Nervous about my post op follow up...what next?

[Starry]

Finally starting to turn the corner (I hope !) after my major rectovaginal excision surgery 2 months ago.

Things are playing on my mind as I go back to see my consultant on Tuesday.

What comes next....recurrence.... prophylaxis Vs the daily side effects of pills.

What do people ask in their follow ups?

[Stellauk]

At my follow up appointment, the consultant did another internal examination which surprised me. As I thought it would be just a chat. He talked about mini pills to prevent recurrence however, didn't seem to be too concerned about me taking it or not. Mine condition was severe so he said there were higher chance of recurrence. Then I was fully discharged 😊.

If I have any concern I could contact his PA and get an answer back. So far only need to ask once in 12 months. He said it persisted then maybe a MRI and consultation.

It took me around 12 months to feel back to normal again. There will be signs and symptoms that come and go. Make notes on them. If they are recurrent and persistent then I would contact the consultant.

All the best

[Starry in reply to Stellauk]

Thank you Stella X

I'm expecting an internal because of the extent vaginal repair that had to be done, we've got to get the all clear before any marital activities resume.

What did you do about the mini pill?

I've not wanted to deal with that and surgery at the same time because of the hormone disruption and low mood risk.

[Stellauk]

I didn't take any mini pills. From what I read if there were any endometriosis tissues left then there will be a recurrence. I think the pill just mask it. Given my old age of 40! I think maybe at worst to have another operation in 5 years then hopefully menopause will kick in.

There are up and down days but the overall trend is on the up. I found I quickly forgot the 90% improvement made but instead concentrate on the 10% problem. It is useful to remind myself on the improvements from time to time.

[Starry in reply to Stellauk]

Given my experience to date on hormones have to say I'm similarly minded at the ripe even older age of 42 X X X

I think it's very easy to develop health anxiety after going through such a big trauma and major surgery . I know I'm still finding it hard to get a sense of normality right now.

[Hidden]

Mine was very straightforward - the consultant asked me how I was doing and made sure that everything was basically functioning. We talked through HRT and what I need to do if I have any problems or the symptoms start to return and that was it. I didn't have an internal (and obviously I have had surgery to my vagina because they cut out my cervix and then removed everything that way) but he did ask if I was sexually active and if everything was OK in that department.