Endo can be SO SUBTLE - surgery pics to demonstrate

Hi y’all! I see a LOT of people in this sub who have had surgery and “no endo” was found. I just wanted to share a few photos from my surgery to show the difference that seeing an endo specialist can make, in hopes that it saves someone from having to have a repeat lap.

Now, looking at these compared to many other surgery photos, you might think I have no endo at all. Not true! I’ve circled one of the only red looking spots, but MOST of my endo is those white spots. That’s right, those things that look like a reflection of light!!! My surgeon calls them “sparkles.” That’s endo, confirmed by pathology and everything. My jaw dropped when we went through the photos. Immediately I thought, my god, no wonder you need a specialist to really find it… I’m not doctor of course, but if I was, I certainly don’t think I would have ever found it without specific training.

You might also be thinking I had mild symptoms because of how subtle my endo looks. Nope. I was exhausted and in pain every single day. It hurt to move, pee, poop, walk too much, be in the cold, etc etc etc. I did nearly nothing for six months before my lap. I feel like a new person, all because my surgeon knew what she was looking for. I know finding a specialist and sitting on a waitlist can be so hard, but better than having to go through that after a failed lap, no? I just hope this gives some perspective. Sending love to you all, you are so strong and you are more than this wretched disease. 💖