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Yeah its an absolute minefield. She was down the rabbit hole quite often trying to do something to get help. I presume, given your statements about applying, you're not in the US? I suppose that would make it more complicated to get multiple opinions quickly. The pain vs. waiting tradeoff is a real motherfucker, and something I'm dealing with myself at the moment. All I would add, is if there is any doubt in your mind, hunt for more info or more opinions. Specialists, OBGYN's, anyone you can get to give you insight. I had a surgery where there was no defined outcomes and I "thought" the specialist was well informed and smart. Turns out he was a complete and total asshole, and it ruined my life. So there's two sides to every coin.
Rambly-long answer
Yeah, I'm not in the US. Here it's a waiting game, and to get this lousy appointment, I had to wait for 1.5 years. On the flip side, I lived with excruciating pain for decades at this point, so what difference do a couple more months make? It's not a nice prospect, but it is what it is. I don't doubt the diagnosis, in fact, I have been assuming that this is what I have for I think 6 or 8 years? I knew from the very beginning that my pain wasn't normal by any standards, especially since I had classmates in high school who would just participate in sports class without painkillers. There's a shitton of specialists out there who don't deserve the title, so I'm with you on that. For what it's worth, I can now confidently say I have endometriosis and can use it as a proper medical excuse for when I need it. As to treatment... you know the minefield it is, and I'll keep looking, but I doubt I'll be able to get anything before the surgery date, and I need to decide if it's worth it or not. Nothing seems worth living with this pain, but at the same time, none of the options are good. Maybe the people from this pain management center at the hospital will be able to help with one of the major issues at least. Anyway, I'm rambling, but thank you for listening. <3I'm also sorry your medical care history is so bad. I can imagine how much of a toll it must be taking on you
You're not rambling and its not a bother. I know its stupid to say out loud by try to remember that a diasnosis does not equal a fixed result. You have endo, you know you have endo, you've known for years you have endo. What to DO about the endo, is unfortunately, a completely different story. Its insane you had to wait that long so I absolutely understand your dilemma there. I'd just talk to your specialist and just bear down on the details about the potential outcomes of the surgery and the potential alternatives. Come armed with other options and discuss it with them step by step. If they give you a single iota of pushback, you double down and talk through everything you need to. If they don't want to do this, then you know you've got the wrong doctor. They get so one-tracked that they're the bestest and smartest little boys and girls that they absolutely hate having their opinions questioned.