how to deal with adeno pain

I am 35 years old and recently found out that I have adenomyosis(10/5/07). I have the same symptons such as painful intercourse. painful bowel movements, heavy bleeding with large clots.and constant pain which is much worse when I have my period. They prescribed percoset, which helps me tremendously. They won't continue to give me the medicine and tell me to try ibuprofen and tylenol. I have done this and it does not help at all. I am in pain and need relief until my surgery is done. We are the only ones who know how much pain we are in, how can they tell us that we should not be in that much pain? Should I seek another Dr. or continue to visit the ER to receive the pain medicine that I need?

Ibuprofen really did not touch my pain. I mean it can help during the month but when the pain is at its's worse during my period, vicodin is the ONLY thing that helps - along with a heating pad. I bought one of those electric heating pads that automatically shut off after and hour and has different heat settings. It has been tremendously helpful - especially when the pain wakes me in the middle of the night.

I'm glad that my doctor understands that vicodin is the only thing that works. I promised her that I would only take 2-3 a month when the pain is at it's worse. I really can't take more because it screws up my system for a day or two afterwards. I'll do 600-800 milligrams of ibuprofen at other times or 2 hours after I take a vicodin - that was what they had me take after my lap last Dec.

I think it would be a good idea to see another Doc - that way you are getting another opinion as well. Your doctor should understand when you say how bad the pain is and should do whatever it takes to help. It makes me so mad that today in 2007 there are Drs out there that don't understand the kind of pain this causes. It seems that alot of Drs don't really recognize adenomyosis.

I remember one time the pain was so bad that I could not believe it was from my period and my husband had to take me to the ER. They put me on a morphine drip that did NOTHING to help the pain. When the ER dr. told me that it was "just cramps" I knew something was seriously wrong here.

Thanks for the information. I will try the heating pad to see if it helps. It is a shame that Dr. won't prescribe the medicine that works. I believe that they do this because of all the people who abuse the medicine and become addicted for no reason. It is sad that the people who need the meds are unable to get them because of this. We know when we need it and when we don't.

Before my surgery I lived on painkillers, hydrocodone, two to three a day depending on the pain. I needed it to be able to take care of my kids. My dr was wonderful he knew I needed it til surgery. But you are right about drs being careful of people abusing it. I would call ibuprophen candy cause it didnt do anything.

Im now seven weeks post op and havent had a painkiller since week 3 and i rarely take the big doses of Ibuprophen. I told my husband its weird Ive had to learn to live without the pain now instead of with it.

There is hope and a hysterectomy is terrifying. I still have times I cry when I see things on TV or my husbands cousin just had a baby that was tough. But i feel so much better for me and my family and hopefully soon you all will too.

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Originally Posted by bri4ever I am 35 years old and recently found out that I have adenomyosis(10/5/07). I have the same symptons such as painful intercourse. painful bowel movements, heavy bleeding with large clots.and constant pain which is much worse when I have my period. They prescribed percoset, which helps me tremendously. They won't continue to give me the medicine and tell me to try ibuprofen and tylenol. I have done this and it does not help at all. I am in pain and need relief until my surgery is done. We are the only ones who know how much pain we are in, how can they tell us that we should not be in that much pain? Should I seek another Dr. or continue to visit the ER to receive the pain medicine that I need?

I just got a prescription for a drug called Ponstel---it is an NSAID---I haven't used it yet, my pain went away for now, but the nurse said they can't keep the samples in at the office it is so popular. It blocks the pain receptors, so no worry w/ being loopy or addiction. I hope it works. It is expensive, but might be worth asking for.

good luck! hang in there.

Hi bri4ever!

I am so sorry you are dealing with so much pain!

Sometimes a trip to ER will get you some stronger pain meds that might break your current pain cycle. But then the pain starts all over again with your next cycle.

If you are continuing to have pain and your current doctor is unable to offer you any help and will not provide you with pain medications, do seek a second opinion. Many doctors do not like to keep women on continuous pain medications unless you are in pain management. I would suggest finding out if pain management is an option for you or if there are other treatment options for you.

I would also suggest learning all you can about adeno so you are aware of all the options and possiblities. We have several Adeno Resources you might want to read through.

Many best wishes to you and in there! S

My gyn told me to use my vicodin Rx for my monthly pain. I go to a pain management dr and he agreed saying if it's that bad take it for that too.

So here I sit at work today, my head in the clouds, wondering how I'm going to do this every month. I can't keep taking sick time for my period!

Talk to your gyn about it. I've tried everything from over the counter stuff to Rx stuff, and now I need narcotics for it. It's not fun!

I've found that both Tylenol and Ibuprofin at maximum prescribed doses are worthless when the pain is really bad. I have had some success with alleve at a dose of two pills twice a day, but it still only works when the cramping is relatively mild. I know that doctors are worried about addiction, but I also think that most don't understand how truly painful and disabling the cramping can become. If they can prescribe Vicodin for chronic back pain sufferers, then they should be able to give us a much more limited prescription for those times during the month when the pain is at it's worst. It can be so frustrating to feel like your pain is being belittled.

Im have found that for the daily pain alleve works (by daily i mean 'mild" cramping) when its bad I end up taking my migraine Rx Vicodin, my GYN is aware of this and says if it helps use it, the heating pad or a hot shower sometimes help as well.... I would say go to the ER if the pain is BAD and maybe that will get the attention of your Dr. and or find another Dr who is going to listen to you! You better than ANYONE else knows your body dont forget that! Hang int here....

Be Blessed~