Pain Medicine & Endo

I have just a general question/inquiry for those of us with endo.  How do you manage the pain?  I am just wondering how many of us are on narcotic pain medicine.  I am trying to find other ways to manage the pain because I am sick of feeling like a junkie.  I use Tramadol most of the time but sometimes use Hydrocodone.  I really can't have sex without pain medicine (Sorry TMI!!).  I really don't take a lot but just would like to live a normal drug free life.  I know this will happen but not now as we are trying to have another child.  So just a general question to find out how everyone out there manages their Endo pain!

[bex83]

Hi there hope you are ok the pain of endo hey its terrible! to be honest with you i just cope with it its agony i know cause im the same as you i take a drug called ponstan its supposed to help when you have painful heavy periods and much more you can take 1 or 2 tabs at a time and they work for 8 hours they are really good you can get 250mg or 500mg mine are 250mg and i find they work really well i dont like taking tabs all the time so i always avoid to when i can but sometimes it isnt possible! maybe give them a go i hope this helps you :-)

[Ms_Makita]

Hello! I know how you feel,endo pain is awful,and I was taking vicodin on reg basis and got addicted..scared me so I stopped,now I'm taking darvocets with ibuprofan.Also heating pad and warm hot bath's helps alot.Tramadol didnt help me.I recently discovered drinking chamomile and peppermint herbal tea helped with the cramping and tummy/bowel upsets that endo causes,its worth a try,good luck to you!
                                                                 Stephanie

[joann1975]

I also have endo...I have had 2 surgeries for it. I was controlling it w/hydrocodone (lortab, vicodin) and am now addicted and trying to get clean. I know after my really good dr did a lap on me and "cleaned it all up" I was good for a long time got pregnant w/o trying 13 months later now he is 17 months and it is back so I am considering another surgery but would like to try to get pregnant first...however (tmi) sex is too painful.
Hot baths, heating pads etc should help. I used to use those kind of hot packs you put in your panties .... like the ones for your back. Those would help to.

[Lo77]

Hi there fellow Midwestern gal!  I have endometriosis and adenomyosis and, honestly, I can't get through most days without taking pain meds.  So, you aren't alone!  I have to plan everything - I have to time when I take pain pills so that I can simply vacuum the carpet!  Pathetic, but necessary.  My husband is a physician (certainly not my physician!) and I've been almost paranoid that I would get a "reputation" for needing/taking narcotics, so I've tried just about every non-traditional approach.  I haven't really had good luck, but I've heard that some women have had relief after acupuncture.  Also, ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory.  It comes in tablets, there's candied ginger, etc.  Be careful not to overdue though, in large amounts it's a blood-thinner (like aspirin).  I recently heard that cinnamon supplements are also used for pain relief.  I haven't tried it yet though.  Please know that you aren't alone.  I completely understand what you're going through.  If you ever need to rant, write me a note.  Good luck and God bless!!!

[jetsetgrl]

Hi,

My name is Michele. I have stage 4 endo. I am 41 years old but was not diagnosed until I was in my 30's. I have suffered horrific pain for years. I have had 2 lap surgeries, been on Lupron and tried pain block procedures. I was on pain meds for endo on and off since diagnosis. I became addicted to the meds. I stopped taking narcotics 1/08 b/c I wanted my life back. I am coping with the pain the best that I can. Most recently believe it or not- I found that working out and distraction helps me. There are still some days where you could not pay me to work out. Yet- somehow I manage. I hope that this helps you.

Here's to pain free days...

[Oneday35]

Hello I found out I had endo when I was nineteen. But pain got really bad when I was thirty.  
I use hot water bags, alternate Advil and Tylenol (both extra strength), I also soak in warm water for about 15 - 20 minutes, I make ginger root tea or tea bag can also be good (I find the tea bag a bit weaker). These help sometimes but not all the time. Drinking a lot of water and working outs are said to help.
My husband tries to help by massaging my back which relaxes me.

You're not alone, hang in there ....

[Chefchex]

I fully disabled by endo (4) and adhesions for years now and so hard to find the right mix to keep some quality of life w/o feeling like im on an intersteller journey lol.

I have always taken neurontin as that is the only thing for me to take away that horrid fire pit feeling in pelvis.

you name it I tried it.

I also have decided recently to try morphine again and it is working out well.
and anti depressants to increse seritonin level.
Alway have a heating pad and lay still when you need to.
I wish you all the best,
Chef

[mkseym]

Thank you everyone for the great ideas.  It is so hard trying to deal with this disease and lead a normal functioning life.  I guess sometimes I just have to realize my limits and when I am in pain just stop and take care of it.  I appreciate all the great ideas.  I have been trying lots of them and have not taken pain medicine for a couple of weeks now.  That is great for me.  I still am not able to have a lot of sex and don't think I can get through that without but if you have any ideas on that let me know.  I am sure my husband would appreciate it!!!  Thanks Endo Sisters!!

[Oneday35]

I also recommend that you try a natural or alternative approach to this. I went on a natural cleanse  almost a year ago and have seen great results. Irecommend that u seek out a doctor who promotes natural juice extract and natural food a good nutritianist or dietitian is very helpful.

I have changed my eating habits to eating organic fruits and veggies, fish (wild caught) and organic chicken. I have cut out wheat and ALL dairy produtcs and seen a marked improvement in the pain.

This method is not instantaneous - I started to see improvement in 3-4 months my cysts shrunk and thepain decreased by about half .

The doc I saw didn't like to give an absolute time period but a full change could emerge within around 2 to 3 years if you stick to it. That's been my challenge. HA (LOVE MY CHOCOLATE) i found out that chocolate may promoted the growth of cysts isn't that ironic.

I still have to do surgery next month to remove 3 cysts that I have as my husband and I are trying for a baby and don't really want to wait two years but I'm still doing my best to stick with it. I feel better and look great ( a side effect is that u will lose weight -  I lost 35 pound)   :)

Best wishes