JenRas05
09-27-2005, 09:14 PM
The pain is getting worse...i know have menstrual cramps everyday and severe lower back pain, (actually right on the top of my butt) I take pain relivers but nothing seems to help, i called back my gynecologist and told her of this, she said just to take 2 aleve every 8 hours and tylenol added for extra pain relieve, and a hot bath. I did exactly as she said, i took 2 aleve and 1 tylenol, even took a hot bath....it didn't help at all!....the pain is still the same....it's mostly on my left side at the top of my butt, i've been crying lately because i'm just so tired of all this pain, it's everyday, 24/7, doesn't let up at all....i still get the pain below my belly button but haven't been noticing it as much now because of my severe lower back pain....i'm just so scared because the pain seems to get worse each day...i didn't even go into work tonight because of it being so bad,...... i just don't know what to do! please, does anyone have any advice other than heat and pain relivers? please help anyone!!!
P.S. For those who don't know i've had pain for about 4 months now. Doctor's did everything else to diagnose the pain...couldn't find out anything so now i'm looking into endometriosis. My name is Jennifer and I am 18, and live in Willmar, Minnesota.
P.S. For those who don't know i've had pain for about 4 months now. Doctor's did everything else to diagnose the pain...couldn't find out anything so now i'm looking into endometriosis. My name is Jennifer and I am 18, and live in Willmar, Minnesota.
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Brooke111
09-28-2005, 03:16 PM
I would seek a scond opinion. Did they discover endo? What tests have you had done? I don't know much to do about the pain, except ask for prescribed pain killers. Use a heating pad etc.. Untill you fix what is causing this you could still have the pain. I hope they find out what is wrong with you.
JenRas05
09-29-2005, 01:08 AM
They didn't discover it yet, they haven't done any tests for it yet, that's why i'm going in on Nov. 21 to check for, i just am pretty sure i have it, i've been checked for almost everything else, and the symptoms of lower back pain, abdominal pain, and bad cramps all point to endometriosis. I'm the one who actually suggested it to my doctor to be checked out, if i didn't i don't think they would of even brought it to consideration. Sometimes you got a lend a hand to those doctors, sometimes they go off looking for something in the wrong direction if you know what i mean. I've been researching alot on endo and they say that many girls go undiagnosed for an average of 9-10 years w/endo because their only symptoms are bad cramps which they think are just normal and abdominal pain which their doctors think have to do with the digestive track because of the similar symptoms. Maybe i should ask for a prescribed pain killer like you said because the over the counter pain meds just aren't working at all, and that's really weird for me because those have always helped me before with cramps and other pain. I even put this heating cream on my lower back and it didn't help much except to make my skin feel all nice and tingly.......it's just that November is such a long time from now and it sucks having this pain everyday....also my gyno said on the phone after she told me to take pain killers that even if i were diagnosed with endo that they would do the same things for me that they are now by having me on birth control and just using pain meds. But....i don't necessarily believe that is all they can do because i've looked this up and there are other options like to have a surgery and other pain meds that are stronger. They just have to find something that will work for my body. Everyone is different with endo in terms of pain and everything. I just can't wait until they can diagnose this so they can fix it atleast some, i don't even care if i have to go through surgery if that will help more. Thanks for your advice, i'll let you know in a couple months what the doctor says and what they find out with the laproscopy.
Brooke111
09-29-2005, 02:59 AM
Yes, you may need surgery, my friend has endo, and she went several times for surgery because it would come back and stuff. If you are in a lot of pain, maybe go to the ER, that could speed things up a bit, or go to another doctor. You shouldn't be in pain like this, and they shouldn't make you go through it. If you get the surgery, you may feel a lot better. I wish you well, please let me know how you are doing.
JenRas05
09-29-2005, 05:12 PM
I don't know what to do now, the pain is not as extreme as it was on Tuesday but it still bothers me. I could probably go through it till November but i would like to atleast try something else to get rid of it, even if it not be surgery just yet. I think the first thing i should do is call my gyno back and tell her that the over the counter pain meds aren't cutting the pain at all and that i would like to have a prescription pain killer. I could try that for awhile and if that doesn't work than maybe i'll just have to see the male obygn instead, it will probably be a lot less time to wait for. I've been keeping track of my pain on a pain diary online at {removed} and did a discussion guide for my first visit to the doc. If the pain gets that extreme again though or even worse maybe i will go to the ER. I do want to get that surgery done but probably should see the obygn first. Thanks again, Jen
JenRas05
09-30-2005, 12:45 AM
I've been having really bad back pain lately, still at the top of my butt but also in the middle and top of my back. Do you think this kind of back pain could be related to endo? Sometimes when i bend over the middle of my back locks up and hurts really bad, i don't know what it's caused from, it happens every once in awhile. It's not from lifting or anything either i've noticed.
P.S. I'm also very scared to get my period without the right working pain meds because this pain has been so bad now that i know it will probably be lots worse w/ my period. Not to mention i always get horrible menstrual cramps during my period where i'm like curled in a ball and crying. Mydol usually helps with that though. Hope everything goes ok with my period, it will be in about a week from now.
P.S. I'm also very scared to get my period without the right working pain meds because this pain has been so bad now that i know it will probably be lots worse w/ my period. Not to mention i always get horrible menstrual cramps during my period where i'm like curled in a ball and crying. Mydol usually helps with that though. Hope everything goes ok with my period, it will be in about a week from now.
Brooke111
09-30-2005, 02:44 AM
You seem to have a lot of the symptoms of endo. But maybe you also just have a lower back problem as well, did you say you had a CT done? X-rays? You know they have a birthcontrol pill out there were you only get your period like 4 times a year, maybe you could ask about that. My friend that had endo has horrible periods as well, she would sit there with a heating pad for a week, even taking off work. Did you say you were on birth control? if so ask your doctor if you can just keep taking the pill and skip your period altogether, now I don't know if you can do that or not, but it wouldn't hurt to ask the doctor and see what he/she says.
I hope everything goes well with you.
I hope everything goes well with you.
SRMom
09-30-2005, 12:24 PM
Hi again Jenny...I take Vicodin for the pain when it is really bad and I'm with my heating pad all the time. If you can't get prescription meds, try taking 2 Aleve, every 6-8 hours. Sometimes that'll take the edge off the pain enough for me to function. Is there any way you can get your appointment moved up sooner? Maybe ask if you can come in if there is a cancellation. Take care sweetie.
JenRas05
09-30-2005, 12:40 PM
I'm on birth control, but its the patch where i have it on for 3 weeks and then have it off the fourth week and get my period. Maybe i should ask if they could switch my birth control though to one where i won't have to get my period every month. The patch though is kind of nice in the respects that you don't have to remember everyday to take a pill. I don't know maybe theres a way you can where the patch all the time, but i'm not sure. I'll have to ask my gyno. And also my appointment to see the obygn is on a waiting list so if anyone does cancel than they will call me. The pain doesn't seem so bad now though, i don't know i still have cramps and pain at the top of my butt, maybe i'm just getting used to the pain, idk. I'll call my gyno today and see what she has to say. Let you know....thanks again, Jenny
JenRas05
09-30-2005, 12:45 PM
also,....i haven't had any x-rays of my back or anything, didn't notice the back pain before when i was seeing my doctor....it just started about 5 days ago. one question, what is vicodin? is it a prescription pain killer? and if can my doctor prescribe it for me?
SRMom
09-30-2005, 12:56 PM
Vicodin is a prescription narcotic pain reliever, similar to Codeine. Some doctors are hesitant to presribe it because of the potential for abuse, but it works well for this pain I've been having. Some days are so bad I'll be in tears, then I'll take one and in an hour I can feel the relief (almost like a terrible muscle cramp that lets go finally).
JenRas05
09-30-2005, 04:01 PM
I've got really bad lower back pain again today almost just like Tuesday, so i took two advil this morning and i just took two tylenol also. I'm going to lay down a few hours and see if it will work this time, if it doesn't i'm going to call my gyno later and ask her if she couldn't prescribe me pain meds, maybe vicodin or something similar. Thanks, Jenny
JenRas05
09-30-2005, 07:28 PM
ok, this is what happened.....i called my gyno today after i had rested for awhile because the pain was still strong after taking the aleve and tylenol, i told her that the pain meds weren't working at all and asked her if she could prescribe me stronger pain meds, she said she wasen't licensed to prescribe things like that and that i should see my regular doctor again...so they transfered me to make an appt. with my normal Doctor, Dr. Bateman (a pediatrician), they told me the only opening they could make is if i came in right away, so i went in to see him today. Since i complained of lower back pain they just had to check me for a bladder infection. That test came back negative of course. He then checked my back and asked me if i had any back injuries lately, i told him no. He wasen't sure what it could be, said that there wouldn't be anything they could do to check my back since it had only been for a few days. That's when i told him that i was looking into endometriosis. He said "Isn't that kind of uncommon at your age?" i told him no, that i had done a lot of research on it and that actually a lot of adolescents my age get endometriosis but aren't diagnosed right away. He's like "wow, you sure seem to know a lot more about that than i do." actually, i think he's right. That makes me kind of angry that those doctors don't know more about endo, because a lot of young girls get this disease and then the doctors aren't prepared in knowledge about it. He suggested though that i start seeing a female family practioner since i'm getting kind of old for a pediatrician anymore and he also said that they would know more about female problems than him. I think he's right, the only reason i was still seeing him was because he told me that even though i was 18 i could still continue seeing him for awhile. But now that i bring up femal problems he suggests i see a family practioner. It's probably the best idea. He's mainly trained in children and i am getting out of his field a little.....then i asked him if i could be prescribed a stronger pain killer and he said no because they didn't know exactly what was wrong with me. So he said if the back pain continues i can go see the female family practioner before my November appointment with the obygn. so yea, i'm getting kind of tired of all this running to the doctors all the time and all this pain....but i guess i'll just continue taking the aleve and if it doesn't get better by the time i get back from our vacation me and my parents are taking next week to go visit our friends then i'll make an appt. to see that female family practioner. I don't know what else she can do though until they actually do the laproscopy.
SRMom
09-30-2005, 07:42 PM
So sorry Jen...I'm not sure why your "gyno" can't prescribe painkillers...isn't she an MD? Anyway, try to have a nice time on your vacation.
JenRas05
09-30-2005, 09:01 PM
She's only a nurse practioner, so i gues thats why, i'll try to have a good time on my vacation, thanks again, write you back after i see another doctor. Jen
JenRas05
09-30-2005, 09:04 PM
my dad's friend is also going to give me a muscle relaxer he got prescribed for his back, so maybe that will help w/ my back. ttyl
JenRas05
10-01-2005, 10:24 AM
well, the muscle relaxer didn't work, i guess i'll just have to wait till i can see the obygn. Hopefully someone will cancel their appt. and i'll be able to get in sooner!
chocolate35
10-01-2005, 05:21 PM
Jen-
I was recently diagnosed with endometriosis about a month and a half ago. I had an eight month fight with the doctors. I had numerous tests as well with several different doctors. I finally found one in Minnesota that would help me out. The doctors I had in Iowa were going around in circles and were telling me that I would just have to learn how to deal with the pain. One thing you need to understand is that first of all, it is unsafe to take other peoples prescriptions like muscle relaxers and another thing is that endometriosis is a disease with no cure. I like you, researched endo extensively and kept mentioning it to doctors. The reason they are hesitant to diagnose it is because it is so difficult to diagnose. The only way to find it is through surgery which is also the same way they treat it. I had surgery in August and feel much better. I like you, had terrible back pain...but it started in the ovary area, moved to my back and then radiated down the front and back of my legs. The pain was incredible and no pain killer helped. With endo no pain killer will help because endo is like two blisters rubbing against eachother....pain pills dont work for that. I would try to see a chiropractor too...before my diagnosis the chiropractor helped relieve some pain from my back. Massage also helps with the pain. How long have you had this pain for? My experience with endo is that half way through your period you get relief from the pain. My relief started out as two weeks then two weeks of pain. I would not recommend going on continous birth control right now. That is what I have begun after surgery and it is not fun at all...there is tons of breakthrough bleeding....pretty much like the last day of your period for seven weeks straight so far. Mood swings are terrible as well as nausea and everything else when it comes to that much hormone. So be careful with that. See how you feel after your period it could really help...and continue trying to get into the doctor...but in the meantime see if you can get to a chiro. Hope that is of some help!
