My Endometriosis Journey | Symptoms, Diagnosis, Laparoscopy & Recovery🎗❤️

Hey girlies,
I really hope I managed to answer all of your questions and that this video helps. It shocks me the lack of information out there about endometriosis and I really don’t want any one going through this to feel alone and in the dark.
Please feel free to comment below or send me a message on insta - @bethdunlavey there's also a highlight on my insta that is real time from the day of my op and after, if you'd like to see how I recovered.
Remember, you’re stronger than you know and you will get through this ❤️🎗
Thank you for all of your love and kind words of support, it really got me through those early recovery days.
Sending so much love and light to you ✨
Beth xx
DON'T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE AND COMMENT ❤️
THANKS FOR WATCHING - SO MUCH LOVE ✨

[@mads8831]

As a teenager who has recently been diagnosed with endometriosis by laparoscopy, you are such a role model to me! There are not enough people speaking openly and generating awareness. Thank you so much 😊🎗

[@BethDunlavey]

No thank you 💖🎗 We've got this xx

[@emilyjames3110]

@@BethDunlavey I got told that I may have pcos. Btw I’m scared about it and I need a screening

[@leyvamichelle]

@@emilyjames3110 Even if you have pcos, Just get Agbara Herbal Deep Root Cleanser and you will get Rid of it and boost Your Fertility and get pregnant

[@ahench22]

You're vlog is the first one that made me feel like I'm not alone. The way you described your pain before and after your period, and how it changed over time was right on par with my pains. I'm scheduled for surgery in June, 7 more weeks to wait for answers. The wait has me in tons of self doubt that they'll find anything, but your description makes me feel validated and less crazy for my symptoms.

[@sirik.1147]

This vid really helps because I'm on my way to getting diagnosed. I'm 32 and have almost everything you said. Every doctor I always met was like "just take pain killers, bruh"..nobody would believe me. Last week I finally found an obgyn who listened. I'm waiting for the official diagnosis.

[@ambermclellan8661]

I relate to your story so much! All the IBS symptoms, all the horrendous period symptoms. I’ve been on the waiting list with Mr Chalhoub at the RVI since the Jan 2021, and they’re looking to get me in for my surgery next month. I’ve nearly put it off so many times I’m so scared in case I go in for the surgery and get no answers after suffering for the last 8+ years. Thanks so much for shedding light on this awful condition x

[@BethDunlavey]

please don't put it off, surgery will 100% give you answers one way or another and thats the best thing for you. You need relief from the pain and clarity of what it is, exactly! You've got this, and you're in the best hands. Have you had an MRI? xxx

[@ambermclellan8661]

@@BethDunlavey thanks so much, I fought to have Mr Chalhoub after being fobbed off by so many gynaes and I just know it’s not normal what I’m going through. Yeah I had it beginning of 2021 and it didn’t show much but obviously as you’ll know it doesn’t always show up on one. I was also given the mirena in November 20 by him to minimise symptoms which helped to some extent but the past 4-5 months they’ve came back with a vengeance 😔 just weeks of being crippled with pain and bloating and my bowels have been horrendous too. Mr Chalhoub when I spoke to him said he’s sure it’s endo he even had me on the zoladex menopause implants at one point but it was just too much for my body xxxx

[@BethDunlavey]

@@ambermclellan8661 ah so sorry you’ve been through so much too! Yes MRI don’t always show, mine showed a lot which I think was helpful for my situation but there’s no correlation between amount of endo present and pain, Mr Chaloub told me. So some people have stage 4 like me and have no pain whatsoever and some people have stage 1/2 and are crippled. The important thing is, you’re nearly there, go for it! Don’t be put off - it’ll be so worth it xxxx

[@ambermclellan8661]

@@BethDunlavey Thanks so much lovely, sending you speedy healing vibes and really hope this is the end to all your symptoms ❤️ xxx

[@hollyprice7346]

I go in for my 5th laproscopic surgery Friday for my endo and ovarian cysts I've been dealing with the pain for over 2 and a half years and with the painful periods they r also doing a polypectomy surgery as well to look for polyps inside my uterus and then if everything comes bk that everything is getting worse I go for a full hysterectomy surgery to make sure nothing happens again

[@juliakanady9394]

Oh my gosh… I am going to see a gyno who specializes in benign gynecologic conditions in two weeks after suffering for years with these same symptoms. I finally started tracking the pain with my cycle to try to figure out if it was hormonal vs IBS. Ive felt so dismissed by other doctors and finally gathered enough of my own information to show to the doctor. I live in the US and it really does feel like you have to prove to these doctors you’re actually sick. My symptoms and my story are almost identical to yours pre-diagnosis.

