I have recently been diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea in the absence of any pathologic findings. My ob/gyn has even done a laparoscopy (no biopsy) and had no findings suggestive of endometriosis. I am 22, never been pregnant. The doctors tell me that I have primary dysmenorrhea due to prostaglandins. I have been on 3 different types of NSAID's (ponstan, aleve,, naproxen) and 3 different birth control (Min- Ovral, Ortho Novum 777, and Marvelon). We even went as far as trying to stop my periods using Ortho continuously (my periods just re- arranged themselves, and when they finally did come, they were so long and so painful that I passed out). Now, I am stuck taking Morphine Sulphate (doesn't do anything either). The period pain begins a week before, lasts for a half week after periods, and is pass- out painful during periods. I have lost several jobs because my periods are so bad that I can not get out of bed for almost 7 days. I have a lot of pain in my ovary region after orgasms (they can't figure out why- extra prostaglandins in semen does not apply here). To make a very long story short, I was wondering if you had any ideas as to why the anti- inflammatories are not working- they are supposed to reduce prostaglandins, but they don't do anything for me. The birth control neither. My doctor's tell me that my period pain is caused by the prostaglandins, but they can not figure out why the NSAID's are not working. Could a different type of hormone be causing my pain? Is there anything else (pathological) that they should look for? Could my OB/GYN have missed endometriosis implants (if they were microscopic)? Is there any reason you can think of as to why I double- up in pain after orgasm? All I know is that when my period hits, everything is so inflammed up there that I can't even get a regular sized tampon in (I used to be able to use the super ones!!), and I have to wear 2 pads, changing them every hour, and I am in so much pain I just about ( and actually have) pass out. Myself and my docs are at the end of the road :( I know that I am asking for a lot of help, but please... I have been suffering like this for 12 years. I am so depressed over it now that I know I can't take many more years of this! Everything feels so hopeless. And to top it off, eight months ago my ovaries began to hurt and haven't yet stopped aching. Of course, my ob/gyn could see nothing during the ultra- sounds, transvaginals, and laparoscopy to prove that the daily pelvic pain was gynecological. Anything you can tell me will be greatly appreciated, and anything (tests, procedures, meds, etc..) you can advise me to do, I will definitely try. Please, I am at the end of my rope. Thanks so much.
Sarah
