My Atypical Endometriosis

When I was first referred to a gynecologist in the Spring of 1998 for abdominal pain that she was certain that it was not endometriosis. She referred me back to my GP with recommendation of a referral to a gastroenterologist as she believed the issue was more through my digestive system then my gynecological system.

I saw the gastroenterologist, had my colonoscopy and did confirm that yes I did have IBS & was referred back to the gynaecologist in March of 1999

Symptoms of Endometriosis: Heavy Menstrual Cycle, Severe Pelvic Pain, Fatigue and Long Irregular Menstrual Cycles

She was still very hesitant on the idea that I have endometriosis as my symptoms were ‘atypical’ . For me my symptoms included

• Pelvic Pain. Yes, but all month long, not just during my cycle
• Heavy & irregular cycles but controlled with birth control pills
• Lack of reaction to Depo-Provera
• Bowel pain all month long, not just during my cycle
• Both diarrhea & constipation which could easily just be IBS.

Symptoms I don’t have:

• Cycle dependant pain
• Pain during or following sex
• Heavy & irregular cycles because they were controlled with the birth control pill.
• No consistent IBS flaring during Menstrual cycle
• No family history (that we knew of) of endometriosis
• Severe & regular migraines during Menstrual cycle
• No bloating
• No breakthrough bleeding between cycles because cycle were controlled with birth control pills
• High sex drive as most women with Endometriosis have a below average sex drive

So while I had some symptoms, they weren’t a standard or typical case.After 3 months of pushing her to do an exploratory laparoscope which she eventually did. I think she agreed to do it more to shut me up than believing I had endo.

And low & behold! Endometriosis stage 2 I believe. Since she went in believing she would not find endometriosis, she did not have sufficient tools to access & remove all the endometrial tissues. But I had my diagnosis.

So, if you know you have Endometriosis and your doctor does not, push the issue. Worse case it’s negative. Or if you are like me, you prove your doctor wrong.