New to the endo club...

[Holip]

Hi all.

In October following a laposcopy I discovered I had endometriosis. My symptoms began with a dull ache in the crease of my groin, which developed to a constant intense ache *drove me crazy*. Prior to my operation I had an ultrasound which discovered a 4cm septated cyst on my right ovary. The hospital put my on the waiting list to have this removed and scheduled another scan to see if it naturally disappeared itself, the result of which would negate the need for surgery. The second scan miraculously showed the cyst had disappeared, much to my elation! However the aching pain had become more chronic and they advised exploratory surgery to investigate would be sensible; this is when the endometrosis was discovered and patches removed.

Immediately post surgery the plaguing ache had disappeared *honestly felt a new lease a life!!!*

4 months down the line I sporadically feel pangs of aches in the same spot, albeit not as severe and agonising as before. These aches tend to be more frequent and lasting when I am on my mensual cycle, is this normal? Also, will it reside over time?

Once endometris is removed how likely is it to return? Does it decrease fertility? Most importantly is there anything that can be done to keep the condition at bay?

I don't know too much about the condition and find self diagnosis/prognosis on the Internet terrifying and would much prefer advise and clarification from people who have experienced the condition themselves in this forum

Thanks in advance for your precious insight.

[CharlieSays]

Hi, firstly, I'd have to say you seem to have been lucky in that your consultants haven't messed you about and have diagnosed you fairly quickly - it makes a change! Do you know what was done during your lap? If every single patch of endo was not cut away (rather than lasered), then unfortunately it will grow back. You really should have a follow-up consultation to come up with a plan for minimising growth - this is usually some sort of hormonal treatment, such as Mirena coil, back-to-back birth control pills, injections - the method decided on is often trial and error and will depend on whether you are planning to conceive in the near future. Endo can affect fertillity, but plenty of ladies on here also seem to have babies without any difficulty. There is also an Endo Diet, which aims to control the amount of oestrogen you take in, as this feeds endo. What you really need to do is ask to be referred to a gynae who is experienced in dealing with endo, discuss what has been done so far and then agree on a long term plan for limiting the growth of your endo.

[CharlieSays]

Hi, firstly, I'd have to say you seem to have been lucky in that your consultants haven't messed you about and have diagnosed you fairly quickly - it makes a change! Do you know what was done during your lap? If every single patch of endo was not cut away (rather than lasered), then unfortunately it will grow back. You really should have a follow-up consultation to come up with a plan for minimising growth - this is usually some sort of hormonal treatment, such as Mirena coil, back-to-back birth control pills, injections - the method decided on is often trial and error and will depend on whether you are planning to conceive in the near future. Endo can affect fertillity, but plenty of ladies on here also seem to have babies without any difficulty. There is also an Endo Diet, which aims to control the amount of oestrogen you take in, as this feeds endo. What you really need to do is ask to be referred to a gynae who is experienced in dealing with endo, discuss what has been done so far and then agree on a long term plan for limiting the growth of your endo.