I believe it's been a year since I made my original post asking questions. I finally caved and started the birth control patch approximately 5 weeks ago and pain is to a minimal. Not gone but so far not excruciating. The worst is the side effect of breast tenderness from the patch and gyno assures me it should dissipate and that it seems to be the most commonly reported side effect. My bloating I assumed was mostly due to my diet has pretty much disappeared, even when I drink drinks that have lactose in them (lactose intolerant), I'm not feeling like I'm on death's door which is amazing. It has been many years since I've not been so uncomfortable. Kicking myself in the ass that I didn't try to deal with this sooner.
I'm still going to go through with laparoscopic surgery on October the 4th just to confirm or deny endo even though the patch is working for me. I like answers but, I feel like I'm going to be disappointed either way. On one hand I'll feel really stupid if I don't have it and it's just some other simple gynaecological issue, or on the other hand I'll have to deal with the fact that this is now my reality. I'm scared but excited.
If anyone who reads this went through their journey and ended up having laparoscopy done and the result was no endo, how did you feel after, or handle the news?