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Post by cass on Feb 3, 2008 5:32:54 GMT -5
just wondering if anyone knows what the long term effects of being on GnRh longer than 6 months is? i have been on synarel for 7 months now and everything i read states that it should only be administered over a 6 month period...
im really worried as there are so many side effects however cause my endo was so severe my gynae said i run the risk of a permanent colostomy bag if it i have anymore bowel involvement. basically on it to give my pelvis a breal after my surgery and to boost my chances of conceiving... he wants me on it until im ready to conieve!
im really upset and dont know what to do about this controverisal issue! im in a catch 22 - ive had too much bowel removed to just go on the endo diet and let things take their course... my fertility is a concern to my drbut he has more emphais on it than me. he wants to do a hyster when im 30 in 4 years time.. but till then im no tusre if i risk bone density loss to save my bowels?
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Post by puddleduck on Feb 3, 2008 8:38:49 GMT -5
Hello Cass, I'm facing a similar dilemma about the pros and cons of long term GnRH analogues. It's not only the effect on bone density which has to be considered, but also "bad" cholesterol levels and the impact on the heart. I know of one lady who has had several courses of Zoladex totalling two year's duration. She took Tibolone (Livial) HRT throughout the entire treatment. Due to the fact that a bone scan afterwards showed that she has low bone density and her blood tests reveal high "bad" cholesterol now, she is being refused any more Zoladex. She's unhappy about this, as it is the only treatment which gives her good quality of life. My specialist told me that after the initial 6 months' treatment, if the bone density scan reveals low bone density/osteopenia, I will be given Fosamax, a bisphosphonate drug. Since I began Zoladex, I have been taking a good quality calcium/magnesium/vitamin D/zinc supplement, and have been increasing my intake of green, leafy vegetables. I've always been a broccoli and spinach eater, and am now getting acquainted with steamed cabbage (in disguise, mostly!). I've also switched to whole milk and hard cheese instead of soft cheese. And, weather permitting, I walk every day. Personally, I'm looking at other options besides Zoladex right now and seeking a doctor who will work with me on this. All the best with your decision.
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Post by puddleduck on Feb 4, 2008 5:15:20 GMT -5
I cam across this message on another website from a long term user of Zoladex:
"I am now on my 4 th course of Zoladex and have been back on it since May last year, over the last 3 years I think I been on it for about 2 out of the 3 years, and will be staying on it for the forseeable future, was told could possibly take it for the next 10 years if need be. It is the only treatment that has ever made a difference to my endo pain, I still get niggly pain at times but its nothing compared to what I had before. I have to have regular bone scans, most of the time I have had no hrt but did take something once a week when I was on the 12 month course I had in 2005. I am taking hrt at teh momment but am finding the side effects form that worse than the side effects from the zoladex. Have to go see gp soon to sort something else out. I have to admit I do worry about the effect it cold be having on my bones but feel that its better to live life best I can now rather than worry about what may be in the future."
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