Severe Endometriosis

I have severe endometriosis and it has penetrated the bowel wall. I have been to 2 different gyn here where I live in WV and have been told by both Dr.'s that I have to have a complete hysterectomy. I have not been happy with either Dr. and kept researching my condition. To make a long story short, I have found the Center for Endometriosis in Atlanta, GA and am scheduled to have my surgery with them on November 29. I am excited and nervous at the same time.

I hope your surgery goes well for you! Having endometriosis can be so very frustrating and finding a knowledgeable doctor who can help can take a lot of time and effort!

I have traveled for surgery with a specialist and found that the doctor's office has a lot of helpful information they can share with their out of town patients. If you have not been given this information, definitely ask what they might have available.

I don't regret my surgery with my specialist and am so glad I made that decision! I hope your surgery works out well, too!

I too have severe endo. Hysto scheduled for Jan 28th...worried my dr doesn't know how to excise the endo - going in the morning to have consult. I found the Center for Endo in ATL too - it may be where I go unless my current dr. can guarantee excising the endo. They look great - just out of my network Best of luck and keep us posted!

Good for you Sunshine! It always warms my heart when I hear of a sufferer enlisting the help of a expert endo specialist to treat her disease. When it comes to our bodies, we deserve the best!

Good luck for this week. My uterus was attached to my bowel and I had to have a full too, but two surgerys. Best move, get all of it out and the endo too. If they can keep an ovary do it, it you are stage 4 then no, you will have to go through another surgery. Hard thing to cope with but it is a horrible disease that is unspoken and slow unlike cancer that everyone talks about. You won't be able to take HRt for a while or ever but you can research to what is best for you. Good luck!!!!!

Actually whether or not to keep one or both ovaries can be different for each woman and may not depend on the stage of endometriosis at all. I have stage IV endometriosis and both ovaries with the blessings of all of my doctors from my GP to my GYN to my world renowned endometriosis specialist.

Additionally, having the ovaries removed with an endometriosis diagnosis doesn't dictate no HRT or withholding HRT for a space of time. Depends on the knowledge and philosophy of one's doctor as to what s/he may prescribe.

Each woman and her medical team have to weigh her own pros and cons. Seeing an endometriosis specialist, especially a world renowned one, should definitely put one ahead of the game as the chances of all the endometriosis being excised are higher so the hormonal side of things can be less critical with regards to endometriosis recurrence or a BSO to try to stop endo. Doctors who are less knowledgeable regarding endometriosis may not know the best or latest treatment methods and may prescribe plans that aren't necessarily the best.

Remember, neither a hysterectomy or oophorectomy will cure endometriosis. The key is the actual skillful removal of the endometriosis implants. Endometriosis can grow with or with a uterus, with or without ovaries, with or with HRT! It can be pretty resilient, aggressive, and fast growing!

I went and opted to have it all out! I have a few other issues also! But am happy for you and sending lots of love your way!!!! Prayers too!!!