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How it all Started
In November 2005 I started getting very painful (electric
shock is the best way I can describe it) pains in my vagina. I thought perhaps because of my weight gain (now I
was not overly heavy) I'm 5.7 ft and at that stage was 80kg, so according to
the BMI (body mass index) still within normal range..
Anyway relatives and friends had mentioned, when
they gained weight, they also experienced more period pain, so I put in down to
the weight gain.
Over a two month period my stomach ballooned in
size, and not just a fat stomach either, my fiancée and family also commented on
the odd shape and size. I still continued to have normal periods, always
lasting 5 days, but they steadily became heavier.
After nagging from my fiancée (we have been
together 10 years) so he knows about my aches and pains, normal one's anyway. He
convinced me to see a doctor. After 2
months of stomach growth and electric shock pains I ventured off to see my
doctor (the first of many to come).
First Doctor Visit
The first doctor (General GP) ran some blood
tests, I had an internal exam, and an ultrasound.
I mentioned to the doctor that I felt like I was
pregnant, and after several pregnancy test's showing negatives I still wasn't
convinced. We both thought maybe it was still possible, after all some women don't
test positive to a pregnancy test until in the later stages, and sometimes not
at all. Also I have read about women still having their periods and actually
being pregnant. My sister continued to have her normal period when pregnant with
her first child, and her periods continued for at least 3 months.
So the ultrasound confirmed not pregnant, but I had
some fluid in my Pouch of Douglas.
When the test results arrived you can imagine my
family and fiancée's reaction. What the bloody hell is "Pouch of
Douglas". Over the years I have become rather knowledgeable with Medical jargon,
technical terms used for our body parts that I had never heard of.
So I continue to see the this Doctor for a few
months, not getting anywhere, blood results came back all normal, ultrasound
nothing to worry about, apparently women can have fluid in their pouch of
Douglas and it's no major concern. I continue to get a little bigger in the stomach (the only
other parts of my body I put on weight are my breasts, which starting leaking a
white milky substance, (I thought it was milk) and no complaints about getting bigger boobs!.
Work Started To Suffer
My work started to suffer, I deal with the public
(medical profession) and it was hard to deal with customers when the pain hit. I
was always in a constant state of pain/discomfort, I felt alot of pressure in
my stomach, especially under my left rib cage, every so often (usually every 15
minutes at least) the electric shock type pains in my vagina would hit. The
pressure under my left rib cage just got worse and worse, it was so tender I could
barely touch it (and still to this day it remains the same).
After having no luck with this Doctor, who also
admitted being baffled by my illness and wanting me to take Anti Depressants
(apparently to help me sleep) referred me onto a gastroenterologist.
Thinking the stomach bloating may be a bowel
problem.
The Story Continues .......
If you would like to continue reading:
read my story
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Undiagnosed Illness Forum
where I hope those who suffer, or have suffered continue to share their stories.
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