Don't know where to start

Hi all.

I'm new here, and I'm suspecting endometriosis.

For a few years now, I get episodes that I used to think were hemorrhoids, but they aren't in the anal area. It's further up the rectum, and it feels like a sharp stabbing pain. When I sit it feels like trapped gas or a mass around my intestine. My gut is always gurgly and gassy. I suffer from chronic constipation. I don't even "go" without enemas or suppositories. My intestines don't even contract anymore. It's either total constipation or complete liquid. (TMI, sorry).

I have urinary urgency when the above is happening. It's like something is pressing on my bladder. Even on good days, I feel the urge to urinate ALL the time, even when only a little bit comes out.

I have episodes of painful intercourse where I feel like I'm being stabbed during deep thrusts and it nearly sends me off the bed.

I have very painful ovulation in my right side. I was told that this was normal ovulation pain by my GYN. I also bleed very heavily during my period. My constipation, abdominal distention, bloating and gassiness are much worse during and before my period.

Anyhow, I'm not sure where to start. I'm having one of the bowel "attacks" right now (day 23 of cycle) and it's extremely painful, so I know I need medical attention for this, finally. Do I start with a gastro for a colonoscopy to rule out bowel problems? Do I go straight to an endo specialist, who might refer me to get a colonoscopy anyway? I don't even know how to find an endo specialist in my area, as there aren't any even in my state on the lists that I've seen.

Thanks for any advice about how to get started.

Christy

Hmmm. If I were in your situation, I think I would maybe try starting with an internal specialist? They should be able to address the issues as a "big picture" instead of separate issues. If they would need to refer you they will let you know. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. I hope you get some peace in this situation. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs!

Hi and welcome
I think you should talk about the constipation issues first. Then they can refer you on to a Ob-Gyn Specialist Surgical. Ther should be plenty of those in Tampa. I would consider another ob-gyn anyway we should never have to hurt and most of them realize that

Thank you two very much! I will start with the GI doc.

I forgot to mention that I also had cervical dysplasia and HPV a couple years ago. I haven't had an abnormal pap since, and they didn't say much except to keep an eye on it. I was told that the HPV was remissing.

I don't know if that could be related to any of this or not.

((christy.s))

I think starting with a gastroenterologist would be a good plan! I would also suggest urogynecologist regarding the urine urgency issues. A urogynecologist will have an understanding of not only the female reproductive system, but also the female urological system!

While you are scheduling appointments, keep a journal of all of your symptoms. Being able to show your doctors a word picture of what is going on can help a lot as far as diagnoses.

Unless you have been diagnosed with endometriosis in the past, I would not head to an endo specialist at this point. Let the other doctors help you determine what could be causing your symptoms first. Many of your symptoms could be related to various prolapse issues for instance and an endo specialist wouldn't be the best type of doctor for those issues.

If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis via a laparoscopy, then you should also be looking for a doctor who is knowledgeable regarding endo. If there is not a specialist in your area and you do not want to travel, call area hospitals and ask for the names of any physicians who treat endometriosis. Large teaching hospitals may even have endometriosis centers.

Sending lots of best wishes and s your way!

I totally understand when you describe the rectal pain. I've had it for years and when I describe it to my GP he couldn't figure out what's wrong with me. The pain is intense and it comes and goes. However I do not have any bowel issues with the pain. The pain finally went away when I had my myomectomy two years ago. The doctor found some adhesions on my bowel and he took it out. I've never had rectal pain ever since. The surgery wasn't even for the rectal pain, it was for my fibroids but whatever that was, it took care of the pain.

I thought I was nuts...but I know actually what you mean about the rectal pain. Sometimes it wakes me up in the middle of the night. I do have endo (which includes pain either during or after sex among other symptoms) and have a LAVH scheduled for Nov.24. Doc said I might have Irritable Bowel Syndrome about 2 months ago and put me on daily probiotic supplements (get them OTC), and it has helped tremendously. I still have problems with gas and gurgling, bowel issues including rectal pain, especially the week prior and during my cycle, but it has made a substantial improvement in a very short time.

christy.s -

Wow, I can relate to you on so many of your issues and my heart goes out to you. I'm new here as well, so maybe we can help each other out.

My bowel/digestive issues aren't quite as extreme as yours, and if I were in your shoes I would probably check into seeing a GI.

As far as the pain you are experiencing, I would highly recommend finding a different gyno that won't dismiss your pain as "normal". I started out with my family doctor, and she referred me to a gyno who has been absolutely wonderful. After describing my urinary problems to her (which are again very similar to yours) she scheduled a urodynamics test for me. The test allowed her to diagnose me with stress incontinence, which I am starting physical therapy for on Wednesday. I can definitely relate to the feeling of needing to urinate ALL the time, I'm really hoping the pt will help!

Good luck, and I hope this helped a bit!