Extremely embarrassing question..please don't laugh...k?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Mar 7, 2005

DON'T be embarrassed.........just get yourself to the doctor and have this checked out!!

It's not unheard-of for endometriosis to spread to areas not even closely related to the uterus, so I wouldn't be surprised if it were the source of your problem. However, as an RN I certainly can't diagnose you, especially not over the Internet; only your doctor can do that. Please, don't let your emotions get in the way of your seeking treatment---go see your PCP, today if possible. And let us know how things turn out.......we care. :)

1701valerie · Apr 19, 2005

I would second that opinion and have a physician check you out asap.

Ok...Hi folks,
This is absolutely the most embarrassing question I've ever asked in my life...but here it goes. As some of you may know..I have pretty severe endometriosis. Well....I haven't been on any meds for it recently because my hubby and I are trying to conceive. Anyways...the pain has been getting really bad again and I've also been having problems with constipation. It's not really like constipation...it's like the stool gets to a certain point..near my rectal area..(oh god..sorry..) and then I can't get it any further. I get severe pain when this happens and I've actually gotten to the point where I manually remove the stool...(oh gosh...even worse..sooo sorry guys). Anyways..when doing this gross process...I noticed that I have a hard lump or mass of tissue on the anterior wall of my rectum and that seems to be holding the poo up. It's extremely sore when I push on it. Anyways....my question is....do women usually have this "lump" in that area...? Is it the cervix or uterus that protrudes through a bit normally? I've had surgery twice for endo and both times I have had a lot removed from my posterior cul-de-sac...which is near the rectum..right? Anyways..I'm kind of freaking out but don't really want to bring it up to my doctor..because maybe that lump is supposed to be there and obviously..I wouldn't have noticed it...cause I don't make a habit out of giving myself digital exams. Anyways..all I can think of is ohhh no..hopefully it's not a big mass of endo sitting there or something. I'm only 27 years old and haven't had any children yet. Someone mentioned something about a prolapse of some sort..but I don't think that's the case. Does anyone know anything about this. I'm soooo sorry to be so gross....I am truly embarrassed right now...but thought I better ask someone about it..and you guys are the GI specialists :) Ok...thanks for your help...
as always,
Snoop :loveya:

Gompers, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2005

Another vote for seeing your doctor, the sooner the better. It's really the safest thing.

Are you seeing a high-risk OB/GYN as well? I understand you are trying to concieve, but remember that endometriosis continues during pregnancy, so just be sure to be working closely with a doctor. Sometimes you can't or shouldn't concieve when it's really bad, and need procedures to get rid of some of the tissue before conception and pregnancy is possible.

Take care, and see a doctor soon so everything can be taken care of before it gets worse. THEN you can work on making that baby! :)

SarasotaRN2b · Apr 19, 2005

As above, I definitely suggest that you see a doctor. It may be just a benign polyp, but it needs to be checked out.

Kris

CrohnieToo · Jul 1, 2005

I totally understand your embarassment and reluctance to discuss your "probing" and resulting question. However, I want you to know you are NOT the only who has had to resort to "probing" to get the fecal matter out and flowing. I have Crohn's disease but am one of the minority of crohnies prone to constipation rather than diarrhea. I have had to sit in a tub of hot water and "probe" and "dig" to get the feces moving as well. If you happen to run into your gastro or gyn at the hospital on occasion, type up what you've just told us, and hand it to him/her when you run into him/her. You don't want to FAX it or mail it to him and risk the "desk dragons" reading it, yet this helps you avoid the distress of bringing the issue up in person. Your doctor can then bring it up and discuss it with you and it will be a whole lot easier for you to address the situation with him/her this way. Good luck and God bless.