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Endometriosis as a Figure Athlete

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Posted by: BabsieGirl

Health Awareness for Women with Endometriosis:

I'm sharing my story (and hope many of you will also) with all the women or joining memebers here at IM (as a mother and figure athlete) to all of the women going through what I'm am. I wish this brings hope to all women in doubt of following their dream to be a pro figure athlete, model or what ever your personal goal may be.

Please feel free to ask me any question and I'll do my best to answer based off my personal experience, research and shared advice given to me. This is all new so please bare with me.

Feb 9th, I was diagnosed with stage IV Endometriosis which has spilled over into, on or around my colon. On this date I had a D&C and a Laparascopy. A Laparascopy is (from what I've been reading) the only way to diagnose Endometriosis. If when your doctor goes in and he/she sees the endometriosis, majority of it can be burned off by lasering.

**I'll post some research.

Feb. 24th, I meet with my gyno to discuss the results from my previous surgery and to go over my options. So far, I know my options are to either go on Hormone Therapy for a while or have a Hysterectomy. At the moment, I'm currently doing a lot of research to help weigh my options and to help me think of questions I need to ask my doctor on this date.

IF there is anyone out there who would like to share their story and how they've over come such a disease that affects over 70% of women today. I urge you to step forward and share your experience, how long it took before you returned to weight training, etc.... so that one day when this thread is opened by a lady who is now is our shoes, she'll know what to do, what to expect and she'll have gained some knowledge.

On Feb 25th, I'll share with you my decision and keep progress and status reports here for Figure/Fitness athletes, Models, Mommies, etc........

My goal is to become a Pro Figure athlete regardless of the scars I have developed during my battle of fighting Endometriosis. I'll share how soon I return to weight training,my sadness & how I've over come it. I am proud of my progress and the person I've become and I wish to spread hope to all women/figure/fitness competitors who have given up or are thinking about it. Scars or no Scars, I'm still getting on stage because I'm proud of who I am and the work I've put in to be the person I am today. On stage and off.

Be proud of who you are and stand up for who you want to be.

Thanks for following along. Please do not joke around in this thread. Endometriosis is a serious matter to a lot of women and I would like to give them a wonderful learning experience.

Thank you
Babsie


Posted by: DFINEST



GOD Bless You sweetness
and may your message inform & motivate

GODSPEED as you overcome, achieve, and succeed



Posted by: BabsieGirl

Thank you D for your words of support. I really do appreciate it.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Endometriosis


Definition

Endometriosis is a condition in which bits of the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow in other parts of the body. Like the uterine lining, this tissue builds up and sheds in response to monthly hormonal cycles. However, there is no natural outlet for the blood discarded from these implants. Instead, it falls onto surrounding organs, causing swelling and inflammation. This repeated irritation leads to the development of scar tissue and adhesions in the area of the endometrial implants.

Description

Endometriosis is estimated to affect 7% of women of childbearing age in the United States. It most commonly strikes between the ages of 25 and 40. Endometriosis can also appear in the teen years, but never before the start of menstruation. It is seldom seen in postmenopausal women.

Endometriosis was once called the "career woman's disease" because it was thought to be a product of delayed childbearing. The statistics defy such a narrow generalization; however, pregnancy may slow the progress of the condition. A more important predictor of a woman's risk is if her female relatives have endometriosis. Another influencing factor is the length of a woman's menstrual cycle. Women whose periods last longer than a week with an interval of less than 27 days between them seem to be more prone to the condition.

Endometrial implants are most often found on the pelvic organs-the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and in the cavity behind the uterus. Occasionally, this tissue grows in such distant parts of the body as the lungs, arms, and kidneys. Newly formed implants appear as small bumps on the surfaces of the organs and supporting ligaments and are sometimes said to look like "powder burns." Ovarian cysts may form around endometrial tissue (endometriomas) and may range from pea to grapefruit size. Endometriosis is a progressive condition that usually advances slowly, over the course of many years. Doctors rank cases from minimal to severe based on factors such as the number and size of the endometrial implants, their appearance and location, and the extent of the scar tissue and adhesions in the vicinity of the growths.

