Post-excision and Fertility Question

[SR88]

Some background info: I've just had excision surgery by Prof Arnaud Wattiez 7 months ago. A full bowel resection was done and a small endometrioma removed from right ovary, plus any other lesions he found, he also checked my tubes and they're open. I feel amazing post-surgery! We started trying for a baby 3months ago. My 6 month check up was good. The cyst hasn't grown back and everything looks normal but the reproductive endocrinologist said we should consider thinking about IUIs and IVF as endo affects egg quality. My husband and I are both extremely healthy (semen analysis good too) and I feel like this is too soon to be considering! I'm 33yrs.

Question: how long would you wait post-surgery trying naturally before considering IVF? I'm scared endo could come back before I am able to conceive.

[Roobs33]

Hey,

Your story sounds quite similar to what I’m going through at the moment. I had a laparoscopy in October and stage 4 endo and cyst removed from my left ovary. They have said to try and conceive before needing to have bowel surgery to remove Endo fusing that to my womb. I read recently that the outcomes of IVF are better from 7 months post surgery up to 2 years. I have been endlessly researching as I’m unsure whether to go for IVF or wait for the bowel surgery with fear that the endo will come back again. I will have to go privately for IVF as I already have a 3 year old, but if you are going through the NHS it might be good to get on a waiting list for fertility treatment now. I’m also 33 and never imagined that I would have to go through any of this stuff. I’ve radically changed my diet and am going to try acupuncture and speak with a nutritionist and am taking supplements. I’m not very good at waiting and not knowing so trying everything I can. I’ve heard that it can take up to 5 years for endo to fully return but have also read that it can come back much quicker. I think that everyone is different. It seems like you are well in the know with what is going on internally. I wish you all the best x

[SR88 in reply to Roobs33]

Hi Roobs,

Thank you for the reply, good to know ivf could be possible between 7months- 2 years post op. That would give us some more time to keep trying before rushing into ivf. Yes we will be going private as well due to currently living abroad. Another reason why I think they might be pushing ivf on us for the money.

Definitely sounds like we are going through the same! Did you manage to get excision or was it ablation? Wishing you all the best with your journey! I've honestly never felt in better health post-op, especially with my bowels! Will be thinking of you if you get the bowel surgery done as well.

We have also gone mostly plant based diet and I've been doing acupuncture for the past 2 months which I love! Very relaxing so definitely give that a try 😊

Keep in touch and sending you lots of luck that you can get pregnant before having to go for more surgery xx

[Roobs33 in reply to SR88]

Hey, yes it definitely seems like we are going through the same, and sorry for such a late reply. I hope you are still feeling good and not in any pain. I had excision surgery done. How did you find the recovery process after the bowel surgery? I spoke to my GP today who couldn’t really give me any answers about when I might have an MRI or when I might have my bowel surgery. She just told me to check that I was on the list. I have been referred to an NHS fertility clinic but she said she wasn’t sure what they would be able to do for me as I would need to pay for the IVF. I think I will try and find out about the MRI and then decide whether to go for IVF before or after that. It feels like I’m having to speak to a million different people. I had my first acupuncture session last week and found it really relaxing and also it was nice to talk to someone about everything too. Did you have it in your stomach? I found that my stomach felt a bit strange after but bit in a painful way. She also offered my Chinese herbs but I didn’t want to take them without doing a bit more research first. Anyway, sorry for rambling on! I hope everything goes ok for you and let me know how you get on! Wishing you lots of luck Take care xx

[SR88]

That sounds like a nightmare going through all of those different channels and having to speak to a lot of different people. Are you on Nancy's Nook Facebook Group? Maybe see if there are any specialists in the UK that work within the NHS? Would be important to get a good colorectal surgeon for the bowels. Recovery for me was a shock, I didn't realise how hard the first few weeks would be. However, I was back at work (as a teacher) after 4 weeks. I definitely needed the 4 weeks. Started getting regular bowel movements again after around 6weeks. Then about 3months later I was completely back to normal with everything and I have never felt better. My bowels and periods are incredible.

Aww glad you got to try acupuncture! 😊 Yeah it's very relaxing, I feel it forces you to switch off. They put the needles in my stomach up until Ovulation Day, after that they avoid my stomach. They also prescribed a load of herbs for me but I haven't taken them either. One of my other friends though (39yrs) she did the acupuncture and herbs and fell pregnant after 2 years trying and 1 failed ivf. She's not sure if it was the acupuncture or a coincidence but it's a success story. I might try the herbs in a few months if nothing happens.

I've worked out now after careful tracking that my luteul phase is too short and I spot 3-4 days before my period (Post-surgery). So my next steps are progesterone in my luteal phase to try and lengthen it. We shall see. We have decided to give this a go for the next few months and then consider ivf around Christmas time when I'm off work.

Wishing you luck on your journey to get the surgery! It was a life changer for me xxx