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Post by zuzana23 on May 17, 2007 13:53:35 GMT -5
Hi, I'm 45 years old and was just diagnosed with endometriosis. Actually, my doctor's not 100% sure if that's what it is. She wants to do another ultrasound and then send me to a gyno for a laproscopy. I really don't feel that at my age I need it. I'm almost at menapause and fertility is not a concern at this point. My symptoms are not as bad as some women's, that I've read about. Just painfull periods so far. I just want to try the progesterone IUD and see, if it will eliminate the pain or get rid of my periods all together. Anyone outhere, who's my age and had similar experience?
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Post by ouchy on May 17, 2007 14:04:45 GMT -5
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Post by zuzana23 on May 17, 2007 14:12:44 GMT -5
Hello Ouchy, thanks for your reply. I read the links you sent and it was very informative. Now I have more info to discuss with my doctor.
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Post by ouchy on May 17, 2007 14:13:40 GMT -5
Definitely have a look around the different rooms throughout the forum. You will find TONS of info and advice!
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Post by zuzana23 on May 18, 2007 14:48:01 GMT -5
Is there any other method, other than laparoscopy, to diagnose endomitriosis?
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Post by ouchy on May 18, 2007 14:52:28 GMT -5
If you have any other type of abdominal surgery, it can be diagnosed that way--laparotomy, you get in a massive car wreck and they have to open you up, appendectomy, etc. But you have to have a good doctor who knows what he is looking for.
Sometimes something will be seen on ultrasound--usually "chocolate cysts," but even then, direct observation through surgery is needed for conclusive diagnosis. And not everyone has "chocolate cysts." I don't have them, and my endo was twisting my intestines all weird. NOthing was found on any of my scans.
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Post by ouchy on May 18, 2007 14:56:13 GMT -5
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Post by zuzana23 on May 18, 2007 15:01:07 GMT -5
Thanks, it seems to me like it's a fairly invasive procedure to find out wether you have endo or not. Also, I'm not encouraged by the results women have had from their laparoscopies. It seems like it is a short term solution to life long problem. That's why I was more inclined to just try the Mirena IUD and see if it alone would help. My doc. says, that if I can tolerate the IUD, I can keep it in for up to five years, which will take me well passed menapause and I could be home free. Any thoughts?
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Post by ouchy on May 18, 2007 15:02:40 GMT -5
Not really. It's considered a "minimally invasive" procedure. I was back home ironing and doing laundry within a couple hours. My thoughts are that some women almost die from postponing diagnostic laps (as illustrated in our "Consequences of Postponing a Laparoscopy" thread). It's up to you.
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Post by zuzana23 on May 18, 2007 15:17:13 GMT -5
Thanks for the links Ouchy. Again, they've been very helpfull. I'm really torn right now. I'm still waiting for an appointment with gyno - I guess there's a shortage of gynos in our area, so the waiting period could be long. I'm trying to get as much information as I can before I see him and this site has been awesome. My doctor is always so busy, she doesn't have much time to explain things to me, so thank god for the internet. There's no reason to be uninfromed.
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Post by ouchy on May 18, 2007 18:13:23 GMT -5
posted by guest poster HHC In another thread: ___________________________________________
"I had surgery for endo last August. Before my surgery, my surgeon said it would take about 3 hours. It ended up being 3.5. I've been seeing other specialists, because I need yet ANOTHER laparascopy and a few doctors have told me that there is no reason that my surgery should have lasted 3.5 hours. I had a cyst on my right ovary and moderate endo.
How long have your lap. surgeries taken? What is your view on this? My surgeon is from a teacing hospital and although he told me that no one else would operate on me, I'm pretty certain students were in there watching him perform, and I'm wondering how much longer it took because of this. My big problem with this is that the anasthesia is really hard on me and I told him repeatedly about this before the surgery.
Let me know your thoughts. Thanks. "
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Post by ouchy on May 18, 2007 18:17:59 GMT -5
Hi, HHC. Both of mine took a couple hours. I say, the longer it takes (and your surgeon even told you it would take about 3 hours up front), it likely means your surgeon is extremely thorough! I'd be happy!
It's also a good thing he didn't just rush through it and only get a little just bc you don't like anesthesia! That would have defeated the whole purpose of going under to begin with!
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Post by Nicole M on May 31, 2007 15:56:24 GMT -5
Hello Ladies, I know its scaring hearing that you have to have a laparoscopy. Im 19 and Ive already had it done twice and Im about ready to have another done here soon in the next couple of months. Its not as bad you think. Very little scarring, I can barley see where my scars are. Ive had a scist on my right ovary that just keeps coming back. Ive had it removed twice and once again its back. If it continually keeps returning I might have to have my ovary removed. But dont be scared, it will be done the day you go in and youll return that day. I was stuck in bed from meds and pain for about 3 days after my surgery but the results of the laparoscopy were good. But you cant always guarentee that your endo or scyst or whatever you have indside wont return. Good luck to those of you who are going in for surgery.
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Post by ouchy on May 31, 2007 16:02:15 GMT -5
^Depending what they do, some people have to stay overnight. You don't always come home the same day, but more than likely you do get to come home the same day.
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Post by ouchy on Jun 17, 2007 18:39:05 GMT -5
Posted by guest user magda in another thread. I am new and i just have some questions that i need answers to if anyone can help. I am due for a lap because of endo. Doctor can feel a rectovaginal nodule. Is this normal? Has anyone here had this? I tried to search here but nothing came up. What complications can go wrong during surgery. Anything i should know about before?
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