This post is actually on behalf of my sister who doesn’t use Reddit but gave me permission to ask for advice from this lovely group. She had an awful and very painful recovery after the first surgery via a CO2 laser which was ~3 years (Chicago, August 2023). Below are what the doctors found: A survey of the pelvis revealed: Normal anteverted uterus. Endometriosis lesions anteriorly overlying the bladder bilaterally Bilateral implants on the left and right uterosacral ligaments Endometriosis implants in the right ovarian fossa and on the right pelvic sidewall. Normal ureters. No implants in the RUQ and LUQ Laser fulguration of endometriosis was then performed of all visible implants. There was no significant scar tissue noted. She is currently on birth control (monophasic) but has intense pelvic and abdominal pain, bladder pain and endo belly bloating. Her doctor recommended a Mediterranean diet to also offset her high cholesterol and hypertension. She has since moved to California and is exploring options for a second surgery with an MRI this month. At this point it’s about pain management and relief. My main questions: I’ve seen some hospitals (Atlanta for example) are considered the best — what sets apart surgeons and their success rates? Is it worth seeking out the best or there’s a point of diminishing returns since endo can always come back (her main fear in traveling far for surgery)? My understanding is the CO2 laser is the most effective. Based on the above is there anything that could be done differently in a second surgery? Any other pain management recommendations? Her latest doctor has said pelvic floor therapy would be good. Any advice would be so helpful— I hate seeing this impact her day-to-day and she was left so discouraged after the lack of results from the first surgery. Thank you so much in advance ♥️   submitted by   /u/GOLDfish0393 [link]   [comments]