After a complete hysterectomy for the treatment of endometriosis, can it reoccur?

Question

I have had 3 surgeries to remove the endometriosis, the last one was to remove the uterus. When the surgeon opened up he found my uterus wrapped within my bowels, he had to scrape the endometriosis from my bowels. I have been in more and more pain over the last few years, I'm currently taking 500 mg. of viccodan 4 times a day for 2 years for back pain they can't find a reason for. When the last operation occurred the surgeon said I shouldn't have been able to stand upright because of the pain, most of which was in my back. When I suggested that this might be a problem now the doctor said the endometriosis could not come back because it needed hormones to grow. My repley to that statement is this. First I had one ovary removed, then the other, then my uterus. When I had my uterus and no overies or natural hormones the endometriosis grew the most. Could this stuff be growing on my bowles and causing terrible back pain? I hate taking the viccodan and just want my life back....HELP!!!!!

Answer 1

There is no absolute cure for Endometriosis - not pregnancy, not hysterectomy, not menopause - but there are ways to live well with it. You are having recurrence because not all disease was thoroughly removed in the first place. It absolutely can and does recur post-hyst. Tell your doctor to open a medical journal and read the extensive case histories of such, then tell him to learn about the Aromatase enzyme the implants produce.

See www.centerforendo.com for information on surgical excision and why it is the best option for long term relief and resolve of symptoms. Also recommend http://groups.yahoo.com/group/erc and http:www.endocenter.org.

You're not alone. Good luck to you.

Answer 2

It can always reoccur if they are unable to remove all the tissue "roots." When they do a laproscopy, they only cauterize the surface and endometriosis growths are like glaciers - what you actually see above the surface of the skin is just the tip. The growths have roots below that and that is why they can come back even if your uterus is removed, especially if your doctor found growths in your bowels and other areas. You can grow endometriosis anywhere in your body, so when the uterus is gone, sometimes it can find other places to go as long as you have estrogen in your body promoting tissue growth.

I'm really sorry for all the pain you've been through. I'm 25 and have had this disease since I was 13. I know how painful and difficult it can be...you poor thing. Your surgeries sound awful. Know that there is hope. The hysterectomy will most likely cure it, so don't worry too much, but don't forget about it either. Always be conscious of your female health and get regular exams regardless of what parts are left :)

Answer 3

I was 30 when I was first diagnosed with endometriosis, after the unbelievable heavy bleeding during the periods. I had my first diagnostic surgery in 1998 and they also removed some of the lesions and the cysts on that occasion. From that point on it was a crazy dance with my life revolving around my disease and the days of my life going by me as if I was just a spectator. I was on Lupron that offered some help but destroyed me financially.

My parents were basically living on the verge of poverty just so that they can help me pay for my Lupron. I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 and I was a bit better for approximately a year. And after endometriosis and pain returned in 2006, I remember that I just gave up any hope that I will lead a normal life ever again.

I was never able to maintain a healthy relationship and I gave up on that, too. I found out about this eBook (http://tinyurl.com/EndometriosisB ) on the internet and the few clicks changed everything. I could not believe that I have been suffering needlessly for so long. I will not be able to have children because my fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed, but I am just thankful that I am again able to lead a healthy full life...

Answer 4

Wow!! If I were to write my medical history from 13 to 37, it would match yours almost exactly. Except I had no pain after the surgeries. I was mentally "Bonkers" until my Premarin got leveled out once the last one was completed.

If I understand it correctly the last surgery was 2 years ago. The work they had to do on your intestinal track is probably the cause of the pain.
I think either a Proctologist or an internist might be able to help you. Your Gyn has eliminated his job.
I too am on Vicodin 4 x daily for RA so I understand your concern. You know it might not hurt to take Ibuprofen which has worked very well on my inflammation. Endometriosis is
treated with Ibuprofen I think. Mine has been gone a while. But it certainly can't hurt to try it out for a week or two. 2 every 4 hours. It got rid of my obscene knee swelling completely.

Good Luck!!

Answer 5

I had the same problem. You need a life style change. Stop eating meat as it has hormones in it. Eat fish or seafood. Eat fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Beans and soy. No dairy, it comes from cows who receive hormones to make them produce. So soy milk. Eat an egg if it has been fed vegetarian feed only.

Next get out and exercise as much as you are able. Try walking a short distance at first, then increase the distance as you are able.

Next you need a positive frame of mind. You are stuck in a cycle of sickness that you must break free of. You can do it!

Hormone replacement therapy is NOT a good idea for you right now but I am on a new estrogen/progesterone replacement now that is good but that is in the future for you.

Take a few herbal remedies every day such as eleuthero, astragalus or ashwagandha to build your immune system up.

Try these things and see if you don't feel better.

Also read this book Living with Joy by Sanaya Roman

Answer 6

SEE A DIFFERENT DOCTOR!!!!!! Once you had all your parts removed it should not come back....it has to be something else! Seek out another doctor! You pain is obviously real and if your doctor isn't taking it seriously, see someone else! A fresh perspective always helps! Good luck and God bless!