Two ruptured ovarian cysts followed by surgery which led to a diagnosis for Erin, and later birth control was prescribed to try and suppress her symptoms but she still suffers really bad.
This is Erin’s story ….
Wow! I've read everyone's stories and mine does not even seem to compare. But then again, I don't know what the future holds for me. I was just diagnosed with endometriosis about one month ago. My periods had always been normal. Only lasted 3-5 days and cramps were what I thought to be normal.
When I turned 19 however I was constantly having abdominal cramps, nausea, severe gas, constipation. I was at the ER constantly.
Saw a gastro-enterologist for over a year. Was given ultrasounds, upper gi's, catscan, you name it. I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. I was on so many medications for the pain and to control digestion. I took antacids so much and relied on gas x constantly. When I turned 22 I all of a sudden started getting frequent uti's. I was having constant pelvic problems and developing cysts on my ovaries.
Well now I am 27. I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance in May of this year due to stabbing pains in my right side. After a catscan, I was told I had a cyst on my right ovary that ruptured. After rest for a few days I was fine again. I went to the gyno for my annual check-up in October. I was then put on seasonique, a new birth control that you only get your period 4 times a year.
After a few weeks on the pill I started getting severe pelvic pains. I then discovered a cyst on my left ovary had ruptured.
But then the ache still continued after days. So severe I could not go to work. I went to the gyno and had to see an alternate doctor because my own doctor was not there. I was told that it was bowel related and to take some pepto bismol. After 4 days I was in such severe distress I called my doctor and he saw me immediately.
He scheduled a laparoscopy for the following week. It was then he discovered the endometriosis. I was also told my pap smear was abnormal and I needed to have a colonoscopy. After the procedure, I was miserable. I was so constipated and all the gas from the procedure built up inside me and I could not release any of it. I felt like I was in labor for 2 days until days of laxatives and enemas to finally help me go.
Then, I had to return to the doctor who performed the colonoscopy. My results came back saying that I had inflammation in my cervix. I need to go for paps twice yearly now. I was told that the birth control would help to eliminate my symptoms of endometriosis and to take it consistently to entirely suppress my period. I was told that it would take 6-8 weeks for my body to heal from the procedure.
My doctor supposedly put dye on my tubes to help eliminate the symptoms. I was told I would not know if it worked or not until I was healed from the surgery. I still have bad symptoms which vary from day to day. Have been in constant intestinal distress. Does not matter what I eat or do not eat. I have gas, abdominal and pelvic pain, bloating, cramps & back ache. Not to mention I am irritable as can be and fly off the handle at everybody.
Now all of a sudden I have been bleeding for 11 days straight now.
Some days very light and others heavy where I need to use tampons and pads. This is causing extreme cramps, irritability and gas. The seasonique packet says that abnormal bleeding can be expected within the first few months. But for this long? I have been on every website and even got the book endometriosis for dummies.
I've tried to eliminate things from my diet. I am so emotional; I have no energy and all I want to do is lie in bed with my heating pad. I lost my job because I was out of work so long. I break down crying constantly and it's affecting my entire well-being, my relationship with my boyfriend, my parents and my friends. I need some advice.
I want to have kids someday desperately. My doctor told me he would suppress me on birth control until I decided to get pregnant and that would eliminate symptoms until after the baby is born.
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