My endometriosis story: Part 5
So I had my surgery yesterday. Thank you to all of those that sent messages I really do appreciate it.
I was lucky enough to have my surgery at a private hospital in Windsor even though I was an NHS patient. Grateful I had my own room especially as we weren’t allowed, visitors.
Not going to lie I was proper nervous going in. A laparoscopy is an investigative surgery and you don’t find out fully the extent of what they have done until the consultant comes round after to discuss ( normally when you are off your head on morphine ) .
What if they don’t find anything… what if they think I’m making the pain up …. all these thoughts ran through my head.
The operation went well I was down in theatre a bit longer than expected but they did find several reasons as to the potential cause of my right-hand side pain.
- Adenomyosis – a condition whereby the endometrial tissue grows in the muscle wall of the uterus. This wasn’t extensive but it was present so could in future cause more pain. But I’m hopeful as I don’t experience it in this area currently. I will continue with my castor oil packs monthly to help this.
- A large cyst had wrapped itself around my right Fallopian tube. Which is what the twisting and squeezing pain I had been feeling every month. Due to this, he removed my Fallopian tube.
- My appendix was enlarged and inflamed and stuck to my pelvis with some endometriosis. Potentially I’ve had appendicitis and it was still struggling. I don’t think it was in a good way. My appendix was fully removed.
As you can imagine I was a bit overwhelmed when he told me … although happy that he did find something… I was particularly shocked about my appendix being in that state …
So what positives have come from this?
- The consultant is confident he has dealt with the issues and I will be pain-free.
- I met a very good consultant who was kind, clear and very good at what he does. If anyone wants to see him privately his name is Dr Elkington works out of Frimley park NHS and some private hospitals locally.
- In the 14 years since my last laparoscopy, my endometriosis hasn’t grown back that much apart from a few spots on my uterus and appendix. So my diet , lifestyle and exercise have all contributed to keeping it at bay.
- Both my ovaries were healthy and left intact therefore I don’t have to worry about early menopause.
- I would have never have known what state my appendix was in. If it had been left much longer it may have ruptured and caused a lot more issues, so I am grateful that no one had to rush me to a&e.
- I’m a size small in compression stockings. Don’t think I’ve been small in anything in my life but I’ve been blessed with small ankles and small calves so I’m taking that as a win.
I’m in some discomfort from carbon dioxide that they blow your stomach up with and tender lower abdomen. It will be a few weeks of rest and healing now.
Remember if you are in pain don’t accept it’s normal … push for answers … there could be more than one reason why.
Much love
Katy x
