any success stories after lap for endo?

[basilmint]

Hi everyone in the endo world!! There's not been much activity in here lately but I would love to hear any stories from you girls who have fallen pregnant after having a laparoscopy for endometriosis? I am having mine next week and right now could do with some positive thoughts!!

[Tatiana28]

Hi there. Yeah definately, I had a lap for endo a few years back. It was to help with pain at the time I wasn't tcc.
But the surgeon tested my tubes with the dye to see of they were 'patent.' (if an egg could get down) So that was good to know.
Having endo around your ovaries can be a bit trickier, but I've got quite a few friends with bad endo and all (to date) have been able to concieve after their laps.
Do ask though if they will be excising the endo ie. actually cutting it out, not just going to diathermy it. That doesn't have good success long term cause they just burn the top of it and it grows back, like a weed.
If they try to tell you it's ok to diathermy, might be worth finding another surgeon.
Hope everything goes well for you.

[lachlancharli]

Hi there

I had my laparoscopy done in 2003 and conceived our son in 2004. :)

It did seem like it started to come back after my son was born in 2005...but fell pregnant again early 2006 and had no issues since.

Good luck Xx

[lovelymum]

Hi again, I just posted in another thread. I have severe endo, my gyno says one of the worst cases he has ever seen. Great news is pregnancy has made a huge impact on it. I have had 4 pregnancies - 2 angels sadly but all concieved after a laporoscopy. I have had my endo lasered off which my gyno says is one of the best options as it minimises scar tissue etc... No matter what course of treatment you take the endo may grow back it is just the nature of the disease. Both of my ovaries have been badly affected, my tubes have been 'stuck down' with growth I also have endo growing on my bowel, bladder and lining of my stomach and yeah and my uteters which are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. So I guess you could say I have been to hell and back and at 35 years old a hysterectomy has been suggested more than once :(. But 1 more babe then I will say goodbye to this horrid disease forever. I had a lap on Wednesday and I am feeling sore and sorry for myself. If you are going in as a private patient I would highly recomend staying in hospy overnight, I always do as the procedure is more painful than your gyno will make out and also you can leak fluid from your incissions which can be distressing and messy. I had my op on Wednesday morning and took advantage of as much pain relief (endone tablets) as possible and have had 3 full days of bed rest which is a mission with 2 spritely young children :). Suggestions: 21 day blood tests to establish ovulation, home ovulation kits for more accuracy of ovualation, good diet, no alcohol all the usural stuff. Good luck and keep us posted on how you go. Please feel free to PM me if you need someone to talk to xxx

[kateo13]

Hiya!

Just wondering too, I had a lap done about 6 months ago.. had it cut out was stage 3..felt so much better but Its seems to be coming back already tho..painful clotty and heavy periods, how long is it suppose to last for? would i have to have another lap to help me am TTC.

Thanks!! and goodluck with your lap you will so much better after it xxx

[MamaBleech]

Not me but my sister had 2 laps prior to falling pregnant. She has 2 kids and fell naturally (and quickly) both times.

However, she has had a 3rd lap and has since miscarried 3 times. I do not think that it has been blamed for the miscarriages but I do wonder if it is related.

[basilmint]

Thanks guys! You've all made me feel heaps more positive... I guess I am just getting a bit down about it all considering I've only known that I have endo for the last few weeks. I've been on the pill since I was 15 (now 30), so had no idea, no pain, nothing, until I went off it when we started TTC. We couldn't get pregnant and I started getting painful periods (almost passing out from the pain) and mid cycle spotting. Hence off to the FS and now the lap. She said depending on what they find we might be able to try naturally or go straight to IVF....That has stressed me out a bit, now I'm worrying about money and how to afford IVF if we need it....I asked my FS if my history (ie being on the pill for ages) means that the endo can't be too extensive yet, but she said no, it could be mild or moderate or severe and we won't know till she goes in. She said they'd actually be cutting it out...

