Hello, I was diagnosed with endo in August as I had pain and bleeding after sex. I was just told about the diagnosis and given a pessary to help with adhesions. I decided to get a referral to another gynae at Beacon who referred me for an MRI, as I continued to have pain and irregular bleeding. I've had a consultation with a consultant who confirmed that I have endo and did a TVS as well. So I was told that he needed to consult with other colleagues regarding my results then I'd have to come back to the clinic.

The nurse who supported told me I should bring someone with me next time. I wasn't really too worried until I heard that.

Is this typical? From other people's experience, I was expecting to get the result and a decision on the same day.

My legs developed lots of thread veins during pregnancy that haven't faded nearly 2 years later. Does anyone have a recommendation for a clinic in Dublin or Meath? Thank you

Has anyone had a CT before? I’m early 30s and had to have one in my 20s due to abdominal pain. I just had to have a head one this week due to a fall and persistent headache. Thankfully both clear but starting to worry about the radiation exposure 🙈

Hi everyone ❤️

I'm looking for a bit of support from people who understand what this is like, because I'm honestly exhausted.

We've recently had a failed IVF cycle. Our only embryo that made it to biopsy and freezing wasn't suitable for transfer following genetic testing. It's been heartbreaking, and I'm still processing it all while trying to conceive naturally.

I'm currently around 12 DPO. I've had a few days of brown spotting, which has now changed to a tiny bit of bright-red blood when wiping. My period isn't due for another couple of days, so I'm stuck in that horrible limbo of wondering if there's still hope or if my period is on the way.

I'm sick of analysing every symptom, checking temperatures and looking for signs. My mood has changed drastically, and I feel angry, confused and fed up with the constant cycle of hope followed by dread.

I spend so much time reading other people's stories for a bit of hope or wisdom, so I thought I'd finally share my own.

For anyone who's been through IVF disappointment and is still trying naturally, how do you cope with it all? I don't need anyone to tell me to stay positive. I just want to hear from people who genuinely understand.

Hello. I was at a wedding Thursday and the waiter slammed down the prawn dish so hard that the chilli flakes flew straight into my eye. It streamed and stung so bad. Woke up yesterday to a swollen streaming eye. Tried optrex, ended up with an awful migraine from it and then today it’s no better. Have a busy work week and need to sort it. Have tried to rinse it , cold tea bag etc. any advice

First pregnancy here.
I’m currently 11 weeks and I have my first GP appointment next week, I’m just wondering what to expect and does my partner need to go to this appointment with me? He doesn’t want to miss out on anything in relation to the baby

I know for my first appointment in the hospital I’ll be getting a scan so he’ll be there for that.

Hi all,

I need some advice please, I had my first laparoscopy in 2017, multiple adhesions were found which they put down to PID (I feel like I have endometriosis and was misdiagnosed) I am due to have another laparoscopy in 3 weeks, the surgeon wants me to confirm whether I want to go ahead with it in the next week or so, he said due to previous laparoscopy and their findings that I am at risk of damage to my bowels, which would lead to a stoma bag, which obviously I would like to avoid if possible.
I’m aware they have to inform me of the risks of surgery but upon further discussion with the doctor he said if I decide against the surgery, he could refer me to a pain specialist (as codeine isn’t helping me whatsoever) I’m annoyed because I have seen him three times in the last two years and this option was never discussed with me. Also, others have suggested an MRI to see if surgery would be worth it/cause me issues… again I’m annoyed this option wasn’t brought to the table.
Sorry for the long post but just wondering if there are other women here who have experienced multiple laparoscopies? Just looking for some advice or other women’s experience,
Thank you in advance 😊

Hello! I’m 32F and looking into getting an upper bleph. Could anyone recommend a specialist please?

Thank you

I (42F) have been massively struggling with health anxiety over the past year. I have had dozens of scans, scopes, tests - indicating I'm all fine bar age related wear and tear. This includes MRIs of several body parts, CTs, colonoscopies, mammograms, bloods. It all kicked off with a relatives my age very serious health scare (now all ok thankfully)

I've two small kids and the thoughts of getting sick and leaving them is destroying me. Every niggle I go ito a spiral, on Google, Chat CPT etc.

I went to therapy and I thought I was doing ok, but its back and so much worse. I'm also on hrt for perimenopause past 6 months.

Please any advice

I’m newly diagnosed thanks to the care and referral of a walk in clinic, and changed GP’s. I feel like my old GP dropped the ball entirely.

