advice

[Rem5]

hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has requested a diagnostic lap which has been accepted ? I am seeing a specialist Monday and am fed up of waiting around for answers !!

[luthien]

Yes, but it does take a bit of pushing, once I saw my specialist he was immediately keen on it.

Just think about what you'd like sorting and why; how will a lap help you? will it just be to see whats happening and then leave it? further ops? do you want biopsies? any treatment done at the same time? would you be happy with no lap and hormones? or lap and then hormones? or lap, no hormones / hormones and further lap for removal of endo? you can ask for any endo to be removed / biopsies taken as the first lap if the specialist is happy to do it. I know it's questions, and it sounds obvious but the specialist will want to make sure you know why you want the lap.

I managed to get my diagnostic lap, with removal of anything they find (they found endo) and hysteroscopy and biopsies. My specialist wanted to be thorough and help with the symptoms as soon as possible.

hope this helps xx

[Rem5 in reply to luthien]

Thank you that helps loads ! I would like it for a accurate diagnosis and also to remove anything they find ! I am sick to death of being pushed around and not taken seriously so I want to know for sure what is the matter and whats causing this horrendous pain! :'). I feel like this is the most appropriate next step for me I just hope they agree as people don't seem to be taking me seriously!xx

[luthien in reply to Rem5]

make notes of all your symptoms on like a page a month, including pain, periods, heaviness, if you have cycles, when you think ovulation is, medication, any other symptoms.

be forward and mention exactly as you've said and see if they're comfortable doing the diagnostic and removal of endo / cysts etc, and biopsies all in one.

If they're not keen on doing certain things, always ask why, even if they push for hormones ask why, and how they think it would change things. ask how many women they've done a diagnostic on and how many needed a removal of endo vs how many are just on hormones. That'll help you judge them; a good specialist should always want to find out what the issue is first.

Be prepared for stuff like; hormones will reduce endo - they won't they can stop it, but it can sometimes still grow but on occasion slower (for some women that's okay), pregnancy will help - it won't, sometimes it can become worse and adhesions can make it more painful plus if you're ill now what happens after, hysterectomy will help - it won't, we all produce oestrogen even males and that helps endo grow.

Let us know how it goes xx

[Rem5 in reply to luthien]

lovely thank you ! i have been keeping a diary of symptoms to take in so hopefully that will help ! Thank you for all your help !xx