Endometriosis?

[mamansnet]

I had terrible periods as a teenager, getting sent home from school every month on all fours with the pain. Went on the pill for 14 years. Towards the end I started having a little pain and bleeding a week before my period was due. Saw several doctors and gynaecologists, changed my pill, had an MRI, colonoscopy (yay) and eventually a laparoscopy which diagnosed and removed a tiny bit of endometriosis.

Took a couple of years to get pregnant. Since DS has arrived 2 years ago, I've noticed my period pains getting stronger and now I have the additional fun of ovulation pains too.

Had an MMC and D&C in October last year, and my cycle seems to be back to normal. That said:

2 months ago I had terrible ovulation pain in my abdomen and lower back. Saw the doctor, he said if it happens again next month go for an ultrasound. It didn't happen, so I didn't bother.

Last month, I started getting period-type cramps/twinges a week before I was due. These have continued every day since, so I've been having light cramping for three weeks continuously.

This is the endometriosis back, isn't it? I can't decide if I should bother going to the doctor again, knowing he will just send me for the ultrasound and bill me another 110 quid (I'm outside the UK). Or should I just suck it up, despite being pretty skint?

Sadly I fear it could be endometriosis, I had a vaginal hysterectomy last year, after years of woeful pain, and heavy periods, they just told me it was period pain, and cramps, BEFORE admitting it was endo.

Sadly the only way to know for certain is a transvaginal scan, or ultrasound. I had hoped my endo had gone fully when i had hysterectomy, but i fear it has spread. Which is all too common for endo.

Do u get to UK often, as I sense- depending on your circumstances - family etc? u may get it done easier?

feel free to send private message, sadly i know too much about endo etc... u did not state ur age on post, and stage of ENDO you had been advised of.

I had similar symptoms to you at 14 and I now know what caused it - endometriosis. Endometriosis can recur and in your case it sounds like it has come back.

Do not merely suck it up; seek treatment and further answers.
Would not bother paying out £110 for an ultrasound either but put that money instead towards seeing an actual gynaecologist.

I have had more internal ultrasounds than I care to mention and none of those detected the extensive endometriosis deposits in my uterine cavity (because these are so small). It took a laparoscopic type operation to see and remove the endo that had built up. Many women as well do not see a complete cessation of endometriosis post hyst (and the ovaries would also need to be removed during such an op too) as it can indeed travel to other organs like the intestines.