New symptoms

[Caroline2012]

Hello all, I have only just been told about this site and it could not of come at a better time. Firstly I would like to apologise for the details in this post but it would not make sense without them. I have had endometriosis for as long as I can remember. I had surgery in 2007 and ended up having part of my bowel removed. Since then bowel movements have never been easy but I thought it was just all part of the side effects. Last week I had a sickness bug followed by an upset tummy, this is when I discovered that even when runny I can’t pass stools without straining. I am now conserned the endo is still there. I have had a coil fitted and this has kept my symptoms under control for the past 5 yrs although I still have a monthly bleed it is nothing like I was getting before, is the coil masking my symptoms and would I know if the endo is bad while having the coil controling the bleed and their for the pain?

I have made an appointment to see my gp but I did not consider it an emergency there for it is not for another 6 weeks. I was just wondering if anyone has experienced side affects after a resection or have any thoughts on this.

Caroline

[GrittyReads]

Hi Carline,

I hope someone will reply to you, who has far more experience and knowledge in your specific areas of concern than I do.

However, I would try to get an earlier appt. with your GP. This is not because I think it is urgent, but in my experience of Endo is that it takes ages to get anything done, so you might as well get things moving as soon as possible.

It may be that the endo is back, and/or it may be that they didn't get it all in the first place: that is very, very common. Either way, with a history of endo on the bowel I think you would be seen quickly. You might also ask your GP about being referred to a BSGE clinic. These are specialist Endo clinics - within the NHS - that are better equipped to find, identify and remove the different and hard-to-find types of Endo: they are also specifically equipped to deal with Endo on the bowel and have bowel and urinary people on hand. The average Gynae does not necessarily know all this.

I would also check about the coil, as - depending on what type it is (hopefully the Mirena, as that is progesterone only) - I believe they should be changed every 5 years. It could be that its effects are wearing off, as the progesterone is used up, and you just need a new one. Mine was brilliant for me - got me through the menopause painlessly, when I had been told to stop the pill - but my endo was relatively mild compared to many, and was not on my bowel etc.

Also, check out the website of 'Endo UK' who host this site - see link at top of the page. There is some useful info there as well as contact details to talk to their trained advisors. They will hopefully have all the advice and help you need.

I hope this helps, take care,

Gritty

[Holleymuzz in reply to GrittyReads]

In 2016 I had ‘mild’ endo lasered off my bowel, bladder and pod. For the last 7 months I cannot pass a stool no matter how runny or lose without the use of a suppository. I was told that although they state on the box for occasional constipation it’s not harmful to use everyday and have seen some post where women have been using 4 a day for 20+ years. They are better then having to strain or becoming backlogged. Hope it helps x