What is Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common medical condition where the tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium, from endo, "inside", and metra, "womb") is found outside of the uterus, typically a...
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Options other than a Hysterectomy???
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This is actually my first post. I just joined this group today. I was diagnosed with endo just a little over 2 years ago. I had the first lap in Jan 07. We immediately started trying for a child, at the advice of my ob/gyn. My husband & I really wanted to wait at least 2 more years before even trying for child but were told the longer we waited, the harder it would be. It only took us 6 months of trying and I was pregnant.
So, first surgery in Jan 07, my son was born in April 08 and I started having endo pains again in October They just gradually got worse. I just had a 2nd lap done at the end of April. I still have no relief. My dr actually suggested a hysterectomy - which I don't want to do. I am only 28. I have been researching hysterectomies for endo, along with other options, and I still don't really have an answer as to what works best. My biggest complaint right now is the painful intercourse. I can deal with the cramps, I have been for 15 years. My husband, David, & I had only been married 3 months when I was diagnosed. Intercourse became quite painful only a couple weeks into our marriage. We have been married less than 3 years and I have had 2 surgeries now. Our sex life is....well...awful. Luckily, David is understanding. Since I JUST had a lap less than 2 months ago, I am wondering if maybe the pain is coming from something different other than the endo. I have a consultation with my ob/gyn in a couple weeks just to see if he thinks I have any other options. If not, I will find another dr for a 2nd and 3rd opinion. What worked for you? Posted on 06/10/09, 11:06 pm |
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Have you tried any medication therapies - your post only mentioned the laps. For a long time continuous birth control worked very well at controlliing the pain and providing some hormone balance. But then, they stopped working and I went on to try the birth control patch, bextra (which worked but of course then was pulled off the market) and some other therapies. I have avoided lupron because of the side effects but have been open to pretty much anything else. The last 4 years I have existed on tramadol, or Ultram as a brand name. It really was the only relief that I have gotten in a long time but as always, it is not nearly as effective as it used to be and my symptoms have grown so I am having a hyst the end of the this month. But I am 37 and have lived with this for 12 years so for me, it is the right choice. If it's not the choice for you, the doctor shouldn't press the issue. I would talk to the doctor about pain management. If you're aren't concerned with getting pregnant at this point, depo or the birth control pills could be viable options.
Good luck! 
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I also have very bad endo/adhesions and have had painful sex for years (just got married in 07, but the pain with sex has been increasing for 3 years). I had a lap and since the removed tons of adhesions around my cervix I thought it would relieve the pain - nope. I tried painkillers, physiotherapy, different positions, lube, everything. I thought NOTHING would ever relieve it and was devastated it was ruining my sex life.
But i started acupuncture with a great doctor who specializes in endo etc. and after 4 months of going 2-3 times a month I have NO MORE Pain during sex. It is a little uncomfortable occasionally, but that is all. I could NOT believe it happened (I truly did not think acupuncture could solve that problem), but it has!!!!!! Since it is less expensive, invasive and dangerous than a hysterectomy, I really suggest you try this option first. Also, I had a lap with one of the best surgeons in Canada and he did a pre-sacral neurectomy (also like something called a LUNA) and I no longer have cramps! THis is a last resort and quite dangerous and has to be done by a special surgeon, but they are supposed to offer you this option BEFORE a hysterectomy if your main problems are midline (in the middle) cramps and painful sex! Ask about a surgeon skilled enough to talk to you about this. There are definitely other options that a hysterectomy, which I have been told does not always work....and that is a big risk for it to not work.
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sheri72 ~ I have tried other medications. Tylenol and Motrin, which work for a short time. I have not tried tramadol or ultram. Are they over the counter or presription.
I have tried several different types of birth control pills but they all gave me migraines. I currently have an IUD (Mirena), which the dr said would help; I haven't noticed any improvement as to the endo. I have only had a couple of migraines in the year I've had it, so that is an improvement over the pill. Good luck with your hysterectomy. utah31 ~ I was just telling my husband about hearing acupuncture helps. If you don't mind me asking, how much a month (for the 2-3 times) does it cost? Did you only go for 4 months, or is it a continuous visit? I have not heard of a LUNA - I will def research it. I have also read that many women that get hysterectomies for endo end up still having issues. Thank you both for the advice and new info.
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I live in Ontario Canada, so I am sure the prices are different, but I pay $60 a session for acupuncture. That is supposed to be a 1 hr session, but she treats me for 2 hours because she is really kind and cares about her patients. I started going 3-4 times a month, meaning I spent about $180-240 a month. That seems like an incredible cost, but I went from being almost bedridden from pain and stomach problems to functioning almost perfectly and working again. Honestly, I would pay $1 million dollars for the results it has given me (I too tried continuous birth control and it made me sicker). It does take 2-3 months to see results, but once you do you will NEVER regret going. Find someone trained in dealing with endometriosis.
As for medications, I take anaprox.naproxen to stop pain and was told it is the correct drug for endo pain. Other painkillers just require more each time and don't get to the root of the problem. Anaprox fights bad prostoglandins, which create endo pain, so if you can take this (by prescription) I would suggest it. I also follow a wheat/dairy/caffeine/alcohol/fried foods free diet which helps my pain and stomach issues HUGELY!
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Thank you so much. I am def going to look into acupuncture in my area. I am in Oklahoma. I will check with my insurance company on the Anaprox but will try the naproxen until then.
I have a pretty good diet. I consume very little, if any, of all those things. I had to start that after I had my gall bladder out.
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Tramadol is the generic version of Ultram. It is a prescription drug but is fairly inexpensive. My copay is only $7.50 and usually it's $10 for everything else. I can't do naproxen because it really affects my stomach but I've heard that it can give relief so that might help as well!
Good luck with the acupuncture! I hope it works for you.
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