had my initial consultation

[pinkie25]

I went and saw the endometriosis specialist for my initial consultation. He said he’d already read the symptoms (that I’d had to send in to be offered an appointment.) I gave him a new list cause it included symptoms I hadn’t previously mentioned, he read it and scanned it on his phone. He said normally they do an ultrasound but that my ultrasound (one I’d had done at an nhs hospital already) was inconclusive. He said it sounds like endometriosis. Mum asked him if my symptoms could be caused by a different condition and he said there are other systemic conditions that could cause those symptoms but it being cyclic is telling. He suggested an MRI, he said basically that he could do surgery but it will be a stressful situation and that an MRI is the less invasive option. We said I’d have an MRI and he’d said I’d probably still have to have the surgery. We then were told we could go to the scan department and book it whilst we were there instead of ringing. I have my MRI appointment on the 2nd of July but I have to drink loads of water which is a bit of a problem cause I frequently wee. I also have to have a cannula in my arm for them to put buscopan in to keep my organs still and incase they want to use a contrast dye in. I’ll apparently be in the scanner for an hour and have to stay for some time after incase I’m unwell.

[Faylen34]

It is good you have been offered an MRI to start, I am guessing you are having a full pelvic scanner, I was in mine for 40 minutes in the end but time can vary. You can stop at any time if you feel uncomfortable and some hospitals do offer music. Good luck and hopefully you will get some more answers following the results of the scan.

[pinkie25 in reply to Faylen34]

I’ve had an mri before for my spine and I think that was about 40 minutes but this time I’ll have a cannula for the buscopan and possible dye and I don’t like the idea of it in my arm the whole time but I’ll let them do it so I can get a clearer answer.

[Sunset-lady]

It's fantastic that you've been offered an MRI. Many women on here have not been successful regarding this and it SHOULD be the next obvious step in an attempt to diagnose endometriosis. The dye will really help the endo show up -it did for me. Good luck 👍

[pinkie25 in reply to Sunset-lady]

It’s cause I’m paying private for it. They said they might use the dye so don’t know if they actually will but they are using the buscopan so they can look at my bowel

[Sunset-lady]

I paid for mine too x worth it xxx

[Cailleach]

Just a bit of practical advice re the fear of bladder leaks, from my experience of ultrasounds and having urinary problems.

It is easier to go early to the department and drink lots there rather than worrying about having a full bladder on the journey. Also just wear a pad if you are afraid of having a leak, take a change of clothes and you are prepared for all eventualities. Tell the staff doing the scan if you are worried about this as well, they probably get that a lot.

I have had MRIs but not for endo. It can feel a bit claustrophobic, but the staff will talk to you during the scan, tell you how much time is left etc. Personally I find it easier just to keep my eyes closed and let my mind wander.

Hope all goes well xx

[pinkie25 in reply to Cailleach]

I’ve had a spine mri before, the mri doesn’t bother me, it’s just having the cannula in for the buscopan, bothers me