OMG! Female Issues - Beware - TMI
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OMG! Female Issues - Beware - TMI
I can't continue to live like this.  Six months ago my GYN put me on the pill to control endometriosis, loooong periods and HEAVY bleeding. It worked for awhile but is no longer doing the trick. I was just out for half an hour and had to rush home because I felt WHOOSH despite a fresh super plus tampon and panty shield. I thought of using the store bathroom but it's locked and I would have to wait for an employee to let me in. Hmmm, gush in the store in public or gush in the car on the way home where no one will see?? I chose HOME. This is the 4th time this has happened this week. I'm scared to leave my own house, even just to run a quick errand. My GYN is getting a phone call tomorrow morning. I just can't do this anymore!
I'm sorry this is happening and I hope you can find a way to resolve it soon. Major {{{{HUGS}}}}
Oh, dear. I am sorry you are going through this. What a pain.
I don't want to over step, but has your doctor asked you about having a hysterectomy? My mom had hers at the age of 48 and she said that it was the best thing she's ever done.
I agree it's time to talk to the doctor!
Several people on my dog board have had uterine ablations for bleeding. They cauterize the inside of your uterus to stop the bleeding. (or something like that.)
Thanks, girls.
Actually Cocoa, *I* asked my GYN about a hysterectomy and SHE wasn't keen on the idea. She claimed there are other options to try first. Well obviously the pill isn't working. She mentioned endometrial ablation, but frankly, I don't want to go that route, have it work temporarily and then end up with a H down the road. I'll have to research the cons of H and discuss this with her further before deciding what to do.
Dawn, did the work??
My mother in law had a hysterectomy a couple of years ago. She was 47 at the time. She says it's the best thing she's ever done. Her period problems are non-existent now.
(((((hugs))))) I hope you are feeling better soon.
Trina, I have zero experience with this but I'm just empathizing with you right now and hope you get some help soon!! 
Trina, I really hope you find something that works. I only suggested the hysterectomy because I checked your profile to find out your age, and at your age doctors might ask you if you are planning on having any more children. If the answer is no, then I see no reason why a hysterectomy can't be considered an option, especially coupled with the endometriosis.
Good luck!
((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))
Wow, Trina. I have endometriosis in a bad way, and right now I keep a NuvaRing in continuously so I don't have a period. If you aren't ready for a hysterectomy, you may want to discuss an option with the pill or NuvaRing where you won't have a period at all.
However, I'm only 28 and my doctor has been more than willing to do a hysterectomy for a couple of years now. It should be something that you have more say over. If you are like me, you are finished having children, and you are heading down that road anyway. That's why my dr. said she'd have no problem doing one. I'm going to reach that destination, I just have to decide whether I will take the scenic route or not!
If things are that bad, I would opt for hysterectomy. What a mess. I have had endomitriosis since I was 22, so I know your pain. I quit using tampons YEARS ago, because of it. I only use pads. I've never had the over bleeding, it was other issues. I hated it after I made the switch but now I hate the tampons because they ALWAYS leak. nI feel way more protected in pads and I don't have my other problems.
Could it also be attributed to menopause? My sister started having HUGE bouts of gushing flows furing her menopause.
Dana, I had bloodwork done, and my hormones are at teenager levels. LOL! My GYN said the ovarian cysts (endo) are causing my ovaries to go into overdrive. Anyway, she said I'm not anywhere near menopause at this point. I also have uterine fibroids, which she thinks is what's causing the hemorraghing. Argh...
Yes, it really did work. One woman doesn't have periods at all anymore and the other one just has minimal periods. They were both quite happy after they had it done.
I'm not a doctor, though, and don't know your individual situation, so take it with a grain of salt. Only your doctor knows what can be done.
Seems to me you have three issues - endometriosis, the fibroids, and the ovarian cysts causing raging hormones.
I suggest that it is time for a second opinion. Your "quality of life" is pretty bad right now, and it sounds like your doctor's "step" treatment is not helping. I generally approve of doctors taking the most cautious and least invasive road first, but after 6 months it should be clear it isn't working.
One concern is that the endrometrial tissue is most likely outside the uterus, and I wonder if simply removing the uterus would solve the problem; or if your ovaries would continue to rage because of the cysts and the endometrial tissue would continue to be affected by those hormones. Would this mean that you would have to have a complete hysterctomy - uterus and ovaries? And then have to take replacement hormones until you reach menopausal age or go into "early menopause".
