Any experience with requesting a laparoscopy?

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

I'm seeing my GP on Monday, and will be requesting a laparoscopy. I get so much pain even though I haven't actually bled for almost 18 months now; this includes an awful tearing pain on my right side when I move occasionally, it actually makes me cry out when it happens. They've seen cysts on my ovaries before, but the internals aren't perfect, and I'm obese as well, which makes it worse. I know they're not seeing everything, so I want them to actually get in there and see what the deal is.

A friend of mine used to pass out from the pain she got. They did internals and said she had a couple of small cysts, but nothing to worry about. It was only because of her regular complaints that they finally did a laparoscopy - 12 cysts on one ovary, 23 on the other, and 2 litres of fluid drained from the cavity, none of which was picked up on the scan. And she was a professional ballroom dancer at the time, so it wasn't like her weight was an issue!

Has anyone done the same thing, requested a laparoscopy? How did you do it, and how did you go?

[nothing2lose]

I think I have mentioned this to you before....cant remember.....apologies if I have....

I have requested a lap before but they wont do it due to my weight. Very few will because of the "risks".

Good luck

eta: you should be able to get a transvaginal ultrasound at a proper ultrasound place and they can tell you exactly how many cysts you have. My last one for PCOS counted 30 plus on one ovary, 26 on the other.

[juniper76]

Keike, my problem was always convincing the GP that my pain was real. For 10 years I was told my pain was "normal", even though I suspected I had endo, for which I had classic symptoms. It wasn't until I saw a Dr who specialises in endo that my pain was taken seriously and I was immediately booked in for a lap (which means about a 1 month wait for the first opening in his schedule). From what you've said, I'm guessing your issue is PCOS rather than endo, but the same principle should apply - ask for a referral to someone who specialises in the condition and has the skills to perform the surgery. GPs know a little about a lot and that means there are huge gaps in their knowledge, which is why we have specialists in the first place. If you're in that much pain, please ask for further investigation and/or seek a second opinion if your Dr is dismissive.

N2L, I just had my second lap on Thursday and the hospital's nasty scales said my BMI is 38.5 (home scales say 36.5).

[nothing2lose]

Mine was 39 at the time we were discussing it. They wouldnt do it

[PumpkinZulu]

I've no idea about the BMI side of things, that's sucky as. What are the increased risks?

I just asked my FS. I went onto a list (were going through a public hospital). It was just after a HyCoSy that I requested it, took maybe a month to 6 weeks for my appointment to come up. By that stage it wasn't needed as I was pregnant.

[juniper76]

Mine was 39 at the time we were discussing it. They wouldnt do it

If you really wanted it done, you could consult a different Dr who operates at a different hospital (in case it's a hospital policy issue). If you talk whole numbers, mine was 39 both times I had it done. I'll admit, I felt every damn kilogram getting out of bed on Friday morning (first time after the surgery), but there were no concerns raised by any of the medical staff associated with my case.

PZ, I think the risks are mostly associated with the anaesthetic.

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

My BMI is apparently 58 I know I'm obese, but I'm a shorty as well, which makes it worse!

Yeah, my Mum just suggested going back to the FS I saw, but he's already hesitant. The pain seriously hampers me from doing anything; I go walking every day, either on the treadmill or down to the local park, but even something small like that sets off the pain. I won't be able to lose significant weight until they fix the pain, but they won't fix the pain until I've lost significant weight - catch 22

I guess I'll just keep screaming til they get sick of the noise!

PZ, the anaesthetic is a problem, as it's harder to find a vein; for me, being a JW is a problem as well, coz most surgeons freak out when they don't have the option of transfusing.

[nothing2lose]

It's because obesity causes respiratory issues under GA, there is literally less room to manipulate instruments due to fat deposits, it's harder to navigate due to fat deposits and increased risk of cardiac issues.

[PumpkinZulu]

Wow that really is a catch 22 Makes sense I guess but still sucks. Thanks for explaining.

[k4t]

:hugs:
No new advice from me - as the others have said make sure you see a good gynaecologist or FS not just your GP.
Good luck with your weight loss. Exercise is brilliant for your health but it is still possible to lose weight healthily through diet alone so don't let the pain/exercise issues be a barrier.

[RhiChiChi]

Perhaps see another GP or go back to the FS? I have a high BMI & my OBS/GYN had no issue with me having a lap, he actually suggested it. I do have private health cover, so not sure if that helps??

[nothing2lose]

I did a little bit of reading last night about it. Apparently it also depends where you carry the weight. Hips and bum are better, upper and lower abdomen not so much.

I have been told by three different doctors (at three different hospitals - RWH, Box Hill and Freemasons) that they wont do it. Perhaps my age has something to do with it too?????

