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Endometriosis Symptoms???

Hi guys,

I'm currently 20 and I've had excruciating gas pains, diarrhea, as well as constipation & bloating since I started my period back in 6th grade. My periods have always been heavy, sometimes (not always) lasting longer than a week. Within the two years, I have occasionally felt an aching/gnawing pain in both my legs down to my ankles when I'm on my period. My cramps & diarrhea have gradually become worse, along with the gas pains and bloating. My pain lessens when I'm not on my period, but I still have gas, cramps, and 'popping' noises coming from my stomach throughout the month.

When I was in high school, I went to several doctors to try and figure out why I was in so much pain. I went to several regular physicians, two gastroenterologists, and eventually an internal medicines doctor. The physicians labeled my symptoms as IBS, which my parents discarded. The gastroenterologist had me take a colonoscopy, but nothing was found. Through the gastroenterologist, I found out I was lactose intolerant; however, that still did not really help reduce the pain I was in. Finally, the internal medicine doctor said he believed I had endometriosis and he put me on a medium/high prescription of birth control.

When I was on the birth control, it DEFINITELY reduced the pain I was in. A couple months ago, my father lost his job and we lost our health insurance so I could no longer be on that pill I was previously on without paying almost $50 (I'm going to a 4 year university, broke college student!).  Fortunately, I was able to get some health insurance through my school. I've been off the birth control for almost 3 months now, and I'm in pain again. I went to see a physician at my health center, and she told me that the gas and bloating was NOT a symptom of endometriosis and that I just had IBS. When I told her the pain slightly subsided while on the pill, she told me it was "rare" for someone with endometriosis to experience those symptoms. That it was mainly "painful periods." When doctors say 'pelvic pains' or 'painful periods', is it just stomach aches? Or cramps like I have been experiencing?

I'm so confused! I've read several stories about people having similar symptoms, but I was wondering if anyone has received the same diagnosis's between different doctor's opinions. My parents, especially my mom, are extremely concerned over how much pain I'm in. I'm back on the birth control, but still in a lot of pain. I haven't left my bed all weekend.

I'm also in love with children and plan on being a mentally challenged psychologist when I graduate. Since my symptoms are so severe, will I not be able to have kids? Does the severity of endo symptoms determine infertility? How do I check how far the endometriosis has progressed? Should I try seeing ANOTHER doctor for more opinions?
5 Responses
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5121963 tn?1363905257
Hi,
I am 22 years old and I have the same symptoms and pain as you; heavy/painful periods (started at age 10); chronic leg and back pain; severe amounts of bloat which doesn't go down (I even took a pregnancy test because that's how big my stomach was); and chronic pelvic pain which feels like someone is literally pulling on my uterus with cramping. I have stage 3 endometriosis and had 3 operations each year. Did you have any ultrasounds to see if anything could be growing? Good luck.
Helpful - 0
136956 tn?1688675680
I had all of those symptoms along with rectal pain. I felt like someone was stabbing my rectum.

I was told I had IBS at 15 but I didnt believe it and because the Colonoscopy said negative it was left at that.

I ended up having a rectovaginal nodule and Deep infiltrating Endometriosis throughout my entire pelvic area. It was all over the bowels bladder ureters uterus etc. I had kissing ovaries. All tubes and ovaries were wrapped around my uterus.

I was told for years that I had IBS and was given ADD when I knew it was something more.

I would be in so much pain I would vomit and the pain would travel down my legs and they would go numb.

I really think you need to see a Gyno that specializes in Endometriosis because it does sound like you do have it. Don't wait or put this off, especially with the symptoms you have. It took 17 yrs for them to diagnose me and I have severe damage because of it.

Ask your doctor to do a blood test called CA-125 depending if it is covered or not. this is a cancer screening marker but also detects inflammation. If you can do it within the first 3 days of your period that is best. Anything over 35 means there is inflammation and most likely Endo.

Have you had an ultrasound before to see there are any cysts? That is very important as well that needs to be done.

I had stage IV and I was able to conceive. I was told by my doctor that it was a miracle after he did my surgery because it was so extensive.

Let me know if you have anymore questions.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
HI there

I know of several ladies who've had endometriosis and some of them quite bad and they have now got kids - so it doesnt necessarily mean that you won't be able to conceive.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Doctors has realized that the extent of endometriosis a patient has does not have a direct correlation to the amount of pain felt. So being in horrible pain does not always mean there is a lot of endo growing and causing damage. They best step for you to take would be to see a gynecologist. They will be able to help determine if your symptoms are in fact endometriosis. However, the only real test is a biopsy of the tissue. IBS is often mistaken for endometriosis and vis versa so I urge you to seek a gynecologist.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would go to see an OB/GYN and discuss your symptoms. Mine were ovarian cysts and sever abdominal pain, as well as feeling like i had the flu all the time. You may need a laparoscopy to officially diagnose the endo.
Helpful - 0
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