Causes and symptoms

Although the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, a number of theories have been put forward. Some of the more popular ones are:


**Implantation theory. Originally proposed in the 1920s, this theory states that a reversal in the direction of menstrual flow sends discarded endometrial cells into the body cavity where they attach to internal organs and seed endometrial implants. There is considerable evidence to support this explanation. Reversed menstrual flow occurs in 70-90% of women and is thought to be more common in women with endometriosis. However, many women with reversed menstrual flow do not develop endometriosis.


**Vascular-lymphatic theory. This theory suggests that the lymph system or blood vessels (vascular system) is the vehicle for the distribution of endometrial cells out of the uterus.


**Coelomic metaplasia theory. According to this hypothesis, remnants of tissue left over from prenatal development of the woman's reproductive tract transforms into endometrial cells throughout the body.


**Induction theory. This explanation postulates that an unidentified substance found in the body forces cells from the lining of the body cavity to change into endometrial cells.

In addition to these theories, the following factors are thought to influence the development of endometriosis:


**Heredity. A woman's chance of developing endometriosis is seven times greater if her mother or sisters have the disease.


**Immune system function. Women with endometriosis may have lower functioning immune systems that have trouble eliminating stray endometrial cells. This would explain why a high percentage of women experience reversed menstrual flow while relatively few develop endometriosis.


**Dioxin exposure. Some research suggests a link between the exposure to dioxin (TCCD), a toxic chemical found in weed killers, and the development of endometriosis.

While many women with endometriosis suffer debilitating symptoms, others have the disease without knowing it. Paradoxically, there does not seem to be any relation between the severity of the symptoms and the extent of the disease. The most common symptoms are:


**Menstrual pain. Pain in the lower abdomen that begins a day or two before the menstrual period starts and continues through to the end is typical of endometriosis. Some women also report lower back aches and pain during urination and bowel movement, especially during their periods.


**Painful sexual intercourse. Pressure on the vagina and cervix causes severe pain for some women.


**Abnormal bleeding. Heavy menstrual periods, irregular bleeding, and spotting are common features of endometriosis.


**Infertility. There is a strong association between endometriosis and infertility, although the reasons for this have not been fully explained. It is thought that the build up of scar tissue and adhesions blocks the fallopian tubes and prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. Endometriosis may also affect fertility by causing hormonal irregularities and a higher rate of early miscarriage.

Diagnosis

If a doctor suspects endometriosis, the first step will be to perform a pelvic exam to try to feel if implants are present. Very often there is no strong evidence of endometriosis from a physical exam. The only way to make a definitive diagnosis is through minor surgery called a laparoscopy. A laparoscope, a slender scope with a light on the end, is inserted into the woman's abdomen through a small incision near her belly button. This allows the doctor to examine the internal organs for endometriotic growths. Often, a sample of tissue is taken for later examination in the laboratory. Endometriosis is sometimes discovered when a woman has abdominal surgery for another reason such as tubal ligation or hysterectomy.

Various imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography scan (CT scan), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can offer additional information but aren't useful in making the initial diagnosis. A blood test may also be ordered because women with endometriosis have higher levels of the blood protein CA125. Testing for this substance before and after treatment can predict a recurrence of the disease, but the test is not reliable as a diagnostic tool.

Treatment

How endometriosis is treated depends on the woman's symptoms, her age, the extent of the disease, and her personal preferences. The condition cannot be fully eradicated without surgery. Conservative treatment focuses on managing the pain, preserving fertility, and delaying the progress of the condition.

Pain relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are useful for mild cramping and menstrual pain. Prescription-strength and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn), are also effective. If pain is severe, a doctor may prescribe narcotic medications, although these can be addicting and are rarely used.

