OpenHealth Q&A

Uncertainty After Diagnostic Laparoscopy: Seeking Guidance

Hello everyone, I hope I'm posting this in the right forum, but I'm feeling a bit lost and would appreciate any guidance. On November 17, 2025, I underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy to check for endometriosis. However, the results indicated that I do not have this condition, as everything appeared normal without any signs of adhesions or cysts. Despite my symptoms leading both my GP and others to suspect endometriosis, the diagnosis did not hold. I have since been referred back to my GP, and their report advised seeking a non-gynecological explanation for my ongoing issues. I am scheduled to return for another appointment in January, and in the meantime, I am seeking advice on potential courses of action and other possible conditions that might explain my symptoms. To provide some context, I experience medium to heavy menstrual periods that are quite consistent but often accompanied by severe pain. While I don’t actually vomit or faint due to the pain, the sensation is quite intense. Discomfort during intercourse is common for me, with most positions causing pain except for lying on my side or in a missionary position. Additionally, I suffer from bowel problems that lead to painful movements resembling period cramping that can occur suddenly. I’ve been tested for ulcerative colitis and celiac disease, both of which returned negative. I also wanted to mention another diagnosis I received, which is “asymptomatic hypermobility.” This condition brings along regular joint and occasional muscle pain, which can occur without a significant reason. I find relief in cracking my joints, yet I still deal with notable fatigue—something that has been challenging to manage (although I was told I cannot have ME due to being autistic and having ADHD). This fatigue can lead to feelings of dizziness and seems to strike without warning, with iron levels checked and found to be normal. Additionally, I experience nausea fairly easily and daily episodes of heart palpitations, though my ECG results appeared fine, and my blood pressure remained stable. I am uncertain if any of these symptoms are worth discussing with my GP. Some friends have mentioned the possibility of adenomyosis, but with the advice to look for non-gynecological issues, I’m afraid my GP may dismiss this avenue. How should I go about discussing this with my doctor? I’ve been grappling with these concerns on and off for nearly a decade, and the surgery referral was nearly three years ago. I feel overwhelmed and exhausted from the uncertainty, as well as from having to rely on the pill to manage my symptoms. I’m eager for some clarity—even if the ultimate conclusion is "you’re simply unlucky," at least then I would have some explanation. Currently, I’m on desogestrel 75mg daily and recently began taking atomoxetine for ADHD; I just increased from 25mg to 40mg. Other than my multivitamins, which I often forget to take, I don’t take any other medications. For reference, I am 152 cm tall and weigh 9 stone 10 lbs. Thank you for any help you can provide!

Answers (1)

12/13/2025, 9:10:49 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re experiencing a complex set of symptoms, including severe menstrual pain, discomfort during intercourse, and digestive issues, and you're feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty surrounding your diagnosis. It’s understandable to want answers, especially after undergoing a diagnostic laparoscopy without a clear explanation for your symptoms. Let's focus on how you can effectively communicate your concerns to your GP and explore potential avenues for further investigation.

Key Points:

1. Be Open and Detailed: When you meet with your GP, it’s crucial to be as detailed as possible about all your symptoms.
2. Consider Other Conditions: Your concerns about potential conditions, like adenomyosis, and non-gynecological issues should be addressed.
3. Track Symptoms: Document your symptoms in a diary to provide your GP with precise information.

Explanation:

Given your symptoms, it's possible there are multiple contributing factors. Conditions like adenomyosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or pelvic floor dysfunction could be relevant. Aside from mentioning adenomyosis, you should also consider discussing other possibilities based on your symptom pattern. The discomfort during menstruation and intercourse might suggest underlying issues with reproductive or digestive systems.

Next Steps:

1. Prepare for Your Appointment:

   • Keep a symptom diary for the month leading up to your GP appointment. Note:
     • The frequency and intensity of your menstrual pain.
     • Any bowel issues and their relation to your menstrual cycle.
     • Details of the discomfort during intercourse.
     • Episodes of fatigue, palpitations, and nausea.
   • Track what relieves or worsens your symptoms.

2. Discuss Specific Concerns:

   • Clearly convey your history of severe menstrual pain that persists even without endometriosis.
   • Bring up adenomyosis and ask if further evaluation (like imaging or a referral to a specialist) might be warranted.
   • Don't hesitate to mention your concerns about your digestive issues and if they could relate to any larger diagnosis.

3. Highlight Your Overall Health:

   • Given your experiences with fatigue and hypermobility, discuss how these might intertwine with your reproductive health. Including all your symptoms helps build a comprehensive picture for your GP.

4. Create a Follow-Up Plan:

   • Before leaving your appointment, ensure you understand what the next steps are. If you’re referred to a specialist or further tests are suggested, clarify the timeline for those actions.

5. Empower Yourself:

   • Advocate for your health by being persistent but calm about your concerns. Bring a trusted friend or family member to your appointment for support if you can.

Remember, managing complex symptoms often requires patience and continued dialogue with your healthcare provider. You deserve to get clear answers, and taking proactive steps will be beneficial in the long run. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further clarification.