Although, that said, when I had to have my gall bladder out (around 11 years and 20kgs ago) I did it through the public system at Box Hill. When I went in to see the surgeon a couple of days before the operation (lap) his first words to me where "When I saw you my heart sank. We shouldnt be doing this operation on you because of your weight". Apart from making me feel really good about myself, it made me wonder about it ever since. Then my gynae/oncologist (RWH) and FS (Freemasons) both said they wouldnt do it, it confirmed it all in my mind I guess. Maybe I should ask my new FS (who is a "Laparoscopic Surgeon" according to his business card )

As an aside, the gall bladder removal went ahead but one of my lung partially collapsed and I was in hospital for over a week post-op. I dont know but I wonder if that had something to do with my size???

[myturn]

My FS has never said anything about my weight and booked the lap in at my first appointment with him... my BMI was about 40 at the time. Sounds like it depends on who you get - but Keike there is no harm in asking your GP for a referral to a specialist - and maybe have a couple of names of Dr's that you have heard WILL do them....

It's not right that you should have to suffer through the pain, without someone reaching out to give you a hand...

good luck xxx

[juniper76]

N2L, I think there is some truth in body shape coming into it. I know it's considered worse to be an apple shape than a pear or hourglass shape. I tend to carry it everywhere, so I've maintained an hourglass shape, albeit a very large one... Maybe if your new FS also raises concerns you can ask him what you need to do to make the lap possible so that you have some clear goals to work towards?

Keike, that's a difficult catch-22 situation. Same as I said to N2L, if you see a FS and are denied again, ask what you need to do to prove that you're serious about losing weight and explain the limitations the pain puts on your physical activity. Ask them what you have to do to be able to have your pain relieved. Rather than just accepting "we can't do it under current circumstances", ask what circumstances would allow it to proceed. I know it's difficult to ask those questions when you feel like you've just been crushed, but if you go in prepared for that eventuality it may be a little easier?

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

Forgot to update!

Went to my GP, explained it all. She said it's unlikely to be pain from my ovaries, because I wouldn't be able to feel it. Not really bothered by that though, because she's referred me to KEMH on the public list, to see a gyno. She redid all my tests as well, BSL, hormones, even a pregnancy test. I told her I couldn't be pregnant unless it was an elephant (last period 18 months ago) and I'm pretty sure I woulda noticed, but she did it anyway I rang for the results today, and all she's put is 'No action needed', so I guess that means everything is normal for me.

So now I've just gotta wait for my appointment, which, being public, will be in approximately 23 years

[Joeve]

Yay and boo!
Yay for no action meaning nothing weird going on but boo for the long wait.... You might get a surprise though a friend was on the list for something and they called her after 7 weeks for her turn, she thought it would be 12 months!

[Phuan29]

Hey there! I am so glad to have found this website.
My experience started over two years ago, I was having unbearable pain in my bowel, ovaries and also painful intercourse. The first time I had pain, I was at work and I felt this sudden rush of a fever. I got so sweaty with pain in my abdomen and bowel area, I quickly went over to the doctors who seemed to think it might be my appendix. I was sent back to work with instructions of coming back if the pain got worse. Over time it did. Every single GP I went to see, never ran any sort of tests or asked me questions. Over the course of the two years I had pain, I went to see probably 5 doctors all up who only sent me to have ultrasounds done. Ultrasounds showed I had PCO, which I believed was the cause of pain. Yet again, I would always return to the doctors with the complaint of pain and their same answer every time would be "PCO is not meant to be painful". They admitted this themselves yet they never EVER did any further tests, one even accused me of having an STD. She believed that was the reason for my pain, as sometimes STDs present themselves as pain in the ovaries. (how rude, I never went back to her)

Over time I got used to the pain, but it still made me wonder why I was in pain. I had pain almost every day, during my cycle and even when I didn't. It wasn't until one of my regular clients came in, who is a GP and I told her my situation. She confirmed that yes, PCO is not meant to be painful but to come and see her so she could help me. I did exactly that and she explained she would have to do a blood test which would rule out PCOS (I didn't have it). She then gave me a referral to the most wonderful, caring and understanding gyno in Fitzroy.

At first she recommended that I do not have a lap done as I was 20 at the time (last year). She thought I was too young. But after asking me a series of questions and hearing that I was constantly shut down and in pain for two years, she booked me in for a lap. As soon as I came around, she came over and said "you were right, you do have endo!"

Words cannot explain how grateful I am to my client for recommending me to this gyno. Without the both of them, I really cannot think how much longer I would have had to wait do be diagnosed. I guess the moral of my story is you will get there, sometimes you just have to meet the right GP!
Good luck, I wish you all the best