[@jadegrainger7612]

I’m having a laparoscopy on 1st Sept and this has been such a help to watch. I’m so nervous. Thanks for sharing. Glad you are on the mend now ❤️

[@BethDunlavey]

hope it went so well honey xxxx

[@tejalphonse7147]

Happy I came across your channel.. having the worst and longest episode of endo. Makes me hopeful to get better soon.

[@adventuresofCOKC]

Thank you for sharing this. I love how long and detailed the video was. I watched it the entire way through. I had my surgery 2 months ago and I have to have a second one. As they didn't know it was Endo until they cut me open to remove 2 masses. So they were not prepared to make more incisions to remove all the Endo. I just appreciate that you shared your entire story as it helps other women compare their symptoms and not feel so alone. I hope you are doing much better now and have not continued to be in pain

[@embel20]

I feel your pain. I had thst laparpscopy surgery. My ovaries couldn't be found also at first. I have it severe, stage 4. Like a block of cement with all of my intestines and bladder and ovaries and everything stuck together and cysts. Only one cyst was drained. The endometriosis was only sliced a bit to separate my organs to be released a little bit. Both of my ovaries and appendix were super enlarged... (still are..) but surgery helped with reducing the menstrual pain some. At least 2 years ago.. during pandemic also I am treating myself now at home with home remedies. Red clover tea. And beet juice. I'm also changing my 'diet' to help with my hormones to not be so out of whack. I don't want to have another surgery to remove my fallopian tubes. They're damaged and filled with endometriosis. It breaks my heart. I was also diagnosed with IBS, GF sensitivity prior/in combination to endometriosis.. My life was on hold for a year as well.. and lonesome.. before I couldn't even walk due to Covid all this AT THE SAME TIME. It was horrible. But I've survived. I am walking again. Regained strength. Not fully but enough to look normal. I'm also extra emotional now, more than I was in my life. It was my first surgery. And I've had about 3 colonoscopies so far and one endoscopy before and after. Did you mean Anesthesiologist? 😅

[@Gabriela-sn4mt]

Thank you for sharing in such detail! 🧡 your video is very helpful. Have been struggling with excruciating period pain for the last year and still didn’t figure out the reasons. Its a real struggle to find a good doctor. Wishing you only the best 🎉

[@BethDunlavey]

Glad it was helpful! 🤍🫶🏽

[@hannahpayne7677]

Oh this has been so soothing, I have mine at the end of this month and this has been so helpful. Thank you lovely ❤️

[@TheWellnessAbbey]

I'm currently waiting for my laparoscopy, so trying to do all the research i can in the meantime 😅 So tired of these flare-ups.... Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@MillyLucy111]

I’m 3 weeks post laparoscopy and they found endo ! Thank you for talking about your experience, I’m only 15 years old so I’m so grateful to be validated this early on. I also got mine done at the RVI ❤️

[@BethDunlavey]

You are so welcome!

[@ruwaidaartgallery9439]

Hey dea... Did your endo came back... Are u fine now??

[@MillyLucy111]

@@ruwaidaartgallery9439 hasn’t necessarily grown but I still have symptoms that flare up

[@smbledsoe21]

I can’t believe that at 15 years old they already had you go through the surgery knowing it comes back after a few years. That’s so sad to me 😩 I hope you’re feeling better now and recovered okay.

