Been told to have diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis - bit surprised and dithering

[blusterywinds]

Brief history...my periods returned after almost three solid years of pregnancy and bf. Roughly mid cycle on month 2/3 I had severe lower abdominal pain lasting for three hours (unable to stand, worse than labour pain, made me vomit) with small vaginal bleed. Same thing happened 7.5 weeks later but this time I ended up in a&e as nearly blacked out and GP advised me to call 999. Again pain subsided after 2 hours. Same thing happened 4 weeks later but as I knew what to expect it wasn't quite as bad. Pain is always followed by several days of extreme bloating and stabbing pains up my bum which can be enough to make me gasp. I have also had periods starting with three days of light and brown discharge before proper flow.

Gynaecologist in a&e said it was possibly ovulation pain as hormones going a bit crazy following return of AF and was discharged to see outpatient gynaecologist. He was incredibly brusque and instantly said I should have laparoscopy to rule out endo. He advised ovulation pain wouldn't cause the stabbing pain for a few days afterwards so unlikely to be that.

I know I am really lucky to have been taken seriously so quickly but am a bit nervous about undergoing surgery under GA after just 3 episodes of the pain. My periods are heavy but not especially painful and sex is ok too. Also, I conceived without any problem twice. This makes me think endo is unlikely. But maybe best to rule it out? Keep changing my mind about whether to go ahead.

Thanks for reading.

[Sugarice]

I had extensive Endo which wasn't detected until my Laparoscopy, I'm a Mother of 3 too, I was never been troubled by pain either, just horrid periods.

I went home the same day as my surgery as I recovered well from the ga.

Better to know don't you think.

[Mabelface]

I conceived no problem both times but still have endo. The lap is the only way to diagnose. It'll be fine, very quick surgery usually a day case. My endo is now very well controlled.

[blusterywinds]

Thanks both...good to know surgery was ok. It would be better to know I suppose. I am maybe hoping it will just go away and I can be blissfully ignorant!

[SneezySnatcher]

I have endo and I have pains exactly like this. I get agonising stabbing in my bum just before OV. I was diagnosed at 21 with a laparoscopy and it was fine.

I've also conceived easily, twice.

[Mamf74]

I have endo and would certainly recommend finding out as soon as possible; the stats are that it can take some women 8 years + before a definitive diagnosis is made so I would bite their hands off .

Once you have a diagnosis you can then start to receive treatment as the gynaes will know what they're dealing with and you will be spared the "wait and see" route! Plus, if the endo is minimal there is a good chance they could deal with it there and then by excising it / lasering it away.

I've had a number of laps and they have all been day cases; post op they will want to check you can wee and also keep food down before they discharge you. Although it's a day case I would expect to be off work for a couple of weeks and it will take it out of you, especially if they monkey around with you as bruising etc will be sore. I made do with paracetamol, although they do usually give you a bit of codeine too (but not too much as constipation can make you sore on top of the surgery discomfort).

Whilst you're under they will probably also check for things like PCOS too, just in case you are endo free.

Hope that helps, I am in the "Better to know" camp simply because a diagnosis in black & white is really handy if you change Drs, or want new medication etc. When my symptoms came back after my DD was born there was no faffing about with new diagnosis procedure etc, it was a straightforward referral which cut down so much waiting time.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

[Mabelface]

I'll add more now I'm on the pc instead of my phone. My pains were horrendous and I was so glad to have the treatment. I had a laparoscopy, a hysteroscopy, D&C and whilst they were there, they lasered off the endo with a Helica laser and fitted me with a mirena coil. I've not had a problem (or period!) since. I laid up for around a week then was fine.

[Almostfifty]

I had a laparoscopy for the same thing a few years ago. I was in and out the same day and back to normal routines the day after.

The gas they pump into you can make your shoulder sore and if you're not good with GAs that can make you a bit poorly, but you could and should be back to normal within a couple of days.

[blusterywinds]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like it will be quite straightforward so I will go ahead I think...I should be grateful for the opportunity to rest afterwards I suppose!