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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

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Comments

  1. Anonymous29 September 2014 at 21:41

    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. My Endo Diary3 October 2014 at 14:22

      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

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