[@user-ob8tw2lp3q]

Hey ladies have stage 4 Endometriosis such terrible disease but Thank God for all its painfully at times and had good doctor

[@zachanikwano]

Thanks for sharing your story! You’re very brave and strong!! And as a fellow hypochondriac, I feel your fear around surgeries. Was convinced I was going to die during my wisdom teeth removal lol

[@shanicegordon8331]

Thank you for sharing your journey😢, Do you know where we can watch your surgery ? ❤

[@liapritchx]

Oh my gosh this is the exact same story as me, the pain is so so indescribable having to be at an event and be in the bathroom for hours, almost fainting and screaming in pain :( I've got another ultrasound tomorrow and a brand new dr who is awesome who is so keen to get me on the waiting list thank god. Cant believe it's taken over 15 years to get a diagnosis and for someone to actually listen to me and help. Thank you for your video ❤️ also do you have a mix of a Welsh and Geordie accent? X

[@BethDunlavey]

I hope your ultrasound went well and are firmly on the waiting list now! No I don't have a mix haha I'm Geordie but my boyfriend is welsh so its interesting you say that xx

[@MazzaaWtubechannel]

I'm going in for my laparoscopy on 28th march and my birthday is the next day, I'm so worried, been crippling pain for almost two months now, I'm so worried as well, I'm so so glad for this story, thank you for sharing !

[@jodietownsend5787]

Such a good video, thanks for this. I had a laparoscopy a few years ago for ongoing pain during ovulation time & at one point I had pain all the time. It’s good to be able to relate to others who are going through the same thing. More research definitely needs to happen. I have health anxiety so I can so relate especially with this whole process! I still get pain which I manage with short months on the pill. I hope to have a baby with my husband soon 🤞🏼❤️thanks again for this video 💕

[@BethDunlavey]

glad you found this useful and its so nice to know there are others out there who quite literally feel your pain 💖 sending love x

[@ruwaidaartgallery9439]

Did the endo came back???

[@kayleighmcguire5029]

I am going in on Thursday and am so nervous! I appreciate you sharing this so much.

[@BethDunlavey]

hope it went well xxxx

[@user-zh4ym1df9e]

Im 16 and suspect endo! Just trying to learn about the process of getting a diagnosis. It really sucks and its hard to get in to dr but I just want a diagnosis so I can go about managing it.

[@lmeirelesxo]

I’m 37 and a few years ago I was starting to have really bad pelvic/period pains, ibs, bloating, painful intercourse, extreme fatigue etc. so I went to see my family doc about it and she ordered an u/s and Pap smear. My Pap smear came back HSIL (pre cervical cancer cells) so I was referred to a gyne to follow that but the HSIL kept growing so she recommended a total hysterectomy. But no explanation on the pains I’ve been having, bloodwork and u/s came back normal. I just had my surgery and my doctor said she found endometriosis! I was like yes!! That’s the answer to all the pains I’ve been having! She said 50% of women find out only during surgery because it’s not always detected on u/s and they can’t see it during Pap smears. Also, I followed a GI specialist and had a colonoscopy because I was having ibs and bloating but that could have been from the endometriosis because they too found nothing during the colonoscopy. My ibs and pelvic pain was so bad on my period that my doc put me on continuous birth control. Yes, the ibs wasn’t “as bad” and heavy bleeding stopped but I still had bad pelvic pain. I am only day 4 post op but I’m excited to get back to normal and finally be pain free!

[@ShowtuneZ2]

We have lived the same life! 3 years I’ve been in pain. Probably longer. Only solution was birth control. Well now I’m trying to get pregnant but I can’t do that on birth control. I got off of it and the pain came back with a vengeance. Finally after 3 doctors, my fertility doctor discovered my endometriosis and 3 days ago I found a doctor to do the noninvasive laparoscopic surgery. Oh I was told 5 years ago that I have IBS.

[@maryrhino9952]

Sister Herbal medicine is the best to treat our body system naturally I I’ve been living with endometriosis 😭 for more than 5years now but I got rid of it naturally after using dromo herbal medicine very good and active it help me fight over endometriosis naturally order 👉 youtube.com/@dromocure

[@BethDunlavey]

Ah this is so frustrating - I really wish we had more options, birth control alone isn't good enough! I hope you're doing well and it certainly feels we've had very similar stories!

