Surgery or try other things first?

[Anon2606]

I have been struggling with suspected endometriosis for over a decade (as many on this forum will empathise with). And after finally pushing harder to relieve symptoms I have finally had a date for a laparoscopy in 3 weeks time.

However, I'm incredibly nervous about the surgery, particularly the recovery time and risks, due to being young and very active. My key reservation is that the consultant has not suggested trying the Mirena coil before surgery - and I wonder if this may help before trying surgery (I know it's somewhat common for recurrence of endo post-surgery anyway). I currently have a coil, but the Jaydess not the Mirena which can actually help endo.

Would anyone else postpone surgery to try to Mirena coil first? I know it's so hard to get a date for surgery so I wouldn't be giving it up likely, but I just want to weigh up the options.

Grateful for any advice please!

[EndoSuckss]

Hi! The mirena coil can help releive some symptoms, but obvs it won't get rid of the endo. Only excision will do this.

I had excision in 2019, and then the mirena inserted and it completely stopped my periods so it helped in that respect.

It's worth looking in to the pros/cons of both - but if it were me, I'd have the lap and go for the mirena afterwards. Being relatively young and active as you've said should aid your recovery in the long run.

Good luck with whatever you decide! Please feel free to ask any questions you might have ❤️

[ZiggyandBC]

Hi, I’m 23 and had my first surgery in June. It’s a lot less scary than it seems and I had around 3 weeks off work. I found that I wanted to surgery to actually get that diagnosis to know exactly what it is and where it is as they can’t diagnose endo without the surgery. It’s also helped with my pain too which is a huge relief! Good luck x

[0Jasmine]

Hi, I’m 30 and waiting for a laparoscopy although I’m sure it will be a long wait. I had the mirena put in 6 months after symptoms started and unfortunately it’s caused more pain for me. I was previous experiencing pain 8 days before period and a couple days around ovulation and now it’s either every day or a couple days off in between. My periods haven’t stopped but more like spotting so I’m sure my body just isn’t agreeing with it still as it’s been 9 months I’ve had it now. X

[Dee_EndoUK Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi Anon2606

Great to hear that you have a laparoscopy booked for three weeks' time - it really is the best way of diagnosing endometriosis and can be used to treat endometriosis too.

We know it's a daunting prospect, but we have a great information sheet on our website that can highlight to you what happens during a laparoscopy and some of the things you may experience after surgery. endometriosis-uk.org/your-l...

The main thing to remember is that you're entitled to ask questions of the doctors who will be performing the surgery to ensure you are comfortable and try to remember that everyone's experience and recovery time are different and that you should take your time and take it easy when recovering.

Good luck with your surgery and remember that there's lots of information on our website about being newly diagnosed - including information about the services we offer that can help to support you.

[Anon2606]

Hi all - I just thought I'd round off this thread in case anyone else is ever reading this in a similar position to I was - very nervous about the surgery and wanting to put it off!

I can confirm that it went well, better than I thought (!). the whole experience was less daunting than I anticipated. I finally have a diagnosis for endo which is now reassuring that the pain I was experiencing was real and has a cause.

I'm a week post-opp and already starting to feel like myself again and moving around much as normal (albeit slower...).

Thanks all for your support re the above <3