God Bless-
Chrys
I was recently diagnosed with endometriosis about a month and a half ago. I had an eight month fight with the doctors. I had numerous tests as well with several different doctors. I finally found one in Minnesota that would help me out. The doctors I had in Iowa were going around in circles and were telling me that I would just have to learn how to deal with the pain. One thing you need to understand is that first of all, it is unsafe to take other peoples prescriptions like muscle relaxers and another thing is that endometriosis is a disease with no cure. I like you, researched endo extensively and kept mentioning it to doctors. The reason they are hesitant to diagnose it is because it is so difficult to diagnose. The only way to find it is through surgery which is also the same way they treat it. I had surgery in August and feel much better. I like you, had terrible back pain...but it started in the ovary area, moved to my back and then radiated down the front and back of my legs. The pain was incredible and no pain killer helped. With endo no pain killer will help because endo is like two blisters rubbing against eachother....pain pills dont work for that. I would try to see a chiropractor too...before my diagnosis the chiropractor helped relieve some pain from my back. Massage also helps with the pain. How long have you had this pain for? My experience with endo is that half way through your period you get relief from the pain. My relief started out as two weeks then two weeks of pain. I would not recommend going on continous birth control right now. That is what I have begun after surgery and it is not fun at all...there is tons of breakthrough bleeding....pretty much like the last day of your period for seven weeks straight so far. Mood swings are terrible as well as nausea and everything else when it comes to that much hormone. So be careful with that. See how you feel after your period it could really help...and continue trying to get into the doctor...but in the meantime see if you can get to a chiro. Hope that is of some help!
God Bless-
Chrys
JenRas05
10-02-2005, 10:03 PM
Today the pain in my lower back got worse again and i couldn't deal with it anymore so my parents took me to the ER. The doctor saw me there, checked my back, and of course asked me if i had hurt my back. He said it was probably a muscle pull. So, they gave me 2 advil and 1 big ibuprofin, i waited an hour there and the pain didn't let up at all, so then they gave me a shot of morphin. That is some powerful stuff, it didn't help my pain what so ever but it made me really dizzy and nautious. After that didn't work they said that was all they could do, they prescribed me ibuprofin and vicotin. So i went home and tried to eat a little since i haden't eaten all day, after i had ate just one slice of grilled cheese and one bite of tuna casserole i started feeling sick, that's when i threw up 2 times. The first time it was a bunch of white stuff, which i think was probably all those drugs they gave me. (It was probably too powerful on my stomach, specially since i didn't eat anything before they gave them to me.) Stupid doctors, so all they really did was make me even more sick, they just don't understand that it isn't muscles or anything normal, that it is something serious like endo. I even mentioned endo to them and they just said oh, like they didn't know anything about it what so ever and thought i was crazy or something. I'm soooooooo frustrated with these doctors. Tomorow though my mom is going to call and try to get me in sooner with the female obygn, tell them that i'm in severe pain and that nothing is helping, including morphin (which is the strongest pain med i think). I guess your'e right that there aren't any pain meds that can help, i believed you i just had to do something today, i coudn't take anymore. I think today has been the worst day yet!
FairyMagick
10-03-2005, 03:24 AM
Hi, I was diagnosed with Endo last June I had the surgery. I had to see doctor after doctor for over a year to get someone to at least admit I could have Endo. I have server Endo. I still have pain even after the sugery so I know what your going threw. I would just like to share what I have learned with you.
Pain killers like vicodin can help you, but you have to take them before your pain peeks to where your at the point your in tears. When you start to feel the pain coming on, take the meds to see if you can get relief, they don't always take the pain away 100% but they do knock the edge off. Taking ibuprofen and Tylenol together can also help. I take muscle relaxers and they help me, but I guess they don't help everyone with Endo.
Nurse practioner can prescribe pain meds because I have had 2 that did. Many doctors and practioners will tell you they can't because they have restricted licence or they don't want prescribe pain killer thinking there patients can get addicted and they don't want to get in trouble. (I think this is crazy how they think its ok for people to just suffer) I am still trying to get enough pain meds after being diagnosed.
Endo like other female problems are unfortunately over looked and many woman suffer for years before getting any help. Some doctors will say having a total hyst is the only answer, but isn't and I recently found out that even if someone with Endo has a hyst the pain can return my doctor told me this. I hope you can get the help you need and don't get discouraged if you have to see a lot of doctors before getting one that can help you. The doctor I have know isn't perfect, but he is at least trying to help, where as before I had to deal with what your going threw now. So I know there is someone out there that will help you too.
Pain killers like vicodin can help you, but you have to take them before your pain peeks to where your at the point your in tears. When you start to feel the pain coming on, take the meds to see if you can get relief, they don't always take the pain away 100% but they do knock the edge off. Taking ibuprofen and Tylenol together can also help. I take muscle relaxers and they help me, but I guess they don't help everyone with Endo.
Nurse practioner can prescribe pain meds because I have had 2 that did. Many doctors and practioners will tell you they can't because they have restricted licence or they don't want prescribe pain killer thinking there patients can get addicted and they don't want to get in trouble. (I think this is crazy how they think its ok for people to just suffer) I am still trying to get enough pain meds after being diagnosed.
Endo like other female problems are unfortunately over looked and many woman suffer for years before getting any help. Some doctors will say having a total hyst is the only answer, but isn't and I recently found out that even if someone with Endo has a hyst the pain can return my doctor told me this. I hope you can get the help you need and don't get discouraged if you have to see a lot of doctors before getting one that can help you. The doctor I have know isn't perfect, but he is at least trying to help, where as before I had to deal with what your going threw now. So I know there is someone out there that will help you too.
JenRas05
10-03-2005, 10:44 AM
Thank you for your encouragement and help. My mom is calling the doctors office now and explaining to them that i am in severe pain and the pain meds aren't helping. She's asking them if they can possibly get me in to see the female obygn today or atleast sooner. Maybe if they know i'm in so much pain they'll let me in........I hope!
P.S. I don't know how i'm going to take the vicodin though because my pain doesn't let up at all, it's always the same. I'll try it though.
P.S. I don't know how i'm going to take the vicodin though because my pain doesn't let up at all, it's always the same. I'll try it though.
JenRas05
10-03-2005, 02:07 PM
We tried to get in with the obygn here where we live but she is still all booked up until November, there is nothing else they can do. So.....my parents suggested i go see an obygn in Duluth since we we're going up there anyways. I made an appointment up there, the earliest they had was Monday Ocotber 10th. But that is a lot better than i would get here. I would have waited if i could of gotten atleast some relieve from the pain meds...but this suffering is just killing me and it's not doing any good waiting. So hopefully they can do something for me up there and get me checked for endometriosis. I have a pain record that i've been doing for the past week and a half which will help me when explaining it to the doctor. I can't wait to get this finally figured out. Wish the best of luck to me! Thanks again for all your help!!! God bless! :angel:
JenRas05
10-03-2005, 04:02 PM
I just took the vicotin about an hour ago and it hasen't helped yet....the heating pad seems to be the only thing that helps
Brooke111
10-03-2005, 09:44 PM
I'm so sorry that you are still in pain. Doctors can be helpful and frustrating at the same time! Seeing a professional in this matter is the only thing you can do at this point. Tell them you want all the tests you can get!
Maybe you have a pinched nerve? or a slipped disk? those could be other options as to what is going on, but the gyno is a good start.
Let us know how it goes.
Maybe you have a pinched nerve? or a slipped disk? those could be other options as to what is going on, but the gyno is a good start.
Let us know how it goes.
JenRas05
10-03-2005, 10:32 PM
I'm glad i'm finally going to a professional in this field. I'm actually starting to feel some relief, i think it's from the vicotin. That's good! Except now i'm starting to get this pain shooting down the front of my legs. I think it was probably the morphin that made me sick yesterday. Can't wait for Monday!!!
JenRas05
10-10-2005, 12:18 PM
Yes!, today is the day i get to go see the obygn....i'm so excited to get some help, atleast i pray she can help me. I'm seriously going to talk about endo with her. I'm not going to give up until i can get checked for endo (most likely with laproscopy). I'm bringing my medical files, pain record, and doctor discussion guide with. It sucks that i have my period now though, i got severe menstrual cramps again but i take midol and it goes away. I don't think those severe menstrual cramps are normal either, that's another sign of endo....i mean there so bad i curl in a ball and cry. The thing is i've had those severe menstrual cramps most of all my periods,....so maybe i had endo for a long time and i didn't even know to suspect it. Who out there even tells you that severe menstrual cramps isn't normal and there really a sign of something wrong. Everyone just says they are just part of your period and you have to deal with them...right? well....that's another thing i'm going to discuss with that doctor today.....believe me i'm not going to leave anything out. I've got to get this all out in the open and get this figured out!
Thanks for being such a great support and help,
Jenny
p.s. write you all back later and tell you how the doctor visit goes.
Thanks for being such a great support and help,
Jenny
p.s. write you all back later and tell you how the doctor visit goes.
SRMom
10-10-2005, 05:56 PM
Hi Jenny:
I'll be really interested what your OB/GYN says. I'm going to call mine today to see if I can schedule an appointment for my laparoscopy. I won't be able to do it until after Nov. 1, but at least I'll get things in motion for my recovery. I spent the last three days with a heating pad and pain killers. It's a little better today, I think because I'm on day five of my period (the end of my period the pain seems to let up for a day or two), but I'm expecting the big hemorrhage any minute now (I always have one day, like you have, that I'm curled up in a pain ball, with heavy bleeding and cramps).
Good luck!
-SRMom
I'll be really interested what your OB/GYN says. I'm going to call mine today to see if I can schedule an appointment for my laparoscopy. I won't be able to do it until after Nov. 1, but at least I'll get things in motion for my recovery. I spent the last three days with a heating pad and pain killers. It's a little better today, I think because I'm on day five of my period (the end of my period the pain seems to let up for a day or two), but I'm expecting the big hemorrhage any minute now (I always have one day, like you have, that I'm curled up in a pain ball, with heavy bleeding and cramps).
Good luck!
-SRMom
Changingwoman
10-10-2005, 08:05 PM
Jenny, I am furious that you have gotten such a run-around! You should not have had to endure all that pain for so long. Let us know what they find out. Unfortunately, in this day of "managed care", you have to take charge of your own health. Thank heaven the Internet gives us an opportunity to check things out ourselves and bug the "system" until someone listens.
Do go to the emergency room next time if that is what it takes to get some help. And don't give up until someone listens to you. There are all those wonderful questions they don't like to hear, such as "So what you are saying is that I have to remain in pain for 2 weeks because you refuse to treat me now?" Don't take "no" for an answer. You are paying for the service, after all. {removed} and believe me, the squeaky wheel gets the grease!
Ask to talk to the head of the facility and explain that you are in pain now, and they don't seem to be able to help you, and what is he going to do about it! I don't mean to be nasty, just firm and persistent. You are paying for help, they contracted to provide it. All you expect is that they do what you are paying them for. It is not your problem that they don't hire enough doctors.
Hopefully the doctor you see today will be able to help. In the meanwhile, find a local gyn and regular physician and get hooked up with them before the next problem comes up. You are right, you should not be seeing a pediatrician any more! Also, if you don't like the doctor you get, change! You have to have someone you are comfortable with, who will answer all of your questions and not pooh-pooh you or pat you on the head with just-let-us-take-care-of-you-stuff.
Do go to the emergency room next time if that is what it takes to get some help. And don't give up until someone listens to you. There are all those wonderful questions they don't like to hear, such as "So what you are saying is that I have to remain in pain for 2 weeks because you refuse to treat me now?" Don't take "no" for an answer. You are paying for the service, after all. {removed} and believe me, the squeaky wheel gets the grease!
Ask to talk to the head of the facility and explain that you are in pain now, and they don't seem to be able to help you, and what is he going to do about it! I don't mean to be nasty, just firm and persistent. You are paying for help, they contracted to provide it. All you expect is that they do what you are paying them for. It is not your problem that they don't hire enough doctors.
Hopefully the doctor you see today will be able to help. In the meanwhile, find a local gyn and regular physician and get hooked up with them before the next problem comes up. You are right, you should not be seeing a pediatrician any more! Also, if you don't like the doctor you get, change! You have to have someone you are comfortable with, who will answer all of your questions and not pooh-pooh you or pat you on the head with just-let-us-take-care-of-you-stuff.
