Do I have it?

[Irn-Bruzer]

Hi, this is my first post.

Im still awaiting a full diagnosis for endo but as my implant is due to be removed extremely soon, my symptoms are getting a lot worse. I am in a lot of pain today and having to take time off work. The doctors don't seem to want to diagnose me either but keep worrying me about what can happen if I do.

I am due to have my implant out next week and it has been suggested that i try the coil next which is cary enough.

I have alwasy had extrememly heavy periods and suffer from dysmennorea (heamoraging) its not been great, I have had the injection and now the implant which have stopped my periods but not the pain.

My doctor said I should request an ultrasound next week once my implant is out.

advice please? x

[Aquitaine]

Sorry to hear you're having such a tough time.

Endometriosis is very awkward to diagnose (I had it for over 20 years before getting a definitive diagnosis), so it can certainly feel as though the doctors are dragging their feet. Here are a couple of thoughts:

1. Definitely go for the ultrasound as your doctor suggests. You won't be able to confirm endometriosis from an ultrasound (the only definitive diagnosis is from surgery), but this may be able to rule out other complications (eg. fibroids) that could be treated.

2. Keep a diary. I found it much easier to talk to the doctors when I had a really comprehensive list of what had happened and when. I monitored my mood, pain, periods and a few other things (eg. what I was eating) so that I could show how these were all related, and so have a better discussion about the symptoms.

I know a lot of people find the coil scary. I had a mirena coil put in fairly recently, following a laproscopy (surgery to diagnose and treat endometriosis) and to be honest, I've found it great. Much less bleeding and - importantly - no pain. You do hear some horror stories from people who've had a bad time, but my own experience has been pretty good, so if you feel it might be right for you, then go ahead and go for it.

I do hope you feel better soon, and also hope you manage to get some enough medical attention. Good luck!

[LittleMissManx Moderator]

Hi Irn Bruzer

Are you waiting for a laparoscopy to confirm a diagnosis of endo? It will certainly help you and your doctor if you both know exactly what you're dealing with and a treatment plan can be formed. You're probably aware that a lap is the only way to confirm the presence of endo.

An ultrasound scan can show up cysts and fibroids but not endo. Your doctor may be asking for an ultrasound to be carried out to rule out any other possible causes for your heavy bleeing?

The Mirena is meant to be beneficial in ladies who suffer with heavy bleeding and it would be worth giving it some serious consideration once your implant has been removed. There are many opinions over the Mirena <not all of then good ones!> but every patient is different. I had one fitted to help with my endo pains and although there was some pain on insertion as I dont have children it wasnt too scary or as bad as I feared. A tip to help prevent any discomfort is to take 2 paracetamol about an hour before your appointment.

Good luck with your decision, xx