Bowel Endometriosis diagnosis

[kellygager1996]

Hi everyone,

I’m seeking advice on what steps to take to get my GP and doctors to listen to me and find out if I do have Endometriosis on my bowel. I am 24 years old and since I was in secondary school I have suffered with heavy cramping on my pelvis and tailbone days leading up to my period and during my period having heavy (quite often heavier than my actual period!) bleeding from my back passage. Throughout the years I have continued to visit my GP and have had 3 endoscopies and nothing has been found. I’ve also had ultrasounds, internal examinations and an MRI (it has been over 10 weeks and I’m still waiting on the results but the receptionist told me that they look clear).

I also suffer with ovarian cysts regularly and last year I had one burst and had to go to A+E. My other symptoms include heavy periods, pain when going to the toilet, mild to severe cramping, diarrhoea when I’m on my period however, the main and hardest to deal with is the bleeding from my back passage and in my stool, and the frequent ovarian cysts. I’ve been struggling to cope with it the past year and although the pain may not be the most severe compared to other cases, it’s taking its tool emotionally and feel as though the doctors aren’t taking me seriously. Throughout the years I’ve been told to keep an eye on it, come back if it gets worse and keep being recommended for the endoscopies despite the fact I’ve already had 3. I’ve also been told to go onto hormonal contraception as I recently came off and this could help with the symptoms, despite the fact I was on the pill for 9 years and only came off to give my body a break and I had all these symptoms throughout. I worry about my chances of becoming pregnant in the future and don’t want to wait until I’m older when it could be too late.

Please does anyone have any advise or recommendations?

Thanks for reading x

[Sarah001]

Hi,

I would ask your doctor to refer you to a gynae (preferably BSGE certified) and ask for a laparoscopy. I had my first lap at 21 (now 31 and have just had my 4th surgery) and I had to fight for the referral as I was told I was too young for endo etc. but it was diagnosed straight away.

With regards to the bowel, my symptoms are the same - deep pelvic pain, back pain which radiates into my hips and legs, bloody stools, pain going to the toilet and varying toilet habits dependant on where I am in my cycle.

Definitely ask for a gynae referral as if they haven't found anything via the other tests it might be endo related x

[kellygager1996 in reply to Sarah001]

Hi Sarah,

Thanks so much I will do that!