING has helped. I even took a real pain pill this morning and still cramping. I went to work to teach my morning classes but then came home to rest. I hope my doc calls in something for me, b/c I just feel miserable.
Having a support system really has helped. My husband is SO good about it...he went out yesterday to buy me tampons and came home with chocolate as well. So he knows how to help!!:)
Thanks for the encouragement. I'll update after the doc calls me back!
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IBS-A
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I was diagnosed with Endo and IBS about 10 years ago. The Endo was horrible, but I agree with taking Aleve. It saved me numerous times. I had to take 2, and I had to take them as soon as I felt even a twinge of cramping. If I waited until it was really bad, it was too late. My doctor put me on the Lupron shots, which I will say sucked, but stoped my periods, so no pain. I finally had a hystorectomy about 7 years ago. It was life changing for me. I still have IBS, but I knew that if I had to have another period, I would probably kill myself, it was so horrible. By the time they did the surgery, I had Endo on my uterus, intestines, and my ovaries had adhered themselves to my pelvic wall. This was after 6 months of Lupron. Have the laproscopy.....insist on it. You don't have to be in pain. Getting pregnant definitely helps, but it is harder when you have endo, and impossible if you are on Lupron. And not everyone wants children. Good luck. Find a doctor that listens to you. Mine did and understood that I knew my body and what I was going through more than she ever could.
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So I just got home from the doc. I got a call from them around 4.30 and they wanted me to come in. I saw the nurse practitioner instead of my doc, which might have been a good thing to get a so-called second opinion. She believes I probably do have endo, but would like to try to treat it with meds before doing a laproscopy. Sounds good to me. She gave me naproxen to take twice a day during my period. I just took one and can only hope to stop this horrific cramping. Anyone take naproxen before? it's 550 mg.
Anyway, she said I might want to talk to my doc about doing a laprascope anyway. My insurance is going to change in January and my insurance now is so good, I probably should do it soon. So I'll schedule an appt soon.
So thanks for the advice and here's hoping my heating pad, naproxen and sooo unsafe pizza will cure me. Maybe even a dash of chocolate to end it all...
Aly
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IBS-A
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Oh sweety I hope so. My mom also has Endo and she is the one that realized I could have it too. Anyway her advice to me was to start taking Naproxen before my period starts, about 3 days before to prevent disaster and continue taking them during the evil time of the month. Good luck but I would recommend the laproscopy it helped me so much.
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thanks for the support. I guess my biggest concern right now is if I DO get the surgery, what if I don't really have any endo and it was useless? Then I read the symptoms again and say, "of course I do"...then I go back and forth. After having IBS so long and having horrible symptoms and having doc after doc saying there is nothing really wrong, I've got such a twisted mental approach to this. I feel like I probably do have endo, but if I don't, won't this surgery be a waste? I'm just overwhelmed.
I took the naproxen at 7 and didn't get any relief. I read that those drugs need to be taken on the onset of symptoms...and I'm 4 days into my period. So maybe it's too late. Hopefully the period will settle, I'll be less emotional and think clearly in the morning. Thanks for responding so quickly. It's nice to have someone to ask questions about this...I'm such a pro on IBS, having something else wrong with me is really new and I want to know all about it quickly.
Thanks
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IBS-A
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I felt the same way - I was scared that they would turn to me and say, I did not see anything... however, they also discovered I have two fibroid tumors (benign, endo implants , and a lot of active endo (which has not implanted). The surgery also helped getting medically evidence that I do have IBS -- apparently I have a legion which connects my stomach and bowel to my gut. So, I know it is scary but believe me it is a lot better knowing. Not to mention the surgery does help a lot with the pain. Take care and feel free to email me if you would like to chat or vent anytime.. my email is bdcanfield@yahoo.com just put in the subject about from the IBS board. I am sending you hugs. remember you are not alone.
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Here is a link for a great site:
https://www.endoknow.com/tpgyn_web_enr_form.aspx
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update 2
#318845 - 11/16/07 11:22 AM
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Aly
Reged: 08/16/04
Posts: 669
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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on top of this, I woke up this morning with some sort of bug. I was really congested and lightheaded. I felt horrible but went to work for a few hours. Got too nauseous to stay... Got home and found out I have a temperature! crazy. SO I'm having a litle pity party for myself. My DH works late tonight, so I'm home alone feeling crappy... Just wanted some support from you all! THanks
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IBS-A
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Aly, huge hugs. I do hope you feel all better soon, real soon.
ST
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Hope you feel better soon. Take a hot bath if you can and relax by some candlelight.
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Susan
IBS-A, Gas, Pain, Reflux
"The first in time and the first in importance of the influences upon the mind is that of nature. Every day, the sun; and after sunset, night and her stars. Ever the winds blow; ever the grass grows."
Emerson, August 31, 1837
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SO.... now I have a sinus infection. My throat got so bad and the fever wasn't going down, so I went to an urgent care. She said it wasn't so pretty in my ears and throat. (I could have told the doc that!!) And therefore...I'm now starting some antibiotics. GRRR. I haven't had to take them in a LONG time and I'm hoping the probiotic I am on will stop any side effects I could have.
Anyone taken the Z-Pack before? Any expereinces??
Besides that, my period comes and goes...nothing as bad at the beginning of the week, just bothersome... I need a break! 
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IBS-A
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Hi Aly,
I totally feel your pain, because I get sinus infections at least 3 times a year. Before I had IBS I used to take prescription antibiotics to help, but I'm scared to use them now because of the stomach effects. Anyway, back in college when I got my first sinus infection, the health center gave me z-pack (which was kind of their catch-all drug at the time). It didn't really work at all, and it took trying 2 more different, more potent antibiotics, before it went away. Anyway, now when I get the infection, I tend to drink a ton of tea, bump up my vitamin C intake, use zinc to help with the symptoms, and try to get enough rest. So that's my two cents -- I hope it helps! And I also emphathize with the fact that you are having mutiple health problems at once. As my mother would say, "When it rains, it pours." Feel better.