One concern is that the endrometrial tissue is most likely outside the uterus, and I wonder if simply removing the uterus would solve the problem; or if your ovaries would continue to rage because of the cysts and the endometrial tissue would continue to be affected by those hormones. Would this mean that you would have to have a complete hysterctomy - uterus and ovaries? And then have to take replacement hormones until you reach menopausal age or go into "early menopause".
Yes Ginny, I think that's my GYN's biggest concern. A hysterectomy will not cure the endometriosis, however, the sudden and unexpected hemorrhaging would be gone, which is the hardest thing for me to deal with.
I need to go shopping and run errands today. The thought process and planning is ridiculous. I'm wearing dark pants and a tunic top so that any leaks won't be obvious. Before I leave I'll fill my purse with spare feminine products and will arm myself with a super plus tampon and maxi pad. In my mind I've reviewed my stops and where the bathrooms are. Then I'll cross my fingers and hope I make it home without incident. ARGH!! And we're traveling to Virginia next month...
Trina, while I, like your GYN, am not thrilled by the idea of a hysterectomy at your age, I had a hysterectomy at age 32, because I had fibroid tumors. I had 3 children, definitely didn't want any more. I kept the one ovary I had (the other was removed with a huge tumor when I was 20). (And, this was 1970, with different medical knowledge and treatment options.)
I had a vaginal hysterectomy - no abdominal scar (though I already had a huge abdominal scar from the ovary removal). However, if you and your doctor(s) decide on a hysterecomy, if it were done through an abdominal incision (or the little tubes they use now - I keep forgetting the term), could they at the same time remove all or at least most of the endometrial tissue?
If you have endometriosis, you probably already know that estrogen "feeds" endometriosis growth. This is why endometriosis only affects women during their high-estrogen adult years. When your menstrual periods stop around age 50 (menopause) and your estrogen levels drop, endometriosis growth and symptoms will probably also stop (in some cases, endometriosis scar tissue remains after menopause and can cause problems).
Consider the following when making your decision about having your ovaries and uterus removed to control endometriosis:
There is no cure for endometriosis. Hormone therapy or surgical removal of endometriosis tissue are commonly used to relieve pain. But pain commonly returns within a year or two after treatment.
The ovaries produce most of your body's estrogen. Removing the ovaries (oophorectomy) along with the uterus (hysterectomy) is a last-resort treatment for endometriosis. It does not offer a guaranteed cure—up to 15% of women have pain that returns after this surgery.
Hysterectomy with oophorectomy is a major surgery with short-term and long-term risks. Recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks.
The sudden drop in estrogen after oophorectomy causes more severe menopause symptoms than you would have with natural menopause. The low estrogen also starts bone-thinning at a younger age. This increases your risk of osteoporosis later in life.
Some doctors remove only one ovary when treating a younger woman with hysterectomy and oophorectomy.
You have a second decision to make if you plan to have an oophorectomy: whether to take estrogen therapy. Taking estrogen therapy will protect your bones and prevent menopause symptoms after your ovaries are removed. But it may also cause endometriosis to grow back again.
Hysterectomy and oophorectomy may be a good option if you do not plan to be pregnant in the future, are not approaching menopause, have severe symptoms, and feel that your symptom relief will outweigh the risks and side effects of having the surgery.
Trina, I had endometriosis, fibroids and adenomyosis. I suffered for years with it, had a couple of laparoscopies to laser out the endometriosis, etc. Then I developed a large tumor on one ovary and began hemorrhaging - this is TMI, but on that day, I was soaking through a super Tampax every 15-20 minutes. I was in the pharmacy picking up a Rx that was supposed to help control the bleeding, and let's just say it was disastrous. And painful. I went in the next morning for emergency surgery. The tumor was attached to my colon and enveloped my ovary. The ovary and tumor were removed, the endometriosis lasered out. I was 38 at the time.
Things were better for about 6 months, then started to deteriorate. The constant heavy bleeding with clots and lots of pain returned, and at one point, I had a *period* that lasted for 6 weeks. Gym tried BC pill therapy, etc., but it did not work. I was weak from bleeding for so long/so much, anemic, miserable, etc. At this point, I had stage IV endometriosis with numerous fibroids and adhesions. So at age 39 I had a total hysterectomy. Best thing I ever did.
