I have had so many tests, swabs, examinations, ultrasound etc the last 2 months and the doctors just can't seem to find out exactly what is wrong with me. I have this sharp pain in my left side where my ovary is located. I had an 4.5cm haemorragic ovarian cyst which resolved/ruptured 3 weeks ago but I still have this pain. I also have Dysmenorrhea (really painful periods), Dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse). The doctors are now referring me to a specialist at the hospital and recommending a laparoscopy be done to diagnose whether I might possibly have endometriosis? I have had this really bad nausea feeling since last week and it seems to be getting better, but the pain seems to stay. Does this really mean that I could have endometriosis? Has anyone experienced some similar symptoms etc? I don't know when I would see the specialist at the hospital as I have no health insurance and have to go to a public hospital as an outpatient which means waiting lists etc.

It sounds like you could very well have endo based on your symptoms. However you cannot know for sure until you have a laparoscopy done. The doctors have to actually see the endo and then excise the endo lesions and they will also remove the cyst and possibly do a biopsy. From their findings with the lap they can better inform you of your options.

I have been suffering with endo for 7+ years now and I am only 30. In that time I have had 10 major surgeries including a complete abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and appendectomy and had countless procedures, tests, and organs removed. I am a member of the endometriosis association and the erc.

If you do in fact have endo then your best medicine is research. You have to be well informed and be proactive in your treatment process. I do understand that you cannot financially afford the surgery. I know many women who have major debt because of their endo due to medical bills. Ask your PCP or OBGYN what your options are for someone who doesn't have health insurance. As stated above you may be able to find a teaching hospital or woman's wellness center who could refer you, or you could find a doctor who has a payment plan.

I have talked to many women who were told they "may" have endo, or that they do have endo. Until you have the exploratory lap and the surgeons say for sure that you do have endo and you see the pictures for yourself don't get too concerned yet. You could have another gynecological problem all together. Something that is far more treatable. There is no cure for endo and the only major medical treatments are treat the symptoms itself not the disease- pain management through drugs etc. or surgical excision of endo implants. I have turned away from the medical profession and found alternative methods to be far less invasive and there are little to no side effects. Acupuncture, as well as diet and hormone treatments are becoming very helpful to women who are tired of the countless pills and procedures.

The most important thing is to find emotional support and a competent and caring specialist, that is half of the battle.

Start here
http://www.endometriosassn.org
http://www.endocenter.org
http://www.endometriosis.org
also look for the largest endmetriosis support group online at yahoo groups.

Good luck!

Health, Happiness, and HOPE

I had similar problems had a ovarioan cyst and fybroid tumors in my uterus. I had 3 children and knew i was going to have no more so with these cysts and tumors a hysterectomy was ordered. During the hysterectomy they found i also had endometriosis. I am relived of the pain i had for months and months and all the tests. It is hard to say what you should do because if you have no children you may want them later in life. You need to find a university hospital that will help reguardless of insurance. Best of luck and hope you find relief from your pain as i finally did... symathy for you as i know how it feels.. and how singled out you feel.