Question:
I'm pre-op with really bad periods

I have horrible cramps(I take percoset or vicodin for them), nausea, diarrhea and headaches on top of the normal bloating, fatigue, backache and irritability. My PCP says it may just be my wieght (275#) and my GYN has tried various birth control pills (with no effect). I think it could be endomitiosis. If my periods don't get better after surgery I plan to see a specialist. If anyone has had any experiences that relate I would be very grateful to hear from you. Thanks, Rena    — lunakitty (posted on August 14, 2001)

August 14, 2001
<p><font color=purple>I had terrible cramps, bleeding, clotting it was awful. After years of it I finally insisted on seeing an obgyn. She put me on all kinds of different meds to stop my periods and though it worked for a few months it came back. I went for a laporoscopic investigation and had a hysteroscopy too and it was determined that not only did I have endometriosis but that my uterus had colapsed. I ended up having a hysterectomy later that same year. Email if you want to talk at all.. I know its awful hard.</font><p><font color=blue>[email protected]<p>
   — Dawn R.

August 14, 2001
I have the same and never really considered endomitriosis. I know I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and my ob/gyn has told me this causes severe cramping. Have you been checked for POS?
   — K T.

August 14, 2001
I had the same problem with my periods. I was on vicodin and that wasnt even stopping the pain. My dr said it could be endometriosis and he did a Diagnostic Laparoscopy. He didnt find endometriosis but I had scar tissue that had attached to my overies and the scar tissue pushed my overeries up behind my uterus. He removed the scar tissue and put my overies back into place and I have been pain free since then. I use to have very heavy periods that lasted for days and days, now they are normal and the cramps arnt bad at all. Good luck to you! I hope your Dr finds out what is causing all this pain.
   — [Anonymous]

August 14, 2001
Hi Rena, Boy can I relate and I certainly know how painful the cramping etc is. I suffered from the time of my very first period until present, and obgyn has tried several drugs,laproscopic surgery..... Got more managable after having kids, but as I get older, it gets worse. I had this problem when at a normal weight and when heavy, so I am not sure how much weight has to do with anything. One thing that helps me is taking a B12 supplement daily, and one morning and one nightly 2 weeks prior to actual period. If you get any good answers, be sure to share them!!!! Good luck. Bethann
   — lovebug2

August 14, 2001
Hi Rena, I, like you, had horrible periods. I had all of the symptoms you had and my hemoglobin was very low (8) due to the massive amount of blood I was losing. I had also tried all of the conservative treatments such as birth control pills. I was diagnosed with very severe endometriosis and had laproscopic surgery 12 years ago to remove the extensive adhesions. After surgery, I tried different drugs/injections with my OB/Gyn, some of which were very expensive and had very unpleasant side effects (Danocrine, Megace, Lupron injections). The most successful treatment for me has been injections of 200mg of Depo Provera once every 10-12 weeks. It costs only $40/injection and is covered by my insurance because it is for endometriosis and not for birth control. It completely blocks my period and I have no pain and very mild side effects. I am just now investigating bariatric surgery, but don't anticipate any problems because of the endometriosis or the injections.
   — [Anonymous]