TTC with endometriosis

[tak1ngchances]

I'm sure this thread has been started already, but I can't find it and also thought there might be some newer members who would find it helpful.

I am 32, was diagnosed with endometriosis following a laparoscopy in March 2010 and had a second lap in June last year. Both times the gynae said it was superficial but extensive (stage 1) and I should conceive ok naturally.

Since then DH and I have had a few more tests done (semen analysis and bloods) and all was good. We still have no BFP though, and my periods are getting more and more painful.

Just wondered if anyone else was in the same boat and had advice or helpful info? I have been referred on for further blood tests to checks arisen reserve, just on a list now to get the appointment.

Thanks TC x

[justtired]

Hi not sure if you really want a reply from me as I'm not in the same position but I was before, and I didn't want up leave your thread unanswered.
I'm happy to talk to you about it though if you would like

[tak1ngchances]

Hi justtired! Yes tell all, did you conceive successfully with endo?

[setayharas]

Hey thought I'd reply again not in the same position, I'm convinced and have been for a while that u have endo or some such, had an ultrasound which came bck clear, waiting for my follow up appointment to beg for more tests.

Sorry I couldn't help u but wanted to say hey anyway!

[setayharas]

I have endo not u! Sorry stupid iPhone

[justtired]

Yes I did! I had a laproscopy (sp) and I had stage 2/3 endo and would probably need help ttc. funnily enough the day I was due to have an operation to burn it off, I found out I was pregnant! It was a lovely and total surprise, and being pg was great for the endo as I obvs didn't have any periods for a good few months and so it gave my body a rest and time to heal.
Me and DP then decided to ttc again and I was told it should be fine as the endo wasn't as bad......it took 2yrs alot of clomid and a op to burn off the remaining endo and flush my tubes, just as they were about to tell me there was no more they could do on the NHS I found out I was pg.
I know have 2 gorgeous strapping ds!
If you have any questions it whatever I will (try) and help

[setayharas]

Thank you justtried obviously I'm still begging for a lap and further tests and strangely I just want a diagnosis even of it is bad, I just want to know know I'm fed up of pain and the unknown! , but at this point all positive stories are a welcome! Thanks for yours!
I'm hoping I'll be able to concieve naturally but either way my other half is here with me so I'm lucky! Thanks again and hopefully Ill get a bfp soon just like everyone else. So I'm guessing your advice would be don't give up and keep going!

[tak1ngchances]

Thanks for sharing your v positive story justtired.
I am wondering if my endo is causing problems with implantation. My blood tests show that I am ovulating and DH has been told he has super sperm. We definitely to it at the right times each month and I am always v optimistic about our chances. I feel pregnant many months too (sore nipples, bloated, crampy about 10 days after ovulation).
Then inevitably my period shows up...I did read on endometriosis.org that endo could be related to immunity problems, that would cause your body to reject implantation. Just wondering what the tests/treatment are for that...but it sounds like you had mechanical blockages.
Setay you must definitely push for a laparoscopy if you think you have endo, don't be fobbed off.

[TigerseyeMum]

I have stage 4 endo and been ttc for 2.5 years now with no luck. Sadly I only started ttc aged 37 as my endo was so bad for so many years I could not come off the medications.

The cut off age for fertility treatment is 35 so I am too old for assisted conception, but I am being referred for another lap to clear it out a bit and check my tubes again. I'm also having a day 21 test too.

Endo is a horrible disease to have and with cut off ages of 35 for fertility treatment women with endo can find themselves a bit rushed to ttc which is sad.

[lastboxoftampons]

I'm interested to know more. We're TTC#2 for over a year now. When trying for DS came off BC and got pg straightaway, but then miscarried and he took a further 8 months of trying.

Am 36 and have been to the GP multiple times in past 6 months because of short LP with lots of spotting. Have been fobbed off lots, finally given day 3 and 19 bloods (which came back normal) and a half hearted pelvic exam in the office, after which the GP said my uterus felt 'bulkier' than it should, so she sent me for a scan, which showed normal structures. Finally they agreed to send us to the ACU and I had a scan on WEdnesday where they found two sizeable complex cysts on my left ovary. They think they're either dermoid cysts or endometrioma. Having now done some extensive googling on endo, I'm convinced that's what it is!

