QuestionI believe that I have endometriosis. I have recently (in the past 3 weeks) been diagnosed with pcos, but I don't believe I have this, as I have always had regular periods and the only thing they did was perform an ultrasound, say "You look like you have pcos" and sent me on my way. I have a friend who has pcos and she said they put her through a million blood tests before diagnosing her. I have always had bad cramps and they have been growing worse in the past couple of months, with spotting between my period. I have pain on my left side that goes from being dull and achy, like cramps, to being more persistent and sharp and goes around into my lower back and into my hip.
Anyway, I started having worse pain between periods and especially when I would start my period about two months ago, which coincides with the time I started exercising for about 30-35 minutes every day on my stationary bike. Do you have any idea if this type of repetitive motion on a bike would aggravate endometriosis pain? Also, if you have any opinion on this, do you think it sounds like I have endometriosis? I often must call in to work because the pain is so bad and the only relief I can find is by downing Advil, Motrin, or some other painkiller and leaving a heating pad on my lower stomach all day.
AnswerHi Stephanie
Well first of all...exercising could aggravate endo, if it is in your left ovary. Which is where some of my endo ended up. I now only have 1/4 of an ovary.
Increasingly painful cramping can be a sign that endo is present, left untreated, only worsens, which could be why you are getting more severe cramping. The spotting is also indicative of endo. Endo can do crazy things to a womans body. Spotting can also be a sign of other things...which in my case, were fibroids and nodules found in my uterus. I also had them removed and tested...they were ok.
Alot of endo women also have horrible back pain associated with their periods or any other time of the month due to a tipped uterus. Your uterus will swell during certain times of the month and press onto your back area, causing lower back pain...
Any motion could aggravate endo, as severe endo that is untreated will swell and inflame your organs, so it is possible.
Because endo is a hormone driven disease, unfortunately, Advil, Motrin and other OTC pain relief do not help too much...only aggravates your stomach lining. And the heating pad isn't too much help either...
I would definitely find an endo specialist. They usually come under the title of "High Risk/Fertility" doctors. I have a great one that has treated me for years as well as performed many of my endo associated surgeries.
I wish you luck in finding the right treatment...get to a good doctor that can relate to have poorly you feel!
Take care of yourself.
Martha
