After a challenging quest to diagnose her endometriosis, Sarah’s intuition was finally confirmed, but it took IVF to help her welcome her son into the world.
The Beginning of the Journey
“When my partner and I decided to start a family, I stopped taking the contraceptive pill. Almost immediately, I began experiencing severe pain during and after my periods. My symptoms mimicked a urinary infection, prompting my GP to prescribe antibiotics; however, the pain returned each month just as strong. Frustrated, I sought help from another doctor. She tested my urine and, finding no infection, asked if I was familiar with endometriosis, which can sometimes affect the bladder. She suspected I had this condition and referred me to a gynaecologist for further evaluation.”
The Struggle for Diagnosis
It took nearly six months to get an appointment, and in that time, my pain worsened significantly. I felt like I had a persistent urinary infection, coupled with aching in my legs, back, and stomach throughout most of my menstrual cycle. I even wore a TENS machine to work to manage the discomfort and relied on strong painkillers.
To prepare for my appointment, I kept a detailed pain diary, hoping it would help the gynaecologist identify patterns in my symptoms. Unfortunately, my initial consultation didn’t go as I had hoped. The consultant was unsympathetic and didn’t believe endometriosis was the cause of my pain. Instead, I was asked to return in four months with a different pain diary.
A Turning Point
At my follow-up appointment six months later, I met a new consultant who finally referred me for keyhole surgery. Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon confirmed I had extensive endometriosis affecting my ovaries, pelvic area, and bladder. Although they removed much of it, the proximity to my bladder made further surgery too risky. I was told that since we were trying to conceive, the hormonal changes from pregnancy might alleviate my symptoms.
I was devastated, as intercourse had become painful, but we pressed on. After four months, I returned to my first consultant, who still dismissed my symptoms and discharged me. At that point, I couldn’t continue suffering in silence. I decided to seek a second opinion from a private gynaecologist, Dr. James Clark, who immediately suspected endometriosis and scheduled me for a laparoscopy to diagnose and treat any endometriosis present. Upon waking from the surgery, he confirmed I indeed had considerable endometriosis and managed to remove much of it, although he deemed it too risky to operate on my bladder. I felt a wave of relief knowing I wasn’t imagining my pain.
The Path to Motherhood
Crucially, Dr. Clark referred us for IVF, acknowledging that my extensive endometriosis would make conception challenging. We chose to go to Oxford Fertility, and it was a wonderful experience. The staff were incredibly compassionate and optimistic, taking the time to address all my questions. Tests revealed I had a low ovarian reserve due to the endometriosis, despite being only 32. To our amazement, the IVF treatment was successful on the first try, and we welcomed our beautiful baby boy just over a year ago.
I had become so accustomed to receiving bad news that I never truly believed it would happen. He has transformed my life, and I cherish every moment with him. While I know my endometriosis could return, I currently live pain-free and appreciate all the little things.
Advocating for Yourself
I consider myself fortunate. Having a GP who recognized my endometriosis early and referred me to specialists set me on the right path. It was frustrating to have my initial gynaecological team dismiss my concerns. I encourage anyone who suspects something is wrong to advocate for themselves. The earlier endometriosis is diagnosed, the easier it is to manage and treat.
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Conclusion
In summary, Sarah’s story illustrates the importance of persistence in seeking medical help when experiencing unexplained pain. With proper diagnosis and treatment, she was able to overcome her struggles with endometriosis and successfully conceive through IVF.