Asymptomatic endometriosis?

[EricaJ]

Hi ladies,

I was wondering if any of you have any experience on asymptomatic endo?

Long story short: been ttc for 2.5 years, had an mc at the very beginning (only took 2 months to get pg), then another mc 11 months later and nothing since. Got the tests done and everything came back normal, apart from my slightly short luteal phase, which is being treated with progesterone.

Been on clomid with hcg shot for 3 months and had two failed IUI cycles.

My gyno has suggested laparoscopy to discard (or confirm,and if possible treat) endometriosis. I don't have any of the usual symptoms but apparently 20% to 30% of the cases are asymptomatic.

The laparoscopy is on Tuesday so I'm trying to prepare myself for different outcomes.

If anyone has been through similar and would tell me about their experience, that would be amazing.

Thank you!!

Evil I had never realised but yes, Edward is totally based on Angel.

I really never understood why Bella would choose Edward over sexy werewolf boy (yeah, I'm 33). I think I stopped following the saga then, in frustration.

I may rewatch Interview with the Vampire today...

Maybe I need a bit of a reality check here but I am feeling cautiously optimistic about the baby situation. The bleeding has pretty much completely stopped, I still have nausea & sore breasts & I feel totally disgusted by foods I used to eat all the time. I have no cramps at all.

I feel there is a chance we may get through this. But then just hoping is terrifying.

It's all aggravated by logistical stuff. It may sound silly but my husband and I were planning to travel back to Europe in two weeks for our summer holiday. We may have to cancel it if my doctor bans me from traveling. Which I will happily do if it means that the baby is alive. But it would really suck to cancel it and end up miscarrying. Because of stuff at my husband's work, cancelling, rebooking etc is not that easy. I may sound shallow but last time I mc-d I had to also cancel plans and staying moping at home made me just twice as miserable.

How are you ladies? What is going on in the outside world? Did you know that today is Menstrual Hygiene Day? And that May is International Masturbation Month? I am not spending all day on the internet or anything...

Hi Erica glad to hear the bleeding has stopped and you still have some symptoms. You sound more positive and that is a Good Thing! But I can understand you not wanting to get your hopes up after the scare you've had. Are you still on bed rest? I'm afraid I don't have anything to contribute to the Edward/Buffy/general vampire chat..but I did watch the video clip that Giraffe posted and was reminded of how good Buffy was back in the day.

I am shocked there is a menstrual hygiene week and a masturbation week! Which country do you live in Erica?! Bloody hell

I know you are worrying about traveling but don't want to miss out on another holiday...but it may not come to that. I don't know what the research is on flying in early pregnancy but you may be in a very different place in 2 weeks time....a much more reassured and positive place. Many MN-ers on here have had horrific bleeding and threatened miscarriage yet their pregnancies are still ongoing and nearing full term.

Stay hopeful. I am keeping everything crossed for you - you are my miracle lap and bfp buddy!

As for me, am feeling scarily fine. All I have is sore boobs and slightly elevated hunger. Have been too scared to do any exercise so feeling like a lazy bugger! Have also gained a couple of pounds....just hoping that the sore boobs means everything still ok. Got another scan booked for next Wednesday. When are you going back for a scan? Did you have a tv scan before or just abdominal (if tv, maybe that could've caused the bleed...)?

Thanks Fankle! I live in Eastern Africa, we've been here for 2 years after 8 years in London. I really love it but there is not Boots or Topshop which, I'm sure you'll agree, it's a considerable downside.

I started bleeding again last night but after another progesterone shot it has stopped again... Still no cramps and still on-off nausea. I stay hopeful, as you say - and I love having a miracle lap & BFP buddy! High five!

I just made an appointment for my next ultrasound for tomorrow afternoon. I am totally bricking it but it's always better to know I guess.

I am still on bed/sofa rest and going a bit nuts! My gyno is amazing but pretty conservative and on the very cautious side so if things look ok tomorrow, I'm suspecting I'll be here a while...But then, it things look, I won't mind AT ALL.

I know that not having lots of symptoms is a bit worrying/disconcerting, specially when every other pregnant woman seems to be puking all over the place. However, just off the top of my head: my mum, sister and two best friends have never had any symptoms ('I barely noticed I was pregnant!' my sister says) and they all had healthy pregnancies and gorgeous babies.

Wow, that must be quite a culture shock! But I guess after living there for 2 years you are quite used to life out there now. The most culturally different place I have lived is France- and that was for less than a year. I always thought it would be so exciting to live in different countries. Now I just take as many exotic holidays as possible...but still haven't been to Africa.

I am glad to hear you are still feeling hopeful despite the bleed. The progesterone is clearly doing something right! I know bed/sofa rest is boring and you can't really take your mind off it much through distractions, but it sounds like your gyno has your best interests at heart.

Best of luck for your scan tomorrow. I am hopeful for you. Thanks for the reassurance about lack of symptoms. Hoping I am just lucky not to be plagued with awful sickness.

I learned an interesting fact in my local pub quiz the other night- the river Congo crosses the equator twice and is the world's deepest river. Love facts like that (geek alert)!

