Bowel problems 4 years post-op

I had a full hysterectomy 4 years ago. Had severe endometriosis. Not on hormones. Things had been going along fine until about a year ago when I began to have abdominal and rectal pain again. Doctor couldn't feel anything on exam but ordered a CT scan. CT scan found "low-attenuation area" measuring 3 x 1.7 cm and speculated that it could represent an endometrioma (not again :-(), a post-surgical change associated with hysterectomy, or a small seroma or inflammatory tissue. I'm having a colonoscopy in 2 weeks (oh joy) due to chronic, urgent, loose stools. Wondering if this could be caused by endo. Wondering if I need to contact the doctor who did my hysterectomy to consider the possibility of endo's return. GYN doc blew me off in August and said my biggest problem was my weight. Well, yes, she is right about my weight but don't dismiss my symptoms just because of that especially with my extensive history of severe, recurrent, endo and multiple surgeries. Seeing primary care doctor next week and going to ask for a repeat of CT scan and US to see if what they found last year is still there. Feels like something heavy is in my abdomen. Oh, also peeing all of the time. More often than usual. Having flu-like symptoms about once a month similar to when I had an endometrioma torqueing my left ovary and fallopian tube. Anyone have experience with any of this especially post-menopausally? Feeling frustrated and worried. Looking for support. I was really hoping that I would get lucky and that the hysterectomy would stop endo completely. My doctor warned me that it could come back even in menopause. Hoping that's not the case.

Removal of the uterus can have little or no affect on the endometriosis implanted elsewhere. Any of the endometriosis that was missed or intentionally left behind can continue to cause pain and issues.

It was endometriosis intentionally left on my bowel walls that caused me to have a lot of gastro/intestional issues including "chronic, urgent, loose stools." In fact, those symptoms also contributed to some weight loss I experienced. As a result of the pain and symptoms, I also had a colonoscopy at the age of 30. One reason was to see if the endometriosis had penetrated my bowel, and the other was to see if something else might be going on.

Did you know that endometriosis can create its own supply of estrogen? Thus, even if you have had both ovaries removed, the endo might be thriving and causing cyclical symptoms from its own supply of estrogen. Additionally, if a tiny bit of ovary was missed, and that can happen especially for those with endometriosis and adhesions, you could be experiencing ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) and that piece of ovary may have grown and could be producing hormones, again causing cyclical symptoms. When was the last time you had your FSH checked?

Have you ever consulted with an endometriosis specialist? If not, I think you should. With your history you are obviously dealing with a more complex case and you need more than just a general OB/GYN or primary care physician. I would also encourage you to keep a detailed symptom diary.

I am so sorry you are dealing with continued health issues--I know from personal experience how miserable and frustrating and discouraging it can be!

in there!

Thank you for the information and support. I had no idea that endo could create its own source of estrogen. Greeeat! The doc who did my hysterectomy said the surgery might not prevent future endo but I was hopeful. At my last gyn visit in August, I asked to have my hormones checked because of the symptoms I've been having and was told "You don't have any hormones to check." I see my primary on Monday. I'm going to ask to have FSH checked and repeat of CT scan and US. If she is not willing to do so, then I will contact the endo specialist in my area (was on the list you linked in your response) or the doc who did my hysterectomy. I have copies of the CT scan and US from last year showing a probable endometrioma or cyst in the rectovesical area. I will also look up ORS. Looking forward to some relief. Thanks again for the information. I really appreciate it. Will keep posted on what's happening.

Saw my primary doc yesterday. Agreed to repeat pelvic ultrasound. Holding off on FSH until results of ultrasound come back. See her again in 1.5 months. By then I should have an appointment with the endo specialist in my area. Anxious to get answers and take care of problem so I can feel better.

Had colonoscopy yesterday. All went well. Found some erythema and nodules. Doctor took samples for biopsy. I am to call his office in 10 days (now 9) for results. Pelvic ultrasound this Friday. Appointment with endo specialist 11/16. Will keep you all posted about status of condition.