How painful is endometriosis? are pain pills usually prescribed on a regular basis for treatment?
598996
Endometriosis is a very painful condition that does require the use of stronger pain relievers at time.  It sounds as if you have been questioning an addiction or over usage of her pain pills for a while now and truth is, although sometimes pain medication is required, unless she is under extreme pain she shouldn't be using the precribed pain medication as her only treatment and it shouldn't be needed on a daily basis.  I endured years of endometriosis and if the endometriosis is so severe as to require so many pain pills ... it may be best to seek another alternative treatment.\n\nAs with any assumptions, it is wrong to assume that she is giving false information to her physicians unless of course you have positive proof of this.  Yet, with an addiction to prescribed pain medications it is very possible that one will exaggerate the intensity of their pain and/condition to further their cravings for the drug.  She also may be taking prescriptions that have conflicting effects which could be causing her drowsiness as well as many other problems.  Speak to her openly and if you feel you are certain she has an addiction, try speaking to a family member who may be able to assist you in helping her if that is what course needs to be taken.  If she is abusing the rx's...she needs help but if she isn't, she needs your friendship and comfort more than anything.  Good Luck...\n\n The fact that she has had an existing problem popping pills would definately set an alarm off on me also dear.  Go with your instincts as you know her and obviously care deeply on her behalf.)
1022472
For free, current and accurate info on the disease, offered with no hidden agenda other than to support and educate patients, visit the Endometriosis Research Center @ www.endocenter.org. Their literature states:\n\n"About Endometriosis:\n\nWith Endometriosis, tissue like that which lines the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the womb in other areas of the body. Normally, the endometrium is shed each month through menses; however, with Endometriosis, these implants have no way of leaving the body. The implants still break down and bleed, but result is far different than in women and girls without the disease: internal bleeding, degeneration of blood and tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas, and formation of scar tissue result. In addition, depending on the location of the growths, interference with the normal function of the bowel, bladder, intestines and other areas of the pelvic cavity can occur. Endometriosis has also been found lodged in the skin - and even the brain.\n\nSymptoms include chronic or intermittent pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation is not normal!), infertility, miscarriage(s), ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, dyspareunia (pain associated with intercourse), nausea / vomiting / abdominal cramping, diarrhea / constipation (particularly with menses), painful bowel movements, painful or burning urination, urinary frequency, retention, or urgency; fatigue, chronic pain, allergies and immune system-related illnesses are also commonly reported complaints of women who have Endo. It is quite possible to have some, all, or none of these symptoms. Endo symptoms are varied and often nonspecific, so they can easily masquerade as several other conditions, including adenomyosis ("Endometriosis Interna"), appendicitis, ovarian cysts, bowel obstructions, colon cancer, diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, fibroid tumors, gonorrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cancer, and PID.\n\nDespite today's age of medical advances, researchers remain unsure as what causes of Endometriosis. There is NO CURE, despite the continued propagation of such myths by the uninformed who still mistakenly believe that hysterectomy, pregnancy and/or menopause can "cure" the disease. Invasive surgery remains the gold standard of diagnosis, and current therapies continue to remain extremely limited, often carrying side effects.\n\nMistakenly minimized as "painful periods," Endometriosis is more than just "killer cramps." It is a leading cause of female infertility, chronic pelvic pain and gynecologic surgery, and accounts for more than half of the 500,000 hysterectomies performed in the US annually. Despite being more prevalent than breast cancer, Endometriosis continues to be treated as an insignificant ailment. Recent studies have even shown an elevated risk of certain cancers and other serious illnesses in those with the disease, as well as malignant changes within the disease itself.\n\nResearch has shown that genetics, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to environmental toxins like Dioxin may all be contributing factors to the development of the disease. Endometriosis knows no racial or socioeconomic barriers, and can affect women ranging from adolescence to post-menopause. The disease can be so painful as to render a woman or teen unable to care for herself or her family, attend work, school, or social functions, or go about her normal routine. It can negatively affect every aspect of a woman's life; from her self-esteem and relationships, to her capacity to bear children, to her ability to be a contributing member of society.\n\nThe disease can currently only be diagnosed through invasive surgery, and the average delay in diagnosis is a staggering 9 years. A patient may seek the counsel of 5 or more physicians before her pain is adequately addressed. \n\nOnce diagnosed, it is not unusual for a patient to undergo sev
984202
