Does laparoscopy help with pain?

Hi Meg.

I was diagnosed with Endometriosis at 18 (I'm now 27) and had very similar symptoms to what you are describing (also have IBS and had migraines regularly at the time too). It's a horrible feeling when your sex life becomes too painful. I have had about 4 laparoscopies over the 9 years and have had a lot of relief from them. The first week or so is still painful, not to mention the bloating, but after that time I would have a significant pain free period. You need to have the laparoscopy to diagnose endometriosis, the removal of the endometrial tissue makes a big difference too, but then the doctors can try and find the right medication for you to be on to prevent the pain getting too bad.

All in all, you should feel better after the laparoscopy! Feel free to ask any other questions though!

Hey Meg,



As a relatively late bloomer I wasn't diagnosed until 24! I had a string of similar symptoms and went from being a VERY active runner and member of a female local level football team. The endometriosis seriously affected my ability to run (I became unable to run even 1km without doubling over in pain, and once even fainting), my sex life and my work life. After having a laparoscopy in may of 2010 I have since returned to running and have thus far run two 14km charity runs and am in training for my third. I am coming up to the 18month post surgery mark and whilst I am noticing a gradual return of GIT and pelvic symptoms, I am able to keep the worst at bay with regular exercise and stretching.



Additionally, with some minor considerations from myself and my loving partner, my sex life returned to normal and continues to be fulfilling.



I strongly, strongly recommend laparoscopic surgery from a good quality gynecological surgeon and can recommend a wonderful one if need be.



All the best!!!!

Mil

Thanks for your advice, ladies, it's much appreciated.

Amelia, your comments about running have cheered me up a lot. I've done a couple of long distance walking and running events and have found it progressively harder to control my bladder and bowel - not fun! I'm strangely hopeful of a positive diagnosis because then it will at least explain my symptoms and give me potential relief.

As a 29 year old who has had a range of hormonal and pain symptoms since I was 18, it would be VERY nice to get some relief!



Thanks again, Meg

Now I feel old. 31 and just diagnosed. My period has been awful since 15 so started bc pills back then so I could get out of bed. Had two kids and just stopped taking bc pills after all that time. Pain started a year ago, just had the laproscopy 3 days ago. A little scared of what's to come with repeats and management, but glad to finally have an answer. At one point the pain was an 8 and constant every day. My sex life was miserable, as he would be afraid to try and so would I, because when we did usually I'd end up in tears half way through. No way to live!

Hi Meg,



I have had 4 laporoscopies and 2 of them have helped considerably - I virtually had minimal pain for approx 5 years after them.

However my first surgery I got adhesions which stuck things in my pelvic area down and this caused pain.

And my 4th surgery was in August this year and I'm still suffering with pain. The pain has eased from the surgery in some areas but the gyno believes I have adenomyosis (endo in the uterus) and possibly endo in the bowel which a laporopscopy won't help anyway.



And its really funny - I was a long distance runner when I was diagnosed at 21 and unfortunately haven't got back to it. This year was my comeback year, with my sites set on doing a Fun run in November just gone but endo returned in April this year and blew those plans out the window!



Take care.