Advice- lap or hormones

[Meh7787]

So cutting a long story incredibly short . I have previously diagnosed with Endo approx 10 years ago via a Lap which was then burnt off by a general gynae.

Fast forward to last 6 months I have been in so much pain - mainly right sided Ovarian pain . Went to GP who referred me for an ultrasound scan . The scan discovered a 2/3 cm functioning cyst on my right ovary .GP then referred me to a general NHS gynae. The pain continued , as well as Endo symptoms , bloating , IBS issues , pelvic pain etc. In fact in the last week the pelvic pain got so bad I went back to my GP surgery repeatedly resulting in them prescribing me co-codamol and told they will chase up an NHS referral and I would hear within hours .

I heard nothing for 48 hours and when contacting the GP surgery , I was simply told -“I can’t get through to them on the phone , so can’t do much more”. Upset and in pain I decided enough was enough and I made arrangements to go for a short notice private consultation with a renowned endo excision specialist the next week . I was off work and distressed with the pain and the prospect of months of waiting .

Suddenly over the weekend my pain drastically worsened . My partner dragged me to A&E as I was so poorly, where I have been admitted and transferred to a gynae ward . The pain has only just started to get under control . The gynae dr ordered another ultrasound which confirmed I have a small Endometrioma (very slightly smaller ) in the same place as detected on the previous scan .

The gynae Dr has prescribed me dihydrocodeine and has given me a print out of the latest scan results to pass to my specialist at my appointment later this week . She wants me to stay in one more night until my pain is under control . She states as it’s not acute , there’s no immediate risk to me or my ovary ,so therefore no immediate Op on the NHS (which I understand). she’s referring me for another nhs scan in a few months . She herself knows the specialist I have an appointment with personally and believes a private consultation with him is the best route .

My concerns are as the cyst appears to have got a few mm smaller will he simply prescribe hormonal treatment ?! I am desperate for a lap as I think my endo is causing bowel issues and I can’t cope with this pain . I am willing to pay /get a loan for a private lap . My question is will my consultant likely conduct a lap ? How soon do you think I’d be able to get a lap excision completed privately ? I can’t cope with it anymore !

Any advice or positivity to get me through this rubbish stage would be welcomed !

[Moon_maiden]

I had private consultation in December. Due to Xmas etc., I was given a possible date of end Jan for lap, then it was a week later, I had to sell some items to pay for it. I couldn’t wait either. Partly my delay as well so it’s likely quicker.

I have no regrets going this route and felt vilified from GP’s not believing me.

See what the consultant says, if they think it’s there they’ll suggest lap

Good luck

[Meh7787 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you - laying in hospital tonight this gives me hope x

[Moon_maiden in reply to Meh7787]

Take care, really hope you get the pain under control, it definitely makes life unpleasant.

Let us know how the appointment goes.

At least you’ll be home tomorrow.

[luthien]

Wow, you've been through lots, it's great though that you've pushed through and have a private consultation.

It sounds to me like you'd prefer the excision lap which is fine, I get it; hormones didn't really work for me. And if you're in a lot of pain and thinking the endo is affecting your bowels then it's best to have excision before the endo perforates your bowels (sorry to scare you but that could be what happens if left - requiring more invasive surgery).

The private consultant will most likely conduct a lap as they tend to want to know and see what's going on; it's in their best professional interest. You should then be on their private list for surgery which is a lot quicker than the NHS. With mine I was offered a lap about two weeks later - but I booked one for a month as I needed to be prepared mentally, physically and with work. I liked that I could book appointments and surgery when it suited me - obviously allowing for the consultants waiting list - which is usually quite short. The only things slowing it down is your private consultant may need blood tests (you can go through the NHS with their form for this) and an ultrasound as they like to have their own notes.

Regarding finances - you can chat to the private clinic - sometimes they have payment plans, their own insurance, or some workplaces have medical insurance which you can pay and use, some workplaces also have this for spouses / family so it's worth checking.

xx

[Meh7787 in reply to luthien]

Thank you so much . Fingers are crossed for tomorrow’s consultation 🤞x