Laser endometriosis surgery is a minimal invasive surgery technique, used for the treatment of endometriosis.\n\nThe laser fibre is passed through a hysteroscope into the uterine cavity, and is aimed at areas of endometriosis and fired. The areas where the laser is focussed onto die, and will slough away and be lost with your period. The lining of the uterus is not destroyed completely, as is the case with baloon thermal ablation.\n\nLaser ablation of endometriosis may also be carried out for endometriotic deposits within the pelvis and abdomen. The laser fibre would be introduced via a laparoscope, and then aimed at the deposits of endometriosis and fired in the same way as inside the uterus. The burnt areas of endometriosis are washed away, usually with a saline solution, and the wash solution is suctioned out of the body.\n\nLaser ablations such as these are not without their risks. There have been cases of hysterectomy having to be performed due to uterine perforation. In the case of laparoscopic laser ablation, there is a risk to the abdominal organs if the laser is not used accurately. Cases have resulted in perforated intestines, and some cases have lead to sepsis and peritonitis caused by undetected bowel lacerations caused by the laser.\n\nPain wise, the procedure is not too bad. It's about as uncomfortable as a D & C or hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. Severe pain following the procedure is uncommon, and is usually an indication of a complication.\n\nThe best thing to do is to talk with your Gynaecologist, and ask him or her to go through with you step by step the procedure they intend to carry out, and explain all the possible risks.\n\nHope this helps.
1175906
For free, current and accurate info on the disease, offered with no hidden agenda other than to support and educate patients, visit the Endometriosis Research Center @ www.endocenter.org. They also offer free access to the internet's largest electronic support group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/erc, which has a TON of free educational information and materials in the files section of the group.  Definitely consider joining today to speak with over 3000 others who understand.  They offer ton of info about the surgical, medical and alternative options for treatment and "how to live well in spite of the disease." Also, I took this from their website at www.endocenter.org:\n\n"About Endometriosis:\n\nWith Endometriosis, tissue like that which lines the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the womb in other areas of the body. Normally, the endometrium is shed each month through menses; however, with Endometriosis, these implants have no way of leaving the body. The implants still break down and bleed, but result is far different than in women and girls without the disease: internal bleeding, degeneration of blood and tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas, and formation of scar tissue result. In addition, depending on the location of the growths, interference with the normal function of the bowel, bladder, intestines and other areas of the pelvic cavity can occur. Endometriosis has also been found lodged in the skin - and even the brain.\n\nSymptoms include chronic or intermittent pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation is not normal!), infertility, miscarriage(s), ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, dyspareunia (pain associated with intercourse), nausea / vomiting / abdominal cramping, diarrhea / constipation (particularly with menses), painful bowel movements, painful or burning urination, urinary frequency, retention, or urgency; fatigue, chronic pain, allergies and immune system-related illnesses are also commonly reported complaints of women who have Endo. It is quite possible to have some, all, or none of these symptoms. Endo symptoms are varied and often nonspecific, so they can easily masquerade as several other conditions, including adenomyosis ("Endometriosis Interna"), appendicitis, ovarian cysts, bowel obstructions, colon cancer, diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, fibroid tumors, gonorrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cancer, and PID.\n\nDespite today's age of medical advances, researchers remain unsure as what causes of Endometriosis. There is NO CURE, despite the continued propagation of such myths by the uninformed who still mistakenly believe that hysterectomy, pregnancy and/or menopause can "cure" the disease. Invasive surgery remains the gold standard of diagnosis, and current therapies continue to remain extremely limited, often carrying side effects.\n\nMistakenly minimized as "painful periods," Endometriosis is more than just "killer cramps." It is a leading cause of female infertility, chronic pelvic pain and gynecologic surgery, and accounts for more than half of the 500,000 hysterectomies performed in the US annually. Despite being more prevalent than breast cancer, Endometriosis continues to be treated as an insignificant ailment. Recent studies have even shown an elevated risk of certain cancers and other serious illnesses in those with the disease, as well as malignant changes within the disease itself.\n\nResearch has shown that genetics, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to environmental toxins like Dioxin may all be contributing factors to the development of the disease. Endometriosis knows no racial or socioeconomic barriers, and can affect women ranging from adolescence to post-menopause. The disease can be so painful as to render a woman or teen unable to care for herself or her family, attend work, school, or social functions, or go about her normal routine. It
830505
Getting your period is your bodies way of getting rid of placenta that was never used to carry a child.  The pain you are experiencing (they say but I dont believe them) is your bodies way of preparing you for child birth.  If you are that uncomfortable, I would talk to your doctor because you could have endometriosis.  I had that and had to have a hysterectomy.  I couldnt stand the pain and got just as sick if not sicker than you.  I truly feel for you.  Talk to your doctor and have him run the tests.  Get things ruled out.  I will keep you in my prayers.  I really feel for you.
