Skip to main content

Endometriosis: Pain Management Appointment

At my Gynaecology appointment last week I was referred to Pain Management. I was more than surprised to be contacted the next day to be told they could fit me in a day later. I was somewhat apprehensive on what would be suggested... if anything! I am so used to explaining to doctors about endometriosis and my symptoms to just be met with a blank look across their faces. If I am being completely honest, I thought it would be a waste of time, but worth going as I've tried everything else that's been thrown at me. I'm happy to report that I was completely wrong with my prejudgment.

I met an endometriosis specialist nurse at the University of Wales Hospital who went through every single one of my pains and symptoms. A history of my pain was noted as well as current pains, including what types of pain I get during cycles, pains during the rest of the month, energy levels and sleep. Thorough is an understatement. We also talked through my current pain medications (Tramadol, Oramorph, Paracetamol, Marvelon, Mefenamic Acid and Tranexamic Acid) and how much relief they provided.

Once the nurse had collected all the information (which she needed extra sheets of paper for!) some recommendations were made to try and help alleviate my pain or make it more manageable.

  1. Stop Mefenamic Acid. I have Asthma and this medication can make it worse.
  2. When I take Tranexamic Acid, I can take it four times a day (currently told three) and I need to take it between days 1 - 4 of my period. If not done this way, the medication will not work to its full effect.
  3. Buscopan has been prescribed to try and help with pain, spasms and cramps, especially when going to the toilet.
  4. It has been recommended that I should be taken off Tramadol and put onto MST which is a morphine slow release tablet. MST should provide a long lasting relief throughout the day. It will need to be taken twice a day, every day. The reasoning behind this swap is that I have been on Tramadol over two years and the relief I get from it is very hit and miss.
  5. To have Oramorph prescribed on a regular basis so that I can take it for any breakthrough pain whilst taking MST. 
  6. I have been told to purchase a TENS machine to help with managing pains. It can help to block the pain nerves.
The nurse will now send all details to my own G.P to tell him the changes that are required. Normally I have to fight for any help from my G.P's so this will make a nice change for them to process it without any arguments (hopefully!) 

I hope some of you may find this information helpful.

I will do further research into MST and the benefits of a TENS Machine.


#MyEndoDiary

Comments

  1. Hi, I just found your blog and wanted to thank you for this post as it is always good to read about how other people with endometriosis manage their pain. Have you bought a tens machine and if yes, is it helping? The 2 things that have given me the most spectacular result in terms of pain reduction are serrapeptase and nattokinase supplements (which I take everyday), I thought I'd mentionned them as they have been sort of miraculous for me and wished that someone recommended them to me years ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HI madebylova,

      Thanks for reading my blog - I'm glad you have found it useful! I haven't yet bought a TENS machine. Looking for a cheaper one to try first before splashing out. I have never heard of those supplements so I will take a look into them. I appreciate the recommedation, I'm always up for trying new things!

      Many thanks!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Endometriosis: Post op

Ok, so I thought I should update you all after my operation on Tuesday.  I have a lot of mixed emotions after the laparoscopy though and I promise to fill you all in soon. I'm sure many of you have felt the same way I'm feeling now so I will post in the near future about all the details. Sharing information is the best way to know we're not alone in this. But for the moment, I'm just getting my head around things and concentrating on recovery. UPDATED: Endometriosis was found in my ovaries as expected and removed. It was also found on my bowel, but it was left untreated. #MyEndoDiary ♡

A Day In The Life Of An Endo Girl - 16/04/13

Seeing as I've named my Blog 'My Endo Diary' I've decided to start this project, 'A Day In The Life Of An Endo Girl' to portray just a snippet of a day with Endometriosis. Women with Endo are not lazy. Some, such as myself suffer daily pain. Chronic pain. Sometimes mild, sometimes exhausting, sometimes severe. Small things hurt massively. What some people take for granted doing, can take all of my energy. Even down to doing the dishes or making food. Endo is unpredictable. Tomorrow may be a better day. It may be worse. If I look or sound OK one day it doesn't mean I'm better. I'm either hiding the pain from you (I've become quite good at this), having an 'up and down day' (explained below) or on the rare chance having a good day. Every day with Endo for me, is different. However at the moment, they all contain some sort of pain. So here's my first entry. 16/04/13                   5:45am Woken up by Endo pains, stabs in my hips

The Endometriosis Effect..

I have mentioned a few times that  Endometriosis does not come alone.  (Click to see previous blog). It has an impact on all areas of our lives; our health & well being, social & emotional interactions, physical capabilities and our employment amongst others. This week my employment status has taken a direct hit. As from tomorrow, Tuesday 5th of March I will be officially unemployed. I have worked for my current company for 9 years. A few weeks ago I was called up for a meeting with the Operations Manager. I was told they were starting the process to terminate my contract due to 'job capability'. Not that I am not capable of doing my work correctly and achieving all targets set, but due to my illness and sickness from work. This week I handed in my notice as I didn't want to be fired for something, which at the moment, I can't control. I had a feeling this day would come sooner rather than later. I've had to take so many sick days and long term sick from