OMG what an idiotic doctor! You can't test for h pylori after being on antibiotics or antacids. There is a stool test that can be done for it, I had it done some months ago as well, so you don't need to go through an endoscopy. A GP had me take a blood test for it saying it was accurate but the gastro said it wasn't and had me do the stool test instead. Endometriosis is a horrible thing to go through, and hopefully your birth control is helping with it but maybe you need to switch to a different one. I know I have a small rectocele or something going on from years of straining to go, so I use my fingers for support to prevent it from growing.

Oh, GG, so sorry to hear you're having a rough weekend, but like others have already said, you're not alone, please don't feel you are. I'm going through a similar cycle as you, felt really good yesterday, in a lot of pain and depressed again today...I also feel jealous of friends who are going about living their lives, when I'm stuck in this zombie state, can't even bring myself to tell people what's really wrong with me, such is the stigma of an AF.

Nevertheless, you are young and fit, with an enquiring mind and I'm pretty sure by seeking out a variety of professionals as you are doing, you will get to the bottom of your problems and get back that life again one day.

It's difficult I know, especially on these sorts of days, but try to hang in there and stay positive.

Sending you hugs,
Mr F

Thanks patience and healing. I will ask my gp for those tests!

I'm pretty sure I have some sort of prolapse...the perineum slopes sharply downwards towards the anus and feels like rock hard. I have to strain no matter what when I have a bm and end up using an enema to finish going because it just won't come out. And yuck but a few times I've had to use a gloved finger and there is a definite pocket where stuff gets trapped.

I'm really scared of prolapse because I want to go back to weightlifting and running...I don't want to be limited forever in what exercises I can do, and have this trouble having a bm for my whole life. I've tried the splinting and it doesn't seem to work too well for me. I'm really scared too that even if I have surgery to correct it, I won't be able to lift weights like I used to and my job and passion will be gone. It really really makes me nervous

Thanks for your words Mr F, I really hope you feel better soon. I think a lot of my feeling down is coming from pain and fear of what I talked about above. I can't wait to go to physio just to find out what's happening but also I'm scared to hear the answer. Very stressful

I hope the prolapse (if you have one) can be corrected and stopped in its tracks. I have given up several passions over the years because of physical limitations but there are always new things out there​ to focus on. I really hope you will be able to get back to weightlifting though.

I feel for you, GG, and to a certain extent know where you're coming from.

I was a professional sprinter in my twenties and even now in my 40's still liked to keep myself in good shape, training every day (strangely enough my CRS said that made me a prime candidate for an AF!?).. Since my AF though, I've barely managed a handful of sessions, and none since the turn of the year. I've put on over 1 and a half stone and am in the worst shape of my life (physically and mentally).

As p and h says, hopefully if you have prolapsed it can be halted and you can return to your former active self. I keep saying it, but unlike me, you do still have age and fitness on your side.

GG any luck with Physio...? I have been doing alot of the breathing and relaxing exercises while I was away-- so tense in the car ride. 3 hours.. but the breathing helped. Any news ?! Also there is an online acessa labs that you can order the H pylori test not sure if it's available where you are. You don't need a doctors script they provide through the lab. Just FYI

Hi GG how did the appointment go. Hope you have had some positive information Hun x

Thanks patience_and_healing. I'm hoping that's the case. And Mr F, it's just as hard mentally as it is physically to change lifestyles like this. My brain is wired for me to be active and it just isn't happy the way things are.

Thanks for the tip mamafizz - is rather get a doctor to refer me for the test because then I don't have to pay for it! Have a follow up in June with my gp, hope I can wait until then

So physio went well, but I'm disappointed in what we found. She thinks that this all may have started with me straining or even detatching fascia in the perineum. It's dropped - like I thought, I have perineal descent. Did some reading and it can cause rectal pain (especially when standing), obstructed defecation, and fissures...go figure.

So it's good to know what's going on but I'm disappointed it is a sort of prolapse. We're going to try strengthening exercises to see if they add any improvement, but if things have really detached from their proper spot it will likely take surgery to fix ugh.

I'm going to make sure the physio, my surgeon, and any future surgeons are aware that my life is athletic and I need to get back to the point where I can at least do most of the things I used to. If that means sending me to a sports medicine doctor or physiologist for rehab, then so be it.

I figure some powerlifters and other athletes must get similar issues putting so much strain on their bodies, and somebody treats them. My career is also fitness based, I hope they take that into consideration.

Anyways, thanks for checking in guys. It's been a bit of a depressing few days, finding it hard to stay positive, but your support helps

Hi GG,

I know exactly what you mean about being wired to be active. The sedentary lifestyle I've been forced to lead this last year is slowly driving me crazy, affecting my sleep and negatively impacting how I've dealt with many situations in my life this last 14 months. Its as big a struggle for me as the management of the pain from the fissure itself. I'd go and see a Psychiatrist, but I'm not sure I'd be able to sit on their couch lol!

As regards your Physio appointment, I'd take it as a positive that at least you now seem to know what the problem and likely cause of all your issues has been, as now you can decide how to tackle it. I agree its not great that it may require surgery to rectify, but I'm sure you'll check with a variety of specialists and explore all avenues before commencing down that path. The strengthening exercises are as good a place as any to start...are there any professional female sports clubs in your area that you might be able to approach? Perhaps a physio there may have come across problems of this sort before, and be more able to help return someone to an 'active' rather merely functioning lifestyle..?

All the very best
Mr F

Well I'm glad I'm not alone but sorry you're having similar struggles Mr. F. Any improvements pain wise lately or still slow going? Some psychiatrists will talk over the phone or skype - maybe you could work something out like that. I'm definitely in need of one, I'm a mental/emotional wreck lol.

And that's a great idea. I know my university has a sports medicine centre, i could probably get a referral there. I'm sure I'm not the only person to have this sort of thing who wants to get back to heavy exercise...at least I hope I'm not lol