Endometriosis?
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I have stage 4 endo. I was diagnosed 7 years ago and have had 4 surgeries related to endo since that time.
What you describe is definitely not normal but something that many women suffer from. I, too, had severe cramps and clotting. I currently take continuous birth control and don't have any periods.
The only true diagnosis of endo can come from surgery - either a laparoscopy or laparotomy. However, most doctors will deduce that you have endo based on symptoms rather than surgery.
Also, many believe that a hysterectomy is the only cure for endo. Is is NOT a cure. Many women have a hysterectomy only to find out that the endo remains and they are still suffering.
There are a number of treatment options but you can explore those once you've received the diagnosis.
I would definitely talk to the doctor... and just because you do not know at this point if it's endo I would suggest moving your appointment up so that you can get in sooner. Just to be safe.
Also... a number of support websites should you receive a diagnosis of endo:
www.endometriosisassn.org
www.endocenter.org
A heating pad on you lower abdomen will help with cramps. I have always done this, and nothing ever came back abnormal. I would also drink a glass of wine or beer to help with the clots. I don't know why it helped, but it did. Asprin will also help with the clots as well. Other than this, I haven't found any answers or anything else to do to stop it.
sounds like you have heavy periods with large clots passing. Things that will help would be fish oil capsules (helps thin blood) and prostaglandin inhibitors (ibuprophen) Make sure you start taking the ibuprophen at the first sign of your period and take it on schedule throughout your cycle. It's too late if you've started cramping, because you'll be "behind" for a while. Also, if you used depoprovera shots, instead of the pill, you might have lighter periods or none at all. BUT, that is up to your healthcare provider.
http://www.medicinenet.com/endometriosis...
This page will tell you all the facts you need to know.Periods were very painful and heavy,before I had op to clear it out.On average,it takes 5-7 years to confirm endo.,so ask the gynny,if he thinks it could be this.The pain is massive,like the worst cramping and sharp pain u'll experience ever in your tummy.It usually presented in me with pain on one ovary,and only heavy painkillers helped.I hope this isn't what you have,but get it checked out hun,and ASK about it,or they may take forever diagnosing it.I know,I had 3 unnecessary ops before I switched hospitals and got a more sympathetic Consultant.Three questtions he asked me,and every one I said yes to.That was how easy he diagnosed me.If they have a vaginal scanner,they can see if its there or not. Good luck :)
PS: U can have a coil fitted now too,and this helps massively with the pain.
I have 4th stage endo - and am currently prescribed 4 month cycles on continuous BC (loestrin) so I'm only going to have 3 monthlies a year. My symptoms were heavy, painful, very irregular periods along with IBS around that time of the month, every month, and often painful intercourse. I didn't have any unusual content though. Anyway, the BC, other than putting on 12 lbs (which SUCKS!!) are working just fine. I'm actually do to have my first period in 4 months next week, so we'll see how it goes.
Due to the expense of the surgery, I'm trying to see if I can get away with just the BC treatment. From what I've read re: Lupron, I'd rather have a hysterectomy than take that crap!
Edit: I've just read the girl above me say 5-7 years to confirm diagnosis! That is absolutely incorrect! You do NOT have to suffer all those years before diagnosis/treatment! Also, if you want to become pregnant, this can affect fertility and so should be managed as soon as possible. You can get a laparoscopy (an outpatient surgical procedure) which will confirm immediately. Also in severe cases diagnosis can be achieved with a vaginal ultrasound. Good luck.
You can lookup this site for further info on Endometriosis,
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/endom...
But I was once told that you can have abnormal monthlies on 1st 3mths of pills. Such as, heavy flows, pottings or even misses a pill may also cause irregular monthlies. If you do not soaked up till 6 pad (for heavy flow) in a day, you shld wait another month to see if your next flow will be back to normal.
hey yeah..my mom had the worst cramps, she couldnt even walk at times and yeah her blood flowed like a water fall. anyway if you are diagnosed with endometriosis like may mom was then what i suggest and my mom would suggest if she was here would be to get ur uterus removed if you are doen having kids ofcourse. that would also mean goin through menopause but my mom said it was worth it.
I had very painful cramping & passing clots like you have mentioned. When the drs finally diagnosed me, I had stage IV endometriosis. Don't let it go any longer than you absolutely have to! I had a hysterectomy at age 30 because of it. Another symptom I had was that I would get aches from the middle to lower part of my back all the way to my knees a few days before my periods. Then I started to get my periods irregularly & heavily. Like I said, though, get to the doctor & have them check you for endometriosis. The exam is not painful & the sooner you find it, the better. Good luck!
I was diagnosed with Endo only after surgery and that was only scheduled after suffering thru yrs of painful periods, passing clots, etc. (I thought that was normal because it ran in my family - mom, cousins, etc.). I also had the biopsy done with no abnormal results, but scheduled the surgery because the pain was becoming unbearable and affecting my quality of life.
I had my surgery almost 10 years ago, and if I'm not mistaken, endo can only be diagnosed thru a surgical procedure.
Because you have about a month before your appt, go in armed with information - chart your pain - does it start before your cycle, is there pain any other time of the month; Is your cycle on a regular schedule, do you have bleeding or spotting in between; is the blood discolored (dark or brown); is there any oder. The more information you have for the doctor, the easier it is for him/her to narrow a diagnosis or determine a plan of attack.
Good luck to you and be prepared to perhaps see another doctor if you don't feel you're getting the results or responses from your current one to your satisfaction. I sought a 2nd and 3rd opinion following my surgery just to be sure I was well informed.
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