Endometriosis? - advice please

[coffeecoffeecoffee]

I'm currently waiting for a pelvic scan as my GP thinks I may be suffering from endometriosis. I have to have a scan to rule out other potential causes such as fibriods, so I'm told, before going for a laperoscopy (sp?).
I'm still waiting for this scan appointment to come through - it's been 2 weeks now. I've been prescibed codiene as I'm in a tremendous amount of back pain.

The pain is becoming increasingly bad, so much so I'm beginning to stop functioning. I have two small children and work part time, as well as being a part time carer for my dad who has dementia. The codiene prescribed stops the pain but I feel so groggy I can't function. THe lower dose of codiene doesn't stop the pain.

Should I go back to the doctors? I was told the wait for a scan was 4 - 6 weeks - I can't wait that long
Thanks x

Oh, dear. Yes, do go back. If they can't hurry things along, there's a couple of things you can do: you can phone the unit yourself, and ask if they will offer you a cancellation if they get one. You can also ask for a referral to a pain clinic - they might be able to advise on a better medication regime for you.

If you feel up to it, it is best to push for a referral to a proper endometriosis specialist, not just a gynaecologist. Many general gynaes aren't competent to operate on it, and might try to tell you that operative treatment isn't really necessary. They are also less well up on the best drug treatments.
Have a look here for a useful list of specialist centres - might be handy if it turns out that you do have it.
Hth.

Thanks so much.

I phoned the doc, phoned the clinic and got a cancellation for the second week in Feb.

I think I can hold out until then.

Thanks again Vigilanteawarenessraiser. x

I have endo, and have had 2 laser laps in the last 9 years, along with several different treatments (Zoladex - HELL, mefanamic acid, codeine, Cileste...) and it is kind of under control now. I have 2 weeks a month of moderate pain, controlled by codeine at night and horse sized paracetamol during the day. I am allergic to brufen type drugs. I have changed my diet to include lots of oily fish, I take 2500 of Vit C a day, and I eat beef and broccoli or spinach a lot to keep up my iron levels. It's not great tbh, but I don't want to spend all day high on codeine as I work with children and have an intense job. I don't want more surgery either as there is a risk of tubal damage when they try to clear them. I have been told to get up the duff sooner rather than later if I want kids, and that IVF is highly likely anyhow. Sorry to paint a bleak picture, I just wanted to let you know there are loads of us out there who manage to get with life even in pain, so don't feel alone. (((hugs)))

coffee

You have my sympathies (was diagnosed finally with endo at 31; am now in early 40s).

A pelvic scan may not detect endo if it is indeed there and your symptoms do seem very suggestive of endo being present.

I would phone to see if there is a cancellation appt you can have at the clinic in question. Would also second the counsel re the pain clinic and the specialist endo centers.

Have a look also at www.endo.org.uk.

(Hi vigilante:))

Glad you got a cancellation.

Just to balance what Wrinkly says (sorry you're in pain, Wrinkly) - a lot can be done with excisional surgery, if it is properly performed. Laser is no longer the gold standard, but it is what a lot of centres are offering still, so it is worth pushing to go to a centre that offers excision.

If it is fibroids after all, there are various options for treatment - hopefully they can sort something so you don't have to suffer. Nobody should have to live their life in pain, if there's an alternative.

Hi Attila! Hope you're feeling well.
Sorry for hijack.