My first laparoscopy results

[Rachel27]

Hi all,

I posted last week and thought I would update you on today's laparoscopy. This was my first lap after being fobbed off with pills from the doctors for 15 years. I first went to the doctors when I was 12 and I am now 27.

Basically they found stage 4 endo on my pelvis, ovaries, bowel and diaphragm. They said it was so bad that they couldn't operate on it today.

They also said the endo is 'fluid' rather than sticky so I need to have hormonal therapy before it can be fixed. Has anyone had an experiences of this?

I'm happy to finally have a diagnosis but so upset that after so long I am no closer to having a break from the pain. I was also told that my only hope of having a child would be IVF but that even this would be a struggle as at the moment an embryo wouldn't attach.

If anyone has any advice/ wise words I would really appreciate them right now!

On a positive note I recovered really well from the anaesthetic and I am now home.

Rach xxx

[Tiff9731]

Hi,

Glad you are well and finally have the information you needed. I'm so sorry to hear that you are still in pain and may struggle with getting pregnant. It's great to see some positivity on your post! I hope treatment goes well for you.

I'm due my first laparoscopy now in February, after being fobbed off for 8 years (almost 9). Stay strong, be happy and listen to your body is my best advice.

Hope all is well, and you get better x

[MMich15]

Hi Rachel, your story sounds almost identical to mine, I was finally diagnosed in 2013 after years and years of GP appointments saying my symptoms were normal. Unsurprisingly after years of being ignored the endometriosis thrived to the point of such severity they couldn't touch it. It was disheartening, and a little bit heartbreaking, to go through all those appointments and surgery only to have the endometriosis and pain stay intact.

One question, was the hospital a BSGE credited one? Obviously yours is a severe case, so it may be even an endo specialist clinic could not effectively remove the endometriosis, but there are NHS clinics that treat only extreme endo/stage 4 sufferers and I would go to them next time you need an expert opinion.

IVF would be an option to help you get pregnant but I would take everything the doctors say with a pinch of salt, try not to feel defeated. You'll read a lot that doctors tell endo sufferers they "have" to get a hysterectomy and their ovaries removed, with no consideration for the health implications such a drastic surgery would have, especially when there is no concrete proof those measures get rid of or even alleviate endo pain. Therefore I wouldn't panic until you've tried and are having difficulty. One specialist told me if I had trouble getting pregnant (I'm not trying by the way so can't tell you if this would help) then they would advise another laparoscopy to try and "clear up" the endo situation, basically get the whole womb in a more healthier condition so pregnancy would be more possible.

Stay strong! X

[Judan]

Big hugs xxxx

At least now you know what's wrong and look to get it treated.

I agree with the other ladies, make sure you're treated by a BSGE specialist .

Take your time to recover, don't do too much and have peppermint tea and walk around to get rid of the gas. Xxx