Private Laparoscopy

[Brittany26]

Hi, does anyone have an recommendations or experience having a laparoscopy privately? Waiting for my appointment for it from the NHS but I just want to get it sorted as it’s getting worse. Thanks

[chloe3011]

I had my first lap was done by a general gynae in a private hospital. They used the laser method which resulted in needing more surgery as it wasn't the correct method for deep endo. I'd avoid it again personally as unless they are qualified to excise endo there isn't much point. For me it was a long period of recovery only to need more surgery soon after. It's worth seeing if you can use bsge clinics privately as that'd be gold standard treatment. Good luck xx

[Brambledoggy in reply to chloe3011]

Agree. Me too. Lasering (twice) and cauterising my endo, plus ablation by a “top gynae surgeon” just made things worse. I now have endometriosis all over plus scar tissue, plus fibroids plus suspected adenomyosis plus peri menopause. Great hey? 🤨

I wish people would listen and learn but I guess it’s only by educating yourself that you get stronger and more powerful. I wish more would understand the procedures that are promised by so called gynae experts don’t often work but cause way more problems down the line. I feel so bad for so many. Promises of ops that only cause pain. Just feels so wrong to be put through so much to be rewarded with so little.

[Brittany26 in reply to Brambledoggy]

That’s what I’m worried about, having the lap but they don’t find anything (I’d be surprised if they don’t) and it was a waste of time or causing more harm that good, especially if I pay a lot of money aswell, I’m just going to book a consultation and see from there. As I just feel like with doctors I’ve seen they just haven’t cared and just wanted to get rid of me and move to the next person on the list, so maybe going private may be better but we’ll see. Thanks for the replies! X

[Brambledoggy in reply to Brittany26]

Trust your instinct. Read and read and read again. I’ve been fobbed off by more GP’s, surgeons, consultants, gynaecologists than I’ve had hot Sunday dinners. One surgeon examined me internally and actually said “I can’t feel any endometriosis, but I’ll operate anyway”. He did operate, found LOADS of endo lesions, all over my pelvis in various places, cauterised them, carried out an ablation and then after all that, after I came round from the surgery, looked at my wedding ring finger (no gold band present) and asked if I was married. No wonder I’m effing cynical is it as I sit here ten years later in chronic pain......

[Brittany26 in reply to Brambledoggy]

So even after all that your still in pain? That’s what I’m worried about😫 I’ve been dealing this for around 4 years now so can’t imagine for that long that’s why I just want it sorted but as you’ve said I don’t want to be put though so much and not get anything out of it, it’s so difficult!

[Brambledoggy in reply to Brittany26]

My profile is rather long, but have a look. It’s just my experience of my own journey. There’s a lot of good advice on this forum, but there’s a lot of misinformation too, because after all, we are not medical experts, we’re women with our own personal stories and advice all trying to manoeuvre round this dreadful condition. We’re all desperate for answers and we all have opinions. Ultimately we’re all here for each other which is really lovely. ☺️

My own story is that of being let down by the medical profession. Not necessarily through any misdemeanour or negligence. Just that at 49, I wish I’d known at 17 what I know now. Yes, I’m still in pain, I’ve tried most things as you can imagine. I’ve been on and off various pills, had various surgeries, had chocolate cysts removed, even an unknown ectopic pregnancy in a nightclub which nearly finished me off. It’s only now (too late) I’ve started to really ask questions. Before now, I’ve just trusted the medical experts “knew” what they were doing. I’m not saying they didn’t have my best interest at heart, I’m saying I wish when I was 20 I’d had deep excision surgery by one of the tiny handful of experts that actually knew what they were doing.

There are no guarantees with any kind of surgery of course but I personally feel that my life would have been completely different if this kind of operation had been undertaken at a young age. Endometriosis has affected my relationships with lovers, partners, parents, friends, family. It has affected my career in a detrimental way, made me drained and exhausted and depleted and isolated. I should have shares in Tampax and a disposable knicker company!!

I wouldn’t wish it on my worse enemy. The only advice I can give is just keep reading and informing yourself. Read the NICE clinical guidelines which are available online with a quick google. Find one of the accredited centres that specialise in endo. Having said that, even they just wanted to dish out chemical hormones to me. Yet again.

This forum offers great support from those going through similar experiences. There seems to be always a woman going through worse. So just trust your instincts, if it feels wrong, it probably is. One day, probably in the not too distant future, things will be different for endo warriors. I wish it had been for me. Do let me know how you get on please. Sending support and a virtual hug. Nina.

[Brittany26 in reply to Brambledoggy]

Thank you so much for that! It’s horrible what you’ve had to go through although now you are able to help and give advice to people so they don’t have to go through it too which is so appreciated!! I’ve started with the symptoms when I was around 18 and 22 now so I’m hoping I won’t have to deal with this much longer, it’s really nice hearing from people who are experiencing similar things, it’s the first time I’ve posted on here so I feel so much better now having replies back and knowing other people feel the same☺️

[Brambledoggy in reply to Brittany26]

The only good thing about getting older is you just don’t have to, want to, or won’t, deal with any shit 💩 any more. Good luck.

Am here in endo-webland if you want to ask me anything!

[HerbM in reply to Brambledoggy]

Is there anywhere one can go to find out who the tiny number of surgeons are who do know what they're doing? Seeing someone is such a difficult process--either takes ages of waiting, or loads of money and it would be nice to know how to evaluate how helpful the person one is seeing is at least likely to be!

