I, like many other women never knew I had Endometriosis. I had always grown up with heavy painful periods but in the last several years they had become progressively worse. During this time I had suffered three or four episodes where I was struck down with excruciating pain where I could barely move or talk.
This would generally happen in between my periods. I was also starting to feel pain when I sat down and often when going to the bathroom also several times after sex I would be in agony. As well as this I always had pain in my side or a constant dull ache that never seemed to go away. I finally decided to make an appointment to see a gynaecologist in November 2009.
After an internal scan he informed me that I had several large cysts the size of golf balls and that I may have Endometriosis, although he could not confirm this until he had performed a laparoscopy. I was put on a waiting list but the following month in December whilst away with my husband, I had another debilitating attack and ended up being rushed to hospital by ambulance.
I was discharged the following day and transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where I was due to be admitted for observation. I was very lucky that day when one of the doctors informed me that another gynaecologist, Dr David Hunter was prepared to add me to his list of procedures that afternoon. Although nervous about surgery as soon as I met Dr Hunter he made me feel completely at ease.
The surgery revealed a cyst on my left ovary and also that my ovary was attached to my bowel. On my right the cyst had ruptured which explained the attack whilst away on holiday, and also that I had severe endometriosis. Dr Hunter informed me that I would require a second surgery which would be more invasive and also require bowel preparation.
The procedure itself was about an hour long and afterwards apart from the drip in my arm I also had a drain for my wound overnight. I was advised to take it easy for the next 2 or so weeks. Although it was painful for the first week or so I no longer suffered the discomfort when going to the bathroom or sitting down, nor aches or pains in my right side.
My next operation was in March and it came at the best possible time as the few weeks prior to my second operation I had started to get that dull ache in my side again. This time I had bowel preparation prior to the operation. This meant being admitted to the hospital the day before and taking two lots of laxatives drinks so that my bowel was completely empty for surgery.
The surgery itself was a success, the Endometriosis was severe but Dr Hunter and his team managed to remove it all. They did however find that the Endometriosis was in the muscle of the womb, this is called Adenomyosis.
Although I had anxieties when I found out about the Adenomyosis I am also very pleased that my surgery went well and that Dr Hunter did absolutely the best job. This was a very positive outcome. It was just by chance that I was able to have Dr Hunter as my doctor, and I am so happy about this. He and his team have been fantastic and supportive and also all the staff in the ward were brilliant.
I would urge any woman who is having the same or similar problems to go and see your GP and/or gynaecologist. Endometriosis is serious and painful and not something that any woman should have to suffer.
