Endometriosis Support Group
Endometriosis is a common medical condition where the tissue lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, typically affecting other organs in the pelvis. The condition can lead to serious health problems, primarily pain and infertility. A major symptom of endometriosis is pain, mostly in the lower abdomen, lower back, and pelvic area.
Anyone have experience with endometriomas?
I have one for the first time, to my knowledge. I went to the ER 6 weeks ago for severe abdominal pain, the worst pain of my life. I was told that the U/S and CT scan both showed a ruptured ovarian cyst. I followed up with my GYN 4 days later and had another U/S, which showed the cyst had decreased slightly in size, presumably from the rupture. I was told to follow-up in 6 weeks for another U/S to confirm it goes away. So 6 weeks have passed, and I had my repeat U/S Friday. My GYN said the cyst was still there and that the radiologist and my doctor both now believe it is an endometrioma. Luckily my pain has not been as severe since the day I went to the ER, so my GYN said to call her if the pain worsens and that she will have to go in and remove it.
I had a laparoscopy in 2011 which confirmed endometriosis but I did not have an endometrioma then. I was wondering if anyone has had an endometrioma also and if it was surgically removed? I'm told mine is small currently, but from what I've read, it won't go away on its own and it will just keep growing and destroying my ovary. I'm kind of torn about whether to wait for the pain to return or go ahead and have it removed before it causes more damage (although I've read the surgery frequently causes damage on its own). Sigh. I'm just confused I guess. Any shared experiences would be appreciated.
(Note: I'm going to post this in the Infertility group as well)
I have one for the first time, to my knowledge. I went to the ER 6 weeks ago for severe abdominal pain, the worst pain of my life. I was told that the U/S and CT scan both showed a ruptured ovarian cyst. I followed up with my GYN 4 days later and had another U/S, which showed the cyst had decreased slightly in size, presumably from the rupture. I was told to follow-up in 6 weeks for another U/S to confirm it goes away. So 6 weeks have passed, and I had my repeat U/S Friday. My GYN said the cyst was still there and that the radiologist and my doctor both now believe it is an endometrioma. Luckily my pain has not been as severe since the day I went to the ER, so my GYN said to call her if the pain worsens and that she will have to go in and remove it.
I had a laparoscopy in 2011 which confirmed endometriosis but I did not have an endometrioma then. I was wondering if anyone has had an endometrioma also and if it was surgically removed? I'm told mine is small currently, but from what I've read, it won't go away on its own and it will just keep growing and destroying my ovary. I'm kind of torn about whether to wait for the pain to return or go ahead and have it removed before it causes more damage (although I've read the surgery frequently causes damage on its own). Sigh. I'm just confused I guess. Any shared experiences would be appreciated.
(Note: I'm going to post this in the Infertility group as well)
I have been experiencing terrible pain and complications related to my period since I was 15 years old. At the age of about 27 the pain was dramatically increasing in intensity to the point I was needing to take oxycodone almost every evening and Naproxen during the day. I had an ultra sound that confirmed I had an endometrioma in my right ovary; but given my age and that I did not want to do anything that might effect my chances of fertility my doctor and I decided to continue with medical management and avoid surgical intervention as long as possible. That was ok for about 2 years, but then the pain became more than I could bare. I decided to have the endometrioma removed, but my that time it had completely taken over my ovary, and my right fallopian tube had become twisted and that needed to be surgically removed as well. The removal was more complicated than my doctor anticipated and I am left with a 5cm scare on my lower abdomen that puckers inward due to the type of suture my doctor needed to use to close the incision. (She needed to use a suture that is typically only used in bariatric surgery, and I am about 110 pounds). The recovery took about 2 weeks, but I couldn't return to work for 4 weeks because my job requires that I am on my feet for 12+ hours/day...which I definitely could not handle.
Having the endometrioma removed was the best decision I ever made. After the procedure my quality of life improved and I no longer had to take oxycodone. I can't say for sure if the procedure would have been easier if I had done it sooner or not. What I have learned is that imaging of endometriomas is very difficult. My OB/GYN refers me to a MD/PhD radiologist for all of my imaging, so there is an actual doctor and usually 2 medical residents completing my imaging; not a radiology tech...and even they couldn't fully see what was going on with my ovary and fallopian tube.
I know the decision for or against surgery is a tough one. I hope my experience is somewhat helpful for you. Let me know if you have other questions.