JenRas05
10-10-2005, 08:52 PM
Well, i went to the gyn today. She was really nice and understanding! She did a vaginal and rectal exam. The rectal exam was to see if there was any thickening of the rectal walls but there wasen't. This is what she said, "she suggested that i first be seen by a gastroenologist because the pain is around my belly button where your intestines are, your uterus is farther down. So they want to make sure it's not my intestines giving me the pain near my belly button. They will take a scope and stick it down my esophogus and up through my vagina to look into my stomach and intestines. If that comes out negative than she will perform the laproscopy. She just wants to rule this out first before i undergo surgery. She said it didn't sound like endo to her because there wasen't any pattern of pain around my period. But, then i asked well if it is my intestines what would the back pain be from? she didn't really have an answer for that but i already know that lower back pain is a sign of endo. Maybe if i do have the intestinal problem i could still have endo, and if the back pain continues i would still like to be checked for endo. Well, still waiting for the gastro doctor appointment, she is to call me back tomorow with the openings for Duluth, they checked Willmar where i lived but there is only one gastro in Willmar and he is all booked until December and i'm well tired of waiting if you know what i mean. Hopefully they will have an earlier opening in Duluth. Thanks for your support, those doctors were really frustrating, i'm glad i'm getting this checked out finally though. The vicotin and midol is helping me for now. Take care everyone and God bless,
Jenny
Jenny
SRMom
10-11-2005, 02:40 PM
My doctor's approach is opposite. The OB/GYN will do the laparoscopy before sending me to the gastroenterologist. IBS had been mentioned as a possibility, but I haven't had any constipation, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding. My pain has been bad all month long for many months, I never thought for sure it was endo until this month (it could be adhesions from prior surgery too).
Just days before my period, I couldn't get out of bed, even with painkillers...now that I'm on my period, the pain is bearable again. Anyway, for awhile I wondered why they didn't give me a colonoscopy before consenting to surgery, but I really think the surgery is what I need, so I'm okay with it. At least you'll know you'll be totally checked out.
Glad to hear you are on the road to finding your cure. Again, I'm so sorry you have to go through this at such a young age. Please keep us posted.
Just days before my period, I couldn't get out of bed, even with painkillers...now that I'm on my period, the pain is bearable again. Anyway, for awhile I wondered why they didn't give me a colonoscopy before consenting to surgery, but I really think the surgery is what I need, so I'm okay with it. At least you'll know you'll be totally checked out.
Glad to hear you are on the road to finding your cure. Again, I'm so sorry you have to go through this at such a young age. Please keep us posted.
JenRas05
10-11-2005, 04:55 PM
Do you have pain around your belly button too? or farthur down in your pelvis area? i remember reading that endo can grow on your digestive organs as well as your reproductive organs so maybe thats what it is for me. They called me back and told me i have an appointment November 30 with the gastro doctor in Duluth. That was the soonest appt. but atleast its sooner than December. I'll keep you posted on anything new, hope to hear from you again soon. Jenny
SRMom
10-11-2005, 05:08 PM
No, my pain is lower and to my left, right above the pubic hairline. That's why they think it could be adhesions too, because I had my son by C-section and that's where part of the scar is located. I've had back pain on and off too, but the real severe pain is in my pelvic area. I think that's why I started out at the OB/GYN, because they wanted to check my ovaries and other female organs for tumors, etc. The problem is, I've had everything done gynecologically that I can without surgery to look for a diagnosis. If the surgery doesn't turn up anything, I'll probably have to go to the gastroenterologist next, and then the last would be a urologist. Each specialist checks only the areas they specialize in, so this diagnosis could take a long time. But like you, I have been really educating myself and I really think that I'm headed in the right direction. At least I hope I am :)
SRMom
10-11-2005, 05:14 PM
Jenny, I wanted to add that I'm sure, based on the symptoms you've told your doctor, that you are headed in the right direction too. Since you are young and probably haven't had any abdominal surgery yet, I think what your gynecologist said about checking out your tummy first is the correct way to proceed. I don't want you to get discouraged, and at least now you have good pain medication to get you through until your next appointment.
FairyMagick
10-12-2005, 01:59 AM
Hi Jen :wave:
I had a doctor tell me that all my pain was from ibs :rolleyes: . I do have ibs, but it is related to my Endo. He even got a book out to try and explain why I didn't have it. Anyway who knows where I would be with my treatment if I believed that doctor. I get angry thinking about it! I also had another doctor tell me my pain wasn't like the Endo pattern for pain. So I had a similar experience like yours. I have heard it is very common for doctors to tell woman there female pain is caused from gastro problems. I always new I had Endo. You know your body better than a doctor. Its really good that you have read up so much. Seems like you know more than the doctors. Keep pushing them until your happy! Glad the pain meds are working better for you. I wish you well.
I had a doctor tell me that all my pain was from ibs :rolleyes: . I do have ibs, but it is related to my Endo. He even got a book out to try and explain why I didn't have it. Anyway who knows where I would be with my treatment if I believed that doctor. I get angry thinking about it! I also had another doctor tell me my pain wasn't like the Endo pattern for pain. So I had a similar experience like yours. I have heard it is very common for doctors to tell woman there female pain is caused from gastro problems. I always new I had Endo. You know your body better than a doctor. Its really good that you have read up so much. Seems like you know more than the doctors. Keep pushing them until your happy! Glad the pain meds are working better for you. I wish you well.
pams37
10-12-2005, 10:59 AM
Ohhh wow I feeel so bad for you.I can not imagine the pain you are in.I have Fibroids.I do not think it's as painfulll as what you are going through.But my fibroid(I think at least one of them)is out-side of uterous.It is in my darn ribs and it does go into my bladder and bowels.Today I finally go for my Pelvic ultrasound.In about one more hr I need to drink 5 big glassses of water.I willl have 5 done within half an hr.My appointment is at 12:30pm.I can not wait to get this over with.I'm in so much pain right now.It's my left side that keeeps buggging me.Welll I wish you luck.Take care.Pamela
JenRas05
10-12-2005, 12:08 PM
well, i guess i just have to wait till my gastro doctor appointment. I don't really care if they check my stomach, i just still feel i have endo. The digestive part wouldn't explain the severe back pain, severe menstrual cramps, and the pain radiating down my leg. Plus the back pain is the worst anyways. I want to get rid of that the most. I'll have a talk with my gyn about that, the possiblity of having both digestive and endo. i'd like to see what she says....i'll explain your story and how your ibs is caused from your endo. Thanks again,
p.s. good luck pamela in your pelvic ultrasound, hope they can help you to ease your pain. wish you all the best of luck! :angel:
p.s. good luck pamela in your pelvic ultrasound, hope they can help you to ease your pain. wish you all the best of luck! :angel:
JenRas05
10-12-2005, 03:39 PM
this just keeps getting more frustrating, today i ran out of the vicodin and so i called to see if they could refill it, they told me that the ER doctors can't prescribe refills and then they told me to contact my doctor. So i called my pediatrician's nurse since i haven't transfered doctors yet and they asked my pediatrician if he could prescribe me the refill and he said he can't prescribe narcotic drugs......i even told them that those were the only pain pills that helped....still they told me i have to see a family practition doctor to get a refill. oh, just great.....now i have to go see another doctor who doesn't even know anything about my circumstances and try to convince him to prescribe me narcotic pain pills. that shall be fun.....i go in today at 3:45, i need to get them today because i have to work tonight and the pain is really bad....i don't know what i'll do if he doesn't prescribe them for me!
SRMom
10-12-2005, 03:47 PM
Oh sweetie...do you have a heating pad you could use until work? Maybe you could buy some of those adhesive heat patches for back pain to use at work?
It is just unbelievable what these doctors/nurse practitioners are telling you. A nurse practioner cannot prescribe any meds, to my knowledge, they usually call in the scripts under the license of the doctor they work for. There shouldn't be a problem getting pain medication from a pediatrician either...I'm sure they give narcotics to children...what about codeine cough medicine for one example?? Anyway, it sounds like you are getting the run around. Anything your parents can do for you? Maybe make a call to the doctor for you? My heart goes out to you...I know what you are going through!
It is just unbelievable what these doctors/nurse practitioners are telling you. A nurse practioner cannot prescribe any meds, to my knowledge, they usually call in the scripts under the license of the doctor they work for. There shouldn't be a problem getting pain medication from a pediatrician either...I'm sure they give narcotics to children...what about codeine cough medicine for one example?? Anyway, it sounds like you are getting the run around. Anything your parents can do for you? Maybe make a call to the doctor for you? My heart goes out to you...I know what you are going through!
SRMom
10-12-2005, 04:14 PM
Hey Jen...one more thing...if you are able to get another prescription for painkillers, try to only take them when absolutely necessary (like when you have to work). That way you won't run out too fast and the doctors won't be as hesitant to refill, because they will see you are using them responsibly.
I guess you could go back to the ER again today if you really need the medication, or maybe you'll have to call in sick?
I guess you could go back to the ER again today if you really need the medication, or maybe you'll have to call in sick?
JenRas05
10-12-2005, 05:26 PM
i guess it wasen't that he couldn't prescribe them it was just that he said he wouldn't
i'll tell you how the doctors goes today, i got to go right now, talk to you soon
i'll tell you how the doctors goes today, i got to go right now, talk to you soon
JenRas05
10-12-2005, 07:16 PM
I went to see the on-call doctor, Dr. Miracle (lol) that was his real name. Anyways he checked my back like all the rest of the doctors and had me have x-rays of my back. The x-rays turned out normal so he said I probably have a strain in the sacra area of the back near the tail bone. "sure".....he wants me to do physical therapy too so i made an appt. for that on Monday(don't know if it will help but it can't hurt me). The one really good thing is he did prescribe me a refill of the vicodin. He said though that those probably aren't the best for long term use because they can be habit forming and cause habituations. He gave me a note for work so i don't have to go in tonight. There are 40 pills in the bottle so i'll have to make those last through till the end of November. Try to take them when i really need them, except the pain comes back after 6 hours of taking the pill. It's always really strong too. Don't know....
SRMom
10-12-2005, 08:08 PM
Hi Jenny:
Good news on the refill. On my prescription receipt it says how many days worth there are in the bottle. 30 pills is 5 days, but I don't take it that often...maybe one per day, more if it's really bad like right before my period, so 30 lasts almost a month. When I don't have any refills left, I take the empty bottle to the pharmacy and they fax my doctor for a refill request. I haven't been denied yet, I'm assuming because my doctor knows I'm careful. I can tell I'm building a tolerance though and I'm really careful not to give in to taking more. If you save them for really bad times, they'll work better.
Have a great night off (what a relief) :)
-SRMom
Good news on the refill. On my prescription receipt it says how many days worth there are in the bottle. 30 pills is 5 days, but I don't take it that often...maybe one per day, more if it's really bad like right before my period, so 30 lasts almost a month. When I don't have any refills left, I take the empty bottle to the pharmacy and they fax my doctor for a refill request. I haven't been denied yet, I'm assuming because my doctor knows I'm careful. I can tell I'm building a tolerance though and I'm really careful not to give in to taking more. If you save them for really bad times, they'll work better.
Have a great night off (what a relief) :)
-SRMom
JenRas05
10-12-2005, 08:30 PM
I don't think this doctor i saw will give me any more refills, but i'm going to switch doctors soon and he wants me to go in again in another 2-3 weeks if i still have the pain. I'll try to only take one a day....see how it goes,...i'm glad i have them now though, i now have some relief!
JenRas05
10-12-2005, 09:59 PM
I took the vicodin at 5:00 and it seemed to help a lot at first but now its about 8:00 and the pain seems to be coming back, almost as strong as it was before but not with the edge. I know i can't take anymore pills today though. I'm not going to abuse them I just need them for the pain.....its so hard dealing with all this....i break down crying so much...my bf hates seeing me in pain too.....really hope i can get this figured out....i just have to be strong and hold out till my gastro appt.,
JenRas05
10-12-2005, 11:28 PM
All your support is really appreciated!...Thank you so much!,...it feels so good to talk with people who know the pain and trouble ur going through!
FairyMagick
10-13-2005, 01:26 AM
Hi,
Glad to hear you were able to get a refill. Do you take ibuprofen and Tylenol in between taking you vicodin? It can help stretch out the pain relief effects of the vicodin.
