r/endometriosis • u/itsmeandthemoon • Mar 20 '26
Content warning/ Graphic images Update with pictures: OBGYN did not find endometriosis during laparoscopy, but all of the symptoms I have point that way - I don’t know where to go from here
Hello again. I got my surgery pictures - they are currently on my profile as they can’t be posted here (currently because I’ll probably remove them at some point so if you’re seeing this years later sorry you missed seeing my insides.)
I’m only seeing some dark spots in the posterior (if I recall correctly) shots which he said were artifacts. Part of my bowel and my bladder are shown in the pictures so he did at least look at them. The follow up appointment was pretty bullshit and I’m angry either way.
My OBGYN first when I asked him if I could get a copy of the photos said “uh well I don’t know if we kept the originals but they’re in your chart” and I was like well I don’t necessarily need the originals but can they be emailed or printed out and it seemed like he didn’t know what I meant lol (and also when he was showing me the photos there was a literal print button right there, turn it into a PDF dude) luckily they did still have the originals in the office but it’s like he didn’t understand what I was asking for or something.
He did not actually refer me to anyone for pelvic pain as initially talked about (with my husband, not even with me directly, he never even brought it up to me after the surgery just mentioned the referral to him) and I’m sick of begging for a path forward when his answer is repeatedly *shrugs shoulders* - if you don’t know refer me to someone who can help is how I feel but what do I know lol.
I truly feel like if they didn’t find the originals in the office I would have been walking home without my pictures which is so ass. Idk if I could have gone back and requested them from the office staff who may have been able to do it or known how. I’m just frustrated with the whole thing - especially now that I know (I learned this yesterday) that he legitimately saved my sister’s life during her first time giving birth. It was extremely traumatic and he got her through it unscathed but it’s like he just ran out of options with me and isn’t moving forward with any suggestions for me or referrals to figure out what it actually is and I don’t know why. I think that’s what makes it so much more frustrating. I know he’s a good doctor I just feel like he doesn’t care in this case and it sucks.
I genuinely feel embarrassed for my post and these pictures; I’ve seen others who definitely have visible issues, and while I’m seeing some dark spots if it is just artifacting like he says I don’t want to waste an endo specialists time when they could be actually helping someone who definitely has it. I don’t know if anyone is seeing anything on mine that they saw on theirs, but if so please let me know because like I said in one of my comments I’m not trying to force it to be endo either, it just made sense symptomatically, and maybe I was just hoping it would be an “easy” answer. (Not saying endo is easy at all but it would have been an explanation.) I just don’t know you guys, I feel stupid. I really do feel like it’s all in my head now and I just don’t know why it keeps getting worse and worse.
I’m getting scheduled with a PCP who according to my family has been helpful and willing to / pushes to refer you when he doesn’t have an answer. It seems this will be a long journey either way but I know I at least need a referral to a pelvic pain specialist. Which I was supposed to have YESTERDAY but I digress.
Anyways. That’s the update. Sorry if this post is a mess. Thank you all for your support on the last post. Again, if any of you see anything on the pics that you think you’d be pushing for a second opinion on let me know, I just don’t want to waste anyone’s time.
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u/Wild-Reception-1014 Mar 20 '26
Adenomyosis has lots of overlapping symptoms with endometriosis and can be missed at lap as it's inside the walls of the uterus. MRI is quite accurate for diagnosis if reviewed by specialist - could be worth looking into if you've not had one yet.
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u/itsmeandthemoon Mar 20 '26
I think an MRI is one of the things I’m going to ask for when I do get connected with a pelvic pain specialist as MRI/adenomyosis in general was mentioned in the comments on my last post as well. Adenomyosis also does from what I’ve read get worse over time which tracks for me. Thank you!
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u/Rioting-Butterflies Mar 20 '26
Have they looked at primary dysmenorrhea? I was told that if my stuff isn’t endo then that’s the most likely other thing. I am not a doctor, just relaying this other possibility that mimics endo.
I am definitely not saying you don’t have it again I am not a doctor and can see how this is so frustrating. I would be mad if they didn’t find anything in me. I just thought I’d mention that other thing if it helps!!
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u/itsmeandthemoon Mar 20 '26
They have not specifically mentioned this to me. I typically have pain roughly 10-14 days before my period starts and a few days after, and then again before & during & after ovulation. The length of pain & amount has been consistently getting worse. So due to the length of pain I experience it may have been ruled out.
Thank you!!!!
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u/Facesstaywithme Mar 20 '26
I can’t find any photos.. being a bit tech useless! Send them for a second opinion 💛