Would love to chat more about this. What symptoms do you all have? I've even got blood and mucus with bowel movements (sorry if TMI) - asked the GP if it could be related to my mid-cycle and pre-menstrual spotting and he said no, it was normal.

[setayharas]

Hey so Youv had a few more test than me, when I was 19 and met dp I complained about painful sex and was told it could be pelvic inflametry disease or some other std after testing I was told it wasn't and they didn't know. A few months later I wet back and begged for tests, unfinally from an ultrasound they found a cyst. Which in the end shrunk so they didn't operate. Over the years not much changed sex still hurt but I figured that was something I'd have to live with. Now we r ttc and I'm getting spitting after sex aswell as intense period cramps throughout my cycle with instead shooting pains.
Gp sent me for An ultrasound but told me he thinks all my pains are to do with my pulled back.

Now waiting for another appointment where I fully intend on refusing to leave until I'm referred.

[tak1ngchances]

I have typical endo symptoms :
Painful sex
Crippling period pain
Spasms in rectum during period (also known as javelin-arse on MN!)
Extremely painful bowel movements during period
Dragging pains down legs during period

[tak1ngchances]

I think mucus & blood in your stools are most definitely not normal and should be checked out, lastbox

[ClockWatchingLady]

Yes, conceived with stage 2 endo after 9 months of trying. Didn't happen till endo burnt off (during laparoscopy). My gynae told me the highest chances of conception are just after laparoscopy with lazer excision.
I think blood/mucus in stools can be normal (and I assume the GP asked relevant questions to determine whether it is. e.g., is it bright red, etc.). Having said that, I've been referred for colonoscopy because of bleeding, to make sure endometriosis not "invading" through walls of bowel(!).
Painful bowel movements are pretty horrendous. Does anyone find anything works to control this?

[ClockWatchingLady]

Tigerseye - sorry to hear you've been having so much trouble. As a tale of hope, I met a lady when I was in hospital who didn't conceive for 8 years due to advanced endo. Then when she gave up hope she conceived twice age 41 and 43. Fertility's such an odd thing. Best of luck to you all.

[ClockWatchingLady]

tak1ngchances - I used to get that "feeling pregnant" thing too, when ttc. I also always had this feeling that endo was getting in the way of implantation - but who knows....

[justtired]

Fertility is a very strange thing I had bad symptoms for years before having my 1st,dc....awful periods,the dragging feeling, pains etc. and during my first lap it was even pulling on some of my organ, hence my surprise at getting pg so easily. Then when it wasn't half as bad and we planned dc2 it took agggeeess and it was only when id pretty much given up hope that UT happened. I wasn't ovulating so I then started the clomid and even tho I was having high readings for ovulation then .it still didn't happen. Every month I felt pg, sore boobs, feeling sick etc...the amount of of sticks I got through was ridiculous! I was also told the best time to conceive is the 3 months after having the op and that's when it happened for me. In hind sight I do believe that stressing about it made it worse and that he came along exactly when he was meant too buti won't say that because I can remember people saying to me, stop worrying and it will happen blah blah....if only it was that simple hey!

[TigerseyeMum]

I'm having a lap quite soon hopefully as I am not getting back pain with the endo pain and I can't go back to all that pain again...

I recognise javelin-arse!! Oh yes, have that a lot!!!!

[TigerseyeMum]

I get loads of pregnancy symptoms too, I assume endo has similar hormonal surges to pregnancy. Gets a bit wearing when yet another person goes 'nudge nudge wink wink, eh eh reckon you're in the club then???' oh yeah, after all these years, of course I am...

[ClockWatchingLady]

Great to get a name for javelin arse! Till I read that description I never realised anyone else got it.

[lastboxoftampons]

GP was very dismissive about blood and mucus in stool. We're mid-consulation with the ACU and I will press them about it. I just mentioned it because if you google endometriosis and mucus, it immediately mentions bowel (I was actually googling the two terms to see if endo could affect one's CM).

what's javeline arse!?!?

[lastboxoftampons]

OOh, nevermind, just scrolled up! Yes, I've had that too...

[Shaz2011]

I had endo at 18 & was told would have trouble concieving a year later still nothing so I gave up on the idea of having a family than 6 months later I found out I was 7 weeks pg & than I had my ds2 18 months later after ds1, I would say don't give up it can happen & wish u the best of luck

[Lillady1985]

Hi I know this is an old thread but wondered if any of you ladies had any progress ??