Sorry your getting the run around about you pain meds. You situation is so much like mine. I am still fighting to get pain meds. My doctor gives me 30 pills and expects me to make them last for 6 months, can you believe that? I'm going to have to do something about that to because it is not enough!!
You don't have to worry about getting addicted to your meds {removed} , and was told it isn't possible. If your in pain when you take your vicodin your brain reacts differently towards them. When people take pain meds for the "high" of it, that is when addiction happens. I know doctors tell you other wise but they don't like to give out pain meds in fear of getting in trouble. Believe it or not pharmacist know more about drugs than doctors. Wish you the best of luck.
Glad to hear you were able to get a refill. Do you take ibuprofen and Tylenol in between taking you vicodin? It can help stretch out the pain relief effects of the vicodin.
Sorry your getting the run around about you pain meds. You situation is so much like mine. I am still fighting to get pain meds. My doctor gives me 30 pills and expects me to make them last for 6 months, can you believe that? I'm going to have to do something about that to because it is not enough!!
You don't have to worry about getting addicted to your meds {removed} , and was told it isn't possible. If your in pain when you take your vicodin your brain reacts differently towards them. When people take pain meds for the "high" of it, that is when addiction happens. I know doctors tell you other wise but they don't like to give out pain meds in fear of getting in trouble. Believe it or not pharmacist know more about drugs than doctors. Wish you the best of luck.
JenRas05
10-13-2005, 01:02 PM
Thank you for that info, its good for that reasurrance and knowledge. I guess your right that pharmacists know more about drugs. Too bad it can't be the pharmacists that prescribe the drugs. I'll try what you said and take tylenol and aleve imbetween the vicodin to stretch out the effect. If i go for physical therapy do you think it will really help me at all? will it help if i have endo and not a muscle strain? i don't believe its a muscle strain but i guess it won't hurt me just to stretch and excercise.
SRMom
10-13-2005, 03:44 PM
Do you think physical therapy would help endometriosis? It doesn't sound likely to me, but exercise, heat packs and massage never hurt anyone. If I were you, I wouldn't take the Vicodin before physical therapy...if they have you exercising, you might overdo it.
JenRas05
10-13-2005, 04:13 PM
so i shouldn't take the vicodin before excercise? if i'm in pain won't excercising make it worse though? I don't know how i'm going to feel like excercising if i'm having severe lower back pain. I don't know, i guess i'll have to see how it goes. I have my first physical therapy session on Monday.
JenRas05
10-13-2005, 05:04 PM
i just took a walk today and it seemed like it made the pain come back some. I want to excercise though, but don't want this pain. Is excercise supposed to make endo pain worse?
SRMom
10-13-2005, 06:13 PM
Jenny:
Of course we're assuming we have endo, but I've noticed that my pain always gets worse with activity. If I stay seated or lying down with my heating pad, I'm usually okay. That's why this is so frustrating. I've gained five pounds since this started in January because I've had to limit my activity due to pain.
Let me rephrase my advice about taking pain meds before exercise, because I do take them when I need to get stuff done like housework I can't otherwise do when I'm in pain. I was really referring to heavy exercise like weights or the stairmaster or other types of exercise sometimes done in physical therapy. If you don't feel pain, you don't know if you are causing more damage.
I would call the physical therapy office before you go and ask them what they think you should do.
Of course we're assuming we have endo, but I've noticed that my pain always gets worse with activity. If I stay seated or lying down with my heating pad, I'm usually okay. That's why this is so frustrating. I've gained five pounds since this started in January because I've had to limit my activity due to pain.
Let me rephrase my advice about taking pain meds before exercise, because I do take them when I need to get stuff done like housework I can't otherwise do when I'm in pain. I was really referring to heavy exercise like weights or the stairmaster or other types of exercise sometimes done in physical therapy. If you don't feel pain, you don't know if you are causing more damage.
I would call the physical therapy office before you go and ask them what they think you should do.
Sonika
10-13-2005, 09:10 PM
JenRas: I suffer from bad pain and my doctor found ovarian cysts. These are sacks of fluid inside the ovaries and are not bad at all but they can cause the pain. There is nothing to do about it but if they come too big the paind will be more and the doctor can drain the fluid. Try also to take ibuprofen instead of aleve. It works better on some people.
JenRas05
10-14-2005, 12:30 AM
If i have ovarian cysts though wouldn't the pelvic ultrasound I had of shown something? because my ultrasound was normal, my ovaries and uterus were normal in the ultrasound.
JenRas05
10-14-2005, 12:34 AM
I'll call the physical therapy office tomorow and ask if i should take the pain meds before my session. I understand what u mean though, i don't feel like excercising as much as i used to either since the pain started, i've actually gained some weight too.(I'm not overweight or anything but still). I want to loose that weight with excercising but its so frustrating when the pain interfers. Do you really think too strenuous of excercise could cause more damage assuming i have endo?
FairyMagick
10-14-2005, 01:09 AM
Hi :wave: ,
When my pain is really bad exercise makes it worst. I think if you were in pain before you go to pt, then you might end up in a pain cycle that will be hard to get back in control. Maybe if there massaging you or using water therapy it could help make you feel better for a little while. But the only thing that helps my Endo is pain meds, hot baths/showers, heating pads. I use icy hot too. And I have my b/f massage my back and the backs of my legs. Good luck with pt. I hope you get some answers soon.
When my pain is really bad exercise makes it worst. I think if you were in pain before you go to pt, then you might end up in a pain cycle that will be hard to get back in control. Maybe if there massaging you or using water therapy it could help make you feel better for a little while. But the only thing that helps my Endo is pain meds, hot baths/showers, heating pads. I use icy hot too. And I have my b/f massage my back and the backs of my legs. Good luck with pt. I hope you get some answers soon.
JenRas05
10-14-2005, 12:21 PM
Maybe i shouldn't even go to physical therapy then but I'll try one session and see how it goes. The physical therapist should be able to tell if it were a muscle pain or not right? i think so. Heating pads help me some but back massage actually hurts to me. When you press on the lower part of my back it stings really bad, my bf has tried.
JenRas05
10-14-2005, 02:33 PM
I called my physical therapist and asked her if i should take the pain meds or not. She said it depends on what time i take them before i come. My appt. is at 10:45 so if i wake up around 8 or 9 she doesn't want me to take them so that i'm not numb but if i wake up earlier i could take one, that way it would be wearing off some by the time i got there. I'll probably wake up around 9 though so i won't take any.
Another thing, I've decided to stop using the birth control patch for awhile. I want to test it out and see if the pain gets worse, better, or stays the same with it off. If it gets worse next month I'll go on the patch again.
Another thing, I've decided to stop using the birth control patch for awhile. I want to test it out and see if the pain gets worse, better, or stays the same with it off. If it gets worse next month I'll go on the patch again.
SRMom
10-14-2005, 04:59 PM
Good idea, try one session at least. PT's know everything about your muscle structure, but I don't know if they can tell if muscles are swollen or protruding because of endo. Be sure to tell the therapist that you don't believe your problem is musculoskeletal. You seem to be a very excellent communicator, so I'm sure you'll be fine :)
JenRas05
10-14-2005, 05:05 PM
I will tell her that. Thank you for your advice and support again!
Jen
P.S. Tell you how the physical therapy goes.
Jen
P.S. Tell you how the physical therapy goes.
JenRas05
10-15-2005, 01:07 PM
Hey SRMom,
{REMOVED}
You have been so supportive and kind to me! It's nice to have you there to help me answer some questions i have with everything going on. I'm really glad i joined this message board! I never knew there was anything like this before until i found this online. I think its a really good thing they have message boards like this where people with similar health problems can give each other support and advice!
Sincerely,
Jenny
{REMOVED}
You have been so supportive and kind to me! It's nice to have you there to help me answer some questions i have with everything going on. I'm really glad i joined this message board! I never knew there was anything like this before until i found this online. I think its a really good thing they have message boards like this where people with similar health problems can give each other support and advice!
Sincerely,
Jenny
lotta
10-16-2005, 01:20 AM
Hi Jenny,
I just read through your post for the 1st time and can sympathize w/ your story. I have endo & the pain started when I was your age, 18. It took 4 yrs to be correctly diagnosed. I too went from Dr. to Dr. with nothing ever helping. One (male) Dr. told me I had gastro problems, patted me on my back & told me to go home & take metamucil. I finally went to a female obgyn & she knew immediately & ordered the laproscopy.
I'm now 34, have had 2 laps (last one in '99) and have had severe problems now for the past 8 months. The pain I have had is nothing I've experienced before. My Dr. has switched my pill, requested I go to my regular Dr. just to rule out anything else and then I go back to see her in 5 weeks. We will then discuss another laproscopy.
Regarding your lower back pain - I have the exact same pain and it's very painful when someone trys to massage that area or if I'm on my feet for a long time. I'm also dealing w/ the cramping and shooting pains, my ovaries feel like they're burning, bloating, nausea, hot flashes and extreme fatigue. I have gained 35 lbs since April when this pain started again. My Dr. said endo does not cause weight gain but my body could be in stress mode, which could be causing it.
My one suggestion to you would be to NOT stop the patch. At least consult w/ your obgyn first (whenever you get there). Birth control pill/patch is not a cure for endo but it does help to contain it and slow the growth. My Dr.'s suggestion yrs ago was to either stay on BC or get pregnant. So, I have been on the pill since I was 18, minus the time I was pregnant w/ my daughter.
I wish you good luck and just keep on the Dr.'s like you have been. You seem very well-informed. Just do not let any of these Dr.'s tell you they don't think that's it's endo because the only way for them to know is if they do a lap.
Keep us posted, good luck & you're in my prayers.
God bless you!
Carlotta
I just read through your post for the 1st time and can sympathize w/ your story. I have endo & the pain started when I was your age, 18. It took 4 yrs to be correctly diagnosed. I too went from Dr. to Dr. with nothing ever helping. One (male) Dr. told me I had gastro problems, patted me on my back & told me to go home & take metamucil. I finally went to a female obgyn & she knew immediately & ordered the laproscopy.
I'm now 34, have had 2 laps (last one in '99) and have had severe problems now for the past 8 months. The pain I have had is nothing I've experienced before. My Dr. has switched my pill, requested I go to my regular Dr. just to rule out anything else and then I go back to see her in 5 weeks. We will then discuss another laproscopy.
Regarding your lower back pain - I have the exact same pain and it's very painful when someone trys to massage that area or if I'm on my feet for a long time. I'm also dealing w/ the cramping and shooting pains, my ovaries feel like they're burning, bloating, nausea, hot flashes and extreme fatigue. I have gained 35 lbs since April when this pain started again. My Dr. said endo does not cause weight gain but my body could be in stress mode, which could be causing it.
My one suggestion to you would be to NOT stop the patch. At least consult w/ your obgyn first (whenever you get there). Birth control pill/patch is not a cure for endo but it does help to contain it and slow the growth. My Dr.'s suggestion yrs ago was to either stay on BC or get pregnant. So, I have been on the pill since I was 18, minus the time I was pregnant w/ my daughter.
I wish you good luck and just keep on the Dr.'s like you have been. You seem very well-informed. Just do not let any of these Dr.'s tell you they don't think that's it's endo because the only way for them to know is if they do a lap.
Keep us posted, good luck & you're in my prayers.
God bless you!
Carlotta
JenRas05
10-16-2005, 12:57 PM
I have a few questions. I was supposed to go back on the patch Friday but I didn't, is it too late for me to go back on it now that its Sunday? One other thing, when I'm on the patch my periods are like 2-3 days longer than they were when i wasen't on any birth control. Do you know if this is normal?
Thank you Charlotta for telling me your story. It's so scary thinking about dealing with this my entire life. I can barely deal with it now. I know i have my family, friends, and boyfriend to support me though. They all want me to get this figured out so I can get some help. My boyfriend hates seeing me in pain and I wish he didn't have to.
I'm also worrying about what i'm going to do when i run out of Vicodin. It's scary being dependent on drugs but they are the only thing that helps me get through the day, otherwise I just feel like crying its so painful. I know the doctors won't prescribe me anymore until they know whats really going on. For now they just all say its a muscle pull. That makes me so mad too, to have to hear that over and over when i know that isn't true. I don't even like going back to the doctors because i have to explain the whole story over and over and have to hear them say the same thing. I think its best just to stay with the gyn that i'm seeing in Duluth, she's been the nicest to me and is helping me out the most. None of the other doctors here are going to help me anymore. For now i just have to deal with the pain, until I can see the gastro doctor at the end of November. After all that is taken care of I'm going to have the laproscopy no matter what, even if i do have a stomach problem too. Have you ever had pain around your belly button? The thing is I don't get pain in my pelvic area, just my bb and lower back.
