11 years and no diagnosis, doctor won’t do laparoscopy because I’m overweight.

[Elliem22]

Hi all! I’m wondering if anybody has got any advice on my next steps or if anybody is in the same situation as me.

Chronic pelvic pain, bowel issues, bladder issues, hormonal issues etc for the last 11 years, suspected endometriosis for about 5 years now but I saw a gynaecologist and they won’t do a laparoscopy because I’m overweight. I understand higher bmi can cause more risks with surgery but I feel it’s so unfair to let me suffer!

It’s also not as if my symptoms slightly match up to endometriosis either.. all of my symptoms match up to endo and my mum and grandma both had it so it’s very likely! I’m 24 and me and my partner want to start trying for a baby soon and I’m so worried I might have issues. I tried coming off of my combined pill a few months ago but had to go back on it because the pain was so unbearable. I don’t know how I will manage when trying for a baby? I’m scared! They also try and tell me that if the pill is working for pain then that’s a good thing but I know that the pill is just “masking” because when I do come off it or have a breakthrough bleed I am in agony.

My mood is so low lately because I just feel like nobody will help me. I’ve tried to lose weight but it’s impossible to exercise when you are in agony and feel so nauseas all the time.

I’m calling my doctor in the morning to discuss the next step and how I really think it’s important that I’m put forward for a laparoscopy. Has anybody got any advice on what I can say or do to make them help me? As I said, I do understand the risks of surgery when overweight but it’s so unfair to let me suffer.

Thank you for reading.

[Moon_maiden]

You’re in an impossible situation, and your GP needs to help you. Completely understand that exercise is a killer, it got to the point where sitting was a killer too. Your GP should be supporting you from both the endo diagnosis and treatment and if you choose a weight loss programme. As you have a family history, it makes it more likely.

Make a list of symptoms, history, about seeing a dietitian that has experience of foods that can help or hinder endo. What other support is available. Tell them to do a referral to an endo specialist, do you have someone in mind? I say tell, I’ve found it can be better to tell, politely though, don’t do what I did and get really cross (although it worked 🤣, wouldn’t recommend)

It’s completely unfair you are suffering. Don’t let covid get in the way.

Sorry, gone on a bit. What have you got down so far?

[stephersb]

I had to lose weight first my surgery as the risks of DVT are higher the higher a person's BMI is. I didn't lose enough and was fortunate the surgery still went ahead. My surgeon did say that with larger ladies there is more fat around the bowel so in some cases it doesn't drop into sight to be checked and rectified if endromitriosis is found.

Its hard because its hard to lose weight and deal with the symptons of endromitriosis. I've been through it all and completely know how you feel. I was lucky that he managed to view my bowel but many aren't so I highly recommend keeping on at your GP and surgeon and trying to get the weight off for a far better result surgically.