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24 and extremely worried

georgiabbbb
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I'm sorry if this isn't the right place to post this, but i need advice as i'm so so so anxious and upset. I'm 24 years of age and over the last few months i've noticed around my period time that i get a lingering ache around my pelvis/groin/lower back. This usually occurs a few days before my period and up to a week after. I haven't had any bleeding inbetween periods or after sex, but i went to the doctor where she did a pelvic examination and said everything looked healthy, but then wanted to refer me to a gynaecology department for a consultation/smear.. Why would she refer me if it looked healthy? I was then sent for a transvaginal ultra sound and abdomen ultrasound which all came back clear. My doctor suspects maybe this could be endometriosis but they weren't  able to confirm this as some endometriosis symptoms can't be detected in a scan. I asked the gynaecology department why i've been referred as i was told my cervix was healthy, and they mentioned that the GP wanted it checked over as there was a slight red patch on my cervix. I'm an absolute mess and i have to wait until the 8th April for this consultation. I'm so scared that i have cancer ️ i've googled and all that comes up is worst case scenario and i'm convinced i have it. 

Also i'm on the contraceptive pill and i read that usually endo symptoms are better when you skip periods. I tried this out and i had no pelvic pain at all when skipping, i only seem to have the pain when i have a period.. 

  • Hello Georgiabbbb

    I'm sorry to hear about the health concerns that you're dealing with at the moment and how anxious you're feeling about things. 

    It's good to hear that you have an appointment booked shortly. It's positive to hear that your recent scans didn't raise any signs of concern so try to keep that in mind. 

    Unfortunately searching Google for answers nearly always leads to a worst-case scenario which will leave you feeling more anxious about things so I'd suggest avoiding looking for answers online. 

    If you'd like to speak to one of our nurses about your concerns you're welcome to give them a call. They're available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    Hey! 

    I thought I would respond. I'm 26 and was diagnosed with endometriosis a couple of years back.

    Endometriosis is quite a pain to diagnose as the symptoms mimic other conditions. it took me around eight years to be diagnosed after multiple scans and investigations. 

    In my case, at least, I had about 20 different procedures to get my diagnosis. So, if you've been referred for a scan, try not to assume the worse, they have to cross many t's to make sure you get the correct diagnosis. 

    If you have any questions about endometriosis, let me know.

    Otherwise, good luck with everything! 

  • Offline in reply to KatL

    Hey Kat, 

    Thanks so much for replying to me! I've been so down about it as i've had this pelvic pain (particularly just before or after my period) for a while and it's not a nice ache to have constantly! My sister has endometriosis as well which is why we think this could be the cause! i am on the pill so it's definitely helped more in regards to my pains but i'm still finding periods very painful! I've decided to see a gynaecologist privately tonight so i can get the smear out of the way as this is something i'm mainly petrified about! hopefully he'll be able to look into any potential menstrual disorders it could be as well. 

    what were your main symptoms with endo if you don't mind me asking? 

  • Offline in reply to georgiabbbb

    I completely sympathise with you! It's horrible being in pain 90% of the month!

    Don't fret about your smear test. If you're worried about pain at all, take some paracetamol an hour before your appointment to relieve any potential discomfort. It's a speedy procedure and very straightforward, but it helps to keep calm and do deep breathing, so the muscles in your body relax.

    My main symptoms were pain before and after my period, bloating, bowel issues and pain during sex.

    Drop me a message if you have any more questions! 

  • Offline in reply to KatL

    Thanks so much! I've just seen my gyno and he straight away confirmed there's nothing to worry about in terms of my cervix and there wasn't any need for a smear to be done before receiving my NHS letter, he said the red area is something called cervical erosion which is really common for girls on the pill so that's such a relief! 

    He's also arranged a laporoscopy next month which i'm insanely happy about, might finally get that endo diagnosis that i've been waiting for! hopefully he can remove the endo and it'll relieve some of my pain:( 

    x

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