About 6 years ago I went to my GP complaining of heavy menstrual bleeding. I had the implanon in a year at that point nearly. I also had been diagnosed with hashimotos disease. I complained that my bleeding was lasting nearly 4 weeks at a time. I was brought in for a smear test and swabs which came back clear. I was put on Ovreena which gave me a tight tension type headache with no cessation or relief and really low mood. I was taken off them but the headaches stayed for a while longer. I was also complaining of fatigue with no improvement with my bloods done and thyroid meds changing. I intermittently suffered from low iron. I was told for the bleeding that was still there to come back if it gets bad, and was given sick certs and Ponstan. I believed that my pain and bleeding were to be expected from the Implanon and my thyroid as this is what the doctor told me so my visits became less frequent. Meanwhile I suffered from anxiety and low stress tolerance at work. I had also been told to stick with counselling or self refer. I also was referred for a sleep study which came back as simple snoring and was told to lose weight. I only became insistent on an endocrinology referral after I felt that I was getting nowhere. My endocrinologist confirmed my tiredness is not thyroid related. I asked again to be referred to a respiratory consultant and was sent to Galway for a sleep study, which came back with mild sleep apnea and I have a CPAP now.

I went to a walk in clinic last year for a sick cert for period pain, I was asked when my last scan was to which I said I didn’t have any. I was referred for an ultrasound which came back clear, was referred to a gynaecologist who sent me for an MRI which found adenomyosis. This corroborated with the heavy bleeding I had despite being on implanon and intermittent pain. I had a diagnostic laparoscopy this past month which found early stage endometriosis with bowel involvement, and confirmed adenomyosis. There was also an attempted HSG which was unsuccessful so I have to go back in a few months for that.

I now have the Mirena coil and am taking dienogest. My mental health is in the gutter and I keep crying intermittently and am still getting awful cramps and spotting but was told its gonna take about 3 months for both the coil and the side effects of the dienogest to settle.

I’m in my early 30’s and thankfully my husband and I don’t want children, but its still sad knowing even if we wanted to it might not happen.

I’m waiting on the histology report and report from my consultant before getting an updated copy of my medical records. I’ve been thinking of going to a solicitor for advice but I keep second guessing myself that I didn’t push back enough in my 20’s with my old doctor or that I didn’t go often enough. I would go in a few times a year at most for a little while and just accepted what they told me; that its to be expected because i had the implanon and had hypothyroidism.

Just looking for general advice whether a solicitor is worth pursuing?

I don't have health insurance but am in the position to pay privately. Preferably ones with reasonable waiting lists. My gp told me public waiting list is 12+ months. Can't afford to go abroad tho

Basically the heading. My goal isn't surgery (if a dr suggests it ill consider but I don't want it if that makes sense). It's honestly just decent symptom control. Seen gynae publicly for 9 years and they always just put me on the pill. I've tried 6 different contraceptives, was first put on contraception at 12 for periods now im 22. Tbh any ot the pills I tried didn't work/I reacted to. I got the mirena coil a year ago out of desperation (my gp also told me no endo specialist would see me unless I tried it) and my life was amazing for 6 months!! But symptoms have come back and im stuck having to plan around my period again.

My gp is reluctant to perscribe the pill because I get migraines with aura, tried the combined pill once and it wasn't fun. Progesterone only - Works decent continuously but stops working after a few months for some reason and all I did that whole time was ball my eyes out. Every minor inconvenience had me balling my eyes out and I literally woke up anxious every single day. Gynae said mood sensitivity is extremely common. Id honestly be open to the pill again.

Potential superficial endo was detected on an mri last year. I honestly just need help with symptom control. Any decent recommendations in Dublin? Thank you!

Hi all,

I suppose I'm looking for hope. Im 36f and painter 42m. Ttc 2 years. I had endometriosis surgery a year ago. My amh is low at 3.6. We've done 2 ivf cycles. No eggs from First cycle and one egg from second. We made it to day 4 blastocyst but it was growing too slowly so no joy.

I'm coming to terms with knowing it's time to manage expectations for future rounds.

Any hope or advice would be really welcome.

Feeling all the feelings right now.

I have had 2 back to back early miscarriages in the last 4 months and I am looking to try progesterone and aspirin if I get pregnant again.

I have asked my GP but they seem under the impression that it doesn’t have an affect on pregnancies and won’t prescribe it.

I am wondering if it worked for anyone else who had a miscarriage and if so who was it prescribed by?

Hello!

I am 32 F and have some very prominent blue under-eye veins under both eyes (though the one under my left eye bulges a lot more) which I think ages me terribly.

I have tried all the concealers and nothing works. I’m not even sure how it can be fixed (if it even can?) by laser or fillers? Has anyone had this done? And could you recommend a provider? Thank you!

I went abroad for endometriosis excision last year. I also got diagnosed with Adenomyosis when there. I didn't have a gynaecologist here beforehand. I got diagnosed via MRI from a GP referral.

My question is, for anyone in a similar situation, who do you go to for guidance on treatment options and management (non surgical)?

I am having a lot of symptoms and have just been doing my own research. I seem to have serious decision paralysis on what treatment to try as hormonal treatments have had very negative effects on my mental health in the past. I know I need to just try something though and most medication is weighing up the risks versus the reward. I feel like my GP listens to me, but ultimately he doesn't know enough about all this to be of any guidance.

