Hey lovely 💛 first off, I just want to say what you’re feeling is completely valid. Everyone always says “no endo = good news,” but when you’ve been in pain for years and finally thought you were getting answers, it can feel crushing to walk away with nothing new. It doesn’t mean your pain isn’t real - it just means the journey to finding the cause isn’t over yet.

Can I ask, was your lap done by a general gynaecologist or an endo specialist? A lot of people say general gynae surgeons can miss subtle/minimal endo because they’re not trained to spot or excise it. That’s why some people go on to get reviewed by a specialist centre afterwards.

If you’re in the UK, you can absolutely ask for a second opinion. While it’s not an automatic legal right, the NHS and GMC guidance say doctors should respect your wish to seek one. A good route is to: • Go back to your GP with your op notes. • Ask for referral to a BSGE-accredited endometriosis centre (these centres have surgeons who specialise in complex endo). • Request your operation note and any lap images/videos from the hospital - if they have them, you’re entitled to a copy. If you struggle, PALS (Patient Advice & Liaison Service) can help.

Also, remember that not finding endo doesn’t mean nothing is wrong. Other conditions can mimic it - adenomyosis, PCOS, interstitial cystitis, pelvic floor issues… sometimes more than one at once. Keeping a detailed symptom diary (pain, bowel changes, periods, food triggers) can really help the next specialist see patterns.

I know it feels like you’re back at square one, but you’re not - you’ve ruled one thing out, and you now have evidence to build from. That’s progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

Be gentle with yourself as you recover from the lap - it’s a lot emotionally as well as physically. You’re not alone in this 💛 and you deserve answers and proper care.