All ur help is really appreciated,
Thank You
Jenny
P.S. I'll pray for you too!
Thank you Charlotta for telling me your story. It's so scary thinking about dealing with this my entire life. I can barely deal with it now. I know i have my family, friends, and boyfriend to support me though. They all want me to get this figured out so I can get some help. My boyfriend hates seeing me in pain and I wish he didn't have to.
I'm also worrying about what i'm going to do when i run out of Vicodin. It's scary being dependent on drugs but they are the only thing that helps me get through the day, otherwise I just feel like crying its so painful. I know the doctors won't prescribe me anymore until they know whats really going on. For now they just all say its a muscle pull. That makes me so mad too, to have to hear that over and over when i know that isn't true. I don't even like going back to the doctors because i have to explain the whole story over and over and have to hear them say the same thing. I think its best just to stay with the gyn that i'm seeing in Duluth, she's been the nicest to me and is helping me out the most. None of the other doctors here are going to help me anymore. For now i just have to deal with the pain, until I can see the gastro doctor at the end of November. After all that is taken care of I'm going to have the laproscopy no matter what, even if i do have a stomach problem too. Have you ever had pain around your belly button? The thing is I don't get pain in my pelvic area, just my bb and lower back.
All ur help is really appreciated,
Thank You
Jenny
P.S. I'll pray for you too!
SRMom
10-16-2005, 03:06 PM
Jenny:
It is my pleasure to help if I can...it makes me feel good too and you sound like such a sweet, good young lady. I think this board is great also, and a very safe place with the moderators looking out for us to make sure bad people can't hurt us.
Thanks for your support too...it's hard to be in pain all the time around people who feel fine. That's why this board is as important for moral support as it is for information.
I hope your PT appt. goes well tomorrow :)
-SRMom
It is my pleasure to help if I can...it makes me feel good too and you sound like such a sweet, good young lady. I think this board is great also, and a very safe place with the moderators looking out for us to make sure bad people can't hurt us.
Thanks for your support too...it's hard to be in pain all the time around people who feel fine. That's why this board is as important for moral support as it is for information.
I hope your PT appt. goes well tomorrow :)
-SRMom
JenRas05
10-17-2005, 02:38 PM
Well I went to my physical therapy. I think it actually is going to help some. The lady had me do some different bends with my back and legs and what she found out was that the part where it hurt the most was when i bent backwards. She also noticed when i stood straight against the wall that there was too much space between my back and the wall. I guess there is only supposed to be a hands width space between your back and the wall. She suggested that i tilt my pelvis back more and tuck my stomach in to relieve some of the pressure off the back of my vertabra. I didn't even notice i was doing that. Now that i do tilt my pelvis back and straighten up my stomach and back i can notice the difference. The pain is less sharp when i do that, it relieves a lot of the pressure. I'm glad she could give me some advice to help. This might not get rid of it all together but i think it will make a good start to relieving some pain. She gave me some excercises also to do and i am to see her again this Thursday. So the back part is going better but i'm now getting these sharp stabbing pains in my ovaries, and they also feel like there burning all the time. I just noticed it last night when i was working, I never felt this kind of pain before (different from cramps). Every time i moved i could feel the stab in my ovaries. I take midol and that helps relieve the cramps but not the burning or stabbing. It just seems like when i get one pain feeling better another one comes on! I am really glad though that the pt is helping.
Sincerely,
Jenny
Sincerely,
Jenny
SRMom
10-17-2005, 05:08 PM
Sometimes I feel stabbing pains too. I think it happens when I'm ovulating. My guess is that if we do have endometriosis, that ovulation could be quite a bit more painful than usual. I know when my bladder is full or I have to have a bowel movement, I feel extra pain and pressure too.
You and I are having to wait so long to get answers. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, especially when I have a lot to do and don't feel well. I'm hoping we can both get some help before the holidays. It'll be a year for me in January, since this started.
Glad you liked PT. I'll bet what you learn about your back pain would help a lot of people with lower back pain. Thanks for sharing. :)
You and I are having to wait so long to get answers. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, especially when I have a lot to do and don't feel well. I'm hoping we can both get some help before the holidays. It'll be a year for me in January, since this started.
Glad you liked PT. I'll bet what you learn about your back pain would help a lot of people with lower back pain. Thanks for sharing. :)
JenRas05
10-18-2005, 12:40 AM
I suppose it could hurt more during ovulation except its only been a day since I ended my period so I don't think i am ovulating. Glad I could give you some advice on lower back pain, that physical therapist taught me a lot. I think I should share this with someone else on these boards who has lower back problems.
I hope we do get some help soon too! Just wanted to let you know that i'm glad i can help you out, if even the least bit i'm a help to you it makes me feel good. We have each other for support and advice, I think we'll do fine. We just got to hang in there until these doctors can get their stuff together and get this figured out.
Sincerely,
Jenny
P.S. You're in my prayers! :angel:
I hope we do get some help soon too! Just wanted to let you know that i'm glad i can help you out, if even the least bit i'm a help to you it makes me feel good. We have each other for support and advice, I think we'll do fine. We just got to hang in there until these doctors can get their stuff together and get this figured out.
Sincerely,
Jenny
P.S. You're in my prayers! :angel:
SRMom
10-18-2005, 01:03 PM
You're in mine too :)
JenRas05
10-18-2005, 02:05 PM
Today i don't have any back pain, seriously. It's so great! I guess the excercises i did yesterday and the tiliting my pelvis different did something for me. I probably shouldn't speak so soon though, it just might come back on me. The only thing thats really bothering me today is that i feel nausiated, have lots of heartburn, and cramps. It sucks also having acid reflux, which i do. I take prevacid for it but i still sometimes get heartburn after i eat.
Take Care,
Jenny
Take Care,
Jenny
SRMom
10-18-2005, 02:16 PM
Hi Jenny:
Are you on your period? I noticed when I had menstrual cramps the last two months, that my pelvic pain was gone for a day or two. Then after my period, the pain came back. I think with endo, the tissues gets smaller when you menstruate and then slowly swells again over the month, causing more pain...the worst being right before menstruating. This has been my experience.
So glad to hear you are getting a break from the pain. :)
Are you on your period? I noticed when I had menstrual cramps the last two months, that my pelvic pain was gone for a day or two. Then after my period, the pain came back. I think with endo, the tissues gets smaller when you menstruate and then slowly swells again over the month, causing more pain...the worst being right before menstruating. This has been my experience.
So glad to hear you are getting a break from the pain. :)
JenRas05
10-18-2005, 04:16 PM
I've been feeling nausiated all day and now my back pain is starting to come back.
SRMom
10-18-2005, 06:17 PM
So sorry sweetie...you're going to be okay. If your nausea doesn't go away in a day or two...give your doctor a call and tell him/her what is going on. Maybe you just picked up a little bug. I hope you aren't developing an allergy to your pain meds. Nausea is a really common side-effect of Vicodin. Try to eat a little something like saltines when you take your meds.
JenRas05
10-18-2005, 08:14 PM
Well, I felt nausiated all day and just now i was able to throw up. I feel better now being able to do that. I just don't know why I even got sick. I don't know if its the Vicodin because I haven't taken any today and I never threw up from it before. It could be a flu but I'll have to wait and see if it stays around for longer than today. If it does I will go to my doctor.
Jenny
Hope your feeling better than I am!
Jenny
Hope your feeling better than I am!
FairyMagick
10-19-2005, 01:38 AM
Hi,
Could you have a uti? Did they ever do a test for a uti? Having a uti can cause lower back pain and nausea and the need to pee more.
I had spells of being so nauseated I had to take medicine for it. I get nauseated before my period sometimes too. I don't know if its the Endo or not. Some people get a sick feeling if there in extreme pain. I think on the side effects for vicodin it says nausea is one of them, but I'm to totally sure.
I'm not being nosey but could you be pregnant? Maybe morning sickness? Hope you feel better soon. I know this sounds weird, but If I ate pairs the canned kind it helped me with the nausea. If you get a fever call the doctor straight away, because it might be something that needs to be checked out.
Could you have a uti? Did they ever do a test for a uti? Having a uti can cause lower back pain and nausea and the need to pee more.
I had spells of being so nauseated I had to take medicine for it. I get nauseated before my period sometimes too. I don't know if its the Endo or not. Some people get a sick feeling if there in extreme pain. I think on the side effects for vicodin it says nausea is one of them, but I'm to totally sure.
I'm not being nosey but could you be pregnant? Maybe morning sickness? Hope you feel better soon. I know this sounds weird, but If I ate pairs the canned kind it helped me with the nausea. If you get a fever call the doctor straight away, because it might be something that needs to be checked out.
JenRas05
10-19-2005, 12:06 PM
I don't think I could be pregnant because I haven't had sex since like last month and I just had my period a week ago and it was normal. I might of just came down with the flu. I got over the nausea once I threw up and today I don't feel nausiated, just a little sick still, tired and weak. What is uti? do you mean urinary tract infection? because I've been tested for that twice and both times they came out negative. My boyfriend also suggested it could of been the birth control patch I went back on because I had just put it on the day before and was like 3 days late in doing so. It could of changed my hormones really quick and made me nausiated. I don't know.
{removed}Off Topic
Take Care,
Jenny
{removed}Off Topic
Take Care,
Jenny
JenRas05
10-20-2005, 10:50 AM
Well, yesterday i started to feel nausious again after awhile. Today I still feel nautious some. This feeling just won't go away. I'm starting to rethink that idea of the stomach flu, because I don't have a stomach ache or diareah. I just have the natious feeling, and vomiting. I haven't even been taking that much vicodin lately because my back hasen't been bothering me as much. I now only take like one a day. So I don't think its the flu or a reaction to the Vicodin. Maybe it has to do with my endo, (if I have it). I also have really painful cramps that come and go throughout the day like I said before. Dont' know, any more advice to what it could possibly be would be very much appreciated. Thanks!
Jenny
p.s. I have my second physical therapy appt. today.
Jenny
p.s. I have my second physical therapy appt. today.
SRMom
10-20-2005, 05:48 PM
Do you have a fever? Nausea could be a symptom of infection like FairyMagick said, a UTI or kidney infection, or maybe appendicitis, or other intestinal problem. You could just be nauseated from stress too. Like I said before, if the nausea doesn't go away, you should call/go see your doctor. Hope it goes away soon.
JenRas05
10-21-2005, 12:50 AM
I think I'm going to go see the doctor tomorow, because the nausea won't go away. I might have an intestinal problem but thats why the gastro doc is going to see me next month. So I don't know if the doctors can do anymore before that or not but it wouldn't hurt for another opinion on my situation. I have these excercises to do with my physical therapy but its kind of hard to do them when you don't feel that well.
I swear my body keeps coming up with new pains all the time. Today I started getting these sharp pains in my side. At first I thought it was a side ache from walking but then I noticed I also got them later when I was doing nothing but sitting. My breasts are also sore every day and sometimes I get this sharp pain running through them.
Help!....how many more pains am I going to get? I know I probably sound like a hypochondriac with all this but I swear its true. But I still got to go on and do things, I can't lay at home and do nothing, first of all rest doesn't help the pain anyway and second I can't put my life on hold because of all this. It just keeps getting harder! I explain all this to my parents but they don't even know what to do except follow what the doctors say. This time I think I'm just going to write an entire list of all my pains and bring them to the doctor and say "can you figure out any of this?, just one pain answered would even be nice." I know I'm probably still not going to get anywhere though with them. I mean they can check me for all different kinds of problems but I still don't know if that will solve anything. Maybe the only way to find out whats going on inside my body is for them to look inside with surgery or a scope. I don't know, I'm just so frustrated and tired of this pain. It's really hard to have patience when you're in constant pain and sickness. I should be having to deal with all this pain when I'm old and grey, not now when I'm young.
Sincerely,
Jenny
I swear my body keeps coming up with new pains all the time. Today I started getting these sharp pains in my side. At first I thought it was a side ache from walking but then I noticed I also got them later when I was doing nothing but sitting. My breasts are also sore every day and sometimes I get this sharp pain running through them.
