Endometriosis & laparoscopy
Posted , 8 users are following.
I recently saw. Gynaecologist who said that I could have possible endometriosis. I have a small cyst and one of my tubes is slightly swollen with fluid. She advises that I have a laparoscopy as it's the only way to know for sure. I have suffered a while now with pelvic pain, back ache, stomachache, and more on than off shortness if breath with chest. Pain i am also being treated for IBS as I know that the symptoms can b similar although endometriosis can be connected to IBS.
I am really nervous about having the procedure done and was wondering whether there is anyone who can put my mind at ease and how long re recovery process is?
0 likes, 20 replies
Red1990 lisa33471
Posted
I went to see a gynaecologist here who examined me and revealed that I had a large ovarian tumour. They also said they suspected that I have endometriosis so booked me in for a laparoscopy a week later.
I'm now 2 weeks post op, endometriosis has been confirmed and the surgeons burnt and cut the deposits away. They also removed the tumour at the same time (which was benign). The surgeon said I had a large deposit of Endo in my 'pouch of Douglas' which is the space between your pelvis and colon/rectum. He said it's a very common place to have it. A few days after surgery, I was having shooting pains up my behind (like I'd get around the time of ovulation and during periods) whenever I needed to 'go'. But it's been a heck of a lot 'easier' and all IBS type symptoms have gone! My GP advised that the pains were probably due to everything being a little tender.
After the laparoscopy, I spent 2 nights in the hospital. I woke up with a swollen stomach and found that I had sharp pains in my shoulders at night for a few nights. This is, believe it or not, due to the gas they fill you with during the procedure. It irritates your diaphragm and I'm lead to believe that it's very common. The pain was eased with normal medication such as paracetamol.
I have 4 incision sites. One on either side of my pubic bone (these are tiny and have healed really really quickly with dissolvable stitches) and one in the middle. Some people have these incisions higher up, nearer their hip bones. And the other one is in my belly button and that's healed really quickly. I had a drain in my left incision which was a tad uncomfortable and hurt when they removed it but it's a very quick procedure. They give it a tug and its out before you know it.
I don't know where you live but I'm now taking a drug called VISANNE which is a drug specifically for endometriosis. I'm trying to hold it all at bay until I'm ready for a child.
Visanne isn't licensed in England at present however, I know that it's available in America, Canada, South Africa, Austria and Spain.
Good luck with your lap, I feel great now that I have an official diagnosis! Xxx
Henry2014 Red1990
Posted
I've read your post and wanted to ask, my wife has been diagnosed with a 8cm endometriosis, and has been prescibed Visanne.
She is worried that it will not treat the current growth and afraid of the side effects.
Wanted to ask if you've had any side effects and if Visanne would actually help the treatment.
hope your recovery is goinf well.
lisa33471 Red1990
Posted
I woke at 5 this morning with stomach cramps an diarrhoea. I also had this 2 days ago as well which is so unusual for me as I am usually the opposite! Had lower back pain too and headache, all of which have read can b symptoms of endometriosis?
I am scared having the op but I think in the long run I have no choice. Felt awful for the last few months
Glad you feel better after the procedure. How long would you say it takes for full recovery?
rebecca60143 lisa33471
Posted
I was suffering with adhesions even before my first op as a result of the endo. The ops seem to have made it worse. I am unable to function on a daily basis without prescribed pain killers.
Everyone is different and I seem to be a pretty bad case but you must ask about adhesion prevention. I am not sure if any was used during my op and I am due back in next week. I will find out then if they bothered to try to prevent me from getting more adhesions.
It is a catch 22 because without the op the endo may get worse and won't get any better but make sure they do everything properly!! X
lisa33471 Red1990
Posted
I was just wondering how your recovery was going? I'm waiting for date for laparoscopy and I'm really nervous
I'm having it done privately so dnt know if that will b of any benefit but as a NHS patient.
