Finally got a gynae appointment!!! What should I expect?

[joniblue]

I’m over the moon!!! The doctors have finally listened and I have my first gynae appointment (coincidentally on my 20th birthday - spending the afternoon in hospital was not the day I’d imagined but hey ho) Any tips on what I should expect them to say? Or what I should ask? Or what they’ll suggest as the next course of action? Thanks xxx

[GrittyReads]

I would make sure that it is 'clear' that this is just an 'exploratory' laparoscopy. Also that they have the skill and means of checking out all of the possible areas in the endometrial cavity. A lot of endo sufferers find that things get worse after a lap, because 'non-endo, non-expert surgeons have removed endo tissue... Often, this endo tissue then just grows back - but much worse - at these sites. The team doing your lap should just do an in-depth search of the entire abdominal cavity - including the hard-to-access areas that are often ignored - and then report back to you with details of what they found. Then ... if you need expert gynae actions, you can be forwarded to a BSGc team of specialists, for the removal of the endo tissue.

[Hidden in reply to GrittyReads]

Thanks GrittyReads, I had a diagnostic laparoscopy where the consent form said they would diagnose and treat the endometriosis. They were able to do a washout and remove some adhesions, but left the rest saying it was too complicated for a day surgery. I didn't understand why they didn't remove any of the actual endometriosis, but it must be as you said - the gynaecologist must have felt that was outside of her area. Now, from what you said, it sounds as though she may have done me a favour, leaving it for a second follow-up surgery, where it's known what the job will be before starting.

[GrittyReads in reply to Hidden]

Hopefully that is the case, but you may have to push for it - and obviously it won't be easy, or quick, in the current climate (with so many medics in all areas being taken up by dealing with Covid). I would talk with your GP and see exactly what the report says and if you qualify for being referred to a 'Specialist Endo Centre' where the surgeons are skilled in removing Endo from all the dangerous areas. EG: if you have endo on the bowel, then they need a bowel expert to be standing by. It may take time: I hope you get somewhere ... but at least it sounds as if the team you saw did not overstep their jurisdiction - although some people think no endo should be removed at a first/exploratory lap. Hope all goes well, take care.

[LME5]

That sucks that you spent your birthday in hospital! Happy belated birthday :)Be clear about your symptoms - the intensity, the duration, etc.

Initially, they should perform an ultrasound - if it's not offered, request one.

Depending on how that goes, they may well follow up with an MRI.

Talk to them about your diet - nutrition plays a role, as with any health condition - and ask what they advise.

Ask them for a treatment plan based on your symptoms. If endometriosis is suspected, they will suggest combined contraceptive pills, mini pill, coil, mirena coil, etc.

If you have any issue with any of the above, make it clear and push back. Gynaes these days love pushing the Mirena coil for women with endo!

I wish you the best of luck!