Help!....how many more pains am I going to get? I know I probably sound like a hypochondriac with all this but I swear its true. But I still got to go on and do things, I can't lay at home and do nothing, first of all rest doesn't help the pain anyway and second I can't put my life on hold because of all this. It just keeps getting harder! I explain all this to my parents but they don't even know what to do except follow what the doctors say. This time I think I'm just going to write an entire list of all my pains and bring them to the doctor and say "can you figure out any of this?, just one pain answered would even be nice." I know I'm probably still not going to get anywhere though with them. I mean they can check me for all different kinds of problems but I still don't know if that will solve anything. Maybe the only way to find out whats going on inside my body is for them to look inside with surgery or a scope. I don't know, I'm just so frustrated and tired of this pain. It's really hard to have patience when you're in constant pain and sickness. I should be having to deal with all this pain when I'm old and grey, not now when I'm young.
Sincerely,
Jenny
JenRas05
10-21-2005, 11:40 AM
I'm going to see a doctor this morning at 11:15. I wrote everything down so that I don't have to remember to say everything. The main thing though that I want to get checked out is the nausea though. Mainly I just want to get her opinion on my situation and see if she thinks they can do anything else that would help or something sooner. It just helps to tell my whole story though incase the symptoms are connected some how, which I think they are, atleast a few of them.
Tell you how this one goes,
Jenny
Tell you how this one goes,
Jenny
JenRas05
10-21-2005, 03:42 PM
Well I saw the doctor. I told her of everything that has and is still going on. She had me do another bladder infection test just to make sure. That came out negative again. Then I explained to her that I'm taking Prevacid for my acid reflux but that I still get quite a bit of heartburn. She said the nausea could be caused from the acid reflux or my stomach problems which i'm getting checked out by the gastro doc for. So she gave me a sample of a new heartburn pill to see if that works better and if my nausea goes away. It might help with my heartburn more but I'm not sure that it will help with the nausea. That is probably related to the pain around my belly button. I'm going to have her as my primary physician now, she seemed very nice and understanding.
Jenny
Jenny
SRMom
10-21-2005, 04:25 PM
I hope the new medicine works. Try to have a nice weekend :)
JenRas05
10-22-2005, 12:13 AM
The new medicine seems to be working a lot better than the Prevacid. I also wish you a nice weekend!
FairyMagick
10-22-2005, 01:36 AM
Hi,
Happy to hear the new meds are working better for you. I just wanted to add another thing that could be causing troubles for you, your gallbladder maybe?
Happy to hear the new meds are working better for you. I just wanted to add another thing that could be causing troubles for you, your gallbladder maybe?
JenRas05
10-22-2005, 12:44 PM
I don't know. I'll just have to wait until the end of November to see the gastro doctor. He'll check my stomach and probably be able to tell if there is anything wrong with any of my stomach organs.
JenRas05
10-22-2005, 03:54 PM
I have one more concern. Once in awhile I get this shooting pain in my breasts. Is this normal? My mother had breast cancer so I worry a little about that. I've had a breast exam and don't feel or see any lumps.
SRMom
10-24-2005, 12:36 PM
Hi Jenny:
I get shooting pains in my breasts from time to time. I don't know what causes them, but my guess is with our cycles, our breasts go through changes too and I'll bet those changes account for occasional pains. I've had several mammograms and also four biopsies...all turned out to be fibroid tissue and non-cancerous.
As long as you get regular checkups and always mention your mother's history, you should catch anything very early that might be a problem. Maybe when you go for your next appointment (end of November? I can't remember) you could mention it if you are still concerned. Don't worry about it though...you are very young and I'm sure it's just hormonal changes.
I get shooting pains in my breasts from time to time. I don't know what causes them, but my guess is with our cycles, our breasts go through changes too and I'll bet those changes account for occasional pains. I've had several mammograms and also four biopsies...all turned out to be fibroid tissue and non-cancerous.
As long as you get regular checkups and always mention your mother's history, you should catch anything very early that might be a problem. Maybe when you go for your next appointment (end of November? I can't remember) you could mention it if you are still concerned. Don't worry about it though...you are very young and I'm sure it's just hormonal changes.
JenRas05
10-25-2005, 12:24 AM
Thanks for your reasurement. I was pretty sure it wasen't anything serious, just wanted to check. Thanks
JenRas05
10-26-2005, 12:18 AM
I can't take this anymore. I've been feeling nautious everyday since that day that I threw up and the pains in my ovaries are getting worse. My ovaries constantly feel like their burning, (the burning sensation is also worsening) and everytime that i move I feel like I'm tearing something by my ovaries or something, a sharp pulling kind of pain. I even touch just a little bit on that lower pelvic part of my stomach and it burns so bad. I really just want to have that laproscopy done soon, instead of seeing that gastro doctor. I think it will probably just be a waste of time, because I don't feel that it is a stomach problem and even if it is I still feel I have endo. It just seems to be getting worse all the time and I keep getting more depressed. Tomorow I'm going to call my gyno and tell her that I want the lap done first mostly because of the sharp ovary pain which has nothing to do with my digestive track. She can't tell me that I don't have endo until they do the lap.
Sincerely,
Jenny
Sincerely,
Jenny
SRMom
10-26-2005, 08:13 PM
I hope your gyno will listen. I've had a hard time getting my doctor to take me seriously too...I've had my pain for over almost ten months. Remember, they don't want to do surgery first because you are young...but if you can't take the pain anymore, maybe your gyno will change her mind. I'm sure my pain isn't gastro too (no bleeding, constipation, or diarrhea), but I think something is hurting my colon...probably pressing on the outside. That's why I think it's endo or other adhesions.
I have a friend who is a nurse and she says "the squeaky wheel gets the grease"...in other words, the louder and more often you complain, the sooner you will get someone to listen and care for you. Keep us posted.
I have a friend who is a nurse and she says "the squeaky wheel gets the grease"...in other words, the louder and more often you complain, the sooner you will get someone to listen and care for you. Keep us posted.
JenRas05
10-26-2005, 08:40 PM
I tried but she still wants me to have the gastro doctor see me first before she performs surgery on me. She is going to see though if they can get me in sooner with the gastro doc but it still really sucks. I mean i tell them that i'm in this bad of pain and that I'm getting this sharp pain in my ovaries, and they just ask you when you're period is due.....like its a normal kind of pain related to your period. Oh, that makes me mad....why would this pain be everyday? its not related to my period as far as I can tell. It stays the same all the time except increasing over time. This pain is definitely not normal, ...and you don't have to be a doctor to know that. And the really bad thing about it is that nothing i take gets rid of that pain in my ovaries, not tylenol, aleve, midol, or even Vicodin....i think its probably adhesions that are being pulled on and sore. If it were normal cramps the pain relievers would get rid of that, specially midol. I don't know,...i'm so fed up. These doctors always have to do things their way even when they know their patients are suffering this much. I'm so sorry you have to wait this long too! God help us both! Atleast they will try to get me in sooner.....till then i'll just have to cope and pray.....
Jen
Jen
JenRas05
10-27-2005, 11:30 AM
The nurse called back today and said that they would put me on a cancelation list and if any one cancels they'll be able to get me in sooner. I hope someone cancels, next month is kind of starting the holidays so maybe someone will need to cancel. The nurse also said that if things get worse to call them back and my gyno will reavaluate my situation.
Jenny
Jenny
SRMom
10-27-2005, 02:52 PM
I hope things don't get worse, but if they do, it's good to hear they will rethink their approach to treating you. Another whole month seems like a long time when you are in pain...I hope you have the strength. I'm pulling for you Jenny!
JenRas05
10-30-2005, 12:42 AM
i seriously can't take this anymore.....i'm trying but i'm just getting more worn down. Tonight at work i couldn't barely walk around because of my cramps and shooting pains in my stomach, i just wanted to cry i was so miserable.....just standing in one spot praying that God would give me the strength to get me through the night....i think i was even kind of rude to some of the customers, not cause i meant to be...just cause i was so much in pain, crabby, and frustrated...u know what i mean? none of the pain pills will work with my cramps either, i might be able to deal better if i could some relief with pain pills but i even can't do that. My boyfriend was angry at the decision my gyno made, he said that i shouldn't have to listen to her and do things her way....that its my body and i should be able to get what i want done to it. He is right and i've decided i'm going to call them back on Monday and tell them that this is getting worse..all the time and i can't cope with the pain any longer...that i should have a say in what i want done and they shouldn't make me wait so long in pain...i know my body better than anyone, even that gyno and i know that something is wrong with my ovaries...this pain is not normal one bit...if it were the pain pills would definitely take it away
FairyMagick
10-30-2005, 01:10 AM
Hi,
I hope you can see your dr soon. Are you on a low dose of pain meds? You might need a stonger dose.
I hope you can see your dr soon. Are you on a low dose of pain meds? You might need a stonger dose.
tina76
10-30-2005, 01:37 AM
Jenras, Have you thought about going to the emergency room and seeing if they can help you? When I first got diagnosed with my endometriosis, it happened because I had to go the ER two or three times for extreme pain. After the first time (where they also gave me mes for the pain and let me go home) my gyno didn't really do much which made me angry. Then the same after the second time the kept me in the hospital for 2 days and let me go still not doing much. BUT then the third time, they actually did emergency laproscopic surgery because I was in such extreme pain and they found a ton of endo and scraped as much out as they could. AND they treated my pain when i was there and then the doc that did the surgery ended up being my new gyno since she was the first doc taht would do anything to help me and she was really wonderful. I just actually switched from her because of an insurance change last year. So going to the ER might be something you want to consider. I found with my endo diagnosis that they didn't seem to want to take my pain too seriously at first. Like they thought I was exaggerating or something. But after three trips to the ER in the matter of a couple of weeks they got on the ball and moved the surgery up. By the way, they made me see a gastro doc to during my diagnosis time. Like you don't know the difference between a stomach problem and a female organs problem? Ugh. It was such a pain being diagnosed. Let me know what you decide to do! If it hurts that much, I would personally go to the ER right away. They can at least treat the pain for you. And then they can let your reg doc know how much pain you are actually in and maybe that will get her moving a little more quickly for you, or at least to be a little more sympathetic to your pain. Every day you have been writing that your pain is worse and worse. I hate to think of you suffering like that because I have been thru the same exact nightmare. - Tina
JenRas05
10-30-2005, 12:14 PM
I don't know, maybe its not as bad as yours was but heres what i've been feeling... It feels like my ovaries are constantly burning, believe me I know the exact spot there in because of the pain, I also get these shooting pains in my pelvic area, feels like its running up a nerve or something, like a straight line up and down. (I hope that makes sense) and then i get sharper cramps every once in awhile. also i get pains in my sides like around my hips and in my legs. i do think the belly pain is part of all this though, i don't feel it has to do with my digestive track, it feels like the pain is closer to my skin, not like it would be inside one of my digestive organs if you know what i mean. and i have a feeling though that the back pain is caused from my ovary pain because where it hurts in my back is the same location where my ovaries are hurting in the front. i think i kind of had a back problem too though because the physical therapy did help me some so that the pain in my back isn't constant like it used to be. i've been trying midol, tylenol, ibuprofin, and vicodin for my cramps but none of them have worked so far. far as what i'm going to do next...i think i'll still try calling back to the gyno, her nurse did say if things get worse call back and she'll reavaluate my situation...thats kind of crazy though because like how bad does it have to get before she actually rethinks her approach...i certainly don't want it any worse., in a way it kind of is worse, idk....but its enough to drive me crazy so i think thats plenty. Its' kind of bad that i even have to think like that, like whats enough pain to have something done? but i'm going to give it one more try and if it doesn't work than maybe i will go back into the er. tell you how it goes once i call them back tomorow...hopefully if i keep bugging them they'll get the point that it is bad.
Sincerely,
Jenny
It's good to hear that you got some help finally Tina. I hope i can too, soon!
