First laparoscopy next week

[FloT]

Hi, I'm finally having my first laparoscopy next week but feeling a little anxious now it's so close. I've been quietly reading everyones posts for months now, but only started posting myself today – something about the surgery being so close has given me that boost to add my full story to my profile. It turned into a bit of an essay – but was so cathartic to write it all down! Reading your stories have made me feel less alone whilst waiting for treatment, as no one can really understand unless they're going through it too. You have all given me more knowledge than any other resource, so thank you for sharing your experiences and advice x

For anyone at the start of the long wait for treatment, my biggest bit of advice would be to keep a diary of pain and symptoms – it really helps when you are sat with the doctor or consultant which can be quite overwhelming. We have to advocate for ourselves, and knowledge is power. So keep the receipts – it's harder for them to fob you off – seeing the patterns mapped out on your calendar, the evidence becomes undeniable.

[Hidden]

Hi hi I also have my first laparoscopy on Monday next week, mine is just diagnostic as my gynae Doc thinks it could possibility be endo. The relief of surgery is huge but so is the nerves! lol I hope all goes well for you! 😀

[FloT in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I've just read your recent post - we have many similar symptoms and I'm so sorry for your recent loss. Take care and I hope yours goes well too. Mine's next Thursday, so you'll be ahead of me – I'll be thinking of you on Monday x

[Hidden in reply to FloT]

Thank you so much, its been a rough go all round really! We keep going as much as we can =) I shall let u know how it goes, will be thinking of you on Thursday x

[Hidden]

Good luck👏 U will be ok i am sure👍 ,i wish mine will be next week too..All the best🌺

[FloT in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Marie! I totally understand – the long and painful wait is exhausting. It's been over a year since I was sent home from A&E last March in agony – I waited 2.5 months for ultrasound (which showed up cysts and adenomyosis), then another 5 months for gynaecology referral. The wait from gynaecology to laparoscopy has been 6 months – not great, but I was expecting worse tbh. I've just read your post about them wanting to do a colonoscopy – I have those issues too and am really hoping they don't find endo on my bowel and bladder next week. I think that I'd still have the colonoscopy while you wait – getting diagnosed correctly is a long process unfortunately, but if they can eliminate things while you wait for a gynaecology referral, it can only be a positive? Good luck x

[Hidden in reply to FloT]

Hi FloT,i am 2,5 yrs in pain sadly its a long process for all of us but we have to be strong!Thank u 4 your story,not easy i am sorry, and your advice too thats true,better to go for colonoscopy first and later laparoscopy.Glad i found this supportive website.🤗Good luck👍

[FloT in reply to Hidden]

Too true - I've had years of being told it's 'IBS' and "UTIs' when it wasn't! This past year has been really tough but at least I'm getting closer to knowing what's really going on in there. This site is the best - kept me sane on some dark days.

[Hidden in reply to FloT]

I am sorry u have being suffering so long,good 4 u u nearly at the last stage👏I dont know u but happy 4 u 🤗I found that site today.Its so nice to know i am not alone .Yes dark days r so common with this health problems.How many times i thought i only imagine this pain,its not real etc.But saying that i notice stress double pain so trying to be positive if possible.