Endo / bowl confusion - offered Laparoscopy by Gnae, no bowel surgeon to be present (not an option apparently)

[MumaM]

Hi everyone, thanks in advance for taking the time to read through my dillema. I'm really lost so it would be much appreciated!

In the last 15 years I have had: an Appendectomy; a Laparoscopy that diagnosed and treated mild endometriosis + adhesions between my ovary and intestine; successful pregnancy; and, an emergency C section.

Since the C section I have experienced increasing menstrual cramps and other symptoms extending to bowl and bladder discomfort. Seem's possible that I have scaring / adhesions / endo effecting bladder, and potentially causing difficult bowel route for stools resulting in pain and flaring up around ovulation and periods. Baffled as to exactly what's what. I have been offered a second Laparoscopy on the NHS at a provate Gynae who is good, but warned he is not able to treat bowel / bladder adhesions and that this would mean another op if he spots this sort of thing. Was suprised to see that some people have posted about bowel surgeons being present.

Meantime, also having difficulty to conceive again, and struggling to wade through the mindfield of treatment options that are safe whilst doing so. Another laparoscopy feels like a big thing to put myself through again, but most herbal remedies to aleviate digestive issues seem to be innapropriate whilst TTC. Would welcome suggestions and shared experiences!

[Roobs33]

Heya, I’m sorry you are feeling lost in it. I have been trying to conceive my second child for the past few years. I wasn’t aware that I had endo until the end of 2020. I had an initial diagnostic laparoscopy which was also to remove an enormous cyst growing on my ovary. It was staged at 4 and lots removed and all of my fertility organs freed up, and I was told I would need further surgery in the future for my bowel. I get lots of bowel symptoms daily that are worse when im on my period or ovulating. It was recommended that I have an MRI 6 months after the surgery, to see the extent of the bowel endo. It doesn’t always show up but it will show if anything is stuck together or if the organs are warped. Perhaps this is something that you could ask for? I also had a surgery just after this as it showed that I had an inflamed tube that needed clipping. This was done via laparoscopy again. I’ve been told I will need surgery on my bowel and that a bowel surgeon would definitely need to be present. I’ve been hoping to have another baby before anymore surgery as multiple surgeries can effect egg reserve. I did some basic fertility tests through my GP and then got referred to the fertility consultant. They can test for things like egg reserve, partners sperm etc. So you could do this to get an overall picture of your fertility and try and get an MRI to see what’s going on. You could also request getting your tubes checked too if you haven’t already? I had to go privately down the IVF route in the end and am doing a second cycle now.

It’s such a minefield trying to navigate through endo and fertility stuff! Let me know if you have any questions. Wishing you the best of luck xxx

[MumaM in reply to Roobs33]

Thank you so much for sharing your story that’s really helpful. I’ll consider getting the fertility checks and scan done as well. I’m sorry you’ve had to go though all that - best of luck with the IVF! Xxx

[Trinity613]

Hi, I was suffering from excruciating pain during my period before bowel movements and an MRI showed some endo between my rectum and uterus. I had been TTC for a year and started taking NAC supplements after reading about it online. I became pregnant 2 weeks after I started taking it!! I am now obviously pain free for the next few months and looking forward to enjoying this much wanted baby.I’m not sure if it was just a coincidence but it’s worth the try as NAC is beneficial for a lot of things. Good luck to you xx

[MumaM in reply to Trinity613]

Thank you very much, I’ll look into it!