Conflicting Advice from Surgeons!

[PhoebeMc]

I had a laparoscopy in 2019 to excise endo tissue. The surgery was ineffective at relieving my symptoms (agonizing intercourse and period pain) which have recently worsened considerably. Over the past year, I have received conflicting advice from two consultants -- the first said I needed surgery imminently to protect my fertility and relieve pain -- the other told me that everything was completely normal (despite an MRI report that said I had deep infiltrating endo on my bowel) and would not operate at all. This second consultant said that endo is painful and will always be and that I should consider taking different painkillers. Both consultants are endo specialists and have looked at the same MRI report. Who do I believe? Do I try to get a third opinion? At what point do I suck it up and deal with the pain?

[Tangoandmax]

Im sorry to hear this. I can be incredibly confusing knowing who to trust!

I had three different teams review a recent MRI (standard gyne (NHS), private specialist and a BSGE specialist who all reported different findings. I eventually got an MDT review at a BSGE centre, their report matched what was eventually found during my laparoscopy.

I would simply disregard the opinion of the latter consultant if I were you, their attitude is not cohesive of someone that actually wants to help.

Are both specialists at BSGE centres? If not, you should absolutely request a referral to your local centre as they really are best placed to review/treat endo. I paid to see a private specialist who was absolutely useless, had an appalling attitude and basically made me feel like nothing needed doing. Once the BSGE centre reviewed my scans/symptoms my surgery was expedited as urgent. It’s very frustrating/confusing knowing who to believe.

[PhoebeMc in reply to Tangoandmax]

Thank you for your reply! It is very reassuring to know that someone else has had mixed advice. Can I ask if the BSGE centres are financed by the NHS or are they private? I am definitely going to look into getting a referral. Thanks again!

[Tangoandmax in reply to PhoebeMc]

They are predominantly NHS, I think. You can search your location on the link below and it’ll show you the closest to you. It also lists the accredited consultants, who I guess you could pay to see privately should they do both NHS and private.

bsge.org.uk/centre/category...

Hope this helps!

[Marcia71]

if you’ve Facebook then try to join this group as wil be able to advise.

facebook.com/share/g/LtwcJG...