Questions to ask Gyno about Endo Tomorrow

[miss_wendy]

I'm seeing a Gynocoloigist for the first time tomorrow (24/8). I have suspected Endometriosis and hoping to be referred to another hospital out of my county for laparoscopy. I've researched the Endo Centre in Colchester, UK and they do excision and are specialists so want to go there rather than my Norfolk and Norwich Hospital which does not specialise in Endo.

I had my coil removed against doctors advise a month ago a worry the Gyno won't take me seriously. I have been very sick for most of this year - diahorea, nausea, dizzy, brain fog, shaking, sweating, food sensitivities, cramps, mood swings - and it always happened around ovulation for 3 weeks. I thought it could be the coil so had it removed (didn't help with pain anyway), the symptoms reduced but didn't go away. I'm waiting on blood results for Celiac.

Are there any questions I NEED to ask the Gyno and make sure I'm taken seriously. I've had extreme period pain since 15 and now I'm 31, no kids (don't want kids) and the pain seems to mainly be on my left side.

[Penel]

Good luck with your appointment tomorrow. I'm afraid I don't know the best questions to ask. My endo problem was a long time ago, when no one asked questions. I hope you get a good consultant.

Your symptoms do sound as thought you may have a problem with gluten or possibly wheat. Will you try an exclusion diet, whatever your diagnosis?

Perhaps post your question on the Endo site, if you haven't already.

[JennSp]

Hope your apt goes well Sorry just reading this now probably you've had your apt....It all sounds familiar to me around the age of 33 I too suffered all of your symptoms. I would say to my doctor Just cut out this portion ( left side of body from waist to groin approx) of my body and I will be fine....Yes all my problems started in my lower left area....Yes I too suffered Brain Fog etc...all put down to Women's Problems, but nearly all sorted itself out after Coeliac diagnosis....but still get some symptoms that take me out of circulation...Now the talk around my friends of a certain age is Did'nt think we would get old this quick...it seems like we all have something or other to grouse about.....Anyway hope you are ok, and get a bit further with what is going on inside of you....Its up to you to look after your own health I believe. So if at first you don't get a diagnosis then try and try again Cheers

[Mabes]

With the gynae I'd focus on the clearest endo symptoms - so start with (period & ovulation) pain - emphasise the severity, then mention any issues with bowel movements and urinating, if you have difficulty/pain with sex, any back/hip/leg pain...

It helps to point out the degree of impact it has on your life - e.g. say if it causes you to miss work or if it's impossible to plan anything.

Tell them any things you take to help - painkillers etc.

Symptoms that are non-specific I'd leave til later. It depends how long you get and if the gynaecologist is 'open' ( you'll get a feel for them and know - sometimes I condense stuff to the essential if I can tell that they will disregard some of it or are rushed).

With the symptoms you have, I'd be looking to get hormonal evaluation: either if the endometriosis diagnosis proves unfruitful or if you get diagnosis and excision doesn't resolve all the symptoms. Perhaps a consultation with an endocrinologist would be warranted - because of the cyclical nature and range of symptoms.

As an aside - just in case you didn't know and it's of any use: there is an endometriosis specialist/endometriosis specialist nurse, and endometriosis clinic in The Rosie (women's hospital wing) at Addenbrookes Hospital. The specialist surgeon does excision and is linked to Endometriosis UK.

I hope your appointment goes well!