A diagnosis of adenomyosis without endometriosis
“ Two years ago, my gynaecologist diagnosed me with adenomyosis. I have never had endometriosis, so for me, the disease is not associated with endometriosis. ”
Two years ago, my gynaecologist diagnosed me with adenomyosis. I have never had endometriosis, so for me, it's not a disease associated with endometriosis. I have given birth to two children. My gynaecologist discussed all treatment options with me.
I have not yet entered menopause, although I will be 54 in a few months. I have never wanted hormonal contraception. Even in the case of adenomyosis, hormonal treatment was not started.
The way things worked with me was that, as I was about to go through menopause, I would only be able to cope with the pain of the disease with painkillers. I have had fewer than five severe pain attacks during my entire illness. It is very important to take painkillers as soon as possible when a pain attack starts. Oral painkillers take 45 to 65 minutes to take effect, and if the pain gets worse, you can feel really uncomfortable.
My pain attacks may no longer be related to my menstrual cycle, as I may already have a three- to four-month break between periods. I only have my period about five to seven times a year. For all the 40 years that I've had my period, my periods have been perfect; that is, they’ve come every month. So apparently, I’m in perimenopause. I haven’t experienced hot flashes or any other particularly troublesome menopause symptoms.
I’m now waiting for the end of my menstruation and, with it, the end of my adenomyosis symptoms. I wouldn’t want to have a hysterectomy, but, of course, I will agree to it if the doctor orders it.
As an individual experience of pain, adenomyosis pain is the worst pain I have experienced in my life. When a pain attack hits, I’m in bed, unable to do anything until the painkillers take away the pain. This has always happened, and luckily, I have only experienced a few pain attacks.
Marjukka’s name has been changed.
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