Current waiting times for endometriosis are far from ideal, with some patients waiting up to two years for surgery it’s not surprising people are asking the following…
‘How can I manage for that long?’
‘How am I supposed to cope with my symptoms?’
‘Is it going to get worse?’
If you are on a waiting list for surgery, wishing to opt for surgical management, or still considering your options, it’s important to have a discussion with your surgeon or specialist nurse about alternative management options. Differing options may not be suitable for all, each should be discussed with your healthcare practitioner so a decision can be made for you personally.
Things to consider:
Pain management is an important part of managing the condition. When taken appropriately, pain medication can be extremely effective. First line pain killers are paracetamol and ibuprofen, when taken together these can work well. When paracetamol and ibuprofen aren’t helping, prescribed pain killers may be required. As endometriosis causes an inflammatory response, anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, diclofenac and mefenamic acid can also be an effective choice of treatment. Opiate based medications such as codeine and tramadol can help manage more intense pain flares but are usually not recommended for long term use as side effects can be troublesome.
Hormone treatments work by reducing levels of oestrogen in the body preventing the lining of the womb and any endometriosis tissue in being active and growing. There are different types of hormone treatments, more information about each can be found here - https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/hormone-treatments-endometriosis.
All treatments are temporary and are reversed when the hormones are stopped. Hormone treatment would not be suitable for anyone trying to get pregnant.
It's difficult to predict if your endometriosis is getting worse. A review of evidence suggests endometriosis may progress in about one-third of patients, with one-third having non-progressive (stable) disease and one-third with regressive disease. If there is a change in your symptoms, or if treatment is no longer effective, it’s important to inform your healthcare practitioner. The fact you’re waiting for surgery doesn’t mean you should continue to suffer.
For more support, please access our support network - https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/get-support
