Natalie,

Do you mean a laprascopy? That is the surgery that they perform to diagnose and laser endo. It is a fairly simple procedure although they do have to put you out for it. They make 2-3 very small incisions that they insert a camera, light and laser. They will inject an inert gas which will blow up your abdomen during the procedure so they can look all around, and they will release the gas prior to you waking up. The small incisions will be a little tender, but nothing major. Some people feel some aching in their shoulders and neck from the gas, but this will go away.

Natalie, DO NOT sign a release for them to perform a hysterectomy during this procedure!!! While it is true that there are some cases that are so severe and dibilitating (like my friend) that a hysterectomy ends up being the best option. But there are many things that can be done besides a hysterectomy AND a hysterectomy may very likely NOT eliminate your pain. I would suggest that you google the Endometriosis Association and learn as much as you can about endo and the treatment options available, as well as why hysterectomy is not the answer. Far too many women have been told by their doctors that they will be fine after a hysterectomy and not only do they still experience pain, but they develop other problems such as decreased sexual response, bladder problems and 'leakage', etc. Also, if you are to go on any hormone replacement therapy...it will just trigger the endo again! A hysterectomy will only address the bleeding problems...it won't necessarily eliminate your endo pain or remove the adhesions. In fact, you will develop more adhesions from the hysterectomy since any surgery will cause them, too.

Definitely do your homework and research as much as possible.

I'm very busy working on a project for work and will not be able to address anymore questions for a week or so. I hope all goes well with your surgery tomorrow and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I was prescribed Lupron, which induces a temporary chemical menopause by shutting off estrogen. NEVER AGAIN!!! The side effects were horrendous and this treatment resulted in my developing uterine polyps which caused me to hemmorhage, and also prompted the beginning of osteoporsis. When that occured, I had already found another doctor and he did a D&C and polypectomy to stop the bleeding...I lost half my blood volume and could have easily bled out! I was too weak to undergo a myomectomy to remove the fibroids, so I was sent home on bed rest for a month to build by blood supply back up in preparation of the myomectomy and lasering of endo implants. Fortuantely, I know how to eat well in order to build myself up and also went for acupuncture treatments and chinese herbs. I started bleeding again after two weeks and he had me come in for the surgery...expecting to have to transfuse me (rare blood type) and he was shocked that my blood count was back to normal! He performed the myomectomy to remove the fibroids and lasered all the endo...and I had it throughout my entire pelvic cavity. One week later he did a laprascopy to laser any adhesions that had developed. This last surgery was performed because I was part of a study to test different irrigation solutions that they have to use during this type of surgery. I had very few adhesions and he lasered anything that he found.

The Lupron DID shrink the endo implants and fibroids, but the side effects were so awful and went on for 6 months...I wouldn't go through that again! My surgeon suggested birth control pills following surgery to keep the endo from advancing again, and I was unable to tolerate them. The healthier and more natural I have become, the more sensitive I am to pharmaceuticals...and the fake hormones were wreaking havoc with my system. I have been able to maintain further progression of endo or more fibroids by using natural progesterone cream, vitex, managing stress, eating a healty diet and exercising.

Now I am going through some perimenopausal symptoms (46yo), but nothing like I went through when on the Lupron and I have increased the natural progesterone cream and it is doing the job very nicely.

Try to locate a doctor who will laser the endo. The endocrine system (hormones) is so complex and requires such a delicate balance and these medications REALLY mess up your hormonal balance...and I mean ALL your hormones!

I found my surgeon through contacting Dr. Redding's office in Oregon. I couldn't afford to go to him and asked him for a referral for someone in my area. It turned out that he was a good friend of my surgeons...they regularly took ski vacations together. Dr. Redding has a whole different theory about endo and it is much more positive that most theories. My surgeon is Dr. Eric Beiber at the University of Chicago Hospital in Chicago. Again, I would suggest that you google the Endometriosis Association website, read all you can, and contact them for a referral.

Try not to freak...you CAN get healthy again!!! You just need to find someone who will treat you properly. Gynecologists generally do not know as much about endo and the treatments for it as reproductive endocrinologists. These are the fertility docs and they specialize in this area because endo is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. Just make sure to find one that is more concerned with YOUR health and well-being as opposed to you getting pregnant. My first RE was more interested in my getting pregnant and that was not my primary concern. Dr. Beiber was more concerned with getting me well and preserving my reproductive abilities in the event I wanted children. But he ALWAYS put MY health first!!!