First Lap & Mirena insertion next week

[endo_the_stigma]

Hey guys...

I finally had the call from the hospital to book in my laparoscopy to excise my endo (picked up on MRI scan) which is on Thursday - I have been waiting for what feels like forever while my symptoms worsen so this is amazing news for me 🥳 They are also going to be placing the Mirena coil in me while I am under to try and help with my adenomyosis.

I have tried multiple hormonal birth control pills to help with my endo over the years (combined, progesterone only etc) and none of them have agreed with me - either make things worse or cause extra migraines etc. So I'm curious to know if anyone who has had these reactions to the pill have tried the Mirena coil and if so what your experience was like?

Also, if anyone has any tips for my laparoscopy prep and recovery that'd be much appreciated too 😊❤️

[velvetonion]

I haven't ever had an IUD but I had the same sort of stuff on many different pills as you, found the patch helped me more than any of the pills i tried, so at least you know that even if you have a bad reaction to some BC doesn't mean you'll have the same from the rest <3 they also found endo on my mri and im going for my first lap next month! glad to know im not alone <3

[endo_the_stigma in reply to velvetonion]

Thank you lovely! You are defo not alone - I have surgery on Thursday and although they literally saw Endo and Adeno on my MRI I am terrified that they'll tell me I don't have it?? Think it is all the years of gaslighting from doctors. Good luck for your surgery soon, sending love your way ❤️

[velvetonion in reply to endo_the_stigma]

good luck for tomorrow! you must be so excited and nervous, i hope you're looking after yourself! ill be thinking of you tomorrow you've got this! Im also terrified that they wont find it even tho my endo specialist said hes 99% sure theres chocolate cysts, nothing is worse than the thought of them not finding anything, it absolutely has to be the years of gaslighting from doctors its fucking awful how women in pain are treated sending love to you too i hope they find it and destroy it all <3

[OlgaSz]

That's a good news that you are finally on top of their list!I didn't agree with the pills - the side effects became worse than my endo!

I opted out from Mirena coil as I was terrified that if it doesn't work there won't be a way for me to have it removed due to long waiting lists to the doctors and so on. I am glad I did so, as I am not having any hormonal side effects. I read the book recently (Bleed by Tracey Lindeman) that included many research studies about hormonal treatment and their influence on endometriosis, mental health and cancer, and I decided that it wasn't for me.

I made many lifestyle changes instead - apart from whole food plant based diet I also fully removed caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar, added oil, sweeteners and gluten from my diet. I started doing 30 minutes of yoga everyday and removed as many endocrine disruptors from my house as I could (goodbye scented candles, air fresheners, SLS shower gel, shampoo and toothpaste. Goodbye conventional washing powder, fabric softener,and cleaning products!). It took me months to implement all the changes, but it was my best decision so far. I am meds free and my occasional flare up (usually around period and ovulation) is easy manageable by TENS machine. I don't loose work days and family days anymore. I finally feel that I get my life back. I hope this helps!

[KittyTherapy]

Hi,

In terms of preparing:

> Would suggest packing an overnight bag just in case. I had to stay in for a night.

> Bring something to keep you entertained as there will be waiting around. I bought my cheap tablet in. Wouldn't advise taking mega valuables in just in case they get lost (sadly it happens).

>Some comfy loose pj's (like a nightdress) which I wore during the day and on the journey home as it was the most comfortable.

> comfy knickers are essential! I packed my biggest granny knickers.

> Also a gown/cardigan to save your dignity when walking about/down to theatre in an open back gown.

>I also took slides as meant i didnt have to bend down to put shoes on!

>As others have said def bring a pillow/blanket as a barrier between your tummy and the seatbelt.

>I found peppermint tea helped get rid of bloating/excess gas (I hate the taste but forced myself to drink it bc it genuinely helped so much) or look into things like windeze or deflatine.

>You might want to pack some snacks to munch on in hospital.

>Maybe some earbuds if you think you will struggle to sleep as its quite noisy in hospital at night.

>Take all your normal meds with you and let the nurses know.

>Might help to pack some sanitary pads, I was on period so packed some anyway but I expect regardless you will bleed and the hospital only provide very thick pads.

Hope all goes well for you in surgery and recovery. Just take the time to heal, experiences vary wildly but for me it took 2 weeks of being in bed before I started to do anything. Total of 6 weeks signed off then went back to work on phased return. Some people are quicker or longer to heal, try not to compare and judge yourself 🩷

About the mirena coil & other forms of birth control - ive tried the contraceptive implant before which really affected my mood so I had it removed. I then had a period of being birth control free for about 10 years but during this time gradually had worsening symptoms of what i now know is endometriosis.

I had the mirena coil fitted in March when I had my lap surgery. So far it has helped with pain control and reduced the heaviness of bleedinf but the bleeding is almost constant. Periods are lasting longer (11-12 days), then I'm bleeding on/off throughout the rest of the month. Again not heavily but it is present. I was also told it can take many months for things to settle down so I'm going to give it 6 months then review things

Hope everything goes smoothly for you and all the best for recovery x

[endo_the_stigma in reply to KittyTherapy]

This is an extremely helpful reply thank you so so much!! And definitely going to give the mirena a go and give it six-eight months to settle in and then re-evaluate if needed! Thanks again❤️💛