[Brambledoggy in reply to HerbM]

My honest answer is I just don’t know anymore. I went through all the channels you’re “supposed” to go down. Did my research, went to my GP, got referred. Found an endo specialist, who undertook my NHS case and lap privately. I don’t think there’s a difference between private and NHS. As with all things it’s all about the person on the end of the phone/cash register/knife/scalpel, their knowledge, attitude, skill-set. I’ve also gone through BSGE accredited specialists and have got nowhere. I’ve had cysts removed, ectopic pregnancy removed, Fallopian tubes removed, laser surgery, ablations. I can’t face yet another surgery. Who can blame me??? My body won’t take any more hormones and I can’t take anymore due to ocular migraines which along with family history, puts me as more of a stroke risk. I’ve been bed ridden haemorrhaging blood in excruciating pain last three days. So am at a loss what to suggest anymore. I’ve tried it all. Can’t seem to find the answers. I know others on here can help, maybe it’s the week I’ve had and the low ebb I’m at, and the pain I’m still in after THIRTY YEARS of battle. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful. ☹️ Nina

[CJR99]

Hi,

I do indeed please PM for details...

Best wishes Clare

[Lindle in reply to CJR99]

Sorry, you do indeed what?

[CJR99 in reply to Lindle]

Hi sorry should have expanded...I do indeed have experience of private laparoscopy.I’ve sent Brittany the details as my consultant is close to her.

Best wishes Clare

[Hidden]

Where abouts are you?

[Brittany26]

Manchester but willing to travel!

[Hidden]

I had a laparoscopy last week by in Newcastle. He was fantastic, very experienced and kind. The hospital was lovely too .

[Brittany26 in reply to Hidden]

Really! How did it go? I will look into that, thanks 😊

[Hidden in reply to Brittany26]

It went really well. So pleased with the care. I was confused as they didnt find any endometriosis but removed lots of scaring. He separated my bowel from my uterus. He also took lots of photos of inside and showed me everywhere that had checked for present endo. Highly recommend! I was completely blessed to go there, my surgery was cancelled at the RVI and they moved me as an NHS patient less than a week later to the private hospital. x

[cathhomer]

I had a laparoscopy done privately too for endometriosis and a hysterectomy I had it done privately by BMI health group as the NHS just weren’t listening to me for years either

If you want any further info about where I went privately please feel free to message me too x

[GoldenGirl2002]

I’ve just had a private laparoscopy and it was the best thing I could have done. The trick is to do your research, make sure you find someone who’s an Endo specialist and has positive reviews for their past surgeries. When you have a consultation, discuss the possible options and how they’d go about it and what the risks and benefits are but I personally found I received much better treatment and care xx

[Lindle]

Be aware that there is no such thing as 'laser' or 'lasering' as a method. Laser is a tool and is used for both ablation (vaporisation that is effective for mild endo) and excision. Many modern excision surgeons only use laser now.

Just also be aware that if anyone pms you recommending a list of surgeons on a US facebook group this is totally unreliable and not approved in any way with feedback filtered to only allow positive comments. We have many excellent surgeons not on that very limited list and some on there get very bad feedback on other groups. There are much better facebook groups for UK women where you can ask for accurate feedback and guidance.

As has been mentioned when you have private funds you are in a position to choose a highly qualified endo surgeon. Some of these are on the BSGE list but there is some variation between the endo centres and you do need to choose well.

[HerbM in reply to Lindle]

Can you suggest where to look for recommendations of named surgeons? My daughter has been seen by someone on the BSGE list who was monumentally unsympathetic and unhelpful and it has really knocked her confidence in asking for help. She suffers horrific pain and is on just about every kind of pain-relief available. If she ups her doses any more she won't be able to carry on working as she won't be allowed to drive and my heart is breaking for her. I want to encourage her to go for a second opinion but I want to feel confident the person she sees wont just trash her (emotionally and physically).

[Lindle in reply to HerbM]

We aren't allowed to say on here - will pm you. x

[HerbM in reply to Lindle]

Thanks so much.

[CJR99 in reply to Lindle]

Great advice as always for those reading this morning. Thank you kindly Lindle...

I would completely support these comments. Always research carefully and please choose a BSGE centre specilaist. Never be afraid to, "interview," the consultant as it were. This is your body and your well earned pennies.

I'm in Newcastle and have had excellent care here but, I needed further surgeries and now travel to Liverpool to a BSGE specialist who also operates at Spire Murrayfield Wirral.

I am also on this consultant's NHS waiting list but, unsure if I can wait that long....no wonder I have barely any savings left!!

[Deluminum]

Hey Brittany,

I’m based near Manchester and I’ve had two laparoscopy at the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle.

My doctor is so lovely and both visits the staff were so helpful, I honestly couldn’t recommend it more.

PM me if you want more information x

[Harriet_health]

I’m scheduled for a private lap with a BSGE accredited endo specialist. I was tired of waiting for an NHS referral. At my first consultation with the specialist he said he would be using excision and I just felt this immediate sense of relief! I hope he lives up to my expectations now!

Wishing you all the luck in going private xx

[Lou93]

Hi I had nhs gyne at first this was about 5/6 years ago they didn’t find anything and kept saying it was my heavy periods, I put up a fight and didn’t believe this so I went private got a endometriosis specialist and he found endo and adeno so I would say it’s worth seeing someone private if you can as you can choose who you see.

I’m based in Sheffield if you have any questions let me know x

[Staples7]

Hi, I had my excision surgery with an endometriosis specialist about 2 1/2 years ago during the surgery it was found I had stage 4 along with my appendix removed. You want to make sure you do your research and go with a specialist. You need to excise the endo not burn it / ablation as my doctor said that does nothing for the endo it grows back rapidly you need to get it from the roots as he explained and have it cut out. I’ve been pain free since I had my surgery. The best of luck to you.