Need more info on endometriosis?

[gem87]

Hi! i have recently been diagnosed with endometriosis and have been put on the waiting list for a laparoscopy, I am very nervous as i have never had an op and would like to hear from people in the same position as me just for reassurance really. Also if anyone has any tips for pain relief as painkillers etc don't seem to work!

[OosengaoO]

How did they diagnose endo without doing a lap? what painkillers have you tried so far? do you get any relief at all at certain times of the month?

senga x

[gem87]

I went to see Gynaecologist who asked lots of questions, did a internal etc and she said i should have a lap as it seems like endometriosis and possibly poly cystic ovaries too, was all a bit confusing and too much to take in as ive never heard of these conditions before. I've tried the usual paracetamol, feminax and feminax plus and also mefenamic acid. Not really as my periods are irregular and can last one to five days with pain starting before my period until its finished but the pain only occurs when im on my period. x

[Rufio]

If the pain killers you are taking are not effective, speak to your GP about pain control. Heat pads and hot water bottles can go some way to help, as well as taking care of yourself / diet and exercise.

I found the endo diagnosis so confusing, doctors will tell you the definition etc of what it is but it doesn't always explain how you feel, how it affects you and how to deal with it. I have found this forum really useful for that, hearing people's experiences and asking questions to people who know how you feel.

As for the lap, I was terrified when it was first mentioned and the thought of having an op really scared me, but was not that awful when it actually happened. Again, getting advice, tips and reading peoples experiences on here really helped.

best of luck and ask as many questions as possible!

[Chrissie66]

Hi Gem

Endometriosis is a very confusing disease to begin with, but then you get into the different ways it affects different people and it starts to make no sense at all!

There is an extremely good book on the subject called Endometriosis For Dummies (on Amazon here, although also available from all good book sellers amazon.co.uk/Endometriosis-... ) - I've had endo for 20 years and I still find myself dipping and and out occasionally.

The main thing to remember is that because everybody is different you won't necessarily ever find anybody who has exactly the same symptoms as you. Rufio is right, you only have to spend an hour or so on here to know that you are absolutely not alone

Just one last thing (for now!) - I was 26 when I was diagnosed and I had never been into hospital for anything, let alone had an operation. I was absolutely terrified, and in the end it turned out to be quite big surgery because I had a huge cyst that had twisted on its stalk as well as lots of other endo mess to clear up and in those days keyhole surgery wasn't as routine as it is now. I remember crying like a baby in the anaesthetic room and the nurses all being really lovely and the anaesthetist saying he'd just give me a little something to help me relax. The next thing I knew I was waking up in the recovery suite and it was all over - and it was bloody brilliant! They are still like that in the anaesthetic rooms today, nobody would choose to be in that situation, and they are well used to people being upset. Somebody will hold your hand, try not to worry. Also - and don't tell anybody else this - whenever I go into hospital I take my teddy with me (I am 46. I know...) - when I came round from the anaesthetic last time, he was there in bed beside me, with his arm, leg and head bandaged, and a hospital wristband with his name on it. To this day I don't know what he had done, but he's been miles better for it!

Good luck, and lots of love

C xxx

[desireethavar]

Hi Gem,

I am new to this site and endo as well. My story is same as your's , had my lap down on the 27th December. And didnt expect what followed, it was supossed to be done internal but was told he might have to cut just before going in. First i must tell you, i have a major phobia for needles.I have never had anything done to me before so was very scared. Anway to cut a long story short. I would like to tell you, not to be though of doing the lap. I know everyone's body reacts differently but I felt minimum pain and took few mild medications once discharged from hospital. Fast Mobility is a bit difficult but if you take real good care of yourself, in a week, you will be back to your normal self.

Endo is all new to me, After my lap, doc advised that I have it in the 3rd stage already and tubes are bloced on one side. If thats not bad enough, my hubby's sperm count is extremely low and based on that was told that IVF wont work, we will have to try ICSI. Doc gave me a Zoladex injection while under (Thank God as I heard those are big and painful). Not sure what his plan of action is, awaitign my next consult on wed 16th Jan to find out, but was told natural conception wont work for us. I am terrified as I heard of fidelity drugs and as I mentioned have a phobia for needles.

Anyway, I wish you all the best and a speedy reovery. Just breath and take it one step at a time