Bowel problems during periods

I've been away from the site for nearly 2 years! I had right ovary + tube removed as well as many adhesions and endometrial tissue in Aug. 2001. I'm 46 years old and am now experiencing very sudden attacks of very (gross)! runny bowels right before & during periods. I had an ultrasound last week which indicated that my bowel is adhered to my uterus, but the doc doesn't want to do surgery as I do not have pain (I did 2 years ago). I'm anemic and have very heavy clotty periods. She suggested Luprin for the bleeding, but apparantly I'm stuck with this bowel problem (literally)! I'm seeking a second opinion in a couple of weeks, but I'd like to know if anyone else has experienced this and if what other options there may be. I refuse to take the Luprin because I'm paranoid of side effects and extremely sensitive to any meds.

My kids are adopted and I have no sentimental attachment to my female parts!

Hi Barlowland and welcome back!

So you still have your uterus and one ovary, right? Your description sounds very symptomatic of endometriosis. Lupron is often given to help shrink the endometrial tissue. Some gals get good relief but others do suffer with the side effects (hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, etc.).

Have you talked to a gastroenterologist about your bowel problems? I think you should in order to find out what might help give you some relief, but also to make sure there is no endo in your bowel. Have you ever had a colonoscopy? I had severe stage 4 endo and my bowel symptoms were constipation and stabbing pain when having a bm right around the time I would have my period. Not fun. I had a colonoscopy done prior to my hyst just to make sure I didn't have endo in my colon (I did not, thankfully).

You are fortunate not to be in a lot of pain, but the bowel issues are pretty rotten I think you need to discuss the ultrasound findings and your other symptoms with a gastroenterologist ... you need to have that part of your body working properly and endometriosis can cause some real problems. Please keep us posted on how you are feeling and what you decide to do. Sending hugs your way.

Beth

Welcome. I agree with BethAC. My main symptom of my endo IS rectal pain during my periods. Please continue to seek your second opinion. Sorry to hear you are having troubles again.

With love like His,
Periwinkle

Hi Janice,
Yes, I had the same problem with loose bowels for years! It seemed to be at the begining of my periods, like the first day or two when the cramping was at its worst. Anaprox or Aleve would help, yes, even with the bowels. It slows down gland activity.

I had a TAH on June2 of this year. It was scheduled to be a LAVH. Upon inserting the tools, my DR discovery that everything, including my ovaries and cervix was ahdered to my bowels. Hence why the surgery ended up being abdominal. My cervix and uterus were to be taken, but he was only able to take my uterus. The surgery itself took 4 hours, instead of the intended 1.5 hours.

In the future, should I have problems or need to have anything further removed, my DR said he would need to coordinate my care with a DR that is able to do bowel resections, like a GYN oncologist.

Sounds like you are going through exactly what I went through. I'm very glad I didn't spend any more time waiting. I ended up being diagnosed with adenomyosis. Which is not treatable except with a hyst.

Good Luck to you.
Kathy

Thanks for your responses! It is good to know I am not alone! I am taking Aleeve which does seem to help, but I was warned by a friend who is a nurse that I may need a TAH because she had the same problems and waited too long and now after her TAH, she has chronic cholitis. The endometrial tissue and adhesions invaded her bowel tissue. I hope for a good Doctor appointment on Thursday.

Again, thanks, and God's blessings!

Janice