Anyway, thanks lovelymum, I saw your other post too, I will take all your advice, except the staying overnight thing, as the place I'm going only is day surgery...?! No choice in the matter there. So I've taken 5 days off work, but I can take more if I need to, but I was hoping to be able to go back and just take it easy.. I don't have any little kiddies so I will just be able to rest on the lounge and hubby will look after me!
I feel horrible for you having to go through so much! It's really freaky hearing your specialist say you're one of the worst cases he's seen!
I can only imagine how much pain you have if it's on your bowel, ureters, etc, you poor thing. You mentioned having a good diet, no alcohol, etc, but do you mean that's just a good thing to do in general, or do you mean specifically to help with the endo? Is there certain foods you actually avoid?
I have had regular cycles so far- I used to do OPK's but gave them up when I found out I was ovulating (thru pelvic ultrasound) and all the other signs correspond correctly, so as long as my cycles go back to regular again after the lap I will be happy... And hopefully UTD!!

Thanks everyone for your positive comments!

[kateo13]

Hiya,

I have read that staying off wheat and dairy products is good for endo as the are inflammatory...I am going to start doing this tommorow..
Bummer you can't stay overnight, make sure you leave with strong pain killers!
It took me a couple of weeks to recover but it depends on what they find and how much they have to cut out if you do have endo..some women have recovered enough to work in 4 days or so..
The lap is easy you go in go to sleep wake up and feel nothing, except relaxed!! lol
the cut heals pretty quickly just keep it clean, and don't do any stretching up or bending down.
Let us know how you go!! xx

[lovelymum]

Hi again, glad I was able to help. Funnily enough my endo has been relatively painless which apparantley is a sign that it is really bad, I just seem to have a constant crampy dragging feeling, like every day of my life I guess I have gotton so used to it that it no longer bothers me that much. I too have had terrible periods, not so much pain but heavy loss every month to the point where I go through a box of super tampons on the first day of my period - its just not right :no: My gyno has said that this is basically because the endo is so deep in my uterus and because it grows so much every month the lining is so thick and of course the lining is shed if you dont get pregnant. For anyone with endo not TTC he has suggested having the mirena contraceptive device inserted as it thins the lining of the uterus down to next to nothing so it CAN be an effective treatment no promises but anything can be worth a shot. In terms of the who diet thing I was more reffering to once you are TTC, give yourself the best chance possible. Once you have your lap I would not be jumping right into IVF give it at least 6 months before you consider it we convieved 4 babies with the help of clomid only, I did do a few IVF cycles as well but no luck. Good luck and just remember to keep your eye on the prize - the precious baby at the end of the rainbow xxx

[Opinionated]

At work (hospital), I have had many a patient come in for Lap surgery to treat their endo. I then see many of them about a year later heading up to maternity. Good luck.

[MrsTiggyWinkle]

I'm another success story I guess. I had 3 laps to get rid of my endo. My periods had totally stopped (I also have PCOS). The first surgeon looked inside, said she wasn't touching me, sent me to a specialist. He looked inside, said he wasn't touching me, put me on meds for 6 months, then I had the 3rd lap and they cut it all out. My insides were bound together basically, they said it was stage 4 and they took away half my left ovary as it was damaged. I wasn't ttc at the time so went on the pill for years to 'protect me', and when it was time ttc, we fell pg in 3 months, despite being told we would need IVF. Then we fell again (unplanned but very welcome) when dd1 was 9mo.

I hope that gives you some hope, as i was apparently a hopeless case. I totally agree with what others have said re diet etc, i would highly recommend looking into that for yourself. The food you eat becomes the cells of your body.

My tips - ask about Poly Cystic Ovaries, as they often go hand in hand. And re pain after the op, the worst for me was pain in my shoulders (the gas they use to expand your abdomen travels to your shoulders for some bizarre reason). It passes within 24 hours though.

hth good luck on your journey :kiss:

[basilmint]

Hi girls,

I just wanted to pop in and say thanks to everyone for their comments before I went in last Thursday for my lap. I had such a positive state of mind and felt so much calmer knowing that this was just one more little thing I had to do to get closer to that prize at the end of the rainbow!

