My endo started some 18-20 years ago. I have had various treatments over the years, including Laparoscopy, Danazol, Zoladex and Mefenamic Acid, to name but a few. When I started with this condition the pain was excruciating at times.

I was offered a Hysterectomy at the age of 27 (their simple way out!). For a few years my condition was controllable with painkillers, but I think my body has got so used to them they don't work anymore.

Over the last year the condition has begun to get worse again and I have recently returned to the doctors who prescribed me Mefenamic Acid. I tried these for a few months and they made absolutely no difference at all to my pain. Simple everyday things are just painful to do, silly things you might think like hoovering, gardening, mowing, lifting, sitting down and getting up again, using the toilet, sex (though not every day!) to name but a few.

I recently went back to my doctor who suggested I have a Mirena coil fitted. I went yesterday for this fitting and believed over time it would be the answer to my prayers, no more periods and no more pain. The start of the procedure was very painful because I already had my endo pain. Upon further examination I was advised that because I had not had children the neck of my womb was very small and upon further 'poking' it was decided that they could not continue in case of damage and that it may be possible I have a fibroid in that area which may also be preventing the neck of my womb to open up. I was advised that before proceeding any further I would need to undergo a scan to see if this was the case. I was in agony for the rest of the day and very tearful as I felt I went through all that for nothing, with no end result. Depending upon what they find on the scan they say I may still be able to have the coil fitted, but after some serious soul searching and deep thought I have decided to wait for the results to see what is happening and because I have had this condition for so many years, am at the end of my tether with treatments that never seem to work; I am seriously considering a Hysterectomy.

After all I’m not going to have children now at my age of 47 and don't really see the point of being in virtually constant pain until I go through the menopause. I have found over the years that the medical profession consider this condition to be something us women have to 'live' with and this is not the case.

I will let you know what my outcome is in due course. It has been interesting to read other peoples stories I must say and with many of them I can relate to my own experiences.

Update January 2010

Been for my scan on 24th December 2009, rather painful as I needed an internal scan as well - not a pleasant experience! Waiting for the results which I should get on 7th January 2009 and see where I go from there. Will keep all posted.

Update January 2010 #2

Hi all. Went for my scan results. It shows that I have a fibroid at the neck of my cervix so that was why they could not fit the coil and will not be able to now. I asked the doctor what could be done and she instantly said a Hysterectomy, which I thought was a bit drastic. Anyway, I have been referred to Gynae on 22nd February 2010 to discuss the options.

Still in pain for at least three weeks out of four. Docs have given me Codeine 30mg and Paracetamol which do help but really space me out!!

Great as usual to catch up with you all. Keep you posted after 22nd Feb.

Update February 2010

Ok. I've been for my Gynae appointment only to be told now that my endo is minimal and so is my fibroid and that they now think it is a spinal/nerve problem!!! Hay ho here we go!!

I am now waiting to see a back specialist and can't help thinking that somewhere down the line I'm going to end up back in Gynae! Will keep you posted.

Mandy's EndoStory has been viewed 1957 times.

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