Definitely sounds like the progesterone is helping! Fingers crossed for good news tomorrow.

Love the river fact, Fankle! One of my favourite facts is that Oslo used to be called Christiania - I learned that from a Roald Dahl book when I was quite small, and for some reason it has stuck in my head.

Hi ladies,

Just came back from the doctor and infortunately they couldn't find a heart beat anymore. My usual gyno was out for an emergency so I have to call back later to arrange and appointment and D&C.

I am devastated, dissapointed and pissed off. At the moment both my husband and I want to keep on trying but I just see misery and uncertainty in the journey (ok, that sounded pretty melodramatic but you know what I mean).

How could I ever get excited about a BFP or a good HCG blood test again, or even seeing the heart beat? Right now, life sucks.

Oh, erica :( I'm so, so sorry

I'm so so sorry to hear this Erica

It's miserable and so fucking unfair.

And yes, if you do get to a place where you are ready to try again, then these experiences just take all the pleasure out of future bfps. I hate that this removes all the innocence from it. But you will find a way to get through this and you WILL get another bfp. Not that this is of any use or help to you right now.

This morning I thought to myself, if they don't see a heartbeat at my scan next week, at least I will know how i will feel and what will follow and I can mentally prepare for it.

You are not being dramatic. You don't deserve any more heartache.

Thank you Evil & Fankle

Actually, your words are of lots of use and help right now. Everyone is lovely and tries to help but only the ones that have been there can really, really understand and offer real comfort, if you see what I mean.

I had my D&C yesterday and I am feeing physically much better than expected, which is a massive plus. During my first miscarriage I was in agony for a whole week. I would never advise anyone to miscarry naturally! We want to keep on trying and we have an appointment with my gyno to arrange some tests to see if these mcs are bad luck or is there a problem...

Please keep me posted on your pregnancies... it would be lovely and gives me hope....

Also, I know you won't judge me when I unleash my anger and swear like a trooper at the unfairness of it all.

Not at all, erica, it is completely unfair and beyond cruel. Swearing is entirely reasonable. Glad to hear you're not feeling too uncomfortable physically, though.

Hopefully the gynae tests will be able to give some suggestions - I know some of the BESH were on aspirin as soon as they got pregnant because of previous miscarriages. I have no idea what the reasoning is/was, but they seem to be doing well.

Was just thinking that the BESH might be a good place for Erica to unleash some hardcore swearing. Of course, hardcore swearing is absolutely fine here too.

How are you doing Erica? I hope the tests reveal some clue as to why you've had to go through this shit 3 times.

Hi ladies,

it's a bank holiday in this part of the world so went for a bit of day out... I still feel crap but it is a distraction and it really helped me get out of my head...

I am SO FUCKING looking forward the tests! It includes testing for genetic problems which sounds a bit scary but it's always better to know.

The gyno said that we can start trying straight away, I was a bit concerned about some guidelines saying you should wait three months but then I remembered it took me 16 months to get pregnant last time so getting pregnant 'too quickly' should be the last of my worries.

Back to pissing on OPKs sticks and scheduled sex. Someone please kill me.

I've checked the BESH ladies - they seem really cool! I may start working on my BESHtionnaire.

Thanks again for your support. It really means a lot!

Yes, start trying again as soon as you feel you can...I know you'll want to get straight back on it. You are sounding really strong and positive, and I'm glad a day out has helped your head a bit. It's good that you will be getting tested for everything...at least by the sounds of it your doctors are much quicker and have more time for you than here with the NHS.

Erica

I'm so sorry for your loss. A close friend has just been through something similar and its awful. I've also had 2m/c and can honestly say they were the worst experiences ever.

I hope this is not really insensitive but wanted to share my news with the thread. First month ttc after lap and endo treatment and I have a BFP. I hardly dare breath after my last BFP ended in mc at 5 weeks. I'm only 12dpo, the line is very clear . DP absolutely refuses to be excited. I can't help being a bit excited but am so aware how a BFP is merely an indication of a possibility....

So, anyone out there who's had treatment for endo, there is hope.

X

Congrats worried!! That is really good news and not insensitive at all! It gives me hope that the laparoscopy really did something good and I will be able to get pg again!

Personally, if I were you, I would enjoy the lovely feeling as much as you can. I have tried to 'not get excited' etc and if things don't work out, you get just as heartbroken!

I have a question though - did you use opks to track your last ovulation (and first one after treatment I assume?). Because I only got negative opks and still got pg so I am wondering if I should just bin them!

We are trying again this month - ovulation should be around the corner I think...

Thank you - just been for blood test so will see...

Funny you should ask about OPKs. I did use them but ran out of sticks before I got a positive! I o'd on cd19. I was taking my temperature as well so that was how I confirmed ovulation in the end.

Lots of luck for this month.

X

That's great news, congratulations Worried. Always good to see another success for laparoscopy/ asymptomatic endo survivors!

Erica I think of you often and am glad to see you are 'getting back in the saddle' so to speak. You've had a heart breaking time. I hope you are feeling better and optimistic about the future. My FC said the research on pregnancy rates after laparoscopy is increased for at least 12 months. But I have a feeling it will be quicker than that for you.