I also have hypothyroidism/hashimoto's & chronic low ferritin. My mood and emotions are all over the place, to the extent that I suspect perimenopause. I'm 38F.

Anybody had experience with c section scar defect repair and with anyone in Dublin? Have just been diagnosed with one and looking to find best specialist to review and treat? TIA

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I'm young which is likely the only reason I don't have high blood pressure or high colestral or pre diabetes or just diabetes . I'm In my early 20s but that advantage won't last much longer. I want to lose 160 pounds . I'm extremely unfit and it has destroyed my life .

I have no shame in admitting I want the help or to cheat a little bit but the cost is problematic and the fears of being stuck on it forever . I don't want to stay on it ideally not more then a year but who knows I also absolutely don't trust that it won't cause other issues in long term users.

Any advice ir stories appreciated and will there be supply's shortages.

I’m only early 20s now but I’ve been wondering about my future fertility as I have endometriosis and pcos. I do know that many people do conceive with these conditions without ivf etc but also many people can’t. I was speaking to a family friend who is a gynae and she was saying how she would love for anyone in a career like mine (where it takes a number of years to get to a stage people have got to a stage in the career they feel comfortable starting to have their kids) to freeze their eggs because they’re at their best quality now, but obviously not everyone has the money. She doesn’t know my situation personally, it was just a general statement

I was wondering has anyone here frozen eggs around this age to save for the future? My understanding is it is around 5-7k and then you’ve to pay yearly freezing/storage. Obviously a big undertaking especially with cost of living etc but it’s been on my mind every now and then if it’s something to consider? Has anyone considered it and gone ahead or decided against?

I’m having my gallbladder removed in November. My consultant (well Professor) Professor Deborah McNamara recommended it as I have a good few stones which is resulting in my gallbladder functioning on reduced capacity.

I’m not worried about the surgery or anything, it’s Keyhole and will be staying in hospital overnight the day of the operation & home the next day.

Can anyone who has had the surgery tell me what recovery was like and if you were in much pain afterwards?

Ps Professor McNamara is really lovely so if you ever find yourself under her care you have nothing to worry about.

I have lost about two thirds of my hair, I am trying to navigate how to solve it. I have been to the doctor with my resolve. Does any nice people have any recommendations please

Hi all,

I have PMOS. Diagnosed in 2024. I went onto Metformin and after a while I stopped as it didn’t agree with me. I’ve since restarted and following slimming world alongside it, and thankfully the side effects haven’t been bad.
I have been absolutely exhausted since May, my Gp did basic bloods and they were clear except slightly high inflammatory markers.

I had glucose blood test done which diagnosed me with insulin resistance PMOS.

My question is, does anyone with PMOS monitor their blood sugar for info? And if they do, do they use a CGM? I’m wondering if that’s what contributing to my tiredness because GP has ruled out everything else!

Looking for cork based GP. Having issues with pain, suspected endo etc.

Thanks in advance

Hello, I’m new to the high tech medication scheme. I got approved for a medication that is an injectable once a month which I’ve been taking for several months before I moved to Ireland.

I sent it to my pharmacy to get filled and checked on it a couple days later and they said the supplier won’t be sending any until Oct. 20th. I asked if other pharmacies could get it and they said no every pharmacy will be waiting on the same supplier.

Is that accurate? I’m supposed to take it on the 16th and I may be one to two weeks behind my dosage. (I won’t die but I have a chronic condition and have been on this med since July)

A quick update on my post from a few weeks ago about Liveline’s discussion on breast density and the lack of awareness around it.

Tomorrow at 12pm, activist Siobhan Freeney will be presenting her petition of 10,000 signatures to Leinster House along with Lobular Ireland, calling for breast density reporting to be made mandatory for all Irish women. I’ve spoken alongside Siobhan in the Dáil before, telling my Mum’s story, and it means a lot to be able to support her and the other activists as she takes this next step.

People are gathering outside Leinster House from 10:30am until 12pm to show support. If you’re able to come along, even for a short while, it would mean so much. The more people who are there, the harder it is for this to be ignored.

If you can’t make it, you can still help. I started a petition of my own in my Mum’s memory, and I’d love to get it to 14,000 signatures before the presentation tomorrow to submit it alongside Siobhans one. Every signature shows the government how many women and families this affects. My Mum was only 61, with no family history and no reason to suspect anything was wrong, and she was told about her breast density at the same time she was told she had cancer. That information should never be withheld from any woman.

Our government needs to listen. They need to do better. And it’s not good enough that this is still happening to women and families across Ireland, when the information is there and we are just not being given access to it.

You can find the petition here, with more information on the issue as well: https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/mandate-breast-density-reporting-for-irish-women-now

Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, and kept talking about this