DEPRESSION: Hey guys! I just found this... - Endometriosis UK

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DEPRESSION

rissadel profile image
7 Replies

Hey guys! I just found this community and it felt like a relief because I needed to talk to someone who understands. I’ve been diagnosed with endo not even a year ago, I had a surgery where I lost my ovary and now several months later I am having huge pain. I am scared the endo is here again, I’m worried I might lose the other ovary too and not only that but I feel like mentally it’s affecting me too. I feel so low and depressed as I don’t know what to do and I’m worried the doctors won’t see anything again and they will send me home. I am only 22 years old and I am so stressed about the possibility of me not having a baby. Does someone feel the same way? Perhaps, what helped you mentally? Even though I talk to my boyfriend about it, it’s not the same as talking to someone who suffer from it too. What helps you get through it? Thank you and I hope you all have beautiful evening! ❤️

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rissadel
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7 Replies
Milly2408 profile image
Milly2408

Sorry to hear you're having such a hard time at the moment, I've been through depression and wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I also lost one ovary in a op, but back when I was 14, I'm 26 now. The doctors have always told me that one ovary is enough and you have enough eggs even just with one. You're still young too so have age on your side there.

As for the baby bit, they also told me my chances wouldn't be lowered by having one ovary, as it basically takes over from the other. I still ovulate every month and have a monthly period, the body can be amazing sometimes. But I fully understand your worries about losing the other ovary, I've had similar worries myself.

My best advice would be to keep on at your doctor and make sure they check for endo again if you're worried. It took me a long time to get them to listen to me, but in the end they did!

For best chances of conceiving in the future they might do a lap to remove any endo and check for clear tubes etc. They did that with me that's all. And there is also a lot of help available fertility wise so hopefully that'll be reassuring to know too.

As for what could help mentally, I found not blaming myself helped the most. Accepting that this wasn't my fault and was out of my control was a game changer. Also things like mindfulness, but I suppose different things work for different people,

Hope you're alright and sorry for the long reply!

rissadel profile image
rissadel in reply toMilly2408

You lost ovary at 14?? I am sorry to hear that... that’s the thing, every doctor keeps saying something else but all of them agrees on one - that since I have one ovary, the chances decreased dramatically and I “should settle down as soon as possible” before it’s too late and lose the other one too. At first I was kind of okay when I first found out about endo and now months later it’s like it finally hit me.

And don’t apologize, I am grateful for your long message ❤️

Moon_maiden profile image
Moon_maiden

Sorry you’re going through a tough time. I can’t advise on having a baby, I would suggest that you speak to GP about a referral to a specialist. I don’t know how specialised the gynae was that you saw before, but don’t leave anything to chance. Do as much research as possible to find the right consultant.

Try not to worry at the moment, it’s particularly hard I know. Is your mum around to talk to? Did she have problems with periods, etc?

rissadel profile image
rissadel in reply toMoon_maiden

Well, when I found out about it, I didn’t know much and the surgery was done by normal surgeon, not a specialist which was a big mistake, I am sure he missed some spots. And after the surgery I changed my gyno because my gyno didn’t want to do anything about it afterwards and my gyno now he sent me to specialist right away so I was there once and he said if I feel like it’s coming back, I should come there to get it checked. I suppose I’m being paranoid too since before doctors didn’t know anything and they always sent me home because “everything was okay” so now I’m scared it’s gonna happen again I suppose.

And yes I talk to my mom about it sometimes but I don’t tell her I am worried. I don’t want to make her worried. And when it comes to her period, she went through a chemo so she isn’t menstruating now. But i think before it was all alright :)

Moon_maiden profile image
Moon_maiden in reply torissadel

It sounds like you’ve come across a decent specialist and they will understand. You don’t have to go through any procedure you don’t want to, finding the right information will help. You aren’t paranoid, you sound sensible and persevered. It’s incredibly scary and you’ve been through so much already it is so normal that you’re feeling apprehensive and worried. Start to keep notes of things you think of now that you want to know. If you decide to contact them, they may still be making appointments at the moment.

I was bricking it before the op as I’d never had one. I’m glad I did, gave some answers.

Sorry your mum has been through a lot as well. I hope she’s recovered/recovering ok. She will care about how your feeling, probably has concerns, you’ll know her best though. I went to a meeting about endometriosis earlier this year and met at least two mums and daughters who’d all had endo.

Chickens4ever profile image
Chickens4ever

Hello Rissadel, I'm so sorry that you are suffering and that you have so many worries. (You're only 22!) I think it might help to break apart some of these concerns.

First, I think you need to get straight back to your GP and say 'I am worried about my fertility' and I have good reason to be concerned. Your GP needs to be doing everything they can to buy you some time. (Contraceptives, Laparoscopies etc). You should also talk to your GP about the possibility of egg freezing. (Just in case).

This should also help your pain. If you don't have good painkillers, ask your doctor for these to. If your GP is no good, see another one! (I can understand your worry about going back. Nobody likes to feel like their wasting a GP's time and they especially don't like a GP who feels like their time is being wasted! But, you're in pain and this is important.)

I'd also find a couples counsellor, so that you and your partner can stay strong... maybe raise having a child sooner than planned? (My partner and I are trying to do this).

I've worried a lot about my fertility to. I was angry and sad for a while, but now I focus on trying my best to be healthy. If I do all I can to conceive, then I can't blame myself or regret it later. It'll just be one of those things. (Very sad things). I work in Primary Education so I will be sad if I can't have my own. (I also want to adopt and foster. There are always children in need of mums and we could be just what they need!)

Goodluck :) xXx

rebekah2311 profile image
rebekah2311

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. I can't even imagine how difficult it must have been to lose an ovary, never mind being in considerable pain and struggling mentally.

I am 23 years old and my GP suspects I have endo in my pouch of Douglas and bowel. I am now awaiting a laparoscopy to diagnose definitively. I have struggled for years with depression and anxiety, exacerbated by being in pain with endo symptoms since I was 12. I have also noticed my mental health is considerably worse around the time of my period, and during ovulation. I guess in this sense it, too, could be a symptom of endo.

I have recently started taking anti-depressants (20mg Fluoxetine) and now receive fortnightly counselling from a mental health nurse. I still live at home with my mom and she is my absolute rock in terms of support, someone to talk to at any time of the day and someone to get me to appointments when I don't feel well enough to look after myself or worthy enough of receiving help. I have also found this forum invaluable in terms of offering me support when GP and usual channels have all been suspended.

I worry, too, about not being able to have a child. I have read really frightening experiences of people with bowel endo who have been left having to use a colostomy bag permanently. Endo is a terrifying diagnosis and I think it's completely normal to have these worries, especially considering what you have already been through. What you have to try and tell yourself is that nothing is set in stone. My mom always tells me about her best friend, when she was 18, who was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and told by doctors that she would never have children. A couple of months into marriage she fell pregnant. She went on to have three healthy children. There is hope.

My advice to you is to surround yourself with supportive people. Take "me" time. Practice lots of self-care. Have long bubble baths, read, eat your favourite foods. It's okay to be selfish. When you feel you are able, try to do some reading and some research: what do you want to tell your GP when things are up and running again? Do you want a referral, another scan? Do you want support for your mental health - meds and/or counselling? Try and formulate a plan for next steps.

I really am sorry to hear how you're struggling. Depression is the worst and if you ever need anyone to speak to please feel free to message me. You aren't alone. I hope this helps

Xxx

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