Gastro symptoms after hysterectomy
So I've bad bowel pain during period for 30 years. Had a full hysterectomy a few years ago due to adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, and fibroids. I was told that the ovaries stuck to my uterus were not due to endo (?). For the past 4 months I have had a 1 day bout of horrible body pain, cold sweats, diarrhea and vomiting. The fact that it is happening every 30 days has me wondering about endo on bowel. I have an appointment with a gastrointestinal doc in July. I'm 53. Anyone with anything similar? Have seen regular doctor.
First, I'm really sorry you've been dealing with this for 30 years! What an odyssey. The cyclical nature of your pain makes me suspect that there is the possibility of endo, but of course I'm not a doctor. Perhaps you have endo lesions that have persisted and become worse, and perhaps they were not detected in your first surgery. Although, I find it strange that your ovaries being stuck to your uterus could be from something other than endo. I'm glad you'll be seeing a GI doc, and I also wonder if it's worth it to consult with a gynecologist who knows endo well. I had bowel endo and it cause me nausea, diarrhea, pain with elimination, and a lot of pain. It got much better after excision surgery with both a GI surgeon and my gyn. I hope you find some good answers and relief! ~Katrina, Endometriosis.net Advocate
Wow, I am sorry to hear that! Have you experienced any relief now that you've had surgery? ~Katrina, Endometriosis.net Advocate Goodness. So sorry to hear that! I keep thinking I have horrible IBS, or well that is what doctors keep telling me. But I convinced I have endo on the bowels and that the doctors I have had so far, just don't know what they are looking for when I have surgery. I am glad you did find a doctor who was able to figure out you did have endo on your bowels though. How have you been feeling lately? -Kimberli (advocate)
These are great questions, and ones I'm sorry you have to ask. I think it's great you're keeping a list of your symptoms and noting exactly when they happen. I saw a GI doctor familiar with endo about similar cyclical issues, and they were more helpful than any of my other doctors with these symptoms. My excision specialist also knew about these symptoms, but he didn't find endo on my bowels. Though, he said to be certain he'd have to take my intestines out and search inch by inch, which he wasn't qualified to do.
I was told my issues might be related to several things outside of endo on the bowels, including general body-wide endo-related inflammation in my blood — any kind of inflammation in the GI tract can cause diarrhea, vomiting, etc. — hormonal changes with my cycle, and/or an overactive sympathetic nervous system. But bowel issues can be so complicated, and I think it's definitely a good idea to see a GI doc. They can rule out any infections or other bowel disorders. A friend of mine with ulcerative colitis has similar symptoms but no endo. A doc or dietitian may also be able to help pinpoint any triggers that may not be obvious.
Always feel free to get a second opinion if this doc doesn't answer your questions. In my experience, many doctors aren't experienced in bowel endo -- even excision specialists -- and most don't really know how to check for it. A good place to search for an endo bowel specialist is at iCareBetter.com or through Nancy's Nook on Facebook. Keep us updated! - Keri (team member)
I just wanted to check in with you and see how you
are doing? Did you have your apt with the gastro doc in July? How did that go?
I hope they have been able to give you some answers and relief dear warrior! Sending
big hugs! -Kimberli (advocate)
