confused whether to go ahead with laparoscopy

[Penguinpal]

31 year old female

Hi everyone I am due to have a diagnostic laparoscopy in 2.5 weeks. I am so nervous about the procedure and unsure whether to go ahead. My pain over the last few months has been manageable and my periods are ok. I don’t know whether I’m getting used to the pain. I have changed my diet reduced stress levels and exercised more

I’ve waited for surgery for over 1.5 years. I had an ultrasound and it shows pcos and my ovary is stuck to my uterus.

As my pain is manageable would you put your body through the surgery ? Will it get worse if I leave it? I am so unsure of things

thank you any guidance

[Tangoandmax]

Hi!

Are you seeing a BSGE specialist for the booked surgery or is it with a general Gyne?

If it’s general, I’d request to be referred to a BSGE specialist then let them have a look. If you aren’t currently struggling there’s no rush and then at least you’re being looked at by the correct people.

[Penguinpal in reply to Tangoandmax]

hi

Thanks for your reply. I don’t think I am can I request that. My surgeon has a special interest in endometriosis

[Tangoandmax in reply to Penguinpal]

Ah ok! Better than standard gyne then.

From what I’ve read/seen on here, a lot suggest going to the specialist centres for surgery as they’re better equipped for finding/dealing with more than scans show.

If you’re managing well, that’s positive! I’d be tempted to get it sorted sooner rather than later though. Having waited 8 years for everything to be found/confirmed on MRI you just don’t know how quickly endo is progressing and getting another surgery slot down the line might take years. If one of the 12 ultrasounds I’ve had during that time would’ve picked up my issues I might not be in the state I’m in now. I’d take the opportunity to fix whatever you can while you have it xx

[Reena_123]

Hi,

My laparoscopy surgery is next month , I am terrified as I been told there are risks involved .

[DoodleBug90]

I had a laparoscopy in December 2022. best thing to ever happen as its kept me pain free for about a year so far. I only needed a week off work and went back with no heavy lifting. scars healed nicely. pain relief after was oramorph for first few days then paracetamol and ibuprofen after. I would gladly have another one if it means less pain.

[Endofitall]

Personally having been through two laparoscopies, if my pain was manageable in other ways, I wouldn’t put my body through it. There are risks and complications with any surgery and those have to be balanced with what benefit it will bring you. However one big factor would be fertility - you mention your ovary is stuck. We’ve been on a long IVF journey with no success and my biggest regret is no one advised or enabled me to have a lap done before all the failed IVF. So that’s something to consider.