Endometriosis, where does the blood go?

[whatmess]

Hello,

I had a lap & dye, ovarian drilling and hysteroscopy a week ago, during which my consultant found mild to moderate endometriosis. She diathermised it all with a laser which is good. But as it was not something I was really expecting, I hadn't read up much about it, instead concentrating on the PCOS and ovarian drilling.

Since the op, I have been trying to read up and did find a great website, www.endometriosis-uk.org which suggested that the uterus cells outside of the uterus fill up with blood just like they would in the uterus but then unlike a period bleed, when they shed they have no where to go. Another website suggested that instead a woman with endometriosis will bleed internally. I found that a bit shocking as I have always thought that internal bleeds were really quite dangerous. So why isn't this more of a problem for us? And what exactly happens to the blood?

Also, now that I have had it all (fx) diathermised, how quickly will the problem return. In other words, does it take days, months or years to develop? I am trying to get pregnant so I'm hoping the later is the answer .

I would be very grateful for any advice you can give.

Hi, I don't know the answer to your question, but thought I'd post as I have quite a bit of experience of endometriosis.

I had it for years (and years, and years) before diagnosis, then had it lasered away. I was told it would grow back and to be honest my periods were no less painful after treatment. So I have no idea how quickly mine came back. Pain was managed with mefanamic acid.

By the time I was in a relationship and wanted to try for a baby, I was told I was peri-menopausal (unrelated to endometriosis). I then fell pregnant within days of this diagnosis - so what I'm trying to say is that for me the endometriosis didn't have a significant affect on my fertility, in fact my DP is quite proud that his little swimmers overcame endo and menopause to get me up the duff!

The blood stays within the abdominal/pelvic space until it's reabsorbed/broken down by the body. This is what causes the pain/cramps etc, as free blood within the peritoneum/anywhere outside a blood vessel acts as an irritant.

How many forwardslashes ffs?

Thanks. That's really helpful.

No wonder I'm in so much pain bruxeur. I lent my tens machine to a friend for her to use in labour...but she bloody well had proper drugs on hand whilst I had to struggle on with paracetomal

Not that I'm selfish/already taken all my mefanamic acid!