So for, gee, 9 months now? I've had pain every single day. Like menstrual cramping 20-fold. My actual bits hurt, my ovaries, sometimes even all the way up to my rib cage. I'm currently going through a bunch of doctor visits for it to try to figure out what's going on, but in the meantime... I don't know how to help this pain!

They're suspecting endometriosis because of the general locations of my pain, what causes it, etc. (which I won't go into huge detail about since it isn't really important to my question.) I've already told them I don't want pain medication because I really don't want to have to rely on it and get an addiction (addiction runs in my family; not willing to take risks unless it becomes absolutely necessary.) At home, I have tried ibuprofen, aspirin, percocets, massage, hot showers, epsom salt, cannabis (hemp) oil (apothecanna brand) a TENS unit, doing absolutely nothing but lay/sit around, doing a bunch of different things (like vigorous housework) and nothing is helping. My quality of life is fading quick and I don't know what to do anymore. Also, yes, I am on birth control and it does not help. (The pain actually started while I was on Depo Provera... Quit it assuming it was due to the bc shot, but still having issues on the pill.)

So, ladies of Subeta, especially those who have/suspected to have endometriosis, what helps you with your abdominal/bit pain? Any tips? :(

I possibly have endometriosis (not officially diagnosed because it can only be done though an invasive biopsy, but it runs in my family and I have the same symptoms. pain is pain so I never did a work up idk my body is a lemon anyway). Birth control helped TREMENDOUSLY. Perhaps try a different type? There are all different kinds of birth controls with different levels of hormones in them. Another thing that worked was a heating pad. Hot showers didn't help. It was specifically a heating pad on my abdomen/ovary area. It works best if you use it IMMEDIATELY at the first twinge of pain. Lie down quietly on the heating pad until you are out of the 'danger zone'. Worked for me.

Hope your pain goes away soon. :(

Have you seen a doctor yet about this? None of us are certified, well maybe we are but we cannot help through the computer! You need to seek medical help, it could be life threatening. It could be PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)?

http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-topic-overview

I think you need a laparoscopy to determine whether its endo or not. Its the only way to really see whats going on.

As a short term measure, try heat packs on sore areas.

I have endometriosis and a nexplanon implant.

So, it was a little weird--my situation was strange because for other reasons, it's hard for me to get out and about (I have severe fatigue in addition to other chronic pain issues that make me basically housebound/I have to use a cane if I'm going to walk anywhere).

When I first got the implant, it made my periods worse, which until then I hadn't realized was possible. I ended up on the floor crawling towards the heaviest painkillers I had on hand at the time and it still didn't help. That was true for maybe nine months, although it made my periods less frequent, so I just grit my teeth because I couldn't get in to see my doctor and change it.

Then, about a year afterwards, it changed dramatically. I only have periods every 3 months or so now, and they're about half as bad as they usually are with no other treatment, which is obviously a huge improvement. It may be that you have the wrong kind of HBC, but it also might be that your HBC will settle after a while and your uterus will chill the flip out.

The other thing, though, is when I was put on a muscle relaxer for my back/leg, I discovered by accident that it cut down my cramps to almost nothing. Have you tried a muscle relaxer yet? Since the cramps are caused by contraction of the smooth uterine muscle, relaxing them can help a lot.

Either way, if you haven't seen an OBGYN, you should--and if you don't like your OBGYN, you are absolutely within your rights to ask for a second opinion or try seeing someone else until you find someone you click with.

It looks like you've tried everything I would have suggested. How about something more new-agey? Like seeing a hypnotherapist that specializes in pain control or trying acupuncture? And there are quite a few natural herbs that could work. Valerian Root is good for muscle cramps and spasms, so maybe that would work, since from what I understand, endometriosis causes cramps. Willow Bark is another good one - it can be taken in pill form or made into tea - it's been used for centuries for pain.

Another idea might be to see if there is an exercise class that's done in a pool near you. Working out will release endorphins, and doing so in the water is much easier if you're already in pain. I know it would be hard to make yourself do something like that, but it's a thought and it could possibly help.

You also say you've tried heat, but have you tried it in conjunction with aromatherapy? Pain can be made worse by the stress it causes - it can cause us to clench up and make it worse. Adding some lavender oil can calm you so that the heat has time to work.

Not sure if any of that is helpful to you. Let me know if you'd like me to try some more research and I'll see what else I can find out for you.