Anyway, my specialist, the anaesthetist and all the nurses were SO unbelievably nice.. I didn't feel scared at all, even when wheeled into theatre and put on the operating table. I was kind of worried I'd lose it a bit knowing they'd be cutting into me at that point, but they were all so nice and chatty and I just drifted off really calmly.
I woke up with no nausea/vomiting or pain, yay! It hurt a bit getting up for the first time but they gave me some drugs straight away. The worst part was having the drain taken out (I had two incisions, one at my bellybutton and the other just below my undies line), but that only lasted a few seconds and it was over.
I've recovered at home over the weekend and went to work today. I had no gas pain at all, but just a little tenderness whenever I used my tummy muscles to do something.

So I am really happy that I've made it to the other side without too much drama! The only concerning thing now is, they only found the tiniest bit of endo and everything else is normal. Whilst that's a good thing, my FS doesn't think that this tiny amount could have caused my mid cycle spotting, so she wants me to wait and see if it happens again this month, and if so then she'll do cycle tracking and an endometrial biopsy. So the saga may not be over! It's kind of annoying, I was hoping everything would go back to normal and we could conceive asap. I'll guess I'll just have to wait and see.:fingerscrossed:

[mammainwaiting]

Hi guys,
I've jumped into this thread and read the posts... hope u don't mind?!
Last Tuesday I went in for a lap (also have PCOS).. they found and lasered endo and now i'm recovering well at home.
I am in a little pain but it's slowly disappearing...
It's just nice to know that others have gone through this and still conceived!
So thanks for helping me lift my spirits too!
:kiss:

[tink77]

Hi girls, its been a while since I posted on BH but was looking for some inspiration after my lap (yesterday). They found 'moderate' amounts of endo and burnt it all off, none on my overies though. We have been trying to conceive for approx a year now so hoping this will make a difference. I am feeling very sore today with pain in my mid stomach and shoulders. Ironically the 2 cuts (1 below my belly buttin and 1 above my pubic line) are not hurting at all. The Endone has been great. Also finding it painful when I talk too much, it seems to intensify the cramps.

My FS also did a curette and a dye test. All well apparently.

[mandypiee]

I hope it all goes well for you with the TCC. I had my endo lap in May 2010 and fell pregnant in June 2010. I had severe endo in both ovaries (stage 3) but managed to remove it all. I think your chances are high if you start TCC straight away - all the best to you :):)

[katrinandhaylee]

Hi,
I'm 23 years old and was diagnosed endometriosis and PCOS when i was 15 and was told my likely hood of haveing children was very slim, however after several laps and hystroscopys i have now got a 5 month old daughter whom i cherish with all my heart, dont let anyone tell you it cant happen:celebrate:

[cutebaby32]

Hi
I have been reading the threads for long time but never posted a reply before.

I had endo removed in Sept 2010 but was later told that i have one thats attached to the uterus and ovary which was not removed. The doctor I saw told me to get a scan done after 6-8weeks to see if the endo attached to uterus is growing or not. I am due for a scan on 25/1/11. Fingers crossed :fingerscrossed: hope the endo doesnt grow. Was also told by FS to keep ttc as I may be able to conceive naturally.

Did anyone go through a similiar situation as me and was able to concieve naturally?

Me32 DH33

[iamamummy]

I had endo since i was 19 years old, I'm now 33.
I have had 9 surgery procedures for various complications in relations to Endo and other female reproductive issues.
My endo was rated moderate, mainly on the back of the cervix, bowel and bladder with some lesions on my ovaries. It was removed serveral times but grew back within a year or so, thick and wide spread.

After my final surgery we went for a follow up appointment and was told by my Endo specialist that i had a 50% chance of successfully conceiving naturally and that i would most likely need to have fertility treatments as there was alot of scarring.

Within that same month we started trying and like turning on a light switch i was pregnant, all naturally and i gave birth to a beautiful girl in 2006.

When we decided for our second child we thought we might not be as lucky but the same thing happened, and our second daughter was born in 2008.