[@Jocawe]

Be having a hysterectomy this year at 26 after having 7 surgeries already:( thankfully have to healthy kids so it was an easy decision to stop any fresh endo from growing x

[@nicholebaxter9192]

I've been waiting for 6 months for a hysterectomy due to endometriosis and adenomyosis. My surgery is the first week of june..I'm 32 and didnt want this but I cant wait to be pain free. It feels lile I'm waiting for Christmas. 🎗💛

[@mpartridge5983]

How are you feeling now? I just had a planned hysterectomy and my appendix unexpectedly removed on 4/23, I’m 36.

[@nicholebaxter9192]

@@mpartridge5983 thanks for asking! I am now 6 months post surgery and ended up having a hysterectomy with removal of all except my right ovary.. it was a little bit of a transition. I had some hormonal imbalances and around the time I would cycle I had a lot of nerve pain as well as pelvic cramping from all the years of pain. Now I am feeling much better with a little bit of pain but am on progesterone HRT for 2 weeks a month with pelvic floor therapy for the pain. Honestly can not believe how much better I am feeling! Hope you feel so much better!

[@macabrewiccan]

I started my period at 15 time as well, and grew extremely big boobs which didnt help anything. Im 29. My period has just gotten worse and worse , and i didn't think it was possible to be in more pain. How would i even go about trying to do this, Is a pap smear necessary or just the surjery, because I literally cannot complete one to save my life it hurts so bad, i don't know what to do. I also suffer from a bloated tummy, i literally look pregnant from my IBS and my pms, period , and even after my period, Im so close to losing hope 😢

[@wordswondrouswords6120]

I have had IBS and painful periods for years, but in the last two/three years I developed varying degrees of debilitating back pain. I had huge pressure and back pain when needing to pee, and now I have to stay close to the toilet because I can’t hold my pee back. I am fatigued most of the time and I have bloating after eating. I recently had an appendectomy which determined that I had a tumour in my appendix and my stage 2 going onto stage 3 endometriosis likely caused it in the first place. They want to cut into my value because they didn’t get all the tumour out but I want to delay that surgery by a year or two because I want my endometriosis surgery done first. The only thing that freaks me out is that with a second and then a possible third surgery in the same place will means my scars won’t heal. Oh, and I remain convinced that it’s caused my numbness in my lower back and down my legs!

[@megskb7104]

Thank you so much for this. Mine is in 2 weeks. I’m super nervous about the catheter. I’m worried I will have to keep it :(

[@kzvegansuperstar]

Thank you so much for this, Beth! I’m getting my laparoscopy in 10 days and the biggest question I have is what kind of clothes were most comfortable for you to wear in the initial 6 weeks? Trying to shop for my post-surgery body since I tend to wear a lot of jeans and high waisted pants + skirts, which I know won’t be great for those first 6 weeks after surgery

[@BethDunlavey]

You’re so welcome! I was bedbound for the first two weeks so I wore nighties / oversized T-shirts as it was far easier as I had my catheter for two weeks but also helpful as there was no waist band to touch my incisions. After that super baggy and high waisted tracksuit bottoms and floaty dresses were great! Good luck! 💖

[@kzvegansuperstar]

@@BethDunlavey thank you so much, Beth! This was very helpful and I’ve shopped my little heart out in preparation ❤️

[@saraoliveira6841]

This is so reassuring I have the same symptoms as you, but it’s not yet been diagnosed if it is endo however I have a laparoscopy 15th may to properly diagnose and hopefully treat. So fingers crossed 🤞

[@jaedynkaela]

you may want to look into may thurner and pelvic congestion syndrome they are vascular diagnosis to do with the veins in pelvis if all your symptoms aren’t resolved by just treating the endo

[@tabithacutlip1919]

I am currently recovering from my third surgery for endometriosis now at 40 years of age. I was diagnosed at 27

[@nwb4020]

Hi Tabitha were you able to have children after your surgeries?

[@tabithacutlip1919]

@@nwb4020 no I was not

[@ely9708]

Thank you for sharing ❤I have surgery in few weeks and very scared❤

[@Sophie-yf7rb]

Your journey sounds exactly like mine only I haven’t had the laparoscopy just yet currently trying to make it happen thanks for this🩷🫶🏼 the stabbing pain on the left side and growling popping noises are exactly what I have been having the last couple of weeks 😞 x

[@aliciamancuso5149]

Thank you for your story, I also have endometrioses, and knowing that is why my periods as a kid were so painful, it makes sense. good luck to you!.