My scan showed slightly swollen tube and small cyst. Was told tube will possibly need removed. Is there any hope or comfort u can give me
many thanks
lisa33471 Red1990
Posted
Had lap on Monday. Had cyst removed and my bowel was overlapping my uterus so something was done to correct that. However, I know it's only my third day after the op but feeling pretty rubbish still.
Stomach hurts and I have bad backache, appetite not great and still feel slightly sick. How long did It take u to feel more or less normal? And is my recovery going at the pace it should? I dnt know if I'm vein too hard on myself and not allowing myself enough time? I thought a week off work would have been enough but think will have to have 2.
I would be really grateful of any advice you can give
thanku
Lisa
christine19545 lisa33471
Posted
I suffer from stage two endometriosis on the Ovaries, flopian Tubes, pelvic wall and intestines, i live with the pain constantly and i have had to change my whole lifestyle tin order to manage.
I read your post and i really hope you are starting to feel better and that you have been able to get past the worst of the post op expereince. i have had 3 of them and it takes me about 2-3 weeks before i start to feel normal again. if you arent feeling great yet i would recommend that you try modifing your food intake, cut out all sugar and carbs for a few days, just eat veggies and fruit and drink water. i found that within two days of doing this i felt so much better.
Keep strong you will get through all this
lisa33471 christine19545
Posted
I am still feeling a bit of pain but tolerable and was wondering whether this will settle further? Is it normal for me to still feel like this? I amdue to go back to work Monday but not sure if need more time.
I hope you are feeling better now, sounds as though you have gone through a lot! I u are still getting pain is there anything else they can do?
christine19545 lisa33471
Posted
The pain is pretty much normal and it will take a little more time to heal but you should start getting back to your normal way of life soon. If you go back to work on monday take a heat source of some sort with you. Like a hot water bottle or heating pads just in case and most importantly don't forget your painkillers. And easy on the caffeine it had a nasty effect on the pain for some reason. I would however see how you feel on Sunday and then decide if you are ok to go back... I always find the first day back extremely stressful and I always feel worse that day but it will get better. Just keep in mind that you rule your body not the other way around.. let me know what you decide to do
I am ok thank for the concern. I am currently working on my diet and exercise to cope with the pain it's proving to be a lot of work but I am seeing results already. I should go back and have another laprascope done but I had my last one in may. So I am trying other means of controlling it first.
lisa33471 christine19545
Posted
I have also had mild backache tr last few days. Is that normal with having the biwel adhesions do u think? And was wondering do u know how long the stitches take to dissolve? They're still there after 10 days. Dnt look as going anywhere soon! 🙀
christine19545 lisa33471
Posted
the pain is going to be a part of my life forever now, its just one of those things due to my level of illness, i also refuse to take hormone replacement drugs or go on the pill of any sort for it, as i am trying to fall pregnant as well. the best option for me is to have another Lap but i feel 2 in one year is a bit much. i love fruit and veg but i am not very good at eating them, so its been a difficult process to get into that routine and my boyfreind hates the stuff so making dinner in evenings gets interesting.
I really hope that after you lap you have a chance of making a full recovery and this does not become a recurring thing for you.
lisa33471 christine19545
Posted
I really hope it goes well for you and they can put an end to your pain
Please let me know how you get on
Thanks for your advice too. I will have to ask about stitches because they still look firmly in tact still!
christine19545 lisa33471
Posted
I should try the warm water thing in the morning, i also battle with being irregular.
keep me updated on your progress as well, its been great chatting.
lisa33471 christine19545
Posted
Yes I tend to put a drop of blackcurrent in it but if u can drink it in it's own even better! I used to go every 4 days but longer just before my op. If I stick to this water (take it first thing b4 breakfast) it makes me go every 2 days!
It's been good chatting with u too. It's so easier to speak with ppl with similar experience. Sometimes I dnt think the doctors know that much themselves!
Take good care & lots of luck 🍀
lisa33471 christine19545
Posted
christine19545 lisa33471
Posted
lisa33471 christine19545
Posted
Thanks for letting me know - I dnt mind blunt. Just want to get it over with 🙀