We are now trying again for number 3 but things haven't been as fortunate this time around and are having a few problems concieving. It's been 6 years so I'm due for a follow up back with my specailist to see whats going on. We are so greateful for our girls and if a third is not meant to be then we will not stress over it.

So Yes there is many success stories, stay positive!!!

[Endo]

Wow you are so lucky to have your girls. I would love to just conceive even just once!! I am 30yrs old and only found out I had severe endometriosis last year after trying for a few years to fall pregnant. I had a endometrial resection last May to remove it all and it was basically everywhere except the bowel.

We tried naturally for 2 yrs prior to finding out I had endo, 6months on clomid after the first diagnostic laparascopy, 2 IVF cycles with crap results, only ever 1 embryo good enough for implantation, endo resection, 2 more IVF's and still no pregnancy :(

Very upsetting and draining on both my husband and I and the years continue to fly by while all my friends and family continue to have children.

How do you ever know when enough is enough? I can't imagine my life without children and adoption is very hard and a very long process. Any good advice??? Please nobody say just relax and it will happen :) .......

Endo ..... queen!

[iamamummy]

I can't help but feel sorry for you. I think it does come down to what organs have been affected by the endo and the damage this disease has done to your reproductive system.
You've certainly been through alot.
I beleive there is several websites that give you a list of answers to the question when enough is enough.
No one can tell you what to do, you need to make that decission on your own.

We have friends who after alot of heart ache with IVF went down the path of Adoption. They have adopted children from overseas and yes it was extremely hard emotionally and meeting the requirements was brutial not meantion fiancially drainning but once you have one the second adoption is alot easier.

I wish you all the very best and hope you succeed in your ambitions for a family.

[tink77]

Hi,

Just thought I would send a follow up on my last message. I had my lap performed in early December and have had 2 cycles since. Today I have had a confirmed BFP after 13 months of TTC. We were getting ready to commence IVF in a couple of months but it looks like the operation has fixed the issue.

Best of luck to everyone else dealing with this hidden disease, don't procrastinate getting it treated when you learn about it. It is amazing how fast things have happened since the op.

:babydust1: to all!!

[cutebaby32]

Hi

Its been a while since i checked the forum. How you doing?
I have gone through IVF last June and it was a success. We went to Next Generation Fertility in Parramatta NSW. I cant say enough of the nurses and the doctor there. They were fabulous. I still have endo in my left side but got my left tube clipped before i went through IVF. I believe that worked for me.

Regards
Cutebaby32

[merri berri]

hi tink77. i havent been diagnosed officially with endo but i'm leaning towards thinkin that's what it may be. i was on the pill also for bout 15 years, came off it and conceived our DD straight after the withdrawal bleed. anyway, since i got my periods back my periods, i spot for about 3 days and then bleed. no pain. then i miscarried and since then they have been clotty and still spot days prior to the period setting in. been getting loads of tests done and think my next option is a laproscopy

[nattie84]

I had my lap on the 16 sep - this is my second cycle since and I am currently 4 days late for my period!!! I am trying not to get my hopes up but am very anxious to find out as we have been trying for a year and a half and were set to commence ivf in feb!! I will test again tomoz as I tested yesterday and got a neg result :(

Wish me luck!!

[dancingbutterfly]

Congratulations Tink!!!!
:hugs:
And good luck Nattie (have everything possible crossed for you).

I had my first lap 4 days ago (cue bruised sore feeling!). Fingers crossed next month we will get a lovely christmas present.

Quick q for you ladies... how long afterwards did you wait before you BD? I am still feeling a bit tender at the moment :rolleyes: The FS didnt say much other than 'when you are ready' (bless).

xo

[nattie84]

My doc said we could as soon as the stitches in my belly button were healed which was about two weeks from memory. Rest up xx

[zoemacaroni]

congrats to all that fell pregnant, we had been trying for over 2 years after a mc, have two daughters aged 8 and 6, went to the dr and had a lap and had moderate endo, had it all removed and hey presto just found out we are pregnant :) MAGIC!!!!!!!

