I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2015 during emergency surgery for a ruptured ovarian cyst whilst living in Cyprus. I returned to the UK shortly after my surgery and had to start over with getting a diagnosis.
I had a diagnostic laparoscopy in April 2019 with a gynaecologist at the Liverpool women’s - NOT AN ENDOMETRIOSIS SPECIALIST. Afterwards, I was told no endometriosis and discharged.
Since then I’ve just lived with it. Relying on strong pain killers, my hot water bottle and other peoples help with daily activities. But the pain is starting to get progressively worse. I spoke to my GP and she has referred me to arrow park for a second opinion as she believes it’s a BSGE clinic.
My GP also said that the notes from the laparoscopy at the women’s said ‘peritoneal defects on left and right side with no obvious sign of Endometriosis’ and ‘no biopsies taken as it wasn’t necessary’. So I’m worried when I see Dr Rowlands or Dr Aust at arrow park, that they’ll just discharge me as I’ve already had surgery and been told nothing was there.
Has anyone seen them before for a second opinion? What sort of information shall I write down and take with me? Any information/experiences would be great!
Thanks x
Written by
Billielaurenxo
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
You are not allowed to name surgeons on here but you'll probably get away with it as there is very little moderation.
There are referral criteria to be seen at a tertiary BSGE centre - severe or suspected severe endo or non severe endo for which you have had treatments in secondary care that have failed, which would usually mean having already had extensive investigations/treatments.
The referral process is different from that for normal referrals to gynaecology departments. So when you are referred to a hospital, as appears to be the case, whether or not it has a BSGE centre is irrelevant really. It depends on whether you qualify to be seen there. You won't automatically be seen by those surgeons because the hospital has a centre but the NICE guideline does require that if you are referred for suspected endo you must be treated only by someone with 'expertise'in diagnosing it. So they should have some additional training. You right is to be seen by someone in a consultant led team so even if you are referred to one of their clinics in secondary care it is very unlikely that you will see either of them. You would need some evidence that you fit the referral criteria. With Covid delays the lists at the centre are likely to be a good 2 years long anyway even if you did qualify and I expect they will only be taking new cases where there is clear cut evidence of severe disease. You would be better looking for a non BSGE consultant in secondary care who has a special interest in endo who can give you a thorough diagnostic lap that might then find the evidence you need.
If you explain your previous medical conditions and list all of your symptoms I'm sure this consultant or a member of his team will take you seriously and help.No obvious sign of endometriosis doesn't mean its's not there Liverpool women's are not endo specialist just general gynae
I did see one of them for a second opinion as my symptoms just weren’t getting any better after a year, was just fobbed off with him saying course it couldn’t have came back already it will just be ibs and if I wanted some relief then to get pregnant. I went home in tears. Fortunately around 1 year later I became pain free with just bad period pain every 3 months x
As Lindle mentioned best to keep names private😘 but,I’d be very happy to help as I’m a patient of one of the named consultants and you’re in very save hands...
Apologies haven’t finished updating my profile but,feel free to PM.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
