I see no one has responded and I too am wondering how endo and the bowels along with IBS can be identified. I have read the endo can cause bowel problems. Also, my endo was never diagnosed through pelvic exams. I was in so much pain I finally went for a laporoscopy by gyn specialist and it was so bad it involved my bladder, bowels and I ended up with a complete hysterestomy. I was told then that the tissue could keep causing issues since not all was removed. I am wondering if my IBS increasing issues are related to the doctor removing me from hormones. I hope someone can respond. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy in Nov and am currious is what this will eliminate from the causes of IBS.

Since your original posting, have you gotten any answers from your doctors?

Hope all is well with you now. Linda

I would first take a deep breath and just remember that you have a life and it is great. Then I would look for new docs for both endo and IBS. I would get a second oppinion. It is very likely you have both endo and ibs (I do). some sources say that endo can increase your chance of having IBS as well as becoming anemic. I would find a good family dr and ask them to check for everything.. that way you can have peace of mind. good luck!

Since this post, I have undergone a vaginal UT and a CT which both came back normal. My blood work was fine and since I had a history of endo, my doctor agreed it was back. She also agreed to give me a hysterectomy. During the surgery, lots of scar tissue from previous endo surgery was found, as well as endo and adhesions that had twisted my bladder and uterus together. Can't wait until I'm healed to see if this clears up my constipation problems. My doc said the twisted bladder and uterus on my left side was likely causing a lot of my issues including the constipation. I have my post-op tomorrow and hope to get more clarification.

wow this is so interesting.. i need to go for an ultra sound to make sure i dont have endometriosis. thanks for posting this

If the only time you have problems is 1/2 way through menstration then good chance it is endo. If you have pain all the time then it could be:
IBS
Polyps
twisted intestine
Blockage(ie tumor, cancer)

IBS can be helped with probiotics..specifically the strains listed in the below research but it can take 4 weeks to work. Best to speak to a doc.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17919270?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=1&log
Conclusion of below research: "This multispecies probiotic seems to be an effective and safe option to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and to stabilize the intestinal microbiota." Strains researched here were Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosus Lc705, Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb12.

Best Wishes
EP

thanks for all your posts.. i need to schedule an ultra sound but my boss is not very understanding when you need to take time off.. hopefully soon

I am going for my first colonscopy next month i can't wait i am praying that the doc can figure this all out. You will be in my prayers xxx

I don't know anything about endo, but have lots of experience with IBS. There is no definitive test for IBS, and it won't show up on a colonoscopy. Doctors run tests for anything else it could be & if those tests are negative & you have the symptoms, they declare that you have IBS. Your colon could be irritated from constipation I suppose.