Endometrioma diagnosis and questions I should ask

[sophie_21]

Hi,

I new to this and only just had it confirmed the other day so just thought I would ask for a bit of advice.

I am 21 and in my final year at University and the other day it was confirmed I have an endometrioma that is 8cm on my left ovary and suspected endometriosis on the right ovary. I've had extremely heavy periods since I was younger however they became increasingly worse in August last summer so my Doctor at uni referred me for an ultrasound in November where they had found a suspect endometrioma of 3cm, however, I only found this out yesterday after the gynecologist requested a more recent ultrasound. Anyway, the gynecologist has put me on the waiting list for surgery. He has already explained that when I have the surgery there is the possibility that they will have to remove my left ovary, which I've got to say was quite a surprise. I was just wondering if there were any questions I should ask? or if anyone has had an endometrioma removed, how the recovery period was and when were you properly back on your feet?

Also, I was wondering if there was any for the pain that worked for anyone that I could try in the meantime as I'm not sleeping through the nights and want to make sure I can still do as well in my final exams. I've tried Naproxen and Zaprin however it makes me constipated which makes the pain even worse so I've decided just to grin and bear it without, so I'm just constantly having paracetamol and co-codamol and using a hot water bottle.

Appreciate any advice anyone has!

Thank you x

[T0rr1dredcharger]

I just had an endometrioma removed in 2/19. My cyst was discovered in 2015. Because it was chronic and had little change since diagnosis (4cm), my Dr. Decided it was time to remove it from my left ovary. Unfortunately, because the edometrosis was so severe and close to my bowel (stage 4) she couldn't save my ovary. And, she removed some endometriosis from my right ovary as well. The recovery is 1-2 weeks. Dr will give you pain medication for at least 5 days. And you take it every 4-6 hours. I think you will be well enough for your finals, but you might be sleepy. Don't push yourself too much. Your case sounds more severe than mine, so some things might be different. Just be frank with your Dr. They should be able to address your questions and concerns. Oh and ask about future treatment (s).

[sophie_21 in reply to T0rr1dredcharger]

Thank you for giving me a heads up on the pain management and advice. I'm sorry to hear they couldn't save your ovary. Hopefully you are feeling better now they've removed

[Custard32]

I had an Endometrioma removed just over four weeks ago. When I saw the photos (before they touched it during the lap operation and afterwards) I asked if they managed to save my ovary. It looked a mess but they did save it. I also had patches of endo removed from other places. I was signed off for 2 weeks by the hospital and got a further 2 from my Gp. I felt fairly normal In the last week before returning to work but whenever I overdid it a bit I felt pain and was still quite tired. On going back I got some medium pain and was shattered so was so glad I had the four weeks to recover. My advice is don’t rush anything after the lap - particularly activities where you use your tummy muscles. As for helping the pain of the Endometrioma before any operation, I actually found doing things and being active took my mind off the pain. The minute I sat down I felt it in spades! Best of luck getting it sorted x

[sophie_21 in reply to Custard32]

Thank you for letting me know how you got on after they removed it and for the advice! I hope you feel better now they've removed it x