Hi Everyone,
I don't usually post on forums like this, but I thought it was important to share my positive experience of radical surgery because I have read so many post from ladies who are completely torn as to what to do.
I was only formally diagnosed with endometriosis in October last year after having pain and heavy bleeding since I was 13 years old. I am now 45! I also developed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 3 years ago and recently found out that the two conditions are linked!
My local hospital had messed me about quite a bit, having done a hysteroscopy D&C and insertion of Mirena in Jan 17, (they didn't think a lap was necessary!). I had multiple admissions to A&E with severe pain following that and scans showed an endometrioma. When my diagnostic lap was done in October, I was told I had endometriosis 'everywhere' with bowel involvement and that any further surgery would have to be done at the nearest Endometriosis Centre. Luckily, ours is only 11 miles away.
I was seen in Jan this year, had my MRI scan and saw the Endo specialist Surgeon last Monday. Thankfully, the endometriosis hadn't infiltrated my bowel, but the bowel was 'tethered' to the back of my uterus. He recommended a 'pelvic clearance' - uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix all to be removed plus a bowel specialist to be present to untether my bowel at the same time. I was told I had a 3-4month wait but I actually got a cancellation that same week!
So, last Thursday I had a Total Laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy and removal of endometriosis.
I am very happy to report that I am feeling really good. It was so strange, but straight away, I could tell that the disease was 'out' of me. I have post op discomfort but it's totally manageable ad nothing like the pain I was in before.
I was discharged after 3 days and all my visitors can't believe how well I look. As for the fatigue, well that too feels better already. I am tired of course- it was major surgery- but not the bone aching fatigue that has ruled my life for the last 3 years!
It is early days and I will have to take things easy but I feel so glad that I've done it! I was spurred on by a brilliant post on here, written by Pinkpig from 5 years ago, who had a really positive experience, so I felt I had to post this too, in the hope that it helps someone else like it did me. I firmly believe that going to an endometriosis centre with a BSGE surgeon is the reason I am feeling so well.