I was referred by my GP to see a gynae doctor as she suspected I may have endometriosis. Through private I was able to see a consultant who is an endometriosis specialist (particularly on the bowels). My cramps when I’m on my period aren’t as bad as a lot of what I read other people go through on here, so I am grateful for that. However my symptoms relate more to my bowels (pain and bleeding) and pain in my groin. I’ve had cameras, ultrasounds and bloods which didn’t find anything.
I had my initial consultation with the consultant and he recommended MRI as a first step. I have had my MRI and I am waiting for the follow up appointment with the consultant to find out my results. The consultant said the MRI would show if I had DIE. I understand from research that MRIs don’t always show endometriosis (even if it is DIE), and that even if it isn’t DIE (so doesn’t show up on scan) that it can still cause lots of pain. My question really is what if the MRI is clear and the consultant says I don’t have endo based on that result? I would feel uncomfortable pushing back against this when he is a specialist but equally I’ve heard that laparoscopy is the only way to say for sure whether someone does or doesn’t have it. Any one have any advice? Thank you in advance!
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Bektimhaz
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The specialist will likely suggest a laparoscopy should the MRI come back with nothing. They are more inclined to suggest surgery privately, given it’s paid for, but it would be the natural next step.
My periods were also not as bad as a number of peoples. Day 1/2 painful but I have always managed. It was the pain outside of period and bowel symptoms that continued to progress which resulted in an MRI which did show DIE for me.
Ultrasounds/bloods were also all completely normal which is why it took me so long to be listened to. The MRI is the best chance at seeing if there is anything going on, but you know your body so if worst case it comes back fine, proceed with the lap. It’s the only way to know for certain xx
you’re absolutely correct that scans don’t always show Endo, mine didn’t for 15 years and then when I did finally have surgery my consultant said I had the worst pelvis he’d ever seen.
Even now they never show anywhere near the full extent of disease.
If the MRI comes back ‘clear’ as they very often do, push for a diagnostic laparoscopy and say you want to get to the bottom of your symptoms and not put fertility at risk etc.
If he refuses, obtain scan images and reports via hospital legal department and seek a second opinion.
Hi, I second what both Tangoandmax and Lily1986 have shared. It's great that you're in private care. They'll likely be more efficient and more inclined to treat you. Most doctors speak with such conviction when it comes to diagnostics - I hope in your doctor's case that it means that they have trained radiologists who know how to pick up on endo via imaging (MRI & ultrasound). Even with a trained eye, it's not always picked up on - both deep infiltrating and superficial. I was diagnosed via laparoscopy 8 years ago. My endo wasn't treated as it was on my organs (bowel & bladder) and no colorectal or urologist surgeon was present. Ever since, no MRI has shown such endo. Until this year, only after having a "rectal fill" MRI. Adhesions were identified between the back of my uterus, vagina, cervix & my rectum.
You can have bowel symptoms, but not bowel endo, due to endometriosis' inflammatory nature. However, bowel endo, especially rectal, is VERY common. MRI report aside, as long as your surgeon speaks to this and is prepared to involve a colorectal surgeon AND he's experienced with a good reputation, then you should be in good hands for surgery. I don't think you'll have to push for surgery. With private care, depending on the doctor, it may well be enough to be symptomatic alone. There's no harm in enquiring about laparoscopy and if the doctor refuses, as Lily1986 advises, you're free to get a second opinion. Please note, surgery isn't a cure and the gold standard for endo treatment is excision surgery
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MRI diagnosis 
Private MRI Scan with endo specialist?
Mri scan
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Mri scan
