Expert: Lori J. Watkins Date: 6/18/2008 Subject: endometriosis
Question i am a 29 year old mother of 3 and i have always had problems with heavy periods but this last year i went to the doctor and they put me on hormone pills and that only made my periods heavier now i have also lost 85 pounds in the last year and have started having sciatic pain in my right hip and leg it hurts to stand and to sit and i also have major constipation and diarreah they are wanting to do a endo biopsy and i am scared will this tell if i have endo only in the the uterus or anywhere else like if it is in the sciatic nerve and other area as well?
Answer Sueann,
Hi! I am sorry to hear you are in pain and of your heavy periods etc. I must say I have had the same experiences before and I had Endometriosis really, they have to diagnose with a Laparoscopy and then it's a definite diagnosis, there is a blood test now, but,I am not sure it is available yet....but, you can ask. The estrogen in the hormone pills may be feeding the Endo. and making it worse. The biopsy is going to be taken of where? i wasn't clear on that. The sciatic pain could be from your insides having scarring and pulling on something. I know with the constipation and diarrhea, alot of people with endo have IBS and it's crampy sometimes and feels like a period only it is your bowels. I have had 9 surgeries and a hysterectomy and partial bowel resection so, I want to give you the very best advice possible but, I would need you to answer more questions. Like, why do you think it is Endo. or are you already diagnosed? From my experience with my sciatic it seemed to act up monthly also....you could have endo in your leg only it's very RARE that this happens. I believe you may have some Gastrointestinal problems that may be aggravated and causing pressure on some nerves. I think it would be good to ask ALOT of questions to your doc...don't be scared to ask-it's your body. I hope this will help. The Endometriosis Association has a website and also the ERC Endometriosis Research Center. I wish you well and hope to hear from you again. Take care of you.