Sincerely,
Jenny
It's good to hear that you got some help finally Tina. I hope i can too, soon!
tina76
10-30-2005, 01:03 PM
Just remember that if things get too bad today to go and seek help. You shouldn't be sitting at home doubled over in pain! It's not normal and not necessary. I used to let it happen to myself many times before I realized. They should not let you leave the ER unless your pain is down to a manageable level. Good luck! Let me know what happens! - Tina
JenRas05
10-30-2005, 03:10 PM
I asked my parents about going to the ER because the cramps are getting worse. The cramps feel almost as bad as when i have my period. My parents are telling me though that going to the ER won't help anything, that they won't do anything besides give me pain meds which don't help. I said well maybe they can do an emergency laboroscopy and they said no, they won't do surgeries on Sunday anyways. My mom is telling me that shes going to call tomorow and try to get me into a gynocologist here in our town tomorow. I don't know, what am i supposed to do for now though, sit here and suffer? i know like you said i shouldn't have to, i just don't know what to do?
JenRas05
10-30-2005, 03:42 PM
well, its 1:40 pm now and i'm up sitting and its feeling a little bit better. It's atleast to a manageable level. I think it seems worse when i lay down. I'm not going in to work tonight though. I don't want to suffer again like i did last night at work.
JenRas05
10-30-2005, 03:50 PM
the pain level keeps going up and down actually, now its starting to get worse again...but i'm not going to lay in bed and think about it, i've got to do other things so i can try to get it off my mind for now
SRMom
10-30-2005, 05:38 PM
Jenny:
This sounds pretty bad. I hope you tell your mom and the gyno that you can't take it anymore.
I know about the pain coming and going...one minute you think you can wait for that appointment, another minute you can't believe you have to suffer this terrible pain everyday. I finally get to see my gyno on Thurs. I hope I'll hear that you've been able to see someone before then. I'm so sorry you've had to wait...my heart goes out to you.
This sounds pretty bad. I hope you tell your mom and the gyno that you can't take it anymore.
I know about the pain coming and going...one minute you think you can wait for that appointment, another minute you can't believe you have to suffer this terrible pain everyday. I finally get to see my gyno on Thurs. I hope I'll hear that you've been able to see someone before then. I'm so sorry you've had to wait...my heart goes out to you.
JenRas05
10-30-2005, 05:58 PM
I have told my parents that i can't take this anymore, and they do understand. Tomorow wer'e going to call back to the gyno and then if that doesn't work to get me in sooner than my mom's going to try to get me in here in our town.
tina76
10-31-2005, 01:42 AM
Jen - You have been to the ER before and they gave you pain meds? They didn't help at all? I know when I was first diagnosed with my endo that meds wouldn't make it go away completely but at least when I was there and they gave me IV pain killers it helped to take most of the edge off to a bareable level. Poor thing. They probably would not have done a surgery today on a Sunday, but they might have admitted you and gotten you in first thing tomorrow. I know my first exploratory laproscopic surgery was on an emergency basis and i had went to the ER was in there for hours then they actually admitted me and my surgery was done late that afternoon. (I orginally went in around 8am) So, if your Mom can't get you into another gyno right away, and the pain is still so unbarable, you need to go the ER, have them take the edge off... if the pain is not at least down to a level 3-4 you should NOT leave the hospital. They should admit you for observation. If after being admitted for observation they can determine what the prob is or get your pain to go down to a tolerable level, I would imagine that they would do an exploratory laproscopic surgery while you are still admitted rather then you having make an appt and wait forever to have it done. In that respect, going to the ER and getting admitted is completely worth it. Speeds up the process AND your terrible pain will be treated while you are there. And as an in-patient in the hospital they can try different meds for your pain until they find one that works all while you are there rather than giving one prescription, then another, and another, etc... as an out-patient.
I honestly don't know how long it would have taken for my endo to be diagnosed if I hadn't been admitted to the hospital thru the ER that day. Up until that day my gyno had been seriously dragging her feet... ruling out irritable bowel syndrome, etc... all of which I KNEW I did not have. So believe me, I feel your pain (no pun intended!). Good luck Jen. I wish there was more I could do to help you. I forget, have you been trying a heating pad at all? They never helped/helped me, but they did feel nice from time to time... and that doesn't hurt to try! Also... I have found that when my endo is acting up very badly, if I can get myself up and out for a good brisk walk it helps tremendously. That might sound crazy I know... it did to me when my doc suggested it. I thought, I can barely stand, how in the heck am I supposed to WALK briskly??? But one day I dragged myself up, hooked the dog to his leash and we headed out. The first half a block I felt like I was going to die. It was hurting so bad... and then all of a sudden as my blood really started pumping from the quick walking, my cramps and pain started fading, and fading, and fading. It doesn't make them go away completely but they were definitely less than when I left. It's really surprising! So try that if you get a chance.
Do you live with your parents Jen? It would be good for you not to be alone just in case this pain gets bad to the point of you not being able to get up or something like that. During my initial diagnosis there were several times that during particularly bad cramping, when I stood up and tried to get myself to the bathroom or phone that I actually passed out cold.
Let me know what happens tomorrow. I will be thinking about you and worrying about you tonight! I really hope your mother can get you in somewhere tomorrow. But like I said, almost any DR you go to is going to have to schedule a surgery which is always going to take time. If you go to the ER and get admitted for observation/diagnosis it could speed the process up. It did for me, that is for sure! I had my answer within 24 hours after waiting weeks and weeks for my regular gyno to figure something out! Write as soon as you decide what to do or know what your Mom found out. Otherwise write of course if you just need to talk etc... Don't know if I'll be on much longer tonight but I will check in on you first thing tomorrow at work! - Tina
I honestly don't know how long it would have taken for my endo to be diagnosed if I hadn't been admitted to the hospital thru the ER that day. Up until that day my gyno had been seriously dragging her feet... ruling out irritable bowel syndrome, etc... all of which I KNEW I did not have. So believe me, I feel your pain (no pun intended!). Good luck Jen. I wish there was more I could do to help you. I forget, have you been trying a heating pad at all? They never helped/helped me, but they did feel nice from time to time... and that doesn't hurt to try! Also... I have found that when my endo is acting up very badly, if I can get myself up and out for a good brisk walk it helps tremendously. That might sound crazy I know... it did to me when my doc suggested it. I thought, I can barely stand, how in the heck am I supposed to WALK briskly??? But one day I dragged myself up, hooked the dog to his leash and we headed out. The first half a block I felt like I was going to die. It was hurting so bad... and then all of a sudden as my blood really started pumping from the quick walking, my cramps and pain started fading, and fading, and fading. It doesn't make them go away completely but they were definitely less than when I left. It's really surprising! So try that if you get a chance.
Do you live with your parents Jen? It would be good for you not to be alone just in case this pain gets bad to the point of you not being able to get up or something like that. During my initial diagnosis there were several times that during particularly bad cramping, when I stood up and tried to get myself to the bathroom or phone that I actually passed out cold.
Let me know what happens tomorrow. I will be thinking about you and worrying about you tonight! I really hope your mother can get you in somewhere tomorrow. But like I said, almost any DR you go to is going to have to schedule a surgery which is always going to take time. If you go to the ER and get admitted for observation/diagnosis it could speed the process up. It did for me, that is for sure! I had my answer within 24 hours after waiting weeks and weeks for my regular gyno to figure something out! Write as soon as you decide what to do or know what your Mom found out. Otherwise write of course if you just need to talk etc... Don't know if I'll be on much longer tonight but I will check in on you first thing tomorrow at work! - Tina
JenRas05
10-31-2005, 12:38 PM
Hey Tina,
The first time I went to the ER I went because of my lower back pain. At that time that was what was giving me the most pain. They first gave me tylenol number three and a strong ibuprofin with codeine. After about an hour those pills still haden't worked so they gave me a shot of morphine, that stuff is very strong but it didn't even help to take the edge off of my pain. I thought that was really weird. But after that didn't work they sent me home and said that they were out of options and that was all they could do. The doctor there prescribed me vicodin though, and that was when i found out that that was the only thing that got rid of my back pain. Later that day after having all those drugs I got really sick and threw up. I think i might of been having a reaction to that morphine. So that was kind of a bad experience you could say, I went there so they could help me get rid of the pain and all they ended up doing was just getting me drugged up and sick. Except I'm glad i was able to get the vicodin. My lower back pain isn't as bad now. I think i kind of had a back problem too because the physical therapy excercises helped my pain alot.
Now the things that are really bugging me are the cramps, shooting pains in my pelvic area and around my belly button, and feeling nautious alot. I loose my appetite alot too. I think probably the pain is what is making me nautious. Right now the pain isn't that bad, sometimes its down to a level 2 or 3 and i think i could deal with it and wait but then there are times when it gets worse where i feel I can't take it anymore. I just know though that there has to be something wrong with my ovaries. They wouldn't be hurting constantly if there wasen't and the pain pills would help if it were just normal cramps. It makes me mad though how they automatically assume when you say you have cramps that its just related to your period. Cramps can also be a sign of something wrong like endometriosis. I definitely don't want to have to go to the gastro doctor, i feel it will just be a waste of time.
I've tried a heating pad too but that just kind of makes it sting. I've tried walking too, and that actually makes my cramps worse.
I called my gyno this morning and left a message for her nurse to call me back. You can't even talk to the doctor, you have to talk to the nurse. So I'm just waiting for a phone call back from them. Tell you how it goes once i talk to them. My dad even wants to say something to them just so they believe me and know that i'm not making all this up. I was joking around with my dad saying "oh yea, like i'm calling and making all this fuss because i just love to have surgery " (sarcasticly) I wouldn't be begging to have this surgery if i felt i didn't need it.
P.S. I do live with my parents so thats good i have them to help me when i'm sick or in pain. My pain hasen't gotten that bad that i feel like passing out or anything. I hope it doesn't.
Jenny
Thanks for being there for me!
The first time I went to the ER I went because of my lower back pain. At that time that was what was giving me the most pain. They first gave me tylenol number three and a strong ibuprofin with codeine. After about an hour those pills still haden't worked so they gave me a shot of morphine, that stuff is very strong but it didn't even help to take the edge off of my pain. I thought that was really weird. But after that didn't work they sent me home and said that they were out of options and that was all they could do. The doctor there prescribed me vicodin though, and that was when i found out that that was the only thing that got rid of my back pain. Later that day after having all those drugs I got really sick and threw up. I think i might of been having a reaction to that morphine. So that was kind of a bad experience you could say, I went there so they could help me get rid of the pain and all they ended up doing was just getting me drugged up and sick. Except I'm glad i was able to get the vicodin. My lower back pain isn't as bad now. I think i kind of had a back problem too because the physical therapy excercises helped my pain alot.
Now the things that are really bugging me are the cramps, shooting pains in my pelvic area and around my belly button, and feeling nautious alot. I loose my appetite alot too. I think probably the pain is what is making me nautious. Right now the pain isn't that bad, sometimes its down to a level 2 or 3 and i think i could deal with it and wait but then there are times when it gets worse where i feel I can't take it anymore. I just know though that there has to be something wrong with my ovaries. They wouldn't be hurting constantly if there wasen't and the pain pills would help if it were just normal cramps. It makes me mad though how they automatically assume when you say you have cramps that its just related to your period. Cramps can also be a sign of something wrong like endometriosis. I definitely don't want to have to go to the gastro doctor, i feel it will just be a waste of time.
I've tried a heating pad too but that just kind of makes it sting. I've tried walking too, and that actually makes my cramps worse.
I called my gyno this morning and left a message for her nurse to call me back. You can't even talk to the doctor, you have to talk to the nurse. So I'm just waiting for a phone call back from them. Tell you how it goes once i talk to them. My dad even wants to say something to them just so they believe me and know that i'm not making all this up. I was joking around with my dad saying "oh yea, like i'm calling and making all this fuss because i just love to have surgery " (sarcasticly) I wouldn't be begging to have this surgery if i felt i didn't need it.
P.S. I do live with my parents so thats good i have them to help me when i'm sick or in pain. My pain hasen't gotten that bad that i feel like passing out or anything. I hope it doesn't.
Jenny
Thanks for being there for me!
tina76
10-31-2005, 08:56 PM
Hey Jen! Any word back from your gyno today??? Let me know! I had computer trouble at work and wasn't able to get on today. Worried about you. Let me know how you are doing! - tina
JenRas05
11-01-2005, 01:24 AM
My gyno's nurse called me back but not until i was at work. I went to work tonight. I figure i can't miss too much work and the pain wasen't too bad today so,.. she left me a message to call her back, but i didn't get home until 10:30 this evening so i'll have to call her first thing in the morning. about half way through being at work the cramps started to come on strong and the pain around my belly button, even right in the middle of a rush ( i work at kfc) but i got through it and they wore off some. Tell you tomorow what she says. I'm doing just fine for now. Thanks for worrying about me though.
