so endo never goes away, right?

[Doggiedogmom1973]

Anyone had a 'skilled' surgeon remove all their endo via laparoscopy, and can share from their experience, how long it took for their endometriosis pain symptoms to return and how long your surgery dulled your symptoms for?? I've learnt to believe endometriosis can always grow back, after its been removed. Also would like to know what you think has made it grow back for you. Or was it a fairly tale ending for you after your laparoscopic surgery, and you've lived happily ever after and a complete cure from endo for years without having to control its pain symptoms in any way.....

[hermr123]

I have had it lasered off 3 times in 7 years for me it’s a short realise and eases the symptoms for a short while after the surgery but it grows back every time. My last op I went threw a year of been put in a artificial menopause and then had the laparoscopy to laser away the endo and it was completely clear of any endo but after 6 months it’s started growing back I dnt know if it work different on others and I think it depends on how fast it grows in your body and if the treatment they put you in after stops it growing back iv been unfortunate and none of the treatments have worked for me but I dnt know about others

[luthien in reply to hermr123]

Laser (including diathermy) isn't the most effective method of removal, it is common for most surgeons to carry out this as it's the easiest, quickest recovery, alongside ablation (sanding). These only remove the top layer of endo, leaving the rest below and although they do provide symptomatic relief it's shown that endo taken off this way regrowth happens sooner.

The most effective is ablation where all the endo patch is removed and a bit of healthy tissue. This is usually only carried out by skilled specialists or endo clinics, sometimes you have to ask. It is shown to be the most effective at reducing symptoms and has a lower regrowth rate.

Don't get me wrong any lap to remove endo is better than nothing as something has been done otherwise endo when in large enough amounts can just grow even with hormone treatment. It doesn't go away but with care and management we can reduce the symptoms and have a normal-ish live. We can be in control!!

I've had excision of endo with my private endo specialist, and I'm only 8 months post lap so I can't really answer your question! Plus everyone is different so no two cases will be the same. However my specialist has said from the women he's treated he doesn't tend to see them back for another lap within 5 years. He said realistically with excision it's really only about a 70 to 80% reduction in symptoms (laser and ablation are about 50%). My symptoms have settled down around my periods which requires a bit of flexible working for half a day a month. I only have symptoms about 5 days a month, now it's like a horrible period, but manageable with painkillers and tlc. I'm looking into acupuncture and massage as I don't like painkillers. I'm not going on any hormone treatment as I've done all that and hated it, so it's just natural see what happens. I'd like a life of no chemicals if possible. I know there may be more laps in the future but I hope that I can enjoy life inbetween If you want to know more about my experience and see if something from what I've been through can help have a read of my post: "All this effort does pay off - my story - hope it helps !" I think you can search for it on here.

Sorry it's a long post xx

[Doggiedogmom1973 in reply to luthien]

Hey awesome, I'm so glad you messaged, Yes, I totally get your info about 'cutting' and not 'burning' off the endo. Yes, I've had my endo 'cut' out + a jaydess inserted a few months ago too, in a lap, by a really good surgeon. I'll look at your previous posts, thanks soo much for your reply, appreciate that. I should ask my surgeon how long his other patients go between operations. Thanks!

[luthien in reply to Doggiedogmom1973]

No problem. Definitely ask, you want to know how his procedures have helped others, how many women he sees, when he sees them back again, it also shows their experience. if he says he never sees them back then be cautious; endo doesn't magically go away, if it's a really good specialist we'll keep in touch about any possible return of endo and discuss what next, if he never sees a repeat they may have gone somewhere else or not been practicing that long (which is fine by the way).

[Doggiedogmom1973 in reply to hermr123]

Thanks for this, yes I hate how it grows back. I'll have to keep continuing my list of 'managing endo' ideas, to prevent anymore future major flare ups....boo hoo, i want some mirical...

[luthien in reply to Doggiedogmom1973]

Life has its challenges, just think of this as one of them!

Don't let it change you, it's just part of you, you can and will cope in whatever way you can, stay strong I've found meditation, and relaxation so effective, I know it sounds all "up there stuff" but stress is a main cause of endo symptoms, so try to make each day as calm as possible, enjoy each day, every little symptom free moment. It's as much a mental battle as a physical one so take time to heal mentally. Plan around your endo symptoms, once you get to know what's normal for you, you'll get your life back.

Just think "This is me, yes I have endo, I am in control of my life and I will enjoy it" xx

[Catness]

I’m about to have my 6th lap and all but one of my laps I have had all my endo cut out (excision)... so... if someone does have the answer I really want to know! Diet and lifestyle massively helps to control symptoms though xx

[Doggiedogmom1973 in reply to Catness]

thanks for your reply.