After op

[Debbiekh]

Hi, don’t know if any of you ladies can help me with this. I was diagnosed with endometriosis a few years ago and had a sub total hysterectomy but the past few months I have been having the same pains I had for years before before the hysterectomy . I’m convinced I have endometriosis again but not getting anywhere with the doctor. Does anyone know if this is possible after having a hysterectomy?

[luthien]

Yes, it can come back, endo isn't removed or cured by a hysterectomy.

Even with the ovaries removed, all mammals even males produce oestrogen, and this is what endo needs to grow, so it can regrow after a hysterectomy much the same way it'll regrow when on hormones. What's worse is if there's a large amount of endo it can produce it's own oestrogen so making it regrow faster.

Doctors especially general gynae seem to push for hormones or hysterectomy, have a child as a cure, there isn't one, all these methods could slow down growth of endo but eventually it'll regrow requiring laparoscopic excision. A GP or general gynae will just go off a check list of symptoms and endo is classed as reproductive so if you've had a hysterectomy, unless they have an interest in endo, they will just say "to deal with it" as you've had the reproductive bit removed. I know it's not nice, it's awful that we have to push them to listen to us when it's our body and we know something's not right.

Sorry I know it's not the news you want.

Best thing to do is look up the BSGE website for a clinic near you, then ask your GP to be referred there, they have some of the best endo specialists, and can treat your endo. It'll be an ongoing recurrent condition, but you can discuss with them what you can do to help the symptoms.

xx

[Debbiekh in reply to luthien]

Thank you for your reply it’s been very helpful.

[endo2]

I had a subtotal hysterectomy 7 years ago due to Endo and Adenomyosis. The last three years it has slowly come back. The last 6 months has been hell. I have to go in for more surgery in a couple of weeks time due to the return of Endo. Looks like the bowel is involved and also pouch of douglas. I have sciatic pain not sure if this is connected.

Go with your gut feeling. If you think its back see a specialist that deals with Endo. Most drs don't understand about the return of Endo. They think if you have had a hysterectomy that its cured. It's not !!! Don't give up keep looking for a specialist to listen to you.