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Post by jnc2180 on Jan 25, 2013 8:38:46 GMT -5
Where to start? I have so much going on that I can’t think straight anymore. My periods have always been horrible but it wasn’t until 6 years ago (after a C-section) that the pain had become unbearable. This past year I couldn’t take it anymore and I knew something definitely wasn’t right. After seeing countless doctors I am scheduled for a laparoscopy this coming Monday to see if I do in fact have endometriosis. Within the past 6 months my symptoms have become worse to the point of where I can’t function on a normal basis anymore. I am bed ridden from constant pelvic, bladder, lower back pain, fatigue, hip pain, and upper thigh pain. I had a transvaginal ultrasound this past May where they found that my endometrial lining was 26mm thick and I had a few cysts on my left ovary. They put me on birth control for 3 months to see if that would shrink my lining any, which it didn’t. Plus I have always had bad reactions to birth control. Rather it be more painful periods or putting me on an emotional rollercoaster. Had a doctor’s appointment this past Wednesday where she told me she wanted to do a laparoscopy and quick so I am headed off to surgery this coming Monday. She believes that my endometrial tissue has been growing on my bladder and that is what’s causing all this pain. I am both anxious and excited for this upcoming laparoscopy. I am worried about them finding nothing and me having to start this process all of over. I had a few questions about the recovery process from the Laparoscopy. What has been your experience with Lupron? I have been told that I might have to start this treatment but I have heard mixed reviews. Some say it works wonders but others say it has a habit of messing with your emotions. Also she has mentioned trying Mirena after my procedure to see if that would help with shrinking the lining some. Has anyone tried this form of birth control before? Thanks in advance ladies!!
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Post by hellsbells on Jan 25, 2013 18:46:25 GMT -5
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Post by Karen on Jan 27, 2013 17:22:51 GMT -5
Welcome to the board!
As for the fear of them finding nothing while they're in there, I can assure you, that's a common fear. I'll admit, t does happen sometimes (often an inexperienced/incompetent doctor or due to a different issue), but I think just about every one of us on here that's had a lap can relate. You're not alone!
Good luck with your lap - keep us posted if you'd like!
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Post by jnc2180 on Jan 29, 2013 14:11:46 GMT -5
Thanks so much for all the information you provided hellsbells I read it all the day before surgery and it really prepared me for the surgery. The surgery went well and 6 spots of endo was found. I am not sure exactly where but my post-op appointment is on the 5th so I am sure I will know more about where then. I am pretty sore today but the gas pains around my shoulder area have gone away for the most part which is nice. My bellybutton incision is what is hurting me the most and then the occasional pull I feel inside my stomach. Taking it easy for the next few days thats for sure. Karen- Thanks so much for your kind words It was the exact postivity I needed going into the surgery.
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Post by Karen on Jan 29, 2013 19:50:30 GMT -5
Glad you were able to get some answers! Rest up and take it easy, k?
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Post by semicolon on Jan 29, 2013 22:24:06 GMT -5
Sorry not to have said hi before surgery, but glad you got some answers. There are lots of threads for recovery here to puruse. My belly button incision is always the most sore when used for laps. Make sure to take care of yourself!
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Post by immrsmoore on Jan 30, 2013 9:58:09 GMT -5
Hi jnc2180. Glad your surgery went well. Not sure if you're still interested, but I thought I would put in my 2 cents about the Mirena. I had my first 1 for the full 5 years and I loved it. It made my period lighter and it was so nice to not have to worry about fussing with other birth control options. When it was time to have it replaced was when I started having issues. I only had the 2nd one for a year before I asked the doctor to take it out and that was because I started showing the symptoms of endo and ovarian cysts. My doctor told me that a progesterone only birth control is more likely to cause cysts (not endo though). After they took it out my issues with cysts greatly reduced. But, other than the cysts, I loved the Mirena.
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Post by hellsbells on Jan 30, 2013 17:37:53 GMT -5
Glad it went well hon x
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Post by chibineko717 on Jan 30, 2013 19:03:16 GMT -5
Glad the surgery went well.
I went on Lupron after one of my surgeries where they just drained the cysts and did not really remove any endo. Although the side effects were not bad for me, the endo was able to produce its own estrogen supply and continue growing. Depending on the stage of endo (past stage II) and if they did not remove all of it, I don't recommend going on it since it does not really shrink anything. They usually make you take Add-Back (norethidone) while on it to minimize the side effects and bone loss, so if you have issues with a mostly progesterone bc, then it might not be for you.
I also don't recommend it if you have mood swings or your emotions are easily effected by medicine. I know others that have had horrible issues on the emotional end while on Lupron.
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Post by jnc2180 on Jan 30, 2013 22:07:11 GMT -5
Thanks so much for all the helpful information provided by each and every one of you. I feel so welcomed in such a short period of time.. so I appreciate it!! I do struggle with bi-polar and anxiety issues which makes me leery on going on Lupron. I do not want those issues to get worse. I was on the Depo shot before I started getting all these symptoms after going off it. I had so much bone loss it was insane and for being only 22 at the time it was too much to handle. To be honest getting this diagnosis is both a triumph and a deep depression for me. I know there is no true cure for endometriosis so that’s a little painful in itself. I am sure each of you can relate. I guess my question to all of you is this: How do you manage? I have two beautiful (but very hyper) boys, I am a stay at home mom, and I am going to school full time. How do you manage with the pain from endometriosis? The last few months have been pretty rough for me. I hit a brick wall and was so destroyed by the depression I was getting by all the pain I was having. I literally felt like I was about to lose it. Like throw me into a padded room lose it. Recovery so far- We are on day two and I feel pretty good. No real complaints except for the minor annoyances. Seems like I am constantly passing urine and today I finally passed my first stool. I knew it was going to hurt but I never imagined how much. *sorry if that was tmi* lol. Thanks again ladies for all the support. It is much appreciated!!
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