Hi everyone. I hope this reaches somebody. I’m having laparoscopic surgery soon to find out if I have endometriosis. I’ve always had very normal periods and came on time. And I mean I knew exactly what time it would come every month, every time. In September of 2023, I started having different pains. It wasn’t period cramps, it was like sharp pins and needles feeling. While it was painful and uncomfortable I didn’t think much of us. Come October and November, the pain was absolutely unbearable and the most excruciating pain o e ever felt I my entire life. Like someone was stabbing me with a hot knife. (I’m going into detail about where my pain is and hope this isn’t too TMI.) But the pain was in my lower abdomen and both sides of uterus. It was shooting straight up my 🐱, butt, and also occasionally my lower back would get a little sore and I would get the pins and needles feeling then too. Bowel movements and urination was painful. I have so much pressure down there when I do. I also got very nauseous which wasn’t too out of the normal, but I have the most intense burning in my stomach. It feels like someone put icy hot and lip plumber in my stomach. I’ve had heart burn before but this is completely different. I said enough was enough and went to see my Gynecologist. She put me on constant birth control to help control the pain, but I just felt so gross all the time. (Meaning I skipped the sugar pill and went straight into a new pack.) I was also told I would experience breakthrough bleeding but I ended up having a full-blown period for over two months. It was like the Pacific Ocean every single day, not just some “light bleeding.” After a while I was referred to a surgeon to help me figure out a plan. The appointment I had waited over 2 months for was disappointing. I felt that I had been dismissed and was treated somewhat poorly during the visit. She basically told me it was bowel related. She focused on the few but MANY symptoms that I had. I feel like I’m going crazy and felt like I was told that I was crazy. Also I’ve gotten checked multiple times for cysts in the past and it’s come back clean every time because I had extremely painful cramps. I do have IBS but it’s much more under control than in the past. This is nothing like anything I’ve experienced with IBS. Pretty much all these symptoms happen right before and during my period. I’m just hoping someone with endo had a similar experience I did, or if they have any advice or thoughts to share. I’m sorry this was so long I just don’t know what to do anymore or what to think.