How often you get check ups?

[kwizza]

I was wondering how often anybody get check ups or if you even do need them?

I was diagnosed about 2 years ago after having an operation to have a damaged ovary removed, they gave me a few tips to manage the condition and that was pretty much it.

I’m not even sure if I need any type of regular checks done or if I supposed to just wait for my symptoms to get bad and then go, I really didn’t get much information.

[EndoEffect]

I was diagnosed through laparoscopy a year and a half ago and have not been contacted for a check up. They didn’t even come round and speak to me after my surgery. I was just sent home with discharge notes regarding what they found. I have had to be referred by my GP to get an appointment. In September I had to go to A&E three times in the space of a week due to severe flare up pain. The A&E doctor did an urgent referral to the endo specialist for me. 6 months later and I still haven’t received an appointment. I ring them every few months and they say I’m still on the list for an appointment, but it hasn’t happened yet. Which is shocking. But I’m guessing it’s all to do with covid. Hope you’re as well as you can be. X

[kwizza in reply to EndoEffect]

Thanks for your reply!

I had surgery for a abscess and ovary removal 2 years. When i went for my post op check the doctor told me i had endo an that i should get the implant or take my pill for 3 months and then take a break. That’s pretty much all the information i got.

I’ve never really had any type of follow up from any other doctor. I don’t have really bad symptoms, definitely better after my op but i do feel abandoned a bit.

[luthien]

I was suspected to have endo and was diagnosed via a laparoscopy. I've now had three excision surgeries to remove endo (spaced apart over a few years). Each time I've had the specialist whom is also the surgeon come round later that day to have a chat about findings. A two week post op follows, to discuss recovery and go through findings in more detail, including any questions and how recovery is going / what to expect while recovering. Then an 4 month follow up where the future steps are discussed like if more operations are needed, additional appointments etc, then signing off as all clear.

After that 4-5 months post lap it'll be going back to the GP for any small niggling signs it's back like pain management, full blood checks. I can contact my specialist directly and just send my referral request to my GP when I feel I need another consultation and more investigation. That's what I've been doing for the subsequent two operations with the latest one in January.

You should be able to at least request a follow up at 6 months ish with your specialist so they can give you tailored help / advice and sign off as all clear. Generally it seems to be that your notes go to your GP, which you can request or go through them with your GP, if they're experienced enough regarding endo then they'll be able to help.

I guess the speed of it all and how it's all managed depends on the hospital / clinic process and the individual specialist.

[kwizza in reply to luthien]

Thanks for your reply!

I had surgery for a abscess and ovary removal 2 years ago. When i went for my post op check the doctor told me i had endo an that i should get the implant or take my pill for 3 months and then take a break. That’s all the info i’ve had of any doctor.

I do feel like i’ve been abandoned a little bit.

[Heloo85]

Complete opposite to everyone! I had my surgery and was discharged the day I left the hospital, by one of the consultants team! Not him himself! No follow up needed! Then got a letter to go to follow up, where I have remained for 4 years at 3 monthly, with absolutely no resolution to my problem or my pain, and just been bounced between Zoladex and the combined pill, back to back! Don’t get too jealous though, I did almost die not that long ago, while being followed up! So all in all, those 4 years was a waste of my time, money and energy! Xx

[kwizza in reply to Heloo85]

Well that sounds awful!! Thanks for your reply!

I thought i had it bad feeling abandoned! I know i haven’t had it bad and there’s a definite improvement after my operation but i do feel like there’s been no real follow up for me.

I hope you get some relief soon! xx

[Heloo85 in reply to kwizza]

I’m awaiting surgery, to remove my ovary from my bowel, but have to wait until any chance of any residual infection has gone, or when they peel the ovary off, I will be left with a 3cm hole in my bowel and will most definitely need a colostomy!

The thing is, keep an eye on your symptoms! If they return, ask for a referral! Are you treating medically? Even if you was on follow up, they would only be giving you medical treatment, maybe the occasional ultrasound, you don’t really get much to be fair! Xx