Is there better help in the UK for Endometriosis treatment?

[Zoee101]

Hello! I'm new to this forum and I live in the states. I have dealt with horrible menstrual cycles my whole life. I'm 25 years old now and I'm noticing that my periods are becoming a lot more difficult to handle. While in high school, I started experiencing bowel movement issues, where I would need to be given medicine to help me use the restroom. (basically a liquid laxative) Since then, I started seeing a GI doctor, who mentioned my bowel issues may have to do with my menstrual cycle.

I was told I may have endometriosis for the first time in high school. Since then more studies have been conducted and more people are talking about Endometriosis, but I still unfortunately have not been able to find any cures or relief for the things I experience each month.

Endometriosis has caused my anxiety and depression to increase. I'm always tired. My mood swings are horrible and very difficult to deal with. I get very sick right before my period to the point where I'm throwing up and cannot get out of bed. I literally have probably 1 week where I feel normal. Although I try my best to be positive and happy all the time, each day is a struggle. My body is slowly giving up on me and no one knows what to do to help. It's sad.

[JJR88]

Sorry to hear your going through this I to have suffered from bowel issues since I was very young at the time never thinking it could be related to anything like this. I wouldn't say the UK is better for treatment I think it can sometimes come down to the area you live in but I would say the UK 100% hasnt done enough research into the condition. X

[gdfzhkgukl]

Where are you in the states. There are good doctors. Try joining Nancy's nook on facebook.

[StefaniaJW]

1) You need excision surgery with a highly experienced and skilled endo excision surgeon. Please PM me to know the names of the most skilled and experienced endometriosis excision surgeons in the UK who work within the NHS (so not privately)

2) You need to start taking supplements (namely vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, selenium, zinc and magnesium. You might need iron, vitamin D, vitamin E or other antioxidants), especially for vitamin D if you're lacking it

3) You need to revolutionize your lifestyle: no smoke, no alcohol, no refined carbs and sugar, no industrial dairy. Eat a lot of fish, veggies, avocado, some fruit, nuts , legumes and wholegrains if tolerated. You can only drink still water, matcha green tea, herbal teas, homemade beet kvass, water-based kefir and coconut milk. You can only use extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, lime or lemon juice, parsley and other herbs, turmeric, ginger, marine salt and pepper to cook and as dressings.

4) Please sleep at least 9 hours per night, move a little everyday (preferably outdoors in nature - in parks, on the hills/mountains, by the sea), avoid plastic containers and bottles, use organic cleaning and washing products, practice meditation.

5) Get your thyroid hormones checked out along with vitamin D if you haven't yet.

[Madridmeg]

Hey fellow American here! From personal experience, I was treated for 4 years in the UK for endometriosis. Within the span of 2.5 years I had 4 excision surgeries by three different experts (after begging GP number 9 to refer me to a gyno). Each one supposedly better than the last. About a year ago I moved to Spain, where the healthcare system is phenomenal. My current gyn told me he was shocked I had so many surgeries that were not apparently necessary and has refused to operate on me, barring any medical emergencies. He then ordered a round of tests and has since prescribed medication that deals with the pain and anxiety it causes. I have to say, thanks to the Spanish gyn, after years of agony, I finally have quality of life back.

Hang in there. If your current doctor is not working for you, I know it sucks, but you need to find one who does. I promise all the extra visits to get the right Dr will be worth it once you do. I genuinely do not believe the doctors I saw in the UK were bad or "not good enough." They just were not right for me and my body. Obviously it took me a long time (and an unexpected international transfer) to find one, but I am so happy I did not give up and can start living again.