Lower Abdominal/pelvic Pain

Hey L.,
I too suffer from endometriosis and this sounds just like what I went through before I was diagnosed. I have severe pain in my lower abdomen that can only be described as a stabbing and sometimes constant "pinch". My left side was worse than my right. My periods were also very irregular. I would bleed at such weird times. And then at other times just spot. And I was on birth control already prior to this. But after an exam at my OB/GYN and several pain pills later, he did laproscopy and removed the lesions that I had at the time. I had the surgery in March of 2007 and only recently have I started having pain again. I was told that having the surgery usually helps for at least 6 months. In my case it has helped even longer, but it doesn't help with the pain you have during or after intercourse (I know this is probably TMI-but I also spot a little after intercourse). Which stinks!! He also put me on Seasonique (a birth control where you only have 4 periods a year) and that has helped tremendously because I only have to go thru the "pain" every 3 months. Because endo is aggravated by your period. I hope that you find your answer soon. I know what you are going through. If you need a recommendation for a doctor just let me know ok? Get better soon!

L.,

First, I am sorry that you are dealing with this. I would highly recommend that you demand to be tested for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). That would be one thing that could cause pain and could also cause the irregularity of your cycles. I have/had (I had a complete hysterectomy on Dec. 2, 2008) PCOS and have never been regular. As a teenager, I had cycles approx. every 3 to 6 months. I would cramp like I was going to start, but never did. I also had pain, severe at times, on both sides. This can be caused by cysts developing on your ovaries and they can prefer one side over the other. I also had pain at times during and after having sex.

Did your gynecologist do any testing? If not, I would demand a blood test for the PCOS and an ultrasound. And it doesn't matter that you are have children and whether you had any fertility problems. I would also not agree to take birth control pills if you aren't in 100% agreement. There are many risks associated with the pill, and if you don't have a definitive answer as to what the problem is, why are you taking the pill?

Hey L.,

I am sorry you are dealing with this now. I have had the same type problems for years, so I know what you are going through and I know it is not fun! My Ob started me out on birth control, but it did not do anything with the pain. It did get my period normal though. After I was on the bc for about six months, I went back in because I was in so much pain. She ended up doing an ultrasound and found out I did have endo. She eventually did laser surgery and that did help for a while, but the endo did come back. Has your doctor done an ultrasound? If not, I would ask him/her to do one, simply because it could be something that would just take an easy fix. I hope everything gets back to normal soon!
C.

I had the same symptoms and mine too was a cyst. They do usually just go away on their own, with or without birthcontrol. My doct didn't do anything other than some ultrasounds to make sure it was only a cyst. Other than that we just waited and sure enought it went away, but did get pretty painful. Like a stabbing knife there. :( I don't know if this helps at all, other than knowing you aren't the only one maybe. Good luck and I hope it's nothign serious.

I would highly recommend the book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about PMS (or Pre Menopause) because he explores many of these topics and tells you how to be proactive about your health. It has saved me from hysterectomy.
My experience wtih scar tissues from 4 abdominal surgeries is that it can pull and tear away from the abdominal wall upon strenuous exercise but is short lived pain.
def. want to do something more than what this dr. is doing.
listen to how you feel.

It sounds like endometriosis. I have that and had to have surgery (laparoscopy) where they go in and remove the scar tissue like your dr. said. Good luck!

I'm not sure about the periods, but I had a cyst on my right ovary and always had pain during my periods. I got my tubes tied 11 mos ago and still have pain in that area during my periods. I would ask for extensive testing or get a second opinion if they haven't yet for anything that would contribute to the missing or irregular periods and pain.

I had a condition that was worse than endometriosis. It was Chiropractic care that got me better, without any surgery or pills!!! I had my hormones tested thru saliva, after finding out I was low in progestrone, I started on KAL natural prog cream. Within two months of this and the chiro care, I was pregnant. I had 3 specialists tell me it would never happen. They too wanted to just put me on birth control and hope it went away. I went for the natural routh and so glad i did! Best of luck to you!!

Did he give you a time period in which the pills would help? 1-2 weeks? 1 month? If not, ck w/his ooffice. If it is scar tissue, then you have to have surgery. Has heat helped?

yes, I have had a friend with endometriosis and had a lot of scar tissue, always had a lot of pain. He will probably do it laproscopically and with a laser. Luck to you. I hope the md can help you.
YOu could also go for a second opinion at another gyn? Is your gyn in Griffin, would you be going to Spaulding Hosp?