Fatique, Menstral Issues, pain, etc.

[sc123brt]

I am getting my period twice a month.  My periods are painful, but mostly from extreme gas pains (only get them during this time), I am extremely tired during my periods (to the point that I will not drive for fear of falling asleep and generally stay in bed).  I get both comstipation and diarrhea during my period.  My bleeding is a lot for about a day and a half, I must change my super absorbant tampon every 1 1/2 - 2 hours and they are extremly full.  Sometimes if I don't change my tampon right at the 1 1/2 hour mark (like when taking a nap) I will "leak" and when I go to the restroom the toliet is filled with blood and clotty type material (nothing larger than a quarter).  For this reason I will often wear a pad with the tampon to ensure overflow does not leak out onto my garmets or other areas.  I do get lightheaded during my period and do not like to eat my normal amount of food due to some stomach upset but mostly due to being so tired I can't get up to make food.

I have gone to my doctor and he pretty much blows me off.  I want to find a solution but have no clue where to go or what to do.  I have had a full blood workup and nothing was found.
Any help would be great :)

[greenpixie]

Have you been checked for endometriosis?  It can't be diagnosed by a blood test.  You have some of the symptoms.  It could be something else entirely, but you might want to consider checking that out.  Look it up and see if it sounds like what you experience.  You may also want to consider another DR if this one is not taking you seriously.

[sm8]

I just wanted to add, if you are bleeding that heavy you should not be using tampons.  My doctor told me it will increase the chances of getting TSS (Toxi Shock Syndrome) from the tampons.  There is usually an insert in the box if you needed more info. on that.  I hope you get it figured out.

[JoAnnaRF]

The general rule of thumb is, if you are saturating a pad in 1 hour then there is a problem. Clots or no slots. You need a NEW Gyno. And yes, stay away from the tampons, for the above listed reason, plus if you use only pads it will help you to actually measure, to a certain degree, how much you are bleeding so that you can tell your NEW Gyno and get dome further tests such as an ultrasound to measure the thickness of the uterine lining. Not an expert but have had a bit of forst hand experience and it sounds like you are having a pretty significant problem.
Has the doc put you on hormones to control the breakthrough bleeding? Are you being tested regularly for anemia? The exhaustion and dizziness sounds like anemia. Increase your iron and take a multi vitamin while you are searching for a more qualified physician.
Good Luck! I hope you get answers SOON!!
--J

[sc123brt]

Thank you all.  

I will no longer use the tampons until it's ok'd through the NEW doctor.  I had no clue about the Toxic Shock thing in cases like these.

I have not been checked for endo, although now that I have spent some time online I read about it, if for sure sounds like that may be part of the problem.

No hormones at all, not even checking them.  I know that some people take birth control pills but this is not an option for me due to a significant family history of blood clots.

As far as the anemia, they checked about 6 months ago and nothing.  I already take multivitamins daily so I have a feeling they may already be keeping things "ok".  Maybe I should STOP taking them before going to the new doctor to see if I really am Anemic.

Keep you all posted.