[Lib77]

We have been trying for 8 months and so far nothing..... Booked in for a lap to check for endo next month, would like it sooner but the dr will be away for two weeks :(

The more I read about it the more I'm sure that's what's wrong..... The heavy P, spotting prior, pains and bloating....it's all adding up.

Hope it sets things straight as I know dp would rather no ivf if we can avoid it.


Mother of two teens ttc #3

[westiechappie]

I had a lap done in Oct 2010. My endo was listed as stage 4, but thankfully my tubes were all clear. We were told to try for another 6 months & if that didn't work, then we'd need IVF. We ended up trying naturally for 12 months & finally fell pregnant on the 12th month.

I thought it was never going to happen for us, but eventually it did. I'm glad we waited longer before starting IVF.

[Lib77]

Well had lap yesterday and was only min endo behind uterus, tubes were all clear. So I guess we are in the mystery percent with no answers for it not happening.

And I'm a little over all the "just relax it will happen" comments everyone tells me....I was relaxed till people kept asking and then telling me to relax it will happen!!

So I guess it's now just one big waiting game... Waiting for this pain to go away them waiting to start ivf

[&BabyMakes3]

I had 2 laps about 4 years ago and now I have a happy healthy baby boy (1) the docs told me I would never have children

[CanJme]

I had 2 laps about 4 years ago and now I have a happy healthy baby boy (1) the docs told me I would never have children

I'm the same as you had 2 laps over 6 years ago, plus 6 months worth of zoladex implants(never been so moody and hormonal in my life until I was on them) told I wouldn't have kids but I just gave birth to my 4th little princess 2 weeks ago!!

[tink77]

Hi Lib,

My doctor told me that any Endo can cause infertility however they still dont know why. I would say if you have had a clean up and what you had (even though it was minor) is gone that you will be very fertile at the moment.

I was sick to death of friends asking and offering unwanted advice also. For the record I now have a 4 month old son Tristan, conceived the month after my lap. Good luck with everything :fingerscrossed:

[Lib77]

Thanks it gives me some hope. Does a cycle start again since I have had the lap as the lining has now been removed when they did the curette? I had o two days before so am trying to work out my cycle again.

[wunsi]

Hi lib77,

I haven't posted in here before, but I had a lap on March 1 and they found endo. i am feeling pretty good now and back to full activities (except personal training, not game to do much ab work).

I was a week out from AF and the doc didn't do a full curette on me, just a bit of scraping from the lining I think and a hyscosy. I got AF bang on time, but was amazingly heavy and clotty for me (mine are usually quite light).

I'm not too sure what a full D&C will do to your cycle, I'd be ov testing to check I think.

Good luck, hopefully this procedure brings us good news.

:wave:

[Tuilelaith]

I've been suffering from Endo since 2006... they tried me on all kinds of things...

First different pills... which made the bleeding 10x worse.
Then a Novu Ring, which again didn't work.
Novu Ring combined with the pill... didn't work.
Mirena IUD... didn't work.
Mirena IUD combined with the pill... didn't work...
Primolut and the pill... didn't work. Upped the dosage worked.
Had a lap, biopsy, hystoscopy, etc etc... this time last year.

And 12 months on, I've gone off medication, had a NORMAL period... (I doubt any female is excited to get a period full stop, but I was wrapped that it stopped after 7 days!!!). My periods normally had lasted 3 - 6 months at a time. PERIOD HELL. Blood clots the size of your fist... went through 30 - 40 tampons daily + had to use pads as well, 'just in case'.

I'm eating better, exercising, trying to lower my stress levels and I'm on multivitamins and vitamin D tablets daily.

This is my first month of TTC after years of extreme period pain, extreme blood flow. So I don't know if I'm a success story YET, but my GYN found egg follicles, measured them at a healthy size and get me an injection. So fingers crossed!

All I can say is, if you think something is wrong - KEEP TELLING YOUR DOCTOR. Don't let them put you in a 'too hard' basket. And always get a second opinion. Because I wasted YEARS of my life trying to get stuff together.