What to expect

[Theequinelover]

Hi, I have just been told I am getting sent to gyno for a laparoscopy. They have also asked me to get a hormone coil in to help with symptoms. I have no idea what to expect here and was not expecting this. I can see there is a long waiting time from other posts. How did others manage the pains as I get them on my period and in-between and am now getting close to losing my job for absences. Thank you

[KittyTherapy]

Hey,

Yeah I think typically expect to wait a year. Mine was over a year wait. I had laparoscopic surgery in March with coil inserted which has helped my symptoms. People have mixed experiences with the coil but for me it helps.

Have you spoken with occupational health at your work? They should be able to support you even if you only having a 'working' diagnosis of endometriosis and not yet confirmed. I now have reasonable adjustments to allow for some home working, flexible start times, flexible duties and adjusted absence triggers. It's not perfect but it helps. Also could be worth looking into joining a union if not already as they can attend formal absence meetings to support you & speak on your behalf, obviously they're all clued up on your rights and employers responsibilities.

I use mefenamic acid to help with pain but there are lots of pain relief options and everyone responds differently to them. There's opiods, nerve blockers like amitriptyline, tens machine, heat. Also look into anti inflammatory diet as a lot of people swear by this x

[Theequinelover in reply to KittyTherapy]

Hi,Thank you, hard to see the light but at least it gives me a timeline. Unfortunately my works aren't very understanding it's more of a shut up and put up attitude. Even werent understanding when I was pregnant. I am part of a union and will see if there's anything they can do to help.

I will have to have a look in the tens machine. Unfortunately I wasn't prescribed anything for pain. Thank you for all your help I am looking to book in for the coil next week so hopefully that will help.

[KittyTherapy in reply to Theequinelover]

Its tough constantly fighting but don't give up on yourself. I know things can feel really lonely when nobody else seems to understand but dont put up with the nonsense. Definitely get in touch with your union, endometriosis can fall under the Equality Act so hopefully once your employer is reminded of this they will pull a finger out!

If you feel you could do with a prescription for the pain then try and get an appointment with GP. If your struggling to see the GP then could try 111 as they can sometimes contact your GP surgery and request they book an appointment for you.

Hope you get some relief from the coil x

[Theequinelover in reply to KittyTherapy]

Thank you I'm glad there's good supportive groups as I will admit I felt alone in it x

[KittyTherapy in reply to Theequinelover]

The ladies on this group are so lovely & knowledgeable too, I'm glad I found it x