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For the past few years I have had increased pelvic pain JUST on the left side. It doesn't really feel like a cramping type pain, but more of a pulling, burning, tearing, etc...It starts about two or three days before AF and is almost unbearbale during AF. It used to only be semi-unbearable and only for two or three days during AF, but for the past year or so, it has been lasting much longer and has become way more painful. When AF comes I feel like staying in bed for 7 days, which of course is not an option. I have had a few ultrasounds over the years and they have all come back normal and it is sooooo frustrating to me because I think the DR thinks I am exaggerating. I have had three c-sections and thought maybe it was scar tissue and I have also been researching endometriosis and PCOS, but the ultrasound would have detected any one of those right?? I am really at my wits end and I was hoping maybe one of you ladies have had similar symptoms???
Thanks for listening and any suggestions will be much appreciated!! I am getting a new DR and I would like to have a list of questions/possibilities to discuss with her...
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Loving wife to Chad and proud Mama to Cole (8), Aubrey (7) and Gracie (3)
Were they transvag ultrasounds or external on the abdomen ultrasounds?? Sometimes things can be detected better with one or the other. I would request one of each to cover all basis. The timing of the ultrasound in your cycle also plays a facor in things showing up. My friend that has PCOS said the transvag ultrasounds that she has to get to measure her cysts has to be done while on your period or right after it - I forget which. Also, request for a HSG test - its where they inject dye into your uterus. That will show fibroids and endo or any other structural problems.
If its scar tissue - that won't show up on the ultrasound.
Have you had paps recently? Have they come back normal? If you haven't had one in a long time, I would request that as well.
Scar tissue can hurt and it can attach to things. I had a full laparotomy in May (where they cut you straight down your abdomen and explore all your insides. I had a 10lb ovarian cyst that had to be removed. And my doc said that scar tissue can attach to things and cause pain but the only way to find out is through another surgery. It also causes a lot more pain during pregnancy and especially with contractions.
If your new doc can't find anything either, talk to a plastic surgeon. I know when people say "tummy tuck" the first thing that pops into your mind is vanity, models, etc. However, a tummy tuck is something that's usually covered by insurance if the purpose is to remove damage caused by c-section scarring that adheres to other things (like the bladder).
Were they transvag ultrasounds or external on the abdomen ultrasounds?? Sometimes things can be detected better with one or the other. I would request one of each to cover all basis. The timing of the ultrasound in your cycle also plays a facor in things showing up. My friend that has PCOS said the transvag ultrasounds that she has to get to measure her cysts has to be done while on your period or right after it - I forget which. Also, request for a HSG test - its where they inject dye into your uterus. That will show fibroids and endo or any other structural problems.
If its scar tissue - that won't show up on the ultrasound.
Have you had paps recently? Have they come back normal? If you haven't had one in a long time, I would request that as well.
Scar tissue can hurt and it can attach to things. I had a full laparotomy in May (where they cut you straight down your abdomen and explore all your insides. I had a 10lb ovarian cyst that had to be removed. And my doc said that scar tissue can attach to things and cause pain but the only way to find out is through another surgery. It also causes a lot more pain during pregnancy and especially with contractions.
Good luck![/b]
I have PCOS, and I get those pains before and during AF. Due to the cysts on my ovaries, but don't always show up with the ultrasound. My doc said the best time was during AF.
I've heard scar tissue won't show up on ultrasound either. Sounds like a possiblity in your case since you've had 3 c-sections.
Thank you all for your responses. I agree with you all, and I honestly think it is scar tissue too. I have had several transvaginal ultrasounds and they have all been done after AF (he has never given me an abdominal u/s) and they all come back normal. I just want to scream at him when he says "normal"....this much pain is NOT normal. I have had "normal" periods before....THIS is NOT normal!! I am up to date on my paps and they all come back normal. My yearly is due in Nov-Dec, that's why I was looking into changing dr's so soon. I forgot to mention in my first post that AF has gotten very irregular as well. sometimes I will completely skip a period, which is not normal for me. in the past year, I have skipped three or four and the others have been very irregular. I also have a "hair problem" on my breasts, my chest, my stomach.....it is so embarassing! That was why I was also thinking PCOS....
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Loving wife to Chad and proud Mama to Cole (8), Aubrey (7) and Gracie (3)
on suspecting PCOS. Hopefully your new doc will be more receptive to your concerns and can figure out what's going on. That's got to be frustrating (not to mention uncomfortable) to have pain like that without any answers. Keep us posted and let us know what the new doc says.
And stick around...this is a fun place!
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Do not sorrow; the joy of the Lord is your strength." Neh. 8:10
