Laparoscopy

[ChessJ]

Hi,

Cut a long story short - I need some help I have being experiencing pain with my lower abdomen and pelvic pains leading up to my period since coming off the pill a year and half later and finally got referred to a gynaecologist. I’ve had a MRI and they said they couldn’t see much evidence of endometriosis even though my symptoms suggest it could be.

I was offered laparoscopy or going back on the pill. Yesterday I was like yup having the surgery. Now I’m like is it worth trying the pill or have the surgery? As I am thinking being 35 is it just my hormones going through another change in life or what.

Any advice will be much appreciated 🤗

[Moon_maiden]

It’s a difficult decision, I wanted op when it was suggested to know one way or the other. It’s good you’ve had MRI, even though I had a scan after first op it didn’t show the extent of Endo that we already knew was there or fibroids. Because of a very extensive delay in being diagnosed Endo, adhesions and fibroids were quite extensive.

Given the potential wait list for op, you could try the pill, see if it works and cancel op waiting list if it does.

[ChessJ in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you, that’s exactly what my thoughts are I want to know one way or another. Funny enough I looked through my medical records and back when I was 17 it was suggested I might have had endo back then but was put on the pill. But I think that was the answer for everything 17 years ago.

I count my lucky stars through my job I get private medical so it’s why I’m thinking should I just do the op.

[Moon_maiden in reply to ChessJ]

I think our natural curiosity gets the better of us in thoughts 😂🤦‍♀️ We want answers all the time and don’t get them with this disease.

Whichever Gynae or GP that was years ago was on the ball, more so than these days. I’m sure they don’t tell us so they keep numbers down.

You are lucky with having private insurance and you should get to pick the consultant if you do decide to go for it. I paid for first op because I wanted consultant not some random registrar operating. If you do go for op make sure they are prepared to remove all adhesions as well as Endo and check all over abdomen.

[ChessJ in reply to Moon_maiden]

It really does as I rather know 🙊 and then be able to put it out of my mind and get some sort of life back on track.

It was only by curiosity I wanted to know what it was when I read my records. I never knew they suspected anything back then to either.

Luckily I have got a good consultant as seeing the same one who did my LLETZ procedure last year. As she was offered out of the three I was sent and didn’t feel comfortable going with a man gynaecologist.

[Moon_maiden in reply to ChessJ]

Sounds like you’ve nearly made a decision. I was reading a headline the other day about another potential blood test being on the market in about ten months, but it’ll be private and around £250. How genuine that is I dread to think. There definitely needs to be more research for a test.

That’s good you’ve got a consultant you trust, really important. 🙂

[endotheline]

I think it’s personal choice in a way. Often endo won’t show up on any scans etc. they’ll offer the Pill as it’s easy and non-invasive. For me, I was fed up being on the Pill (especially as I got older and my husband had a vasectomy anyway and I knew I didn’t need it for contraceptive purposes). So I went for the surgery. I like the knowledge they are removing the offending endo rather than just ‘masking’ it using medication but that’s purely my thoughts on it. I’ve now just had my third surgery in 12 years so thought I was almost a pro!! However it would seem I’m definitely not! Everyone is different and each experience is different so deffo research your options and don’t be worried to ask lots of questions!

[ChessJ in reply to endotheline]

Thank you. Yeh I am bit like that too as I came off the mini pill which was prescribed to be as I suffer really bad headaches and didn’t really need it for contraception.

Exactly my thoughts the pill just masks the symptoms. When you had your first surgery did they put you back on the pill?

I have a follow up consultation with consultant as I’ve been in two minds since saying yes I would like the surgery. As my parents seem like it’s not a good idea as they are more inclined for me to go down the pill route first but I’m in the mind I am more towards the op I just want to know one way or another.

[OlgaSz]

I think it is a very personal decision. Scans aren't very good at confirming endo ( my deep infiltrating, stage 4 endo wasn't found on any scans, yet the laparoscopy confirmed a severe case of it) and hormonal pills are only masking the symptoms while coming with their own side effects.On the other hand it is a medical procedure and they always have their own risks and don't offer long term solution, since many people need multiple laps.

I understand that you said that your parents are saying to try the pill, but at the end of the day the most important part is what are your thoughts about it? Would you like to play it safe without the need to recover after the surgery, which may be unsuccessful? Or would you like to go to the deep end and find out for sure (diagnostic laparoscopy is a golden standard to confirm the diagnosis and stage of the disease), while embracing all the potential risks?

You are the one who will have to live with the consequences, so the decision should be yours as well. And those around you should accept your decision either way. 🤍

[ChessJ in reply to OlgaSz]

Thank you 😊. That’s consensus I’m getting that the scans don’t necessarily show it up. It’s weighing up the pros and cons of both. I emailed my consultant yesterday with some questions to help me make my decision.

Today I’m feeling pretty rough with it all as the pain is back and I was having two good days 😔. So resorting to some strong painkillers and hoping my boss lets me finish early as I’m super tired too.

[OlgaSz in reply to ChessJ]

I am so sorry to hear you are feeling pretty rough. The best pain killers I found are decaf green tea with powdered ginger and TENS machine. Have you tried them? I swear by them!

[ChessJ in reply to OlgaSz]

Aw I might try that as the pain killers don’t always hit it which is the case today. 🙈.

[OlgaSz in reply to ChessJ]

Poor thing!To be honest I chucked all the painkillers out the window, as they were so unreliable... I made many lifestyle changes, hoping they would help and it turned out they are more effective than the pills I was prescribed.

I understand we are all different and what worked for me doesn't have to work for you, but I am just spreading the message. 😊

[ChessJ in reply to OlgaSz]

I’m willing to try anything at this stage as so fed up with the pain. Thank you for all your advice I really appreciate it 🤗.