Endometriosis

[cera.bear]

I usually have seriously heavy periods, that begin with a lot of eating, a lot of breast swelling and tenderness, and on the day before and the day of my period, i have serious rectal pain and constipation, and am never quite right until I've had at least 3 painful bowel movements.  after the first bowel movement is when the heavy heavy blood starts to flow.  And, you know how you're not supposed to feel your organs?  Well, I get sensations in my abdomen, in my uterus/cervic area, that aren't painful, but just like an organ saying hello...  very strange.  It's not always in the same spot.  
Anyone help?

[EndEndo]

Endometrisosis is when your endometrial lining (what is shed in your period) migrates to other parts of your body (still unknown how or why). You can have deposits throughout your pelvic area, and in certain rare cases it has been found in/on the lungs. If your pain worsens with your period, it is probable that you have deposits on your bowels and other areas in your pelvic cavity. Talk to your doctor about what options are available. Excision surgery can be effective, but definitely depends on the skill and speciality of your surgeon. However, you can take continuous birth control to manage (not cure) your cyclical (with period) flare-ups. Just make sure to understand your medications, because many women are given lupron without consideration of her symptoms, or told to get pregnant/have hysterectomy/wait for menopause.

[mrskdempsey]

I certainly don't have endometriosis, but I can really relate. I usually get one bout of loose stools (depending on what I have in my system) and after that, I'm okay. I feel like my whole abdomen is having a "Spring Cleaning" each month. ALong with that, I get absolutely exhausted for about 30 minutes. I have even fallen asleep on the toilet, especially in public when I cannot rest any other place. It sounds so funny, but my body has to stop and 'empty out' for that time and then I can get on with my life.

After I evacuate my digestive tract and rest, I'm back to normal. I don't usually have cramps or headaches as long as I can rest. My lower back is tender for a few days, but exercise helps.