Being referred

[Maya23]

Hi, I'm new here. I'm 45 and I've never been referred to a Gynaecologist despite my symptoms, but now at last I'm being referred. I'm feeling really upset and confused. Yesterday was my 3rd appointment to try to fit the mirena coil, hoping it would be 3rd time lucky, but no. My cervix is too scarred and at an awkward angle to get through. So being referred for a uteruscopy (?) and hoping the camera will find a way in to fit the coil.

When I described the type of pain I get (particularly around my bowel) and the heavy bleeding, this time the doctor said 'it sounds to me like endometriosis". I've been advised to explain my symptoms to the gynaecologist for a diagnosis, which I understand can be diagnosed on symptoms alone? Is this true or would I need further tests? I also get pain mid-cycle, sometimes extreme with occasional spotting, and I've had an ovarian cyst (now gone). Any advice welcome.

[Gurtie]

I am 39 I have endometrium just been diagnosed with ultrasound also have cysts and pain I don't think marina is safe I know women who had bad experiences If u need contraception the implanon is safer I would never have one put in me I think there is some connection between fibro and endo

[Maya23 in reply to Gurtie]

That’s interesting there’s a link between Fibromyalgia and endo? Both involve pain. I’ll look into that.

[Maya23 in reply to Gurtie]

Just googled it and found that there is a link. I have Fibromyalgia already (and Lupus), so having endometriosis too would not be surprising then..

I’m really hoping the merina coil will work for me as I can’t do the hormone implants because I have a small brain tumour that has hormone receptors on it. It’s being monitored regularly but I don’t want to do anything that might make it grow quicker. The merina has a very low hormone content and so is safer for me.

[Gurtie in reply to Maya23]

Yes hormone contraception can have side effects so not every treatment is suitable for everyone I have fibro and endo and over the last 3days I have swapped my bread and rice to the gluten free variety and have noticed a positive change in my energy and pain

[Fabbird]

Hi, Endometriosis is usually diagnosed by laparoscopy. There are other tests they can run but none can rule it out because endo doesn’t easily show up on ultrasound or MRI. I suggest you have a read of the webpages on the Endometriosis UK site linked to this forum.

The Mirena coil is a widely recommended first treatment for endo so it’s worth a try. Not all women can tolerate it, but it comes out much easier than it goes in. I had my first one put in during a hysteroscopy- perhaps that’s what they are suggesting?

The Mirena worked for me. But if you look at old posts here you will find very mixed reports. Seems it’s either great or terrible and the only way to find out is to try it.

[Maya23 in reply to Fabbird]

Thank you. I’m hoping it will work for me!! Fingers crossed! My appointment is in 10 days, for hysterectomy (yes that’s the right word!) with a view to fitting it. Will look at the links you suggested. Thanks x