11 years later.

[Corrinajade]

11 years after first going to the doctors with bad period pain, I have finally been diagnosed with endometriosis. 11 years, 8 gynaecologists and 2 countries later. The only consistency was everyone telling me there’s nothing wrong, it’s natural and ‘here take the pill’ (as well as every other type of hormone that could put me on).

I had 2 ovarian cysts and endo removed by lap 3 days ago, I was also told the endo was worse than they thought and I now have to go through further tests to test fertility. I also had partial blockage of my bowel.

Even this time, I was only taken seriously because I was rushed to A&E with suspected appendicitis. I was referred back to the gyno after they found the cysts. His answer was ‘come back in 6 months and we’ll check it again, we’ll only remove if it’s causing pain, you should go back on the pill’. I stupidly thought being rushed to A&E in agony would be a sure sign they were causing pain. I refused to leave his office until he agreed to a laparoscopy, which he said was pointless as they couldn’t do anything if it was endo anyway.

The relief of a diagnosis is massive, nobody else can tell me i’m making it up or being melodramatic. Yet, when I look at what i’ve gone through to get here - it’s terrifying. How bad does the condition need to get before people take it seriously?!

[Afrohair]

So sorry it has taken so long luckily my gp is good so far but my symptoms are getting worse I’ve decided if I don’t get answers at the gyn or a referral I will have no choice but to use some of the family savings

[Carrie86]

I’ve had the same for years but actually since surgery my pain is worse than ever

[Purple873]

Thank you so much for sharing. I have struggled since I started my periods at 14. I have been to three GP practitioners in two different counties. I too have been made to feel that I'm a hysterical female who can't cope with a period. The advice has always been take strong prescription pain relief, take the pill or have a baby. At 32 years old I had given up on finding out if there is a problem but you've given me a fresh determination to seek help. Thank you