The starts of it all

So I am currently trying to do my own research as the Dr told me to do.

I had 2 years of thrush followed by a water infection followed by 2 more “water infections” which they just assumed was water infection as it was the same symptoms as my 1st one.

My symptoms started off as sharp stabbing pains where I would be doubled over. I finally got seen and investigated (no laparoscopy) A scan has shown a 2cm cyst on my ovary which is filled with endometriosis I’ve been told. I’m waiting for another scan in 6 weeks. I’ve been told I should go on the pill to manage it.

I am cramping every day and having nausea every day no matter where I am in my cycle. My sharp pains are not as sharp at the moment by can feel it’s more on my left where my cyst is

I’m speaking to my dr this week about the pill or coil but should I ask them about a laparoscopy? I had one 6 years ago when I had pain during sex and nothing was found. I’ve no idea what to do. My Dr who I’ve not spoken to yet but will in a couple days is a gynaecologist specialist dr so hoping she should help me more?

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Ouch!

These sound like the questions I've had for a few months. And I've been reading up on the topic, so I can share my favourite website for information for an "action plan" so far:

It's the Endometriosis website for the University of Edinburgh:

ed.ac.uk/centre-reproductiv...

It even has a set of suggestions about what to try during COVID.

Here's an idea about putting together an action plan care package for your aching body:

1) Discuss pain management with your gynaecologist (or GP). A couple of ideas to ask about: buscopan for cramps, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) to relieve pain & reduce inflammation (e.g. take just before & during period to reduce pain).

2) Discuss hormonal treatment with your gynaecologist (or GP). It's my understanding that with each period, endometrial tissue in the body (e.g. the abdominal cavity) leads to some irritation. Hormonal treatment can help to reduce this irritation (and hopefully reduce the pain)

3) Discuss obtaining a diagnosis of endometriosis via laparoscopy with your gynaecologist (or GP) (and potentially treatment for endometriosis at the same time, if that's possible, based on what the doctor sees).

4) Follow up with a gynaecologist on these topics - depending on the results of a (potential) laparoscopy, the gynaecologist could potentially suggest an MRI scan to gather more information.

Hope that helps!

It's taken me some time to read and learn to try to make up a plan like this for myself. I've had to ask about each specific aspect myself because nothing was volunteered other than laparoscopy (E.g. an approach covering pain management, hormonal treatment, and surgery as a package). So, I hope it helps you to start thinking about approaching it on these topics (I wish someone had told me back at the beginning!).