AboutMartha Russell Expertise I do not possess any medical affiliation or education...I have, however, been diagnosed with Endo and have had severe pain since I was 13. I am now 50 and have tried it all...I am not close enough yet to menopause to rule out a painful period. I stopped all treatment of hormones due to harsh side effects. I have been through it all with this condition and can truely empathize with other sufferers.
Question I had a total hysterectomy in 1983 and I just turned 60 this month. I have been having pain in my lower left abdominal area and lower left back. Is it possible the endo is back and if so, what tests are necessary to determine if it is the endo coming back. If I remember correctly, when I was first diagnosed with it a lapraoscopy was performed. I took premarin for over 15 years after the surgery. I am not currently taking any HRT and still have problems with hot flashes. Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Answer Hi Linda
Sorry to hear that your are experiencing pain again...unfortunately, it is entirely possible that endo has returned. I have been receiving so many comments like this from other women.
I would get with my Dr asap...they may again do another lap to take a look around. Hormones can be the enemy with endo,too.
Please see the below article I found on line.
From the Mayo Clinic:
Although uncommon, endometriosis can recur after removal of the uterus and both ovaries (hysterectomy with oophorectomy), if you're taking estrogen therapy. Endometriosis is a painful condition in which a type of tissue that normally lines your uterus becomes implanted outside your uterus, most often on your fallopian tubes, ovaries or the tissue lining your pelvis. Endometriosis needs estrogen — which is produced primarily by the ovaries — to persist. If you have your uterus and both ovaries removed, endometriosis pain usually goes away. However, if you're taking estrogen for menopause symptoms, endometriosis may persist or return even after such a procedure. In such cases, endometriosis usually has spread beyond the lining of the pelvis. Talk to your doctor about treatment options for endometriosis after hysterectomy and oophorectomy.
I truly hope you find relief and don't have to start this all over again...Take care.
Martha