631680
I have a lot of pain on my lower right side where my right ovary is.  I found out that I have endometriosis.  You really need to go to a doctor.  There's so much stuff in there to go wrong that's it's hard to know for sure.
489610
i was diagnosed with endo when I was 18 yrs. They told me I couldn't have children so I accepted that and got on with life. At 29 yrs I found out I was pregnant and it was the biggest and best shock of my life. I ended up being in labour for 6 days, yes that's right 6 days, I was in the worst pain you could imagine. In the end they gave me a c section. So what I am trying to say is my end pain was the worst i had ever felt in my life, that was until I was in labour. Endo pain is close but not quite there.!
764775
If you are sexually active, you may be having a miscarriage.  If not, it sounds as though your painful periods may be due to endometriosis.  Your Dr will be able to diagnosis you.  If it is  endometriosis, there are treatments that can help you.  If left unchecked, it can lead to fertility problems down the road.  Please don't suffer any longer and go to a Dr for help.  Periods should never be this painful.
415569
The pain and consequences of Endo can be far reaching and exact a potentially devastating toll on the patient, ranging from debilitating pain to anatomical disortions to infertility, but it doesn't have to be that way.  Painful intercourse is a hallmark symptom of Endo, but not all women experience it.  If you have Endo of the cul-de-sac, which is one of the top 10 locations for the disease to implant, chances are likely you will experience it, however.  But first - you need to get diagnosed and effectively treated before you worry about what might be.  Endo can only be definitively diagnosed by surgery, usually the laparoscopy.  Don't worry - there is help out there and you are definitely not alone.  There is a very effective treatment that does exist which can be incredibly helpful - and it isn't hysterectomy. That is an old wive's tale, right up there with "Endo is a disease of white career women" and "pregnancy cures it." None of that is true. Endo produces its own estrogen-synthesizing enzyme known as Aromatase, which allows it to self-sustain after hysterectomy. The treatment is to remove *all disease,* not organs. Unfortunately, most doctors are quick to perform superficial surgeries like ablation, vaporization and cauterization, which leaves extensive disease behind. Most doctors will also not a.) recognize all disease in all colors and locations and b.) be able to treat complicated forms of the disease such as that located on the bowel, bladders, ligaments, etc. Therefore, it leads to repeat, ineffective surgeries that offer very temporary relief at best. Combine lack of treatment with a 9 year delay in diagnosis and doctors telling the patient "it's in their head" and it can become rather complicated and painful. Other doctors like to prescribe Lupron as if it were candy and tell their patients it is a cure - also not true. What Endo patients need to do is get help from a TRUE Endo specialist - someone who meticulously EXCISES all disease from all locations. Excision is the gold standard of treatment, conferring an up to 85% long term success rate, increase in fertility, and helps the patient regain her painfree quality of life. Only advanced laparoscopic endoscopists with highly skilled techniques can perform excision and such specialists are few and far between, but they do exist. Get help right away from someone who knows what they are doing and it will drastically improve the situation altogether. Start at the top with a specialist - get diagnosed and effectively treated right away.  Don't go the surgery and medication merry-go-round, suffering needlessly for years. See the links below for help. Good luck to you and remember you're not alone.
