Hey Ladies, I'm looking at getting a little advice and maybe some knowledge on the subject
My daughter is currently 13, at the beginning of 2021 she got her first period. Since then, she gets horrible, debilitating pains at the time of her period. They are quite heavy also.
We seeked help from her gp, who has put her on levelan and told her to skip her period for 3 months then allow herself to have a period, to see if that will kind of settle it down for her, I guess.
Problem is, she's been taking levelan religiously and is still getting the pain and sometimes a little bit of spotting. We left it for the first 2 months thinking maybe the pill just needed some time to work it's magic. Month 3 rolls around and now my beautiful girl is still getting these horrific pains when she isn't due for her period and still spotting.
We went back to see her gp, and have been informed that she has a retroverted uterus and possibly early stages of endometriosis. She has been referred to see a gynaecologist. Which we will obviously be doing. But how do I help her in the mean time? Pain meds don't, heat pack doesn't either. I even bought one of those tens machines and nothing is helping her.
I hate seeing her in pain, I'm just lost at what to do.
I guess what I am asking is, has anyone got any ideas about pain management, and about the invasiveness she will be put through when she sees the gyno?
She is also suffering from mental health and anxiety. We are seeking help though all the avenues for this, but she has stated that she hates herself even more now. đ˘
9 Replies
Poor thing, that sounds terrible. Thrown in the deep end from that age not only the physical side of things but having to get poked and prodded by everyone, it's hard enough as an adult. I have no advice other than to ask your GP for something stronger like panadeine forte?
It's horrible, I myself have not had the pain she is feeling, so I'm a little out of my depth. The gp hasn't suggested that but will definitely look into it. Thank you.
That is so awful for you guys to be going through. Maybe the gp could describe something like endone?
Are her periods regular enough that you know when theyâre coming? Or does she recognise the early signs of her period coming? I have to start taking pain relief before I actually get my period otherwise it doesnât seem to have any effect once Iâm already cramping. Even after having my babies I was given endone for horrendous afterbirth pains and it was only effective if I started taking it pretty much as soon as baby came out
Endometriosis is difficult to manage and different things work for different people.
I was diagnosed at 21 (now 35) after 9 years of multiple doctors and emergency room visits- sometimes the pain was so bad I'd vomit and/or pass out.
It is manageable though.
Diet plays an important role with endo. Include high antioxidant foods, fibre, omega 3, and if bowel issues are part of the problem a FODMAP diet.
Reduce gluten, caffeine, dairy, saturated and trans fats.
Include exercise and meditation- oxidative and emotional stress prompts an inflammatory response.
Being she is on the pill supplementing with zinc is a good idea (the pill depletes this from the body and is essential for sexualising maturation in puberty).
Kinesiologist or naturopath could help.
I have no idea is this would be an option at her age and so early on the process but CBD oil is the only thing that helped my sister. There is also a surgical option of getting a machine (basically a TENS machine) implanted in her back. But last one heard it was still experimental. My sister has one and it was fantastic until she developed other issues.
I'm not much help but I hope you find the right solution ox
Try Naprogesic, No script needed. Track the period and if you start taking the day before her period starts it helps. And continue taking each day she has period pain. Take as indicated on the box. But the key is to start taking it the day before her period starts.
Also, just because she has period pain does not automatically mean she has endometriosis. They have to do a laparoscopy to have a look in the uterus and diagnose this. I would personally not rush into this. Period pain in most cases is genetic. If you did not experience period pain maybe see if the women on the fathers side experienced this. A lot of the time, you need to manage this, you can't get rid of it completely. This is known to get better after having children. Until that day comes, which is a long way away, she will need to learn to manage it. This is her reality.
Poor thing. It sounds more than just normal period pain and the in between pain is a big clue to what may be going on. Endo is a living hell especially so young. I would take her to see a specialist in the area of endo. You can get a list of drs through Endometriosis Australia. If they think she is likely to have it, they will do laparoscopic surgery to check. There is an ultrasound now that can detect it but it needs to be advanced endo to see it. Itâs important to treat it early and to have it cut it out properly and not lasered. That will give the best chance of it not returning. Once the disease takes hold and spreads more then itâs impossible to get it all or comes back even after surgery. I think early intervention of this disease is so important. Hot baths and a water bottle for bed and the best thing that assists me is DĹTERRA ice blue rub (natural dencorub). It burns and takes the edge off the pain and strong pain relief. I also use essential oils (helps with anxiety also) and reduce dairy to assist in daily life. I was diagnosed 10 years ago after suffering for 18 years and struggling to have a baby. I still struggle with a lot of pain issues but itâs manageable for now.
Implanon and fluoxetine is working for my daughter