Jenny
Jenny
tina76
11-01-2005, 01:34 AM
Well it's good you were able to make it to work. It was always hard for me to. I missed so much work while I was being diagnosed. Good luck with the doc tomorrow. Let me know what the nurse says! I hope you get a good nights rest with as little pain as possible! - tina
FairyMagick
11-01-2005, 02:11 AM
Jen hope your doing ok. And that you get in to see your dr soon!
{removed} I had two surgeries and my pain wasn't helped at all. There are many times I tell myself I'm going to the ER, but imagining sitting in a cold hard chair for hours while I'm freaking out in pain makes me get sicker. {removed} I differently can't go on like this. My dr told me a hysterectomy wouldn't help my pain and I haven't even had any children yet ,so it isn't something I want. My story is similar to Jens I was given the run. It took me over a year to get diagnosed, but I'm hoping in her case she gets help much sooner than I did. My doctor doesn't give me enough pain meds to get threw the month. I totally thought things would be better after the sugeries.
{removed} I had two surgeries and my pain wasn't helped at all. There are many times I tell myself I'm going to the ER, but imagining sitting in a cold hard chair for hours while I'm freaking out in pain makes me get sicker. {removed} I differently can't go on like this. My dr told me a hysterectomy wouldn't help my pain and I haven't even had any children yet ,so it isn't something I want. My story is similar to Jens I was given the run. It took me over a year to get diagnosed, but I'm hoping in her case she gets help much sooner than I did. My doctor doesn't give me enough pain meds to get threw the month. I totally thought things would be better after the sugeries.
JenRas05
11-01-2005, 10:31 AM
Fairy Magick,
I'm really sorry things are going so bad for you. This disease is really depressing. They try to do things for it but the methods don't seem that effective (as to what i've been hearing). I hope they can find a cure soon for this, so many more don't have to suffer like this. I wish the best to you in your future treatments and hope things get better for you, atleast a little. I'll be praying for you! Just hold in there and know that there are others who feel your pain.
Jenny
P.S. Something has to be done to speed the process of diagnosis up and educate doctors more on this disease. I hear so many people say it takes years before this is diagnosed. Maybe if they could diagnosis this sooner the treatments would be more effective.
I'm really sorry things are going so bad for you. This disease is really depressing. They try to do things for it but the methods don't seem that effective (as to what i've been hearing). I hope they can find a cure soon for this, so many more don't have to suffer like this. I wish the best to you in your future treatments and hope things get better for you, atleast a little. I'll be praying for you! Just hold in there and know that there are others who feel your pain.
Jenny
P.S. Something has to be done to speed the process of diagnosis up and educate doctors more on this disease. I hear so many people say it takes years before this is diagnosed. Maybe if they could diagnosis this sooner the treatments would be more effective.
JenRas05
11-01-2005, 10:36 AM
Well its morning, and i just talked to the nurse. She is going to talk with my gyno and call me back. I'm scared to hear what she says. I hope its not the same thing and I hope she changes her mind and lets me have the lap done first. Tell you in awhile what she says.
JenRas05
11-01-2005, 02:43 PM
The nurse called back and I have good news! They are first going to prescribe me this pain pill for my cramps (forgot the name) and then my gyno wants to see me this week. If she sees me this week that might mean she might let me have the lap. I'm so happy she didn't just do nothing. Maybe she didn't say were going to do the lap right now but atleast this is a start!
Sincerely,
Jenny
Sincerely,
Jenny
tina76
11-01-2005, 03:06 PM
I'm glad they are getting you in for an exam. They are finally taking action! Let me know what the pain meds are and I'll let you know if I have tried them for my endo. Great news! Keep me posted!
JenRas05
11-02-2005, 12:07 AM
Well, as it turned out the pills that they prescribed me are called hydrocodone, or in other words vicodin. They turned out to be the same pills I already have been using for my back. I didn't recognize the other name at first otherwise i would of said i already had those and they don't work for my cramps. That really sucks. So i guess there isn't anything stronger they can prescribe me. Vicodin doesn't help at all with the cramps just my back pain. Tonight at work was horrible again. And also tonight i got two new pains. The first is kind of personal but here it goes: i got this pain in my vagina. It still kind of hurts. Do you know if this is a symptom of endometriosis? Then also the lower half of my stomach would tighten up every once in awhile almost as like a contraction. They are going to call me tomorow with my appointment, it will be either Thursday or Friday.
FairyMagick
11-02-2005, 02:07 AM
Hi Jen,
I'm sorry your pills are the same :( Do you know if there the lower strength? I'm wondering if a higher dose might be better? I know sometimes even those don't take the pain away but I thought maybe if your on the lower dose, a high one maybe better. Vaginal pain is a Endo symptom. It is one of the worst ones :( And the contraction feelings. I get that. I was once laying down and I would get a jumping feeling were I would contract in my stomach it hurt really bad.
I will be praying for you. And thank you for your prayers. I agree with you that Endo needs to be diagnosed sooner and woman need to be treated with more respect in regards to female problems. Being over looked and not being taken serous can take a toll. I don't know if this was mentioned on any of the other posts, but I recently tried sitting in a hot bath. I always took hot showers when the pain is out of control. It never takes the pain away but it helps me feel less crazy. Sitting in a hot bath seems to be better than a shower as far as for pain.
I don't add bubbles or anything because I sometimes have to get in and out a few times a day when I'm bad off, and bubbles and soapy baths can cause a uti. This sounds crazy but when I use a hot bath for my pain I leave a tee shirt on so my back doesn't get cold it seems to help better. Dont know if any of this will help but just wanted to mention it. Wishing you luck on your up coming apt.
I'm sorry your pills are the same :( Do you know if there the lower strength? I'm wondering if a higher dose might be better? I know sometimes even those don't take the pain away but I thought maybe if your on the lower dose, a high one maybe better. Vaginal pain is a Endo symptom. It is one of the worst ones :( And the contraction feelings. I get that. I was once laying down and I would get a jumping feeling were I would contract in my stomach it hurt really bad.
I will be praying for you. And thank you for your prayers. I agree with you that Endo needs to be diagnosed sooner and woman need to be treated with more respect in regards to female problems. Being over looked and not being taken serous can take a toll. I don't know if this was mentioned on any of the other posts, but I recently tried sitting in a hot bath. I always took hot showers when the pain is out of control. It never takes the pain away but it helps me feel less crazy. Sitting in a hot bath seems to be better than a shower as far as for pain.
I don't add bubbles or anything because I sometimes have to get in and out a few times a day when I'm bad off, and bubbles and soapy baths can cause a uti. This sounds crazy but when I use a hot bath for my pain I leave a tee shirt on so my back doesn't get cold it seems to help better. Dont know if any of this will help but just wanted to mention it. Wishing you luck on your up coming apt.
tina76
11-02-2005, 02:07 AM
Well, most of your pain symptoms don't similiar to my endo pains at all. The problem with that though, is that endometrial cells can grow on anything inside your body. So wherever they are, is where it hurts. So while it doesn't sound like my endo pain, it coul definitely be endo, you just have it growing in a differnt area than I do.
The vicodin doesn't help your cramping at all? Now that seems different to me. Vicodin would help my cramps really, really well. Until I was on it for years and developed a tolerance. Does it help some but just doesn't take them away completely? Hmmmm.... That is the main thing worrying me about your pain right now. The fact that the vicodin isn't taking the pain away. It should be helping. At least a little. When do you go see the gyno? I hope it is soon. I am worried about you and tihs pain!
The vicodin doesn't help your cramping at all? Now that seems different to me. Vicodin would help my cramps really, really well. Until I was on it for years and developed a tolerance. Does it help some but just doesn't take them away completely? Hmmmm.... That is the main thing worrying me about your pain right now. The fact that the vicodin isn't taking the pain away. It should be helping. At least a little. When do you go see the gyno? I hope it is soon. I am worried about you and tihs pain!
Linda_in_NJ
11-02-2005, 11:17 AM
Jen, I've been reading through your posts about endo because my daughter thought she might have it but her pains are not even close to what you're experiencing. It sounds like you've been through a lot and I feel for you.
Did they ever rule out appenxdicitis (spelling sorry)? My son had hoirrible pain right around his belly button 2 years ago and we took him to the ER and they diagnosed it as appendixitis. If they took blood work, sometimes it shows up there. But in my son's case it did not. After about 8 hours in the ER, they did decide to operate. He also was vomiting and nauesous. Well anyway, good luck to you and I hope they do something for you very soon. Keep us posted. : :wave:
Did they ever rule out appenxdicitis (spelling sorry)? My son had hoirrible pain right around his belly button 2 years ago and we took him to the ER and they diagnosed it as appendixitis. If they took blood work, sometimes it shows up there. But in my son's case it did not. After about 8 hours in the ER, they did decide to operate. He also was vomiting and nauesous. Well anyway, good luck to you and I hope they do something for you very soon. Keep us posted. : :wave:
JenRas05
11-02-2005, 12:09 PM
My vicodin pills are the 500 mg ones. I don't know if those are the high dose or the lower dose. I think they are the high dose. It is really weird that they don't help at all with the cramps though. The cramps seem to be getting worse each day too. And the fact that i keep getting new pains is probably not a good sign either. I get those contraction feelings every once in awhile now. They don't hurt though just feel like it tightening inside and then releasing. I also get pain in my sides, almost like side aches. Hot baths feel ok, i've tried them but then again i don't personally like sitting in them for too long or i feel overheated. I don't think i have appendicitis, well they did an ultrasound...i think that tells if u have anything wrong like that in ur stomach, (correct me if i'm wrong please) And my appointment with my gyno is tomorow, Thursday at 3:40 pm. Hopefully with all these new pains my gyno will start believing me more that i could have endo. Tell you how my appointment goes. Meanwhile i'll be praying for you all!
JenRas05
11-02-2005, 01:32 PM
i'm so tired...but i can't sleep because of these cramps.
tina76
11-02-2005, 01:59 PM
I wonder if you should look into getting some muscle relaxers. I know that provide some relief fo rme when I am really crampy. Not enough which is why I still have to tak the strong pain killers. It's something worth bringing up to your gyno... You poor thing! I feel so bad for you!
JenRas05
11-02-2005, 02:34 PM
The cramps seem to fade off and on so i'm doing alright. I think its worse when i lay down though, don't know why. I just called them and my gyno's nurse will give me a call back. I'm going to tell them that the vicodin doesn't help for my cramps and ask if they could prescribe me some other pain med or maybe a muscle relaxer like you said.
JenRas05
11-02-2005, 06:18 PM
The nurse just called and said that Dr.Stank (my gyno) is going to give me a call today. So finally I get to talk with her. I'll have to tell you all what she says.
tina76
11-02-2005, 06:21 PM
Good! Hopefully they will get a you a stronger pain med and some muscle relaxers. Both would be ideal. When you take the vicodin, how do you take it? 2 every 4 hours? Let me know. I know when I was on the vicodin, when I had REALLY bad cramp days it would sometimes take several doses before I would feel any relief at all and even then it wouldn't always go completely away... So just curious as to how you are taking the pills. Let me know. And I've got my fingers crossed here for you with your gyno calling. Although she really seems to be the type to drag her feet when it comes to pain meds... Hopefully she'll get you something that will work!!!
JenRas05
11-02-2005, 07:14 PM
I've just been taking one 500 mg vicodin every 6 hours. Actually i haven't been taking it regularaly though. Just tried it a couple times for the cramps and it didn't work so i don't take it anymore. I'm not really taking anything right now. I don't know if ur supposed to take more than one of the 500 mg vicodins sooner than every six hours but i can ask my gyno when she calls. She hasen't called yet but i'm waiting very anxiously!
JenRas05
11-02-2005, 08:33 PM
I have great news!! My gyno called and said that she will schedule the surgery. Can you believe it? She seemed really concerned and caring. I asked her about the pain meds and she said that i should try to maybe take the vicodin with ibuprofin too. I'll try and see if that works some. But to prescribe stronger pain meds she has to see me first. So I'll go see her tomorow and she'll schedule my surgery for hopefully next week. I'm so excited that she is finally taking action and I'm going to get things solved. Thanks for everyones support on this! Tell u next what she says tomorow and when my surgery will be. Take care everyone!
FairyMagick
11-03-2005, 01:42 AM
Hi Jen,