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I have polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS not Endo, but I share some of the pain. It caused me to miss so much school that I was at serious risk of being held back despite having high grades in high school. As an adult, I frequently use all my sick days just to cope. Last year my new gynocologist finally took me seriously and realized that I was not just over exaggerating. Since I had very high blood pressure on the combo pill, we decided to try the IUD instead … I had it placed 3 times! Each time, within a week or two, my body expelled the IUD on it’s own.
Anyway, we gave up on the IUD because it wasn’t working. Instead she put me on Slynd (drospirenone) a progestin only pill. For some people it stops menstruation completely, and I was lucky enough to be one. After 19 years of pain, I’ve finally had 9 months of feeling great! I don’t have those stabbing knife pains in the middle of the month when I would get cysts. I no longer get anemic from blood loss or have 7-13 day periods with cramps that feel like I’m in labor. I don’t have a period at all!
I know that I’ve read stories of women with Endo who say they’ve had success using birth control to stop their cycle which stops the Endo tissue from growing each month.
The slynd is prohibitively expensive if insurance doesn’t cover it. However, there’s another progestin only pill that is coming out next year in the US that will be over the counter and supposedly affordable. That med is called Opill (norgestrel).
Sorry for the wall of text. I just want you to know that I feel for you and you have my deepest sympathy. It sucks trying to get a diagnosis for reproductive pain, and please don’t ever let them wear you down. The pain is not normal and someone should be doing something for you about it! I hope your upcoming appointment goes well and you get some relief soon.
My trusty 16 year old sonicare toothbrush, a tongue scraper, and a water pik make it so I barely get fuzzy teeth unless I eat a bunch of sweets or crackers. I also swish with OralB gum detoxify mouthwash every once in a while, but I didn’t have much plaque even without using it.
The other oralb washes aren’t as great imo, but the gum detoxify has zinc and cetylpyridinium chloride in it which both inhibit bacteria. No alcohol in it either which is what causes most mouthwashes to burn. It does cause you to spit out a white film immediately after which I assume is dead bacteria. Never had any irritation with it and a doctor actually recommended it to me when I had strep throat which it helped.
Also Walmart carries a sonicare 1100 that is only around $20. I use that when I travel instead, and it’s just as good as my older more expensive electric toothbrush.