HOWEVER, the doc who did it left a considerable amount of endometriosis behind in my abdominal cavity, and I continued to have a lot of problems. So after several months of trying to solve the problems, I changed docs. He took me off of all HRT/estrogen and put me on a male hormone to *kill* the endometriosis left behind. It wasn't fun, it made me feel HORRIBLE, but it worked, and I have had ZERO problems ever since - which is nearly 13 years now.
HERE is a good link with lots of info on endometriosis and treatments.
As Ginny said, this has become a quality of life issue for you, and it just might be time for you to consider your options, see another doc and make a decision.
Let me just add...
Uterine ablation has a very high percentage rate of success and very few side effects. Most people never resume having periods. But those that do, it doesn't happen again for 5+ years. At which time you may or may not be starting menopause.
A hysterectomy is a big surgery and has complications. It is not a sure thing for fixing issues. Doctors used to be very quick to do them, but now that just isn't the case. Too many complications, and better options.
One of my son's best friends lost his mother due to a blood clot from her scheduled hysterectomy. She was 42, a marathon runner in great shape. 2 weeks post surgery she threw a clot into her lungs and died painfully in front of her then 12 year old son.
I know it might be the right choice for some. But I certainly think you owe it to your family to check out all of your options and to try the most conservative one first.
It sounds like me many years ago. I know it isn't the option that most would choose, but I had a hysterectomy. My bleeding was causing anemia, I had already had several other reproductive problems, and we had two kids already. I'm so glad I had it done. What a difference it made in my life.
Thank you for the support, ladies! I called my GYN's office today and was very fortunate that she had a cancellation in her office in my local area tomorrow! Yeah! I will be asking lots of questions, especially about endometrial ablation. Although the surgery and recovery involved with a hysterectomy don't overly concern me, the thought of early menopause does. I'll keep you posted.
OK, just got back from my GYN appointment. She and I would both like to keep a hysterectomy as a last resort. She's very open to endo ablation, but asked if I would like to try either an IUD or a different pill first. I don't want an IUD so we discussed pill options. She gave me 3 mos. worth of Lybrel, which is a new pill that has no periods. I'm willing to give that a try. She said if that doesn't work then we'll look into endo ablation. In fact, I'm scheduled for an US and uteran biopsy in January, which are tests done before an endo ablation to be sure the patient is a good candidate. *Fingers crossed* that this new pill works. I've done some research and it seems very promising.
My GYN did say that if I do have an endo ablation and am still having problems after that, the only option at that point is a hysterectomy.
I am SOOO glad you finally have a plan with your GYN! I hope the pills work for you, too!
I will be keeping my fingers crossed that the new pills work.
After I had my first ds, my periods were messed up for awhile. They were so heavy, I was just miserable. It is definitely not any fun when you worry everytime you leave the house!
I have a friend who takes the pill for 3 months, then off for a week. She has her period once every 3 months. While it certainly has helped with her endo, that week is not her favourite. Still, much better than the severe pain she was in before.
Marcia,
That is the cycle I'm on, 3 months on, 1 week off. I often don't get my period during my week off, so it's been really great for my endo, and when I do get my period it's no where near as horrible.
Trina,
Good luck!! I take Levora, but I'm going to ask my GYN about the one you are trying out, because no periods are wonderful!!
Good luck, Trina. At least you have options.
I know everyone isn't keen on the idea of the hysterctomy, but I will say again, it was the smartest thing I ever did. Just don't rule it out.
Karen, I'm not ruling it out, just trying to postpone it for as long as possible. There are cons to early menopause that I would like to avoid if at all possible.
Marcia and Crystal, Levora was also an option, but I decided to try the Lybrel. I've done some research, and although it eliminates periods, that doesn't mean there is NO bleeding. Apparently unexpected spotting and break through bleeding can occur at any time. I'm OK with that. It's the unexpected and sudden gushing during periods that I can't handle. LOL!
Trina,
They say that with all BC pills, and it's been my experience that the 3 months cycles mean the first 3 months I will have light bleeding for almost 6 straight weeks while my body adjusts. (I have come off it, and back on, and it happened both times I started that regimine) Anyway, after that, I have almost no bleeding, even on my sugar pill weeks. It's worth it, even though it's a HUGE pain in the butt.
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