Endometriosis and laparoscopy...very confused.

[Mavs3982]

Since June of 2006, I have been doing continuous birth control. I have excruciating cramps and land myself in the hospital every time I try to get my period. I try to have a period 3 times a year because if I go longer than that, I get headaches.   The doctor has suggested laparoscopy.  

Is it worth it to have the surgery, only because I want to possibly have less pain for 3 periods? I am on continuous birth control with ZERO break through bleeding and no side effects.  

I read that 70% and 100% of women report pain relief in the first months after surgery. Then, about 45% of women have symptoms return within the first year after surgery.  This number increases over time. Additionally, 20% of women get no relief.

Is it worht going through the surgery  for 2-3 periods a year? I'm so confused. Can you offer me any advice?

[pertykitty]

hi im sorry you are going through this. my sister has suffered for years with endo. she has endured many many surgeries. they got better , but then after a year or so (once she had 2 in one year) she was in pain again. her lesions adhered to her other organs and the last time to her spine. she has had 2 children and im happy to say she is doing pretty darn good now!! she lost an ovary and didnt think children would happen. i know others have said on here how much the surg has helped them too. really its up to you, you need to make sure your dr is a specialist in endo, there are many other treatments my sis tried before surg. good luck, i feel your pain!!

[Mavs3982]

thanks, pertykitty. im sorry to hear that your sister suffered so much.

i guess i am just wondering if it is worth it to deal with surgery for only 2-3 periods a year, with the possibility that the endo grows back within a year?

[ticked]

i am in the exact same situation as your right now.  I have been on the pill straight since july and I am getting a lap done.  Not sure if it will help me but i want a definite answer if i have endo or not.  The endo specialst that i went to said that the cyst i had was attached to the bowel.  Id say do it to make sure.  I have been in chronic abdominal pain my whole life and i have been passed from one doctor to another and one simple procedure could change my whole life.  

[londoner202]

Hi, sorry to hear about your suffering, it seems I need to have surgery, was yours done under spinal or general, I am searching for a place to have it done under spinal as I have a fear of generals.
x