Endo or Not

[collo04]

Hi everyone

Im just wondering if someone could explain to me how endometriosis is diagnosed. I had a lap 9 months ago and a histerscope and the doctor said that my right tube was partially blocked and they had a hard time pushing the fluid through. In the docs report he said there was no sign of endo. But every doctor Ive seen since says my symptoms sound like definate endometriosis which are spotting 7 days before my period, terrible lower back pain before and after my periods sometimes, a dragging pain any time of the month in my pelvis, constipation then sudden bouts of diarreahea and sex is sometimes really uncomfortable oh and unexplained infertility.

I dont know whats wrong with me and neither the docs ive seen lately. Any Ideas what I should do???????

[dusty]

hi hun

i had my endo diagnosed through a laparoscopy. my endometrioma cysts in my ovarys were obvious from an ultrasound too (determined after my op but that is another long story!). however, my doctors tell me a lap is the only way to determine whether you have endo or not.

something i was thinking about is you can get endo in your bowel wall which may also be painful around your period.

have you seen an endo expert? if you don't know one in your locality you can contact the endometriosis care centre of australia. they have a website which is easy to find.

it must be so frustrating for you, and i think the best thing is to have a good doctor/care that you can develop a plan of action to 1. discover what may be going on, 2. can help with the pain, 3. take you seriously and guide you through all the possibilities etc. so you can have some control and understanding of what is going on.

dusty

[Mumszword]

I too had my endo diagnosed through a laparoscopy only in May this year after atleast 20years of odd incorrectly diagnosed symptoms by local GP's.....

Currently the only way to definately diagnose endo is through laparoscopy but I do know first hand the the leading doctors in this field are trying to develope a new less invasive test at the moment. The research continues and there are some doctors in this field very much interested in making diagnosis simpler and faster....

Currently the average time from onset to diagnosis for most suffers of endo is a SHOCKING 10 YEARS!!!!

As Dusty has mentioned that the ECCA has a wealth of information on their website regarding sypmtoms, treatment, diagnosis. I believe some of the leading doctors in this field support and are affiliated with the ECCA.

Best of luck with your diagnosis.... I hope you find some answers soon to your questions and get some relief from the symptoms you are currently suffering.....

Let us know how you are travelling as I am interested in your journey...

[Laranna]

Like the other ladies here, mine was diagnosed by a laparscopy (also had a hysteroscopy). Both of my tubes are apparently blocked and the surgeon also told me that she had a hard time pushing the dye thru my tubes, my left ovary was attached to my bowel which is why I experienced similar symptoms to you with regards to constipation etc.

As everyone has mentioned already, laparoscopy is the only way to diagnose endo. I'd definitely follow it up and see other doctors for another opinion.

Best wishes in your diagnosis...let us know how you go...

[collo04]

Thanks everyone. Do you think its strange for the docs not to know what was blocking my right tube when they had a hard time pushing the dye through? If they didnt pick it up in my laproscopy is it fair to say that I dont have endo????? even though the docs ive seen suspect it but then rule it out even though my symptoms point to it.

[dusty]

collo there may be other reasons other than endo why they had trouble pushing dye through your tube when you had your lap. it may be simple as some fluid in your tube at the time of the lap or there may have been scaring from previous infections. i think the best thing is to try and get some possible answers from your doctor, or if it is an option for you, get a second opinion hun.

dusty

[Willow]

I would be very surprised if you have endo and they didn't see it during your lap. As others have said, there are many reasons why your tube could be partially blocked.

I had an endometrioma (ie a cyst of endometriosis) removed from my ovary but it was single site endo only - I've never had any symptoms of endo and had no other signs of it during this lap. I had another lap 6 months following this surgery and again, no endo was seen.

My left ovary is pretty much shot now due to the cyst and my left tube is also blocked - not from endo but from adhesions caused by the surgery.

[collo04]

Thanks Im off to my GP today to demand he look into this further I have the ****s and am sick of being fobbed off.. Thanks guys at least here people try to answer my questions.

[collo04]

Hi thought Id give you an update. Went to Gp and he said basically he cannot find an answer to my symptoms and that we should keep doing ivf as it will improve our chances. I mentioned everything but he said if its not the obviouis things like endometriosis it could be a variety of things but once again offered know suggestions. so I got my referral to Dr Gavin Sacks in which we have an appointment on the 17th for a second opinion. So till then .......... Thanks for all your info.

Dusty - I remeber all my troubles started after I had a cervical procedure 2.5 years ago and ended up with an infection . I took antiobiotics but it was never investigated. I will bring this up with Dr Sacks when we see him amd see if he thinks my symptoms have any bearing on this .

Thanks again girls

[collo04]

I will keep you updated !!! Ive been in alot of pain last night and today with a constant aching in my lower abdomen. It feels like I have my periods but they have just finished so who knows.......

[collo04]

WEll I went to see Dr G Sacks and he doesnt think I have endo but agrees that I obviously need hormonal support so we are off to endure more tests and hopefully get an answer.

[Laranna]

Good Luck with the tests collo...I hope you find the answers soon.