Hormonal treatments

Hormonal therapies effectively tame endometriosis but also act as contraceptives. A woman who is hoping to become pregnant would take these medications for a period of time, then try to conceive within several months of discontinuing treatment.


**Oral contraceptives. Continuously taking estrogen-progestin pills tricks the body into thinking it is pregnant. This state of pseudopregnancy means reduced pelvic pain and a temporary withering of endometrial implants.


**Danazol (Danocrine) and gestrinone are synthetic male hormones that lower estrogen levels, prevent menstruation, and shrink endometrial tissues. On the downside, they lead to weight gain and menopause-like symptoms, and cause some women to develop masculine characteristics.


**Progestins. Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) and related drugs may also be used in treating endometriosis. They have been proven effective in minimizing pain and halting the progress of the condition, but are rarely used because of the high rate of side effects.


**Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnHR) agonists. These estrogen-inhibiting drugs successfully limit pain and prevent the growth of endometrial implants. They can cause menopause symptoms, however, and doses have to be regulated to prevent bone loss associated with low estrogen levels.

Surgery

Removing the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes is the only permanent method of eliminating endometriosis. This is an extreme measure that deprives a woman of her ability to bear children and forces her body into menopause. Endometrial implants and ovarian cysts can be removed with laser surgery performed through a laparoscope. For women with minimal endometriosis, this technique is usually successful in reducing pain and slowing the condition's progress. It may also help infertile women increase their chances of becoming pregnant.

Alternative treatment

Although severe endometriosis should not be self-treated, many women find they can help their condition through alternative therapies. Taking vitamin B complex combined with vitamins C, E, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, and selenium can help the depression and lack of energy that may accompany endometriosis. B vitamins also counteract the side effects of hormonal drugs. Other women have found relief when they turned to a macrobiotic diet. Less extreme diets that cut out sugar, salt, and processed foods are sometimes helpful, as well. Mind-body therapies such as relaxation and visualization help women cope with pain. Other avenues to combat pain include acupuncture and biofeedback techniques. Still other women report positive results after being treated by chiropractors or homeopathic doctors.

Prognosis

Most women who have endometriosis have minimal symptoms and do well. Overall, endometriosis symptoms come back in an average of 40% of women over the five years following treatment. With hormonal therapy, pain returned after five years in 37% of patients with minimal symptoms and 74% of those with severe cases. The highest success rate from conservative treatment followed complete removal of implants using laser surgery. Eighty percent of these women were still pain-free five years later. In cases that don't respond to these treatments, a woman and her doctor may consider surgery to remove her reproductive organs.

Prevention

There is no proven way to prevent endometriosis. One study, however, indicated that girls who begin participating in aerobic exercise at a young age are less likely to develop the condition.


Adhesions
Web-like scar tissue that may develop as a result of endometriosis and bind organs to one another.


Dioxin
A toxic chemical found in weed killers that has been linked to the development of endometriosis.


Endometrial implants
Growths of endometrial tissue that attach to organs, primarily in the pelvic cavity.


Endometrium
The tissue lining the uterus that grows and sheds each month during a woman's menstrual cycle.


Estrogen
A female hormone that promotes the growth of endometrial tissue.


Hormonal therapy
Use of hormone medications to inhibit menstruation and relieve the symptoms of endometriosis.


Laparoscopy
A diagnostic procedure for endometriosis performed by inserting a slender, wand-like instrument through a small incision in the woman's abdomen.


Menopause
The end of a woman's menstrual periods when the body stops making estrogen.


Retrograde menstruation
Menstrual flow that travels into the body cavity rather than being expelled through the uterus.


For Your Information

Books
Breitkopf, Lyle J. Coping With Endometriosis. Prentice Hall, 1988.


D'Hooghe, Thomas M., and Joseph A. Hill. "Endometriosis." In Novak's Gynecology. 12th ed. Ed. Jonathan S. Berek, et al. Baltimore: Lippincott, 1996.


