5 replies to this topic

[Nat]

Happy2,If all the tests have been done, you could always request a transvaginal ultrasound. I did undergo a laparoscopy 10 years ago to see if I had endometriosis; I didn't. If you are in childbearing age (which I was at the time - 26), the doctor usually recommends to do a laparo (for fertility reasons). As long as you know all your options...Good luck!Nat

[Nat]

Happy2,Did they do a pelvic or a transvaginal ultrasound to rule out any gaenocological abnormalities? Seems odd that your doctor will do the laparascopy (which is usually last resort). I was just told that I might have a uterine fibroid (benign tumour in the uterus) whose symptoms include pelvic pain or heaviness, digestive troubles (yep, constipation or diarrhea), abdominal bloating, pressure on the back or bladder depending on the size, heavy menstrual flow, longer periods and so forth... A fibroid develops so quickly that mine was not seen 2 months ago when I had my first ultrasound. However, after yet another pelvic exam, the doctor touched it and requested another ultrasound scheduled for this week.If I were you, I would ask for an ultrasound, if it has not been done yet, or ask for another one.A lap is a surgery which brings along the usual complications... Anasthesia, adhesions from the surgery, etc.Nat

[Kathleen M.]

With abdominal pain it is often hard to tell what is hurting/cramping so pain from different things can sometimes feel similar.An exagerated response to meals (EVERYONES colon is more active after they eat) so you have a bowel movement rather than just moving things along to make room for the new is fairly common in IBS. It could also be that the antibiotics upset the intestinal ecology of the colon/or the colon itself, so that the diarrhea kept going for a little while after ending the course of treatment. Diarrhea seems to be a fairly common side effect of Cipro. Diarrhea that gets worse/doesn't clear up in a week or so after finishing any antibiotic, or that is bloody needs to be checked out as some of the intestinal flora imbalances can allow some bad bacteria that are normally kept in check to overgrow (C. Difficile in particular) and that then needs to be cleared up with other antibiotics.K.

[CaseyL]

Happy - I was having cramping, pretty severe at times, starting 5 - 10 days before my period as well as my entire period. It was worse after a meal and after a BM. I wondered too if it was my IBS, but since it was cyclical I asked my gyn. After getting a transvaginal ultrasound which showed possible evidence of endometriosis, he referred me to a reproductive endocrinologist. He recommended a laparoscopy right away. I had it done last Thurs and they found lots of endometriosis, Stage III. I think he was able to laser it all off. I will be anxious to see if it helps with the cramping as well as the IBS symptoms. I have had a lot of bloating, gas (worse before my period) and D during my period. Laparoscopy is the only way to diagnose endo, but it is surgery and the recovery is kind of painful. My gyn was hesitant to do one, but the RE wasted no time getting it done. For me I am glad I had it because I have had bad cramps for years and the endo has probably been causing my infertility. Good luck with your lap if you decide to go through with it.