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Worth getting a second opinion?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Emily2009
Emily2009

Hi everyone! 

I saw a gynaecologist earlier in the year and was just wondering if it was worth getting a second opionion. 

Bit of a history - I’ve had very painful periods as long as I can remember. They are usually very heavy (think clots upon clots 😬wink, last at least 6 days, and leave me in so much pain that I have vomited and passed out in the past even with pain medication. I usually also get some bloating and cramps 5-7 days in the lead up and aftermath. Sex has always been very painful and seems to have gotten worse if not better. Nothing we try seems to make it better. Going to the bathroom on my period has also been extremely painful, and I have had to take one day off every month as I just can’t push through the pain and Nausea as much as I try. 

I first saw a GP at 13 and he basically said I was the same as all the other girls and tried to put me on the pill. i refused for a few years and just took extensive pain killers. I started on the pill at 18 and that helped immensely but not great. At 23 I had to come off it for a space of about 6-8 months as I was having some strange side effects they wanted to investigate. Each month I was off the pill things just seemed to get worse and worse. I was put on codeine to get me through the day however when I went and saw a different GP at the same practice she sent me straight to a gynaecologist as she suspected endometriosis. I did an internal ultrasound and blood tests to prepare. 

The gynaecologist said it could be a range of things and sent me for an internal ultrasound again (the same one I had just done!) and when I returned several weeks later he took one quick look at the results  and said I seemed fine. Just go back on the pill and keep exercising and eating well. He also kept saying having a baby will fix everything 😡 but I was 23 and not quite ready for that just yet. 

When I asked him why I got all these symptoms on my period he said I just had a lazy bowel, told me I was constipated (which mind you intend to get a bit of a mix of constipation and diarrhoea on my period and either way it’s super painful!) and prescribed me a laxative. I left that appointment in tears because I was just so embarrassed that I had made a fuss over nothing. Several months later I returned to my gp and he hadn’t even sent a letter saying I had been so she thought I hadn’t gone. She put me on the implanon rod which has been an absolute godsend as I no longer get my period or bloating or anything 😍😍😍

The problem is that slowly my cramps seem to be returning. As in the ones I would get throughout my cycle. And sex is becoming more and more painful (im in a happy long term relationship with my partner and I genuinely enjoy sex!) which is putting a strain on the relationship. 

We are also starting to discuss having kids however quite frankly I am terrified of the thought of having my periods again as even with the codeine it was such a struggle to function. I do not want to get this rod removed as for the first time in my life I feel my life does not revolve around my period. 

I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and thinks it’s worth getting a second opionion? Or if they could suggest someone else I could see other than a gynaecologist that might be able to help me better? I’m aware there are lots of causes for painful periods and sex, ect. I’m just feeling a bit lost and don’t know what to do here. But I feel it must be more than a lazy bowel here. Especially over 12 years? 

Much appreciated. 

Emily. 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • aitarg35939
    aitarg35939 Emily2009

    Posted

    Hi Emily

    The short answer is: yes, see another gynecologist. The idea that a full term pregnancy automatically cures endo is way out of date. It may happen that way for some women but many women have it come back after pregnancy and even after 3 pregnancies. And to suggest that you get pregnant is at best unethical.

  • ashleigh1212
    ashleigh1212 Emily2009

    Posted

    Hi Emily I'm new to all this but reading your post sounds quite familiar... I had a laparoscopy and ultrasound in 2012 for similar symptoms as you have experienced felt fobbed off when they said IBS... then this year in August I went back to GP as pain was unbearable she referred me to see the guynecoligist I have since then had ultra sound that appeared normal then an MRI which suspected endometriosis so November I had a laparoscopy which confirmed endo and also a fibroid... I say definitely get second opinion they have a duty of care and u no your body and being in pain isn't something you should have to live with

  • k51551
    k51551 Emily2009

    Posted

    I'm not a Dr or any type of med professional but if the Nexplanon helped that much, I'd believe it's Endometriosis or similar condition. Unfortunately, Endometriosis can hide from imaging, even with the internal wand ultrasound. Firm diagnosis is via lap surgery to remove Endo.

    Several conditions can be the cause for painful sex. Is it painful because you're not lubricated or painful internally?

    I did have similar experience with having one hormone treatment help immensely only for that hormone to stop helping about a year later. I had Endo as well as Fibroids (4) and Adenomyosis. Painful stuff. So I have sympathy for you.

    Consult with second opinion and see if you find a Dr you click with. Endo can be managed even for  women who have severe symptoms like yours.

    I wish you the best of luck, Emily.

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