Diagnosis after 7 years

[FrankieLexi1]

I have just turned 21 and have suffered with excruciating abdominal pain since I was 14 years old.

I went along to my GP with my mum and told her my symptoms (abdominal pain and I had not long official started my period) At first I was told by my GP I had IBS. Every week I would be back with agonising water infections. I would get tablets for those which would cause bad Thrush therefore I’d be back for more meds’ to cure this. This was a weekly event but my GP didn’t do any tests.

Over the years, the pain got worse preventing to be to part take in daily activities include sports at school and affected friendships as I couldn’t go out due to the pain and constant bleeding but I couldn’t say this to my friends as they wouldn’t understand.

When I was 17 the pain got worse one evening and was rushed into hospital and a day later had my appendix removed via laparoscopy. They found no problems with my appendix and sent me on my way with no further tests stating it was in my head.

Fast forward to 2018/2019- May 2018 I had an episode whilst at work of passing out due to the pain. I was taken to the out of hours doctor who advised for me to see my GP the following day to get referred to gynae. I managed to get an appointment with my consultant who said could not be endometriosis as my laparoscopy from 2016 came back clear 2 years prior(?). He told me to take the pill for 6 month continuously and return back to see him 6 month later making a diary of everytime I have pain and what kind of pain etc.

Therefore I returned this January where I handed my diary over and my consultant told me I needed to have internal ultrasound, pelvic MRI and laparoscopy to have a look. Again I was told no Endo but they will look.

Turns out my ultrasound and MRI did show unusual adhesions therefore needed investigated via lap.

Well this week, 7 years on from my first GP appointment, my consultant carried out a Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy and discovered I had endometriosis by my bladder, bowel and Pouch of Douglas. He advised it was like a gun shot had been fired as there were so many areas covered with a blast like adhesion. A 20 minute surgery turned into 2 hours so he could burn this off.

I know it’s long but wanted to write this to say don’t give up. If you are suffering without a diagnosis currently and people are saying it’s all in your head and there isn’t a problem- don’t listen. If it wasn’t for my mum I’d of give up long ago.

You know your body more than anyone else so if there’s something just not right then don’t give up until they listen! I did it and it may of took 7 years too long however I now have a diagnosis and can start to learn to live with this.

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Hi FrankieLexi,

Hope you are feeling better after your lap and glad you finally got diagnosed and had the surgery.

Looks like we are all on the same boat. I had my period when I was 14 but only got diagnosed and was heard after 15 years, I'm 29 now.

And yep! We should never give up and always listen to the messages our bodies sending to us.

Speedy recovery hun. 🤞💖