Endo Outside The Pelvis

Intestinal Endometriosis
Written by Amy Hall

Intestinal endometriosis can cause excruciating symptoms that are hard to live with on a daily basis. Women who suffer from this gynecological disease face the possibility that the disease can spread to other organs within the abdominal cavity. Once the ovaries are affected, it is much more likely that the bladder, colon, kidneys, and intestines will also become affected unless this growth is intercepted via surgery or medicine.

When the intestines, (especially the lower intestines) become infiltrated with scar tissue, adhesions, and cysts, serious complications can occur. When the tissue of the intestines becomes too deeply penetrated by endometrial growths, occlusions can occur, causing infection or even a total shutdown of the organ. When the colon is affected, a woman can suffer from diarrhea, constipation, or painful bowel movements.

Signs that the intestines are affected by endometriosis include painful abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, painful bowel movements, and bouts of diarrhea and constipation that are worse during a woman's menstrual period. If you experience any of these symptoms, ask your doctor to perform tests to determine if your intestines are in fact damaged from endometrial growths and scar tissue. A laproscopy may be performed to give the doctor a precise picture of your intestines and the extent of the damage.

Surgery for Intestinal Endometriosis
In some cases, the intestines are attached to other organs via endometrial adhesions. Surgery is really the only viable option at this point, as scar tissue will need to be removed to separate the intestines from the other organs. Surgery is highly successful at returning the intestines back to normal functioning, and previous symptoms should be minimized or even eliminated. If you have endometriosis, it is important that you keep an open line of communication with your doctor, as he or she will be able to advise you best on the current treatments for this disease.

Colon Endometriosis
Colon endometriosis occurs when scar tissue and adhesions form around the colon, and in some cases bind the colon to other organs, such as the ovaries, the uterus, or the ligaments supporting the pelvis. Women who experience pain during bowel movements, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal cramping should seek medical testing immediately, as these symptoms are not normal. Many women experience the frustration of being diagnosed with the wrong condition, as colon endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and spastic colon have similar symptoms.
Once scar tissue has caused extensive damage in and around the colon, surgery becomes necessary to remove the affected tissues and abnormal growths. Women who undergo surgery often have a complete recovery and symptoms disappear completely. Other woman may still experience problems with diarrhea and constipation, but to a lesser degree after surgery. In cases such as this, pain medication and other treatments may be recommended to keep pain at a minimum, control diarrhea, and stop constipation.

What many people do not realize is that colon endometriosis is not only physically painful but emotionally scarring and mentally challenging as well. Women who suffer from this type of chronic pain can become depressed and withdraw from social situations. In addition, painful bowel movements can lead to chronic constipation because a woman may avoid having a bowel movement due to the anticipated pain. Diarrhea makes it difficult to function far from a bathroom, which is why many women opt to stay home.

Dealing with the Pain of Colon Endometriosis
Surgery can help restore your pelvic region, including your colon, back to their normal functioning state. If you have endured the pain of colon endometriosis, you do have treatment options that can help put an end to your pain. Call your doctor and discuss the treatment options available, so you can get on with your life as you should.

http://www.articleinsider.com/health-and-fitness/womens-health/alternative-treatments-endometriosis

Diaphragmatic Endometriosis

Fertility problems | Dana | April 12, 2010 5:41 am

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Endometriosis in women most often occurs in the pelvic region, but there have also been cases reported of it occurring in other body areas.  Endometriosis can occur in any part of the body and the symptoms will mimic similarities which occur in the pelvic region.  When endometriosis travels to other areas of the body, it can cause severe pain during the menstrual cycle which is something that cannot be ignored.


Diaphragmatic endometriosis symptoms include a gradual onset of the disease.  Pain can begin in the shoulder(s) and increase with the menstrual cycle.  The pain women describe is often located deep within the shoulder and radiates from the chest.  Pain also spreads down the arms and into the neck which some women or physicians can attribute to exercise or vigorous activity.

Treatment for diaphragmatic endometriosis includes laparoscopic diagnosis and possible surgery or medications.  If the disease has spread to other vital organs it could cause further complications and negative consequences, which can include infertility.  Sometimes when endometriosis has spread to the diaphragm a surgeon will need to remove a portion or repair it laparoscopically.
Researchers have learned several things about diaphragmatic endometriosis symptoms which includes the following:

• It is important to use the laparoscope on both sides of the diaphragm to diagnose the disease properly.
• If a small lesion is witnessed, it could signal a larger tumor which could be obstructed behind other organs; proper diagnosis may require a surgeon inserting a laparoscope higher into the abdomen to make a definitive assessment.
• While a laparoscope is not adequate for treating diaphragmatic endometriosis, a laparotomy is needed.

Symptoms of diaphragmatic endometriosis can result in a woman enduring severe pain in the shoulders, chest and other organs, as well as experiencing severe sleep difficulties.  It is because of where the endometrial tissue is located; sleeping in certain positions can cause pain and agony and disrupt rest.  It is important that a woman never ignores the symptoms of diaphragmatic endometriosis; it requires medical attention in order to avoid worsening of the disease.  With the right treatment, diaphragmatic endometriosis is a disease which can be managed and does not have to affect the quality of life a woman has.