QuestionHello,
I am 23 years old and for the past 6 or 7 years have experienced an intense pain in my lower right abdomen, or perhaps it is considered the pelvic area. The pain started awhile after having a c-section with my daughter when I was 16. The pain originates from a little above the c-section scar. The only thing I've been able to rule out is that it's not scar tissue.
I feel I must stress the fact that this pain is present every single day of the month and year. It is not just when my period comes. Since it is always present, I long ago dubbed it "my soft spot". However, a couple of days before I start my period, the pain does intensify drastically. Along with it comes lower back pain that is quite intense. Between my "soft spot" and my back, it is hard to even lay down. It's a deep backache that doesn't let up at all. Holding still and moving around are both very painful.
When I am not on my period, the pain is less, but it is still always there. I've gotten so used to it that I don't pay much attention until I move in the wrong way or too quickly, and it sends an extremely sharp pain shooting through the area. Also, if it is touched or pressed on by accident (or purposely), it is unbelievably tender and painful. I have to avoid leaning against anything or setting anything down on my lower stomach, as well as avoiding laying on my stomach.
But, as I said before, when I am on my period it is intense. 24/7. I can't NOT pay attention to it for the duration of my period. The back pain didn't start until a few months ago and it has gotten progressively worse each month. My periods don't seem to have changed much during all these years. Maybe a bit heavier than they used to be and the normal menstrual cramping has become worse and lasts longer. However, this month, my period was almost 2 weeks late and that has never happened in my life.
It doesn't seem to fit really anything that I've looked up. Cysts rarely cause pain and they are supposed to clear themselves up within a couple weeks/months, not last for 6 or 7 years on a daily basis.
Anyway, sorry this is so long, but I didn't want to leave anything out. I am concerned and confused and would just like an opinion on what it could be, if you have one.
Thank you in advance.
Felicity
AnswerThis sounds very much like it could be endo. This can only be confirmed through a laparoscopy, which is a minimally-invasive procedure (although requiring anesthesia). I have to run now, reply and we can "chat" more tomorrow. Meanwhile, check out www.EndometriosisAssn.org Take care...