[@BethDunlavey]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@celestethompson4891]

I’m really scared by gyn says I may have this condition based on the fact my uterus and one ovary is immobile are previously being fine :( how do you do deal with the anxiety while you are waiting to be diagnosed?

[@Coolkidsthatrock]

I’m getting surgery to find out if I have endo in December and I have a stomach condition which makes me nauseous I’m worried

[@BethDunlavey]

Good luck 🫶🏽

[@miawilday8811]

I have my laparoscopy in 4 weeks after three years of chronic pain and I’m so nervous about being put to sleep

[@elisacampos9532]

Im getting this surgery next month to check for endometriosis. I did an MRI but everything looks good. I have been on birth control for 4 years to stop this horrific pain i get if im not taking them. I hope they find something

[@nievestephens3600]

I am having mine next month and my mri come back clear but he said most the time it doesn’t show on an mri unless it’s in big clusters and still recommend the surgery because we wouldn’t know until we done it I’ve suffered since I was 11 and I’m so scared they are going to do it and not find anything it’s my biggest fear and then I’m still going to have this problem

[@bhawnaarana8687]

M from India and I have same problem face .I had 2 surgery one is open other one is open and remove my left overy .all time pain in my pelvic area so what can I do to out of these situation.

[@zainabb2880]

Hi I have been having quite a lot of pain when i use the bathroom during my periods, have irregular periods 49-55 days cycles, lots of cramps lower back pain etc. i have mentioned my symptoms to few doctors but it seemed like they just ignored it and i really think i have endometriosis. do you think i have endometriosis according to my symptoms?

[@kaylajensen9670]

39 yrs old and suffered with this forever and yet they never even did a laparoscopy to confirm just always put me on birth control

[@kimberleymcgrath4524]

Following your journey you've done 👏 ❤️💪 I was wondering if you have a wee checklist or somthing with things to take in your hospital bag for this type of surgery ❤️💜xxxx

[@BethDunlavey]

Yes on my insta end highlight honey 💖

[@BethDunlavey]

endometriosis*

[@kimberleymcgrath4524]

@@BethDunlavey I just realised I misses the part where u said Instagram, I've screenshot your list what a trooper you are love following u on Instagram since the circle how far you've come should be so proud of yourself you've helped so many woman 👌💪❤️💜xxxx

[@helloooo0617]

I'm only 16 and Im going to the gynecologist next month as my primary doctor referred to one. I'm not sure if it could be endometriosis but i have alot of the same symptoms. I get very very very bad pain in my back stomach and sides. The back pain is sometimes more severe then it is on my stomach. I get it randomly through the month but it's so much worse on my period. Ibuprofen does nothing heat does nothing. Also idk if this is weird but sometimes when I'm walking while not on my period I get this slight cramping feeling on my left side near my hip bone. I also have irregular bleeding. I also get alot of blood clots. But while on my period it will like stop and start. Like day 1 I have a very heavy period but then day 2 it completely disappeares but then I still am getting cramps during my periods "disappearing" moments. The cramps will get so bad that I will be like shaking sometimes. My cramps also get worse when I use the bathroom. I also feel very fatigued and sometimes dizzy and nauseous when I'm on my period. Also embarrassing enough I get diarrhea only on my period,,,. Could this be signs of endometriosis??? I'm scared it could be but I'm also scared I'm just being dramatic

[@Panda72021]

I could be, especially since you mentioned symptoms occurring when not on your period. Irregular periods can also be a sign, and even if you don't have endometriosis, irregular periods and all your other symptoms are certainly worth getting checked out. Try and find a specialist in your area, and make sure that if they want to do surgery, they do excision and not ablation. Ablation only burns the surface and tissue, while excision cuts it out.

