Gynaecologist refusing to do laparoscopy

[Gothchic]

Hi everyone, I just came out of my long awaited gynaecologist appointment it’s my second one, the first appointment I went through my symptoms which are sciatic pain which is worse on my period, lower back and pelvic pain, nausea, tiredness and bowel problems such as pain when b/o and constipation. So the gynaecologist put my on the mini pill for three months and although the periods are gone, the symptoms are all the same. I explained this so she has decided to discharge me and said it can’t be endo, I really wanted a laparoscopy to look in side but she said no and that I need to see a bowel doctor. I have already had to mri to spine and they found nothing and an ultrasound internal and external and they couldn’t find anything. I’m heart broken because this has gone on for years and is affecting my life, work and relationships. I just wondered if anyone here has had the mini pill and it hasn’t help but you still had endo? I feel I have many symptoms of endo, and I don’t know now if it’s worth asking for second opinion or going to private to see a specialist? Thanks 😊

[Jac915]

I think endo usually shown on US / MRI

A lap is quite invasive surgery

Have you seen a bowel doctor to rule out other suspect ?

Did endo run in your family making you think that it is endo ?

[Jodie08]

I had an internal ultrasound done and my endo didn’t show up on there, I went private as I wasn’t really getting anywhere with my GP, I’ve had the lap surgery done now and they have put me on the mini pill but since then I’ve been bleeding and in the same pain as I was before so it’s a bit disheartening. I would definitely try and get a second opinion or to go private because for me they did listen to my problems and he seemed to know before the lap what my pain was. Hope you get it sorted soon xx

[Peenie123]

I am finding the same- even post hysterectomy which has left me with physical pain and now HRT has come into the mix, trying to get anywhere with consultant and even Private consultant and they just want to throw more pills at you and blame the bowel . Are you in the UK? Hope we both find a solution x

[Jemma97]

Endo often doesn’t show up on ultrasounds so I wouldn’t worry about that, the only way to fully confirm endo is a laparoscopy. Try and get a second opinion and try and seek out a endo specialist, I had my first op and they only found ‘mild endo’ and he wasn’t specialised, I had my second op in December and they found extensive endo in a lot of areas. Highly recommend getting a second opinion from someone who is a specialist!

[KerriL1]

I've been on numerous pills, the implant and the injection. Nothing helped mine. Scans don't always show endo because it can be microscopic. Definitely get a second opinion from someone more trained in endo. Standard gynecologists are not fully trained in endo even though they will say they are.

[Lofty1589]

You are entitled to a second opinion and I think you should seek one. I was pushed around and told that I can’t have anything wrong with me. I’ve been diagnosed with Adenomyosis and I’m pushing for another lap as my pain is mostly on my left which suggests Endo more than Adeno (which is central) If you think there is something wrong, you need to make them listen. Good luck x

[starrynight2465]

I had an ultrasound (on NHS) and mri (private) neither showed any endo but my lap (private) found endo. It doesn't always show up on scans. I had also been on multiple birth control methods (mini pill years ago but made me very nauseous so didn't stay on it long enough) and none really helped, some symptoms were lessened but only slightly. I was told the mirena coil helped with endo but my symptoms were still getting increasingly worse while I was on that so I wouldnt say the effects (or lack thereof) of bc are an effective way to "diagnose" endo. Definitely push back and seek a second opinion!

[Gothchic]

Thank you everyone for your replies, my appointment really did dishearten me, she confused me though, told me that if after I have seen and had tests done by the bowel doctor if they don’t find anything then I can ask to be referred back to her and she will then consider a laparoscopy or I could have injections that put me into menopause to see if that helped 🤷‍♀️ Why would she suggest that if she’s doesn’t think I have endo? I declined the injections, told her there is no point if she won’t even look and see if I have any endo. I just feel like I’m being palmed off. Anyway as you ladies have suggested I would like to ask for a second opinion from a gynaecologist that has good knowledge in endo, do I need to ask my GP for this? I am in the uk, do you lovely ladies have any recommendations of specialists? Thank you 😊 x

[Chrissie66 in reply to Gothchic]

It sounds to me as if she wants to rule out bowel problems, which would be a fairly non-invasive affair. Laparoscopy is invasive with a longer recovery time and all of the associated risks that come with surgery. And the way your body reacts to the injections can also be an indicator as to whether endometriosis is the culprit. I know it’s frustrating but it does sound as if she’s going down the right path in eliminating other possibilities first. Sending hugs x

[Lilyjack]

Hi it really could be your bowels I have endo but also have IBD and my back and sciatic pain is usually that not my endo. A MRI does usually show endo they found mine in places a lap wouldn’t even pick up (abdominal muscles) I’d go for a second opinion too but I also wouldn’t rule out the IBD team either.

Good luck your not alone