Trying to understand what's wrong with me

[Mustard2021]

Hi,

I'm currently awaiting a gyno appointment with the hospital after a couple of years of back and fourth with the GP. I had an ovarian cyst removed 4 years ago, I had no symptons of this and it came up on an MRI for a slipped disc. Ever since then I've had severe pain a week before my period, and now I have 2 periods a month. I've had 2 scans for cysts, but nothing obvious, other than my second ovary "hiding" on both scans, which makes me question whether they removed it with the cyst and haven't told me.

I'm really just looking to see if others have had similar experiences and how best to approach my gyno appointment.

Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi Mustard,There's a good info-sheet from Endometriosis UK about getting diagnosed, including a section on what to ask you doctor:

endometriosis-uk.org/gettin...

Everyone's a bit different. For me, an ultrasound showed very little - just cysts (technician unable to say from the info what type). When I had a diagnostic laparoscopy, they were able to see more and give a diagnosis (stage IV endo for me). During the lap, they could see things like adhesions, and spots of endometrial-like tissue that did not show in the ultrasound. They decided to ask for an MRI scan before doing further surgery work. In hindsight, it would have been nice if they'd been able to do the MRI first, but I think they helped me as best they could given that I'd appeared in A&E, and they scheduled a lap for me in a cancelled appointment.

For me, the decision to have the laparoscopy was relatively straightforward - I discussed the pros and cons with my husband, and signed up. I think what finally tipped me to go for it (besides needing help for pain), was that my husband said that he's had many surgeries himself, and that if it were him, he would do it (and it was my choice). He said that in his experience, surgeons do good work, and only offer to do it where they are fairly sure it's likely to help the patient (although there are always risks).

I hope that's a bit helpful. I hope your appointment goes well!