[@helloooo0617]

@@Panda72021 what's crazy is since I typed that 2 weeks ago the pain has been more severe and frequent I haven't started my period yet but everyday I'm having pains on the left side of my stomach or my back. I've been using a heating pad almost everyday

[@Panda72021]

@@helloooo0617 Yeah that could definitely be endometriosis. I take birth control to stop my periods, and I still live in pain 24/7 (not saying this to scare you or discourage you...mentioning it to hopefully make you realize your pain and other symptoms are valid). My heating blanket is my best friend. I am currently awaiting on my 3rd surgery to "weed out" endometriosis tissue, to sort of reset the clock as far as adhesions are concerned. I really hope they find a cure for this shit some day. Most likely not in MY lifetime, but I like to think of a future where endometriosis is simply a disease of the past. Fingers crossed that you are able to get a proper diagnosis, and a treatment plan that helps you function a little better.

[@BethDunlavey]

I'm so sorry I am just seeing this comment now, first of all sending you so much love 🤗 and secondly, you're not being dramatic, your pain is real and valid. Your symptoms sound very very like mine and endo. I hope you got some clarity from your gynae appt? xx

[@BethDunlavey]

I too hope for a cure for this disease! Good luck for the third surgery x

[@hannahjones1193]

Back pain is hard to tell if it's endo I feel like we all experience wicked lower back pain

[@angelagray9143]

Hello you mentioned always wanting to go to the toilet then once you have been would need to again , did you find out what that was ?

[@BethDunlavey]

Yes, I had endo nodule on my bladder which was putting pressure on it

[@Dr_Chizzy_Spikey]

Yes ,frequent urination was one of the signs

[@CCAKW]

Can you describe the general anesthesia experience?

[@a.d.5037]

Hi how long after laparoscopic are you able to workout again? I mean lifting weights

[@BethDunlavey]

Hi, I wasn't given a time frame, but I only feel strong enough and able to now, 6 months post surgery! But I think it varies for every person and also depending on how severe your endo is/how invasive the excision is! Hope this helps 🥰

[@cocot.camila]

Thank you so much for sharing, very helpful, don’t feel so alone now ❤

[@BethDunlavey]

You are so welcome!🤍

[@jessp3045]

💛

[@MariaAlvarez-ix6eu]

Have the cysts removed. We've been conditioned to become to be used as laboratory animals for doctors. They may become cancerous, so why wait. I have a friend who has been waiting and COVID paused the observations and now is on her third round of chemo. Enough said 😢

[@dannamorgan8698]

Hi Beth I'm glad I found your channel I'm Danna from Maryland and I have alll those symptoms.bloated ibs.1 thing I dont have a uterus. Could this be problem. Dr says I'm fat.does. ENDROMETRIOSIS

[@Panda72021]

You can have a total hysterectomy and even be on HRT and still have endometriosis. Endo tissue generates estrogen independently of the ovaries. Endometriosis tissue can be in, around, or nowhere near the uterus, so a hysterectomy is not a cure or a way to avoid getting endo, since endometriosis tissue isn't uterine tissue...it is only cellularly similar. Doctors who fat-shame instead of treating their patients symptoms should lose their license. No one deserves to be treated like that.

[@sheneedsadvice]

Hello Beth. Who was your surgeon please?

[@ricardoli123]

Please 🙏🏻

[@BethDunlavey]

Mr Tony Chaloub

[@megan8853]

Wow if someone could say my words for me this would be it… Sending so much love and glad you finally got some answers. 🤍 Thank you so much for putting the time and effort into this video.

[@juliakanady9394]

Oh my gosh… I am going to see a gyno who specializes in benign gynecologic conditions in two weeks after suffering for years with these same symptoms. I finally started tracking the pain with my cycle to try to figure out if it was hormonal vs IBS. Ive felt so dismissed by other doctors and finally gathered enough of my own information to show to the doctor. I live in the US and it really does feel like you have to prove to these doctors you’re actually sick. My symptoms and my story are almost identical to yours pre-diagnosis.

[@MariaAlvarez-ix6eu]

I have a similar story. I first went to my gyno and had two exams, found nothing. Then I went to my gastrologist who gave me a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Discovered acid reflux and IBS. Since then I changed my diet and it's under control. Alkaline water helps by sipping throughout the day and drinking a couple of ounces before eating anything.