I don't usually post on these boards, but I am so discouraged I'm not sure what else to do. I'm in the process of finding a new OB/GYN, but for now I thought I would try this.
I have had severe, painful cramps my entire life. I'm 23 now, and I just found out maybe two months ago that I have uterine fibroids and those are the cause of my painful cramps. It's nice to have an answer, but I don't know where to go from here.
I miss a day of work every month (I have a full-time job) and I am student teaching in February. It's unprofessional to miss so much work, but for 12 hours a month I cannot function with painful cramping and diarrhea all day. I don't want to miss days of student teaching (we're allowed to be sick/gone twice), but I can't be at school with my cramps!
So why not birth control, you ask? I have a blood clotting disorder (Factor II Mutation) that raises my risk of developing blood clots significantly. I cannot take any kind of birth control to help the cramps with estrogen. I tried the mini-pill (progestin only) and gain 15 lbs within a month and half (NONE of my clothes fit me after that) and I had constant headaches and was exhausted all day. It really affected me physically and emotionally (being 15 lbs heavier so quickly) that I stopped taking it. To boot, it did nothing for cramps but made my husband happy lol.
I am wondering if anyone has experienced this before and if anyone has suggestions. I'm worried I won't be viewed as a professional having to take so many days off.