My name is Jael, I'm 23, married 2 yrs., and was recently diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis. I already had a laparoscopy to offically diagnosis endometriosis, and now my doctor wants to do a laparotomy in order to excise the implants.
I don't know if this is being "unrealistic," but... I don't want a laparotomy. I think my doctor is very smart guy: he's an RE in my area, specializing in endometriosis. BUT I feel a laparotomy is too risky. I'm very scared about adhesions. I read that 93% of laparotomys end up with serious surgical adhesions.
I don't have plans for kids now, but I do want some youngsters in the future. Endometriosis runs in my family, stage II to IV endometriosis. However, none of my family members have had fertility problems from endometriosis, my great aunt even had twins without the help of an RE. The only reason I'm seeing an RE right now it that I want the endometriosis removed without damaging my reproductive organs (which were all working fine and dandy according to my laparoscopy, so yah!!).
Has anyone has a laparotomy for endometriosis? I just don't know... my husband is no help. He just says, "Do what the doctor says, sweetie. He's the expert." Endometriosis isn't good for me, but neither is a pelvic full of surgical adhesions.
Any advice or words of wisdom are welcome. Please.
-- Jael