Overcoming Endometriosis. Ed. Mary Lou Ballweg, et al.Chicago: Congdon & Weed, 1987.


The Endometriosis Sourcebook. Ed. Mary Lou Ballweg, et al.Chicago: Congdon & Weed, 1995.


Organizations
Endometriosis Association International Headquarters. 8585 North 76th Place, Milwaukee, WI 53223. (800) 992-3636. http://EndometriosisAssn.org

Source: Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Published December, 2002 by the Gale Group

The Essay Author is Stephanie Slon.


Posted by: Stacey

Awesome Post Babsie!!!!!! I (I know you know) Have Endometriosis also--and I know it's a Mean Mean disease. OF course we are not going to die from it, so many people do not take us seriously when we say we have Endometriosis--they think oh no big deal-- just cramps. But the pain does HURT, Imagine not being able to have Sex with your hubby or the man you love because of pain. OR Sitting at work sitting in pain due to cramps, wanting to cry. Having horrible back aches due to endo.

The list of symptoms goes on and on. None of them are fun. I can't wait to overcome this disease. Hopefully, having a baby will do so. I know its very very possible. It did help my cousin, and other women I know.

Babsie-- You are remarkable and you are a success!!


Posted by: Stacey

POSTED BY BABS--Infertility. There is a strong association between endometriosis and infertility, although the reasons for this have not been fully explained. It is thought that the build up of scar tissue and adhesions blocks the fallopian tubes and prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. Endometriosis may also affect fertility by causing hormonal irregularities and a higher rate of early miscarriage. "

MY Doctor thinks I will have this problem


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Same here. I also have adhesions


Getting ready to post some more INTERESTING material


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Hysterectomy


Definition

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. In a total hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed. In some cases, the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed along with the uterus (called hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). In a subtotal hysterectomy, only the uterus is removed. In a radical hysterectomy, the uterus, cervix, ovaries, oviducts, lymph nodes, and lymph channels are removed. The type of hysterectomy performed depends on the reason for the procedure. In all cases, menstruation stops and a woman loses the ability to bear children.

Purpose

Hysterectomy is the second most common operation performed in the United States. About 556,000 of these surgeries are done annually. By age 60, approximately one out of every three American women will have had a hysterectomy. Yet it's estimated that 30 percent of hysterectomies are unnecessary.

About 10% of hysterectomies are performed to treat cancer of the cervix, ovaries, or uterus. Women with cancer in one or more of these organs almost always have the organ(s) removed as one part of their cancer treatment.

The most frequent reason for hysterectomy in the United States is to remove fibroid tumors, accounting for 30% of these surgeries. Fibroid tumors are non-cancerous (benign) growths in the uterus, which can cause pelvic and low back pain and heavy or lengthy menstrual periods. They occur in 30-40% of women over age 40, and are three times more likely to be present in African-American women than in Caucasian women. Fibroids do not need to be removed unless they are causing symptoms that interfere with a woman's normal activities.

Treatment of endometriosis is the reason for 20% of hysterectomies. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the cells from the endometrium begin growing outside the uterus. The outlying endometrial cells respond to the hormones that control the menstrual cycle, bleeding each month the way the lining of the uterus does. This causes irritation of the surrounding tissue, leading to pain and scarring.

Another 20% percent of hysterectomies are done because of heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding that can not be linked to any specific cause and cannot be controlled by other means. The remaining 20% of hysterectomies are performed to treat prolapsed uterus, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometrial hyperplasia, a potentially precancerous condition.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to hysterectomy today. They include:

Embolization

Uterine artery embolization is not a surgical procedure. Instead, interventional radiologists put a catherter into the artery that leads to the uterus and inject polyvinyl alcohol particles right where the artery leads to the blood vessels that nourish the fibroids. By killing off those blood vessels, the fibroids have no more blood supply, and they die off. Severe cramping and pain after the procedure is common, but serious complications are less than 5 percent and it may protect fertility.