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Post by JC on Nov 22, 2011 20:00:15 GMT -5
YAY! Good luck! Let us know how these doctors turn out! We're always hunting for good ones!
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Post by scorpiogirl on Dec 1, 2011 13:13:55 GMT -5
Alright, I'm really really confused now. Just got back from seeing specialist. He told me to stop taking estrogen to see if that stops the pain. He said that I don't really need to take estrogen because it's defeating the purpose of the hysterectomy. He said I probably had endo left over. After he told me that, I asked about the diet eliminating wheat, etc. He said he didn't really see the purpose. That's totally opposite of what I've been reading. What are other Dr's saying about ERT and HRT for surgical menopause? I need input please?
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Post by hellsbells on Dec 1, 2011 14:31:35 GMT -5
Hi scorpiogirl, I think you'll find some more info on the hyster/menopause board about taking oestrogen etc.
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Post by Karen on Dec 1, 2011 22:01:39 GMT -5
There's some conflicting info out there. I don't have a hyster, but I know a lot about hormones. Essentially, if you're taking estrogen and not progesterone to balance it out, you may be doing more harm than good. However, as much as the endo books say estrogen is horrible for us, we really DO need estrogen. No or low estrogen can have some pretty big side effects. There are more than 400 estrogen receptors in the body! Are you on progesterone? Are you working with a doc that's well versed in balancing hormones and tests your levels regularly? If done right, you may see some benefits. If approached with a one-size fits all angle, you likely won't be getting the most benefit with the least amount of side effects/issues.
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Post by scorpiogirl on Dec 2, 2011 16:39:22 GMT -5
No, I'm not on anything now. Never was on progesterone. The long-term effects of no estrogen are what I'm afraid of. Several years ago, I was on the cusp of osteoporosis in my femur neck. Now, I'm assuming that's from the 6 months of Lupron prior to hyst. I'm having another DEXA scan done. After doing more research, I'm wondering if it would be better to get connected with a GYN specializing in menopause. What are everybody's thoughts? Any particular one in our area you would recommend?
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Post by JC on Dec 2, 2011 17:26:11 GMT -5
I think what that doctor was trying to say is that if you have a hysterectomy to treat endo, the point of the hysterectomy is to stop all hormone production to shrink the endometriosis lesions. This is under the assumption that estrogen causes endometriosis to grow. For women who have had a hysterectomy but not for treating endo, many of them will go on HRT to replace the hormones that are no longer being produced by the reproductive organs.
As you said, there are some dangerous side effects to having NO estrogen like bone loss density and even heart problems due to high cholesterol. I actually really like your idea about seeing a doctor that specializes in menopause. They would probably know what would be the best treatment for you is. I don't know of any in this area though :/ I'll see what pops up on Google.
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Post by Karen on Dec 2, 2011 19:13:43 GMT -5
I think a doc that specializes in menopause would be a good idea, too. But be warned - there are some docs that will prescribe hormones WITHOUT testing your hormone levels, and that is a BIG BIG no-no. They are also the ones that tend to prescribe a standard dose, not necessarily one you may need. If you can, see if you can find a compounding pharmacy in your area that provides bio-identical hormones. They typically have a list of doctors that prescribe to them and will be able to refer you to one of them.
Being on estrogen without also being sure to balance out the progesterone is not so good. We NEED estrogen, but we also need to keep it in balance. If left unchecked, it can cause all sorts of issues. Good luck!
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Post by JC on Dec 2, 2011 19:24:33 GMT -5
On an unrelated topic, Dr. Richter (the Integrative Medicine doctor we talked about in this thread) finally got back to me in by email! I'll get to spend a day with her in January shadowing her and learning all about her field!!! I can't wait!!! Plus I can get the scoop on the facility she works at and report back to you lovely DC/Baltimore ladies!
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jtean
Full Member
Posts: 119
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Post by jtean on Dec 3, 2011 13:18:12 GMT -5
oh, that's awesome!!
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Post by JC on Dec 3, 2011 15:11:57 GMT -5
I can ask her what her take is on endometriosis! I'm so interested to hear what she has to say!
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Post by scorpiogirl on Dec 3, 2011 16:18:54 GMT -5
Thanks for all your input. Janya, that would be great to get her view of endo. Maybe we'll all end up going to her. Perhaps, you could get a commission. lol.
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Post by JC on Dec 5, 2011 21:14:00 GMT -5
It's official! I'm shadowing Dr. Richter on Jan 13th! I'm so excited!!!!! ;D Quick someone make an appointment for Jan 13th so I can see you! HAHA! tee hee, I get to play doctor for a day! EXCITED!!! Attachments:
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Post by 1234 on Dec 6, 2011 10:12:23 GMT -5
That's a great look, Jenaya!
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jtean
Full Member
Posts: 119
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Post by jtean on Dec 15, 2011 18:34:59 GMT -5
Hey guys, i just wanted to tell you about my appointment with Dr. Lynch from Mercy Hospital in Baltimore! She seems amazing!! She actually specializes in endo, and surgery for endo and pelvic pain. She was sooooo knowledgeable, and talked to me forever. She even knew about the endo diet, and told me that she would very rarely ever put someone on lupron, and it definitely wasn't something she would recommend for me.
She does excision surgery!!! (no lasers, real excision) which is exactly what i wanted, so i'll be having another surgery soon.
She was SO nice and SO understanding, i'm really excited about this surgery, and hoping that I will finally be free from stabbing ovary pain! Obviously I can't totally recommend her yet, because i haven't had any procedures done, but so far she seems really great, and a million times better than my other doctor.
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Post by JC on Dec 15, 2011 19:02:57 GMT -5
YAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!! SO awesome!!! Thanks for the info too! That's great news! I hope that you get relief! I'm glad she dislikes lupron as much as we do! haha!
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