Endometriosis as an autoimmune disease, more suspectible to other automimmune diseases? How do you find out if you have another automimmune disease?

Endometriosis is not an autoimmune disease. It does not meet the criteria

I was just diagnosed with Endometriosis stage IV, after having a d&c, diagnostic larparscopy and hysteroscopy. My symptoms are asymtomatic; but that has only been since this year. I feel perfectly fine, the only reason I had the 3-procedure surgery was due to in-between bleeding. I hadn't had deadly cramps in a few years and now that I feel fine from pain...this is what happens? The doctor told me my uterus/ovaries are enlarged and I have 3 Fibroids. My lab pictures were HORRIFIC! My doctor's first solution was to take everything out. I'm totally against that because women have dealt with Endometriosis for decades until menopause without having a hysterectomy. I was told after taking hormonal tests; that I was no where near menopause. He also wanted to put me on Lupron. If I'm not in menopause why would I want to be chemically shot into it, with all those side-effects. I'm at a lost, I don't know what to do. The doctor also suggested if I wanted to have another child IVF would be the way, because getting pregnant on my own with the Endometriosis would be like the odds of winning the PowerBall lottery. I'm at a lost. I'm so frustrated and utterly concerned. My husband is worried. I don't know what to do.

I had a laporoscopic hysterectomy 5 years ago at the age of 36 due to endometriosis. My dr. stated that there was a chance the tissue could also be attached to my bowel. I still have a considerable amount of pain during intercourse in my lower abdomen sometimes radiating into my diaphram. I also get what feel like menstral cramps. Could this be from leasions that could still be there?

I had a complete hysterectomy... Lately I have been suffering with headaches, blurred vision, nasuea, achy joint, numbness in left knee and stress. I recently started having a "crawly" sensation on my right hand, for a few days, but it has gone away. I have had a lot of stress in my life lately nut these symptoms are not new to me...

Anon,

I completely understand your feeling that there must be something systemic going on there that connects all these things. I think that's a normal reaction when someone deals with different medical conditions for years. We keep thinking we are missing something.

I too had endometriosis in my 20s and 30s, with two laparoscopies and with ovarian cysts. All that of course has gone away since I have been in menopause. I have experienced many perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms and conditions that sometimes seemed isolated but in reality probably weren't.

The key may be hormonal. So many of our body's systems and processes rely on our hormones -- whether they are our reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones etc. I am wondering if any of your doctors have checked all your levels to see if there is anything that raises a question?

I am most concerned with your vision issues (suddenly losing your peripheral vision, for instance), your dizziness/vertigo (I too have experienced this, and it's horrid) and your possible heart problems. Can you tell me if you feel these symptoms have been checked out completely by the right doctors?

You might be interested in seeing a naturopathic physician. Naturopathic physicians do have medical education (though not as long as conventional doctors). They specialize in evaluating and treating the body as a whole. They will work with your diet and nutrition, your exercise, your vitamins and supplements if they feel they can help you figure out what's going on. Here's a EmpowHer post about naturopathic physicians:

https://www.empowher.com/community/share/how-find-complementary-and-alternative-medical-cam-practitioner-naturopathic-physici

And here's a link to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, where you can put in your zip code and find those in your area:

http://www.naturopathic.org/

I hope this helps some. I want you to get evaluated by someone who looks at you top to bottom, whether he or she is a conventional or naturopathic physician. Especially for the more serious of the conditions you're experiencing. OK?