jakesma

Close Endometriosis

500 characters is not long enough to describe an 18 year old battle with this disease. I went 10+ years undiagnosed until endo stole the functioning of my left kidney. 3 laps, countless D&Cs for heavy bleeding, and several miscarriages later, I have my 5 year old and am currently expecting baby #2 in October.My full story is in my blog for those interested.

Treatments

Aygestin Somewhat Helpful

I took this as part of my Arimidex "experiment" to help avoid the bone density loss and overcome some of the menopausal type side effects. I didn't have any issues with it, or not that I believe :)

Danazol Somewhat Helpful

I was on Danazol for 2 time periods, once for 6 months, the other for one year. I had horrible hot flashes while on the medicine but experienced few other side effects. Although in reflecting back on the treatment I'm wondering if it did lead to the onset of my fibromyalgia symptoms. Danazol was nice because it was one of the few things that stopped my periods from coming. It was also necessary for me because my periods were at the point of requiring blood transfusions due to severe anemia

Extended-Cycle Birth Control Not Working

While I haven't taken the 3 listed above, I have taken bcp continuously. Each time I took it, I would have continued bleeding or it would make my bleeding heavier and the pain symptom never really go away. Any bcp that had higher doses of estrogen would cause me to have heart palpitations, dizziness, etc. Most likely not a good choice for me!

Femara Somewhat Helpful

I was on Arimidex which is the same as femara for one year. I had horrible shooting bone pain, joint pain, and my hair got thinner. But it did help to stop my cycles from coming which was the intent.

Laser Surgery Working / Worked

I have had 3 laps. The first was done by a regular OB/GYN who has no business operating on women. The surgery was less than successful and after I started hemorraging, his comment was "You have stage 4 endo, what would you like me to do about it?" My following two laps were done by endo specialists and were quite extensive. I had immediate relief after each lap and always followed up each lap with medication to try to keep the endo away as long as possible. My last lap was in 2004.

Mirena Somewhat Helpful

I had a Mirena inserted for the past 3 years, having it taken out this past September. Insertion was extremely painful for me, as my uterus was adhered to my bowels and had to be manually "lifted" to make sure that it went in properly. They say that the pain is only very minor, I spent two weeks with a heating pad. I bled for 6 months before my periods got lighter and eventually went away for a few months. I had mood swings, but overall was happy not to have periods for a brief time.

NuvaRing Not Working

I lasted only a few hours with the Nuva-Ring before it caused really bad heart palpitations, dizziness, and caused everything "down there" to swell. Decided that it wasn't the right drug for me.

Progesterone Cream Working / Worked

I have taken progesterone cream and believed that it did help with balancing the hormones. I took it for 5 months before conceiving my son, and then recently started taking it again back in August of 2008.

Provera Not Working

My worst treatment by far! I had a single injection due to heavy prolonged periods and lived with even heavier constant bleeding for the next 8 months. I had heart palpitations, convulsions, nausea, intense mood swings...