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.
I just got back from another gynecologist today. To make a really long story short- My previous gyno diagnosed me with endo and did a diagnostic lap on me. I want to have it removed but she is unable to do so because of where I live... I went to see a new gyno today in hopes of being able to get on track for surgery. I basically got BSed around and told that they're going to send me somewhere else. They want to send me to a Reproductive Endocrinologist who specializes in infertility (which im not infertile.. at least ive been told). The dr at the gyno "wont preform the surgery until you've had a child".... I guess according to them I'm supposed to live in pain I'm not sure. So hopefully i'll be going to this endocrinologist. Who has been to one before? The lady at the gyno said they specialize in doing the surgeries. Is there anything else they would be doing for me? Is this something important (i know its important but i mean more important then a gyno) where my husband needs to attend? Just super confused. Thank you for any help.
Ive been to a few endocrinologists. In my experience, a little helpful. They diagnosed me with hypothyroidism which now I have to take armour thyroid every day for the rest of my life and it was causing issues, and they were knowlegable about endo in comparison to the regular OB/GYN's. They check your hormone levels, give you blood work and usually work a lot with women with endo so they usually have a lot of experience. Definitely worth trying! Also Ive found that some gynecological oncologists excise endo-the stellar surgery to remove endo as opposed to burning it off. Regular Ob/GYN's burn it off. In my experience maybe made it worse. Try to find an endo specialist in your area, google it maybe, and if you strike out, definitely go to the endocrincologist-and if you want surgery which it sounds like you need, really try to get someone who's good and excises it-cuts it out, root and all. Burning it is superficial, it just gets the top and if you have any endo on your intestines, bowel, or bladder they cant burn there. Endocrinologist may excise as well. Important question;; what kind of surgery do they do? You should bring your husband to these appt's so he can be support but an extra set of ears, and also to talk to the Dr. Even write a list of questions and your symptoms, bring any relevent medical records so the Dr. has some understanding of your case. But im confused as to why they wont give you surgery to remove the endo? How crazy! Feel better
i didnt even get to meet with the doctor. so im not even sure myself about much. thank you for the help :) and to anyone else i appreciate it!
A Dr. told you that removing endo will make you infertile???? What a freakin moron! Seriously. Why does this Dr. perform Laparoscopy's then? My first Lap was performed by a Gyno that had NO right to give me surgery (completely incompetent)-she opened me up for 15 min, and said I dont have endo (when I had stage 4) You have to find a Dr. that is competent, and understands endo. Let me know if you want me to help you, message me, Ive had my share of surgery's and know what to look for.
Its wonderful to be diagnosed, but that dr shouldve removed it. My 2nd surgery was kind of like that. He opened me up to remove an 8cm cyst, and found endo everywhere, and burned off a VERY small amount. I had to have another surgery 5 months later with a competent Dr. Its like if you have ti go through surgery, they should make it as worth while as possible.
Anyway, your Dr. is mistaken; surgery can enhance your chances of getting pregnant, especially within the first year. Heres a quote I found from medlinePlus (one article of hundreds saying the same thing);
"Endometriosis can lead to problems getting pregnant (infertility). Not all women, especially those with mild endometriosis, will have infertility. Laparoscopy to remove scarring related to the condition may help improve your chances of becoming pregnant. If it does not, fertility treatments should be considered."
Im here for ya! You know that. Feel good sista! XX!
oh and the doctor that did my original lap didn't remove it because apparently they don't have a CO2 laser to perform the surgery. yay for living in a military town, no one has it here. had to drive an hour yesterday for my appointment because they have the capability of using the laser and correct tools