[Madame_X]

#1018705

Oye. It never ends.

During the last 3 weeks, I found out I have a very nice case of fibroids. I currently am seeking a second, third and fourth opinion to see where I go from here.

Doc #1 suggested either a full hysterectomy…or lupron.

I did my research on lupron; it’s not only linked to depression (a no automatically for me) but from what I understand it’s growth hormone related. Isn’t that type of a med a no no for a patient with Graves?

Doc #2 has me on Seasonique to stop the bleeding. He suggested a full hysterectomy or see how I do with the Seasonique. When menopause happens, the fibroids will shrink anyway.

Doc #3 suggested what Doc #1 suggested. When I mentioned the growth hormone and Graves, she replied, "Lupron should have no effect on your Graves." I told her lupron was a no — what about the side effects? it’s an IM dosage and if there are side effects or worse, it’s not like you can stop the meds.

She also suggested an endometrial abalation to see if the ended periods would help my fibroids.

The second doc wants to do an intervaginal ultrasound and then a hysteroscopy to see what’s what with the fibroids — they’re rather large and from what I understand there’s no way they can easily remove the fibroids I have.

I also have no menopausal symptoms whatsoever. My levels are normal (and it was like pulling teeth to find a gyn — my insurance carrier’s list of gyns was hoplessly out of date — I made 9 phone calls and I got a message the number was disconnected, the doc listed was no longer with the practice, or the doc in question retired. Oye…) I am 52 and I’m already a year past the usual year menopause begins.

I still won’t touch lupron. I don’t like the depression connection and I also don’t like what I’ve read about that med.

[cathycnm]

#1066596

Madame X – I may be able to shead some light. Lupron works by blocking the release of hormones that stimulate our reproductive system. What the doctors want is less stimulation of the fibroids. The seasonique does similar things but more by acting directly on the ovaries to prevent cycles. In both cases, if you can keep the stimulation of the menstral cycle down, the fibroids respond. Anything that messes with hormone levels will have depression as possible side effect – seasonique does, too. But one way to non-surgically help the fibroids is to regulate the levels of hormones that control our cycles, etc. So, it is a bit of a catch 22 if depression is a concern.

Abalation has mixed resulta and I have been out of practice for a few years. I know they frequently re-cur but I am not sure if the rates are improved with newer surgeries – your doc should have statistics on that piece, though.

Hysterestomies are very common in our culture – they are very safe and take care of the fibroids – but they are forever. If you have a hyster – you will want to find out if they are going to take ovaries, too. The ovaries and their hormones protect us from bone loss – so if they take those, you will need to take some replacement hormone until menopause age to protect yourself from bone loss.

I have no huge opinions one way or another on this because it was always my gyn partners who managed the treatment. I have worked with docs who gave a lot of lupron and it was generally pretty well tolerated by patients. So, just keep researching it – because you need to find the right path for you from all these alternatives. Hope that helps.

[maryintx]

#1066597

endometrial abalation- not as bad as it sounds when they tell you the procedure and can give you a lot of relief. Many women who had tubal ligations go this route after taking a birth control pill like loeestrin to shorten their periods VS a hysterectomy to help with post tubal symptoms like ovarian cysts, heavy periods, clots etc.. Try asking on a post tubal ligation syndrome forum ” title=”Smile” />

[Madame_X]

#1066598

I’m just sick of this black cloud that is following me. All of this sh!t happened to me after I lost my job — the Graves and now this. I can’t seem to get a break (and I’m also sick of the cheap employers that are out there that expect you to jump like hell at the crap money they’re offering. Remember: YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, as my grandfather would say)

I’d sooner stay on the seasonale to see how it works out for me.

[cathycnm]

#1066599

Madame X – Sounds like you have a plan. I can sure empathize with health going through a dip – mine was abn mammogram, osteoporosis (severe prior to treatment), graves, high cholesterol, eczema-type skin condition and irritable bowel – still dealing with the last two but everything else has stabilized. Four years ago – I had no RXs and now, I take 3 everyday for life, one monthly, one as needed, calcium and vit D and then face cream/shampoo from my Derm. It really got to me at first to have to have so many things to treat for life all at once.

That said – if you can shift a bit to counting good things – it can actually work against depression and for your immune system to be healthy. I know that – have read plenty of research – and it was next to impossible the two years ago and the first part of last year. And I have a ton of tools as a coach. So, I am by no means preaching – just spreading the knowledge. As much as possible, don’t let them bring you down – it usually only hurts you. And, yes, employers are not all created equal and employees don’t engage unless they are valued for their strengths. Good luck – my heart goes out to you.

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