Almost given up

[SHamilton]

Hi all, I've been suffering with what I think is endo related pain for almost 5 years now. I've had numerous scans which have shown nothing abnormal, and today I had my first gynae appointment. I left really disheartened. I was given some non-hormonal tablets to help with period pain and that's it. I suffer with pain for at least 2 weeks of the month and I honestly don't know what else I can do. I really feel like giving up. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Hidden]

Have you thought about going private? I found my own gp to be quite dismissive of my symptoms, I booked a private gynae who put me on the laparoscopy list straight away, surgery day my surgeon told me before hand I didn’t have it but we’d do the surgery just to confirm, turns out i has stage 3 endo. Don’t give up, as hard as it it’s you have to keep pushing them x

[Strawberry46 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Slm327,

Do you mind me asking what your experience post laporoscopy was. I am on the waiting list to have one soon and really scared and worried. Did you experience alot of pain post- op, how many holes do they make on the abdomen? how long did you have to stay in the hospital? Please i am really worried and really overthinking thinking it X

[Hidden in reply to Strawberry46]

Being completely honest, so many people go into the surgery scared and worried about pain and what will be found, but you will probably find after it really wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be.

As for the pain, I’d say the worst part was pain in my neck area. When they’re doing the surgery they have to inflate your tummy with gas then remove it when finished, some remains and can irritate your diaphragm around the neck area, it feels like if you have ever turned your head to quickly and got a sudden pain, but x100. This lasted a few days and eased with a hot water bottle. No doubt the rest of your body will be sore but complete rest and painkillers will help you mostly.

I only had 2 holes, one at the bottom of my belly button, and one in the bikini line, as mine was diagnostic they only needed 2 but depending on what they find you could have more. As for staying in, I’d say majority hospitals would rather you stay overnight, just because of what you’ve went through with anaesthetic etc, but I was able to go home that night as I tortured the staff to go lol, but again it’s depends on how you recover.

I know it’s easy for me to say try not to worry, but just remember you’ll be in the best hands. If you have any more questions let me know x

[Strawberry46 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much Slm327 for your response, that's helpful x

[Moon_maiden]

Try not to give up. As has been mentioned I also went private, best money ever spent, £200, really nice consultant and gave a diagnosis very quickly, if they want to, can add to their NHS list.

Alternatively go back to your GP and ask for a referral to someone/ somewhere else. The endo uk site has some good info of what to mention/ask.

Was it an actual consultant you saw or a registrar? That’s another reason I paid, I knew I’d see the right person.