Needing some support

[GirlTalk2012]

I am a 30 year old female, smoker (working on quitting though!) but otherwise healthy. The only time when I am not healthy is just before and during my period. I have been having periods since the age of 10 and they have gotten progressively worse over the years....especially within this past year. I can barely walk without pain a lot of the time while I am on my period. I get terrible rectal pain, leg pain, chest and arm pain, heart palps. I get diharrea (sp?) nausea, have vomitted, have a history of uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, recently I have been experiencing migraines to the point of dizziness. I went to the ER initially and the Dr there thinks I probably have endometriosis...he said I am almost identical to his wife who has endo. He told me to see my OBGYN (the same one I saw with the first fibroid and set of cysts) She was very uncaring this time and was not very interested in what I thought or had to say.She wasn't into the idea of trying to find out whats really wrong with me. She just said all my symptoms and history is "normal". What really confused me was when she said "since you think you have endometriosis I guess I can perscribe some birth control". Really?????? Yes, I probably do need the birth control but she wasn't even remotely interested in finding out what's wrong!!! I have little to no insurance and am working on getting it. I feel as though I have been pushed to the side and written off...like I don't matter. Do I have to suffer for the rest of my life?
Is there anyone else out there who has all the symptoms I do with a period? Do I seem like I may have endometriosis or is it all in my head? How do I get a dr. to take me seriosuly?
I feel so alone...and scared....everything I go through is like a never ending circle...there's no way out...it's been this way for years. I aam losing hope and getting very frustrated.

[Devonlee]

Yes it does sound like you have endometriosis and you and I share many of the same symptoms. I am sorry that your doctor is being a jerk but it seems many Drs are for some reason. They just have it in their head its a "painful period" but it is so much more. Bc pills are often a good place to start as far as trying to control the symptoms of endo. BUT since you are a smoker whos 30 you have to be very careful with bc pills (I use to smoke and until I quit and stayed that way for at least 3 months my doc wouldnt even give me the pills). I have no idea about the the creams. Also you can try a laprascopy which is the only way to diagnosed endo 100% often they will get rid of what endo they see and that helps to improve things. As far as if you will have to suffer for the rest of your life? Ha yeah that does seem to be the way it goes. I have been suffering for 9 years now. It isnt fun and I feel for you. But there is no CURE for endo. There are many things that can help makes things better though but it is a long road of trial and error. I suggest gettting a different Dr. She doesnt sound like she is going to be much help.

[GirlTalk2012]

Also, I was wondering if the cream seems to work better than the pill? I have heard some talk about a cream to treat period symptoms.