HELP!!!

Hi all- I have been having lower abdominal pain since I was 14 (I am now 26) and my doctors have always blamed it on IBS. In the last 6 months it has gotten so much worse. I have had three US and because they have thought that I had a cyst but all they ever see is free fluid in my pelvis. I have even been to ER with this pain, and they diagnosed me with a UTI. But a US was done and more free fluid was found. My OB finally changed my bc to a pill because I was on the ring for years because she thinks it could be endometreosis. Said to give it three months on the pill before we tried anything else.  I didn't make it a month and half before the pain was back and its extreme. The pain stars about two weeks before my period and goes through my period. Does this sound like endo? I am having a diagnostic lap done in two and a half weeks!! I am scared to have this done because I don't know what they will find or I am afraid they wont find anything. Also my doctor is also only giving me FIVE days off. Is this enough? Any information you guys can give me would be great! Please help!!!!

[Nina0108]

OMG!! we sound exactly the same!  You're actually a little further along than me so I'm sorry I don't have advice, but we can do this together!

My pain started about 14 mos ago...my treatment was delayed until about 6mos into the pain because I was about 8 mos pregnant when I noticed the pain (of course the pain was blamed on the pregnancy, hence body changes).

My routine gyn has been following me since the beginning.  About 6mos ago I got an abdominal and vaginal ultrasound which was normal besides fluid in the cul-de-sac.  I just got another ultrasound (abd/vag also) about 4 days ago, still awaiting the results.  Last wk my gyn suggested an exploratory laparoscopy also, regardless of the my most current u/s shows.

Also, I was referred to GI to rule out any GI problems but I highly doubt there are. My pain is low low abd so I guess it would be considered pelvic.  
Other symptoms: ALWAYS left lower abd/pelvic pain, sometimes right and central pelvic pain, oftentimes radiates to my lower back and down my thighs, the pain is achy with intermittent cramping, sometimes I find myself holding my abdomen as I walk or exercise, my periods are irregular (had ALWAYS been regular when on or off birth control, when I first saw the Dr about the pain postpartum I hadn't re-started my period because I was nursing, I stopped nursing about 4 mos ago so that's when the irregularity started) they're now extremely more painful and heavy, had 2 in Sept and the last one lasted a day longer, nausea started 2 mos ago and it's around 24/7...I think that's it!

What are your symptoms?

My dr told me about 1 wk for recovery is sufficient for the ex lap and I read about the same on this forum and the forum for ovarian cysts (have you checked out that forum yet?)  Did you and your Dr discuss if anything is found during the surgery?...if so, would they "fix" it? if so that may require a more lengthy recovery time.

Please right back!

Oh yeah, i'm 28yrs old I have 3 kids, youngest will be 1 in 2 wks

[Nina0108]

forgot to mention that I should be discussing my ex-lap plans over the next wk...wish me luck!

[am511]

Oh my we do sound the same. My symptoms are very similar. My pain is always on my right occasionally on my left lower abdomen. Very tender to touch and will be tender across right under my belly button to. I will also find myself holding my abd as I walk. I do have IBS, but I know what that pain is and this is NOT that. The pain does radiate down my thighs as well. They have checked my appendix like 7 times because that is where my pain is. When I was younger my periods where VERY irregular. But i have been on BC for ever so I don't know if they are now or not.  The bad part for me is that I am on my feet all the time for my job. The thing that I have found that helps the most when I am up are those menstrual heat pads. But they just calm the storm so to speak.

Yes, I did talk to her about what happens if they find something. She said if they don't do anything I will only need 3 days off.  If they do a more intense surgery 5 days. But as I read the forum it seems like most people who have a bigger surgery will need at least two weeks. This makes me nervous because I have a very intensive job.

It is good that you have kids already. I do not have kids yet. So if it is endo I wonder if I will be able to.  
And good luck to you. I wish I could have done mine sooner. But I couldn't because of work and school schedule.

[Nina0108]

Where did you find those pads?...I'll have to get some of those.  Work is my big problem too, i'm a nurse in a hospital so my work shifts are often long and hard!  Times like when my period is on I don't even want to work because of the pain and heavy flow.

When discussing treatment options my Dr mentioned hesitance for pretty much anything besides pain meds to preserve childbearing.  This was my look -__-....i'm like dude you're joking right? 3 kids at 28 i'm DONE! my husband got a vasectomy anyway so I better not come home preggers or else i'd have some explaining to do! But seriously, depending on the endo treatment you chose childbearing could be possible still right?...I guess its still early yet to tell...?

