endometriosis pain, or in part due to tampons?

[spitfire2]

I had surgery for endometriosis in January 2012, and was on lupron depot for 3 years.  I had my first period this past February, with some pain, and then March and now April.  My period in March was extremely painful, as is my current April period.  In March and now April I have been using tampons, which for me is new.  They do not really hurt when I insert them (except in the very end, I may be inserting them a little too far) but they do hurt a little when I take them out.  My question concerns my extreme pain during the first three days of my March period and now my April period (day three now).  Is it just because of recurring endometriosis (if so, I will go back on lupron depot) or does have something to do with inserting the tampon a little too far in?  I used a pad last night, but still had excruciating pain, causing me to wake up a few times.  I gently insert the tampon up a little and then angle it back.  My pain is low down, and also a little below my belly button. It is EXTREMELY sharp, pulsating pain which happens again and again, and then fades away for a while, although I feel sore in between.  It radiates upward.  Any opinions?  Thank you very much (for note, I'm 35; my endo started when I was 31)  

[ipurr2]

this is how my endometriosis began to really get worse...dealt with it many years but then the first 3 days of my cycle the pain was so bad I was in fetal position even with massive dosing of narcotics..so I would be inclined to believe it's the endo...that is most likely why the tampon insertion is painful as well...you may have endo in the cul-de-sac area...pouch of douglas...etc...
I would STRONGLY suggest you send your medical records off to an endometriosis excision specialist so the disease can be removed rather then just masked with lupron...which although may make you feel better for some women has severe side effects that are sometimes irreversible! Also you don't want to take the lupron prior to seeing the excision surgeon as this will make the disease less visible which makes it harder to see it all and excise it...if you would like assistance in finding a specialist...let me know...

[ontariocanada]

That's how my periods were as well.  I also would be inclined to believe that it's endo

[spitfire2]

Thank you so much to both of you!  I really appreciate your help.  I think that's a good idea, contacting an endometriosis excision expert, getting another opinion. So yes, I'd be quite interested. I have been wondering for a while about the long term side effects of lupron on bone density issues, etc. Plus yes, lupron is just a band-aid.  I was always thought it was not possible to excise all the endometrial tissue, so it's good to know that it might be possible.  So yes, it would be good to know someone who could possibly help answer some questions.  

My only little problem/issue is I did have an "emergency appointment" with my obgyn yesterday, who did give me an injection of lupron (my last dose, which I had never taken, was in his office; I was just desperate for something, I couldn't function) and some strong pain med.  The pain is still pretty intense, and I'm just trying to get by at the moment.  I do have another appointment this week with the doc, who's also going to do an ultrasound, see what can be "seen."  In my opinion, I think it's better to at least go in and look....maybe he will, I'll have to ask.  Even though I have had an injection, I definitely would still be interested in a specialist.  I don't really know what to do long term with all this.  My pain can flair between periods too, which *****.  Thanks again to you both!

[ipurr2]

you can either post here...or in a pm...your city/state or country you live and I will give you the one's I know are endometriosis excision specialists...I would not worry about the lupron...what's done is done and if it gives you some relief then good...while it's doing it's work...you can be getting your medical records together to have evaluated by the specialists and then they can guide you on how to proceed in regards to having had the lupron...this injection is just biding you some time to get your ducks in a row so to speak...We endo gals that deal with the severe pain...understand the desperation! ;)
So just keep moving forward...I would like to say also in regards to the ultrasound...if nothing shows...don't be surprised and don't doubt that things are bad inside your pelvis...one reason...the lupron will have temporarily made the lesions smaller...so they won't show up as easily...and even without the lupron...as was the case with me...I had the ultrasound (both regular and vaginal) showed NOTHING...dr. looked at me and said "well...you most likely don't have it as nothing showed on either test" well we proceeded with the laproscopic surgery and I had stage 4 endometriosis...it was so bad he closed me up and recommended complete hysterectomy...NOT a cure...he should have referred me to a specialist...my endo continued to grow because he did not cut it all out...so I had 2 excision surgeries since the hysterectomy with ovaries removed and I hope/pray my endo is gone...I truly believe it is as I have not had the "endo pain" although I still deal with Interstitial cystitis, pfd and pop...so I know I won't ever be 100% but you just might get there...the sooner we get into the specialists the better chance we have of complete eradication of the disease and being pain free...so either send me your location private message by clicking on my name or say it here and I will share the names I have in hopes of getting you the help you need and deserve!  

[spitfire2]

Thanks so much!! Sent you a little note