Julie
IBS-D, GERD, lactose intolerant
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"We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it."
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I'm sorry to relay that my stomach did not fare well on the z-pack years ago. I too try terribly to avoid antibiotics (since I think my abuse of them in the past may have led to my IBS...just my opinion), but if I do need to take something, I can tolerate cefzil or amoxicillin. If after a day or two of the z-pack you are having problems, just call the doctor and ask them to switch. Good luck and feel better.
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Originally IBS-D for a million years!
Then IBS-A, Now a transformed slightly C
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z pack over
#319436 - 11/26/07 05:36 AM
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Aly
Reged: 08/16/04
Posts: 669
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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So...not D! Nothing! I am a little C the past few days, but even that hasn't bothered me too much. I'm so glad the z pack didn't kill me. especially with thanksgiving!
As for the endo, I go to the doctor on Wednesday to talk about my options..so wish me luck:)
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IBS-A
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Good luck. Unfortunately during all this, talking to you about endo, my body must have heard it and is acting in revenge. The seasonique I was on before, did not work. I started my period a week early and was miserable all last week and not looking forward to this week (when the pills give me the period). I talked to my dr back home and she is putting me back on another course of Lupron -- which means I will be 22/23 and putting myself through menopause again! Oi Vey but if it helps the pain, It is worth it... I have been taking 500 mg Naproxen twice a day and extra strength tynelol every 6 hours!!! good luck I hope you have better luck than I did.
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Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry to hear this. It sounds like people have some serious issues with endo. I'm so sorry. I wish you all the best as I'm 24 and cannot imagine how hard this must be for you.
I'm going to the doc this afternoon to see if he believes it is endo and see what he wants to do to treat it. The nurse practitioner believes I have endo, but I haven't spoken to my doc yet. I'm a bit nervous, but very anxious to get in there and see what he says.
Question: I know laproscopy is the only real diagnosis, but are there any tests he might want to do like an ultrasound or anything that can predict or make him suspect endo?
Thanks
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IBS-A
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Update
#319882 - 12/01/07 06:17 PM
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bdcanfield
Reged: 03/02/05
Posts: 102
Loc: Carlisle, Pa USA
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How was the doctor's appointment? I hope it went well. Best of luck. Take care - hang in there.
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Re: Update
#319883 - 12/01/07 07:22 PM
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Aly
Reged: 08/16/04
Posts: 669
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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Hi! Thanks so much for asking. Well, the doc was great. He says he is thinking there is a strong possibility of it just being really bad periods. Before he does any surgery, he wants to try some other stuff. I start a new BC pill tomorrow (he said since i've been on the same one forever, my body might be too used to it). And I'll take naproxen 3 days before my period and through it... He wants to see how one period goes and then re-evaluate. He said if after 2 periods it's still this bad, we'll get more serious b/c he doesn't want me to be in pain. Nice guy!!! (although the thought of 2 more periods like that doesn't sound fun). Also, I have an ultrasound scheduled for the 19th to double check everything is A-OK!
How are you feeling?
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IBS-A
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I am glad to hear he was pushing surgery right away. I did the ultrasound and it turned out I had an inverted uterus so they had to do an internal instead of an external -- they found the two fibroid tumors during that.
As for now --- My 2 week straight period has finally let up, this is the first day I have not had to take naproxen twice a day, etc. I am actually starting the next dose of Lupron on Tuesday. Hopefully by the time I finish my papers, etc the Lupron side effects (menopause) will just be starting. I told my professor and he really didn't what to say except, I am sorry. My IBS has been kicking in lately but what else is new. I am hanging in there and doing alright. Thanks for asking.
I really hope you do not have ENDO. Believe me, 1 incurable condition is enough!!
Take care
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Re: Update
#319911 - 12/02/07 02:55 PM
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Aly
Reged: 08/16/04
Posts: 669
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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Goodness... sounds like you have a lot on your plate. I just finished grad school and am SO glad to be done. The stress associated with papers and exams is like just asking for a belly ache. And with you dealing with endo on top of it all, that just sucks!!
So yes, I am glad my doc isn't wanting to do surgery right away. I REALLY hope it isn't endo and just bad periods, but every symptom of endo I have. So...I won't be surprised if it does come to that down the road. I had an ultrasound a few years ago and I too have an inverted uterus. I asked on these boards about it a few years ago and LOTS of the women here have that. Crazy...wonder if it's all connected somehow?
So this new Lupron you're going to try...it puts you into early menopause? I'm so sorry to hear that, as that must be incredibly difficult. My husband and I don't want to get pregnant for a good few years, but that was a lot of the convo with my doc. I don't want to be suddenly dealing with infertility issues in 5 years from now.. blah.
Hang in there and good luck with everything! Keep me posted!
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IBS-A
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Thanks for caring. Just to let you know, Endo is a major cause of infertility, however not everyone who has endo is infertile, and not everyone that is infertile has endo... but they can be related... I have been told that my chances of having a children are extremely scarce and if I do get pregnant, it could be etopic (grows outside of the uterus) usually in the tubes -- this condition can be fatal to me and the baby as well. So, therefore my outlook is not good for a natural family -- But everything happens for a reason and I am sure yours will be a better case.
I have extremely severe endo as my doc said after the laproscope -- I have endometeriosis implants or active endo everywhere!!!
So, sweety hang in there... if I can do it, so can you.
Always remember if you are not sure you can't handle something always ask God for help.
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