514999
Pregnancy is not a cure for endometriosis!!!\n\nFor me it's extremely painful cramps during my period.  I used to basically pass out.  Also, during the rest of the month I have pain on my lower right side.  I can really feel it when I walk.\n\nI also find that I am tired all of the time.  I think that it is related but there is no way to know with absolute certainty.\n\nNausea and vomiting especially right before and during my period.\n\nBowel problems.  This is also more pronounced right before and during my period.
739202
Normal? Well, no. But it's not unusual either. It's called endometriosis. It's not a problem in and of itself, but if it is bothersome to you, (too painful, unmanageable sanitary issues, etc) you should see your GYN and get some help.
1111156
There's a slight possibility you may have retained products of conception, in which case a d & c could be in order, which should help.  You should definately follow through with your doc appointment, because of course pain is never normal and you should have everything checked out.  It is likely something hormonal and/or easy to fix, and a lot of women experience something like this afterwards...try to hang in there.  Good luck.
841088
Try heat. I had endometriosis so bad I eventually had to have a hysterectomy. My doctor gave me ibuprofen 800 mg (the prescription strength) and a med. for stomach (Prevacid), but what worked best for me was heat, esp. moist heat. I used to put rice in a tube sock 2/3rds full, tie a knot in it, and toss it in the microwave for 2 or 3 min., and used it. They also make those heat wraps that you can buy at the store that also work well if you are somewhere you can't carry around heat or keep a heating pad plugged in. Hot liquids also help - try drinking herbal teas. Also - make sure you don't get constipated -that'll only make things worse. If your OBGYN hasn't helped you, then you should really pin him down and make sure he understands how bad these cramps are. There are new drugs out there that are not pain killers, and can help you. If he dismisses your symptoms, I'd look for a different doctor. Ask some of the women in your area who they use, and get some recommendations. Good luck!
398031
The consequences can be far reaching and exact a potentially devastating toll on the patient, ranging from debilitating pain to anatomical disortions to infertility, but it doesn't have to be that way.  There is help out there - and it isn't hysterectomy.  That is an old wive's tale, right up there with "Endo is a disease of white career women" and "pregnancy cures it."  None of that is true.  Endo produces its own estrogen-synthesizing enzyme known as Aromatase, which allows it to self-sustain after hysterectomy.  The treatment is to remove disease, not organs.  Unfortunately, most doctors are quick to perform superficial surgeries like ablation, vaporization and cauterization, which leaves extensive disease behind.  Most doctors will also not a.) recognize all disease in all colors and locations and b.) be able to treat complicated forms of the disease such as that located on the bowel, bladders, ligaments, etc.  Therefore, it leads to repeat, ineffective surgeries that offer very temporary relief at best.  Combine lack of treatment with a 9 year delay in diagnosis and doctors telling the patient "it's in their head" and it can become rather complicated and painful.  Other doctors like to prescribe Lupron as if it were candy and tell their patients it is a cure - also not true.  What Endo patients need to do is get help from a TRUE Endo specialist - someone who meticulously EXCISES all disease from all locations.  Excision is the gold standard of treatment, conferring an up to 85% long term success rate, increase in fertility, and helps the patient regain her painfree quality of life.  Only advanced laparoscopic endoscopists with highly skilled techniques can perform excision and such specialists are few and far between, but they do exist.  Get help from someone who knows what they are doing and it will drastically improve the situation altogether.  See the links below for help. Good luck to you.
208016
I have a friend with endometriosis and I think she does yoga and things of the like.  But I don't think it has cured or reduced the severity of it.
1175206
not more painful but close to it. very uncomfy. good luck. the pain killers were good though!
360443
The bloating, sentimentality, etc. are very normal. What does not sound as normal is the constant pain. Normal menstruation pains should ebb and flow depending on the amount of contracting the uterus does to expell the lining. \n\nConstant, radiating, or shooting pain... That may be cause for concern. You need to see your OB/GYN and have an ultrasound. This could be nothing or it could be a condition called endometriosis. Good Luck