I am 21 years old and I have been dealing with the pain of endometriosis since the age of 10. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 18 and I then had a laparoscopy. After that I was placed on oral contraceptives and I was ok for a few months. About 4 months after my surgery I was right back where I began and things were getting worse. I have been having 2 or 3 periods a month and sometimes I don't have a period for months at a time. I have intense hot flashes about every thirty minutes. About a month ago I actually passed out because I was overheated it almost happened again just last week. My everyday life has been effected in more ways than people know. I've missed classes, I can't keep a job for more than three months because of my absences, my social life has been wrecked. I've been to many specialists and they all say that the only thing left for me is a hysterectomy. I know there's something else out there that I haven't come across yet. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
2006-06-12 15:06:23 · 12 answers · asked by skittles 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I also have had endometriosis. Please see another gynecologist. Birth control is the treatment of choice but, when it doesn't work, other therapies should be tried. The other therapies are treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), high-dose progestin, a progestin intrauterine device (Mirena), or danazol. Usually, those are tried before a hysterectomy is even suggested in someone as young as you. Please get a second opinion.
In the meantime, at home, use ibuprofen, motrin or advil for the pain (NSAIDs) due to their anti-inflammatory effect. Take them on a regular schedule as prescribed on the bottle. Apply heat to your lower abdomen in the form of a hot water bottle, hot bath or heating pad. Lie down! If on your back, put a pillow under your knees. If on your side, curl your knees up to your chest. Get regular exercise.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me. Just click on my avatar.
2006-06-12 15:23:43 · answer #1 · answered by ilse72 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This is probably not an option for you, and even so, it sounds quite bizarre.
I suffered the same thing for years and have also had surgery, having it lasered away, of course it came back!!! My doctor suggested a hysterectomy too, which upset me because I wasnt sure if I wanted to become pregnant or not at some stage. In the end I had to make a decision as it became too painful, my doctor said if I fell pregnant my symptoms would disappear during pregnancy and may never return!!! So I went ahead and had a lovely baby boy, and that was a year and a half ago and I am suffering no pain since!!! I am in a loving happy marriage though, so like I said it may not be an option for you, but I was so surprised that pregnancy ended upto be so PAINLESS!!!
2006-06-13 00:29:08 · answer #2 · answered by kezzafazza 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you have had this problem long enough and it has not been treated successfully with the laparoscopy. The extra periods are signs that things may be growing (i.e. fibroids) and the other symptoms are concerning as well. I guess I would have a hysterectomy. The endometriosis is not a curable condition, and if the treatments have not worked for the last 10 years, I am not sure if you can go through your life like this. Especially if you say your everyday life (and just about every aspect of it) has been affected. Unless you want to be on disability for the rest of your life, and be miserable in the process, I really would strongly consider the hysterectomy. Your body was just not designed to go through "womanhood." You not only have signs and symptoms of endometriosis, you also have signs and symptoms of early menopause. Hve you tried hormones? Also, please solicit the help of a counselor or someone (maybe a nurse or nurse practitioner) to help you sort out the emotional aspect of all you are going through. It may just be your saving grace!!
I really am at a loss for anything that might help, as I am sure you have tried everything in a vain attempt at relief.
But I send my blessings.
2006-06-12 15:15:26 · answer #3 · answered by U-man 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've suffered with endometriosis for over 10 years and I'm only 25. I'm currently fighting to have to use any hormone treatment. I'm looking for more natural solutions. I find the following to help:
-heat packs
-IB profen
-a perscription for Tramadol
-and if it's unbearable then percocet.
Also try to eat a lot of vegetables and take a multivitamin that will help your body cope with what's going on. Different things work for different women. Just experiment till you find something that works. I was on the Depo shot and will never consider it again. I gained 45 pounds on it and became really emotional. I was on probably 10 different forms of the pill they usually worked for a short time. I also had the lap surgery and that helped a lot although initially after the surgery I was still in pain for about a month and half.
Please do a lot of research if you decide to have a hysterectomy. Some women still have reoccurrence after surgery and they recently came out with research that says it is important to keep your ovaries.
Endometriosis is a tough path to travel. I found only I was the person who knew the most about my endo situation and thus started doing all my own research and telling doctors what I was and wasn't willing to try. I'd also keep looking for a better doctor. A specialist if there is one in your area. I wish you the best of luck in finding something to help.
2006-06-14 01:42:51 · answer #4 · answered by Amy C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had major surgery for my endometriosis when i was 18 years old and the doctor told me he lasered it all out and that it wouldn't come back well it has. THey put me on the deo shot right after surgery but it did not help i still hurt badly.
Doctors told me when i was 18 that getting pregnant helps it and i couldn't believe they were telling me this but i did have a baby when i was 21. I am now 26 and i still hurt that way still yet.
Maybe having a hysterectomy would help you but you are so young and i am sure you want kids so maybe you should go to another doctor.
I know a wonderful doctor that treats endo....when you visit his website don't think all he does is untie women's tubes. I went to him for my endo and i couldn't go back because of the lack of insurance i had.
Dr. Richard Levin http://www.babies-by-levin.com
(call and ask about it)
Good luck and i hope your pain goes away...I know how it is.
2006-06-12 15:31:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My mother had horrible endometriosis. Talking to my doctors approximately this and hereditary dangers, they recommended Depo for delivery manipulate. I under no circumstances had any main issue/part results with it, besides for recognizing for the primary few months. Plus under no circumstances had even the menstrual affliction both - or the menstrual migraines I could get. And have had no disorders getting pregnant after.
2016-09-09 00:38:48 · answer #6 · answered by marceau 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have endo myself, probably not as severe as you but none the less still painfull. i actually take the pill constently so i dont get a period. endo only kicks in when menstruating so if you dont get a period the endo stays dormant. this works for me. have you tried all the different types of contrception? that sux girl. i hope you get better and all works out for you
2006-06-12 15:11:16 · answer #7 · answered by ninny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can have what is called a nerve block and that can
help with the pain. But i had it so bad i had to have a total
hysterectomy that's how my pain was stopped. Good luck
to you .
2006-06-13 20:01:12 · answer #8 · answered by tracie_344 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My sister had this and finally had a hysterectomy. She was in too much pain to not have one. I'll be praying for you.
2006-06-12 15:08:18 · answer #9 · answered by unsersmyboy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A heating pad will help..along with IBprofen.
2006-06-12 15:07:54 · answer #10 · answered by Georgia Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