Thanks Fankle! I am embracing your positive vibes with open arms!

My doctor seems really quite optimistic (I've been with him since November and I know he's not one for raising your hopes) which really helps. Had a massive chat with my husband about how far/how long we are willing to go before considering options (adoption). I feel quite strong but I think I'm grieving my pregnancy innocence... You know, feeling just super happy and confident that everything will be ok as soon as you see a BFP... Ah well.

How are you? You passed the 9th week mark I believe? My gyno reckons it's a super important one!! xx

Excellent news, worried, congratulations! Everything crossed for you :)

You sound amazingly upbeat, erica, and it's good to know the doctors are sounding optimistic too. Talking with DH is good too - I know I felt much calmer once we had made a plan of action for treatment etc.

Mourning pregnancy innocence is something everyone suffering with infertility goes through, I think. I envy people who feel so confident that everything will be fine right from the BFP (or even the start of TTC), and everything does go smoothly for them. On the other hand, I think it has made me grow as a person - I am far more aware of what other people may be feeling than I used to be, which can only be a good thing.

Thanks Giraffe !

Optimistic doctor and making a plan with my husband has helped loads. I still get very sad sometimes. And angry. And all 'WHY ME???' but I guess I have accepted that this is not going to be an easy path for us...

People still get on my nerves though. Just spoke to my dad & mentioned it will take me a while to tell my family about a new pregnancy (because they were so devastated when I mc-d). His response: 'Yeah, seeing how things are going, best not tell anyone until you've had the baby and the invitations to the Christening are on the post' - Mmmhhh, thanks Dad!

He's a good man but has not tact whatsoever. My mum passed away last year and I miss her all the time but specially at times like this.

Ah that's good to hear Erica. A good positive chat with your doctor and making a plan with your hubby are very good encouraging steps.

So sorry to hear about your mum. Your dad sounds like he means well and was prob just trying to be light hearted to make you feel better. It must be hard living so far away. I just have my mum (my dad died when I was quite young) and she lives about 300 miles away from me, which is hard enough. She's got a disability so I always feel guilty for not living closer. One day I'm sure I will.

Thank you for asking how I am. It's thoughtful of you given what you are going through right now and I am conscious of not wanting to upset you. But I feel fine and yes, I'm passed the 9 week mark now...10 weeks tomorrow. I hadn't realised 9 weeks was an important marker. It was important for me personally since that is when I miscarried before. But I'm glad I'm almost in double figures so planning on telling our parents this weekend.

Thanks Fankle - I am glad you have reached and passed your personal milestone.

Actually, pregnancy stories from people that have struggled (specially with endo!) really cheer me up. Not many people admit to having fertility issues so when I look around, everyone seems to either be an instadiffer, or child free. It encourages me to know that you can have a hard time AND still get there in the end!

Sorry to hear about your dad. It's hard to be away from family, specially when they need us and us them! Have a great time this week end!

I think more people have a difficult time than we realise, because it's not often spoken about. At tea with my NCT group last week, it transpired that of the five of us, two had had one miscarriage, one had had four miscarriages and cancer while TTC, one had been TTC for around two years, and then there was me with 3.5 years TTC and IVF. Not an instadiffer in sight, despite my assumptions. It'd be good if people spoke about their struggles more, it might feel less isolating if so. Did anyone see that Guardian article about infertility the other week? It was really good.

Yes Draf that article was spot on. Amazing to hear of the struggles faced by your nct friends. I would just assume everyone who does nct has had an easier time getting diffed than me. Don't know why. I am thinking I might sign up for one of their courses as I would like to make new friends since am not local to my area. Would you recommend?

Erica thanks. I was so young I guess I didn't struggle too much with not having a dad. My mum and grandparents were everything I needed (I don't have any siblings). How are you doing today? Sun shining here today again - such a welcome sight after days of heavy rain and thunder storms.

Evil You are absolutely right. Some people have opened up to me about their struggles once I told them about mine. Sometimes I feel so fed up with the whole TTC thing that I don't feel like talking about it anymore. However, I do try to be open about it (within reason, I don't stop people in the street) because I had a really lonely first year of TTC after my first mc, where I felt like a freak. It would be nice to think that these horrible experiences can help other people feel less isolated.

Fankle I am glad your mum and grandparents are so amazing. I love grandparents, I was very close to mine.

I am fine. Bit grumpy. We are going back to Europe for the summer, which marks 2 years since moving to Africa. We moved here a few months after my first mc and we thought we would have a baybee (maybe two!!) by the time we went back to Europe 3 years later. But nothing yet. Thinking I will be lucky if I am pregnant by the time we leave next summer.

Also, so many friends are pregnant or have babies back home. I am happy for them but makes me feel a bit lonely.

It's just frustrating. However, I have faith in the after effect of the laparoscopy and hopefully it won't take as long this time. Don't judge me, but I've kept the two BFP tests I got in April, just to remind myself that THIS CAN HAPPEN TO ME!