hi there!
i havent had the issue of them not diagnosing...with those symptoms it usually alerts any
OB/GYN to the fact that endo could be the culprit. i recommend checking out the endo association of aus web site. they have some good tips for symptoms and also great advice for moderating diets to minimise symptoms (ie cutting right down on caffiene at crucial stages in your cycle...Ovulation and
AF).
i have had to deal with endo ever since i was in my mid-teens too. it became worse with time and much worse after our miscarriage.
my symptoms (at time on the BCP) were: breakthrough bleeding (like on and off spotting throughout the cycle), very heavy and dark brown 'old' blood during
AF, very painful
AF cramps (to the point of dizziness and needing to leave school/work), painful intercourse (endo is notorious for growing even on the OUTSIDE of your cervix, hence intercourse can be VERY painful with all the action), spotting after intercourse, and also rather painful Ovulation pains (had endo on the right ovary).
these are just some of the symptoms. endo can be a very debilitating and consuming condition (as you are probably aware) and i have to say that generic medical practice for the treatment of endo has left alot to be desired for those of us living with it.
i recommend checking out some of the threads here on BB on alternative/natural treatments for endo (especially considering the reluctance by your Drs to adequately appraise your situation). Homeopathy for example, was the path i took to allow my
DH and I to be blessed with our
DD (our
OB/GYN and FS told us our only option was through IVF).