[am511]

I to am a nurse at a hospital. So I totally sympathize with the long hours. I don't have the heavy flow but I do the pain. I have called in due to the pain. And am actually considering calling in today due to the pain. I called my drs office awhile back and talked to the nurse about other options for pain bc i couldn't take the hydrocodone and work. And she told me to lay in the fetal position. I laughed out loud. I asked her how I was supposed to do that and take care of my patients. I found the pads at walmart. They work pretty well. Not as well as a regular heating pad. But there are a couple of downfalls I have found. They make me sweat. But I can deal with that over the pain. And they are kind of pricey. They are like 6$ for like 3 pads. They also have ones for your back. So a lot of the time I have one on my back and my belly.

LOL, I think I would be done having kids if I was your age as well. But I still want kids. i don't know about kids for me yet. From what I have read on here I think its still possible. But I guess we will see. I guess we will have to see if thats what I even have first.

[mrssmith79]

Unfortunately Endo and IBS walk hand in brutal hand! Ive had Endo IBS-C for 17 years and have learnt an important lesson! Only 25% of gyneas no 90% about Endo...the other 75% no next to nothing!! remember that!

Do you have lower back pain, any sciatica pains, wind/gas cramps where you feel like you need a colononal irrigation? (is that even the right word haha) sharp electric currents running up your backside (especially during toilet) constipation or diahorhea, and blood clots, smelly blood?

These above are just a few of the many ailments related to endo ibs! and its a rough journey! but if you need any help I`ll always be here for nothing helps me myself more than knowing am not alone. :0)

[Nina0108]

Just wondering if you made it to work. Feel better!

[am511]

Yes I did go to work. I am in the middle this horrible stretch of seven out of eight days. I almost didn't make it yesterday there were make times I was fighting tears. Tomorrow is my last day on then I have a couple days off from work. In trying not to call in incase I have to call in when I have surgery. I scheduled the surgery when I have 5 days off so I'm not going to miss any work. Thanks for thinking of me. Hope you are well

[Nina0108]

Oh gosh that's horrible!...your schedule that is, but you pulled through it. I think you're due for a celebration when you finish your shift today!

I go to work tonight ill have to stop at walmart for those pads on my way in. Then my appt to discuss my u/s results and surgery is tomorrow.  I'm a little anxious to know my results but even more to have the ex-lap and still find nothing....your concerns too I know. All we can do is pray.

[achilles2]

If you suspect you have endo can you get to an endo specialist. It is very stupid to have an exploratory lap look say yep you have endo and then schedule another one to remove the endo. That just gives more opportunity for adhesions. My doc, an endo specialist explores and take care of the endo all during one lap. A general ob/gyn does not know enough about endo.

I just had my second surgery (the last one was four years ago) for endo and I have three weeks off from work. (Yes my job requires a lot of lifting) My doctor restricts that no lifting, pushing, pulling 25lbs or more for three weeks. The first week has a 10lb restriction.

To find an endo specialist near you, you can contact the endo association
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/

[am511]

Yes you should get those pads. They are a life saver. Good luck with your appointment tomorrow. Let me know what they say! I totally understand the concern. Unfortunately I don't have time to celebrate. I am also in school full time. I have clinical all day both days i have off before I go back to work on friday. = ( Oh well. We do what we have to.  Good luck tomorrow.

[am511]

My ob isn't just looking she is going to remove whatever she may find. She has termed the surgery a diagnostic lap. But she said whatever she finds she will remove. Even said if my appendix needs to be removed she will call in a general surgeon to remove it. Your time comments make me nervous. Because my job requires lots of lifting and she said I would only need 3 days off if she did nothing and 5 days off if she did a lot. Yikes. We will just have to see. Thanks so much for you info.

[achilles2]

You're welcome. I had my appendix removed during my first surgery. Then I was told four weeks. Also after surgery my doctor also says no sweeping or vacuuming.

Here is something from my surgeon's site about recovery:
What is my recovery from a Laparoscopic procedure?

Patients usually go home the same day of the laparoscopic surgery.  There may be a few occasions, such as persistent nausea/vomiting, pain control, or urinary retention, that a patient is kept overnight and sent home the morning after surgery.  Recovery is usually 1-2 weeks long.  Nothing should be placed in the vagina for 2 weeks, unless a total hysterectomy or any vaginal procedure has been performed.  Then nothing can be placed in the vagina for at least 6 weeks and until the surgeon has examined the patient after the surgery to ensure healing.  Driving is restricted to those in pain causing a slower, emergent reaction time while driving as well as those on narcotics for recovery.  If a larger procedure was performed, patients may be fatigued for 6-8 weeks, however, can usually resume normal activities after 2 weeks.  No heavy lifting of greater than 25 pounds for 4 weeks is generally recommended.


  

[am511]

Thanks so much for that information! That's more than I was given! Boy that's gonna make my job tough with lift restrictions but I'll do what I have to

[achilles2]

You're welcome.

[achilles2]

Forgot to add-- I hope that you get all the time off you need w/o any hassle.

[am511]

I should be able to get the time off. I have plenty of time at work. It's just if the doctor will write me a note saying that I need that much time! Thanks do much for your concern!!!