Endometriosis?

Question

I have recently been diagnosed with Endometriosis and was set up to receive a series of 6 months of Lupron Depot injections. Now because of this annoying desease, I no longer have my medical coverage and no longer have funding for my future injections. I am all out of resorces and at my wits end. Does anyone know of any other method, or patient assistance program, or possibly want to loan me $1800?! Ha. Also has anyone used this FIBROVAN? I went to the website but am still skeptical.

Answer 1

Hi There~

I am sorry you are facing this huge decision with Lupron.

It's important to know you have the right to say NO to such a strong and powerful drug. This drug is a very strong one that is even used in prostate treatment in men (so I would look at that too).

There are many common side effects that a lot of sufferers experience such as very bad joint ache, hot flashes, weight gain, extreme mood swings, memory loss, hair loss, grand maul siezures, etc. seem to be much more common than in past years and more.

The theory is a good one which is to cease the menses to allow the endo to shrink and lie dormant and cease further growth. The down side if one could take it is, you can only be on this drug about 6 months but some Dr.'s have gone as high as 9 or more which increases more problems. Once someone is done with their treatments the pain can come back with a vengance as well as have long term side effects, and the joint pain seems to be the worst for most I have talked with over time.

Many women I come in contact with on a few forums have had such bad experiences right after their first and second shots. There have been some exceptions where it has helped others. I personally tried Lupron and it was making me feel crazy within a month. I went pretty emotionally upside down.

They switched me to another GNRH analog drug called Synarel which had a lot of the same effects but not as strong and I was able to do it for 9 months and then have my surgery. When surgery came the active endo was shrunken down greatly and it stayed at bay after surgery with still ceasing the cycles with consecutive birth control pills (which can add more estrogen-but is the lesser of all evils).

If you still wish to proceed with the drug see the links above first for the assitance options and the links below that for other helpful info.

If you need help with any support group links or need to chat I am happy to help you with that.

Good Luck!

Elisa

Answer 2

Lupron made me crazy. I'm not exaggerating -- I had a nervous breakdown after my sixth shot. Its been over a year since then and I'm much much better. Although I do take an anti-depressant daily, and an anti-anxiety med as needed.

After I came off Lupron, my endo was back with a vengence -- and with the added problem of my uterus swelling so big that I ended up with an abdominal hernia. Every time I menstrated! The method that worked best for me was CONTINUOUS low-dose birth control pills -- preventing me from having a period. If I wanted to become pregnant (I don't, I'm 41 and have 3 teenage sons) I would just come of the BCP and menstrate only just before conception. Thats the new way of thinking -- prevent cycles (and thus endo growths) until ready to conceive, and then go back on the continuous low-dose BCP. I remember there was a couple months of light spotting when I started the continuouse BCP, but then it stopped and I no longer had the crippling pains and symptoms of Endo.

If you really really want to go with the Lupron, The Endometriosis Association has a $50 off per-shot coupon on their website. http://www.endometriosisassn.org

Knowledge is power, so I suggest you check Amazon for books on Endo. For me, the Endo Sourcebook (2003) has been a big help. I'd get one thats been recently published, as there has been a lot of advancements in thought on the subject. Continuous BCP is gaining popularity, and was unheard of a few years ago.

Something to think about: Lupron tricks your body into an early, fake-and-yet-oh-so-real menapause. Imagine how twisted and unnatural it is for the body to adjust to coming OUT of menapause when the shots stop. It totally threw me for a loop. I mean LOOPY de loop. Messing with hormones is like playing Russian roulette.

Don't mean to freak you out. Just want to urge you to read up on it so you can make an informed decision. To the physician the textbook answer "Lupron" is simple. To your body, its not.

Wishing you health and peace,
Regina

Answer 3

You do not necessarily have to take "the shot". I was diagnosed with the same thing and took Aygestin for a while and then a birth control pill that agreed with me. The purpose of the shot is to stop ovulation and slow down or stop periods. They have a new bc pill pack now that can let you go as long as you want with no period. Ask your local free health clinic. They can provide this treatment for you but you will probably have to settle for taking a daily pill instead of the shot. Good luck!

Answer 4

Find out the company who makes Lupron Depot and contact them to see if they have a patient assistance program. You can probably find them online if you do a search.

Answer 5

You really need to read "Endometriosis Bible & Violet Protocol" by Zoe Brown (also available in electronic format here: http://www.endometriosisbible.info ). It's about how to eradicate endometriosis disease forever. It worked for me, you will see results in only a matter of weeks. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Decaf coffee is a wonderful low-calorie fluid when you're having cravings (and a terrific source of antioxidants).

Answer 7

Use a vegetable bean dip for example hummus instead of ranch dressing or a fatty cream-based dip.

Answer 8

Do your grocery shopping with a list and a time limit; that way, you're more unlikely to stray into the refined foods section.

Answer 9

Decaf coffee is a good low-calorie fluid when you're having cravings (and a fantastic source of antioxidants).

Answer 10

Don't confuse thirst with hunger. Drink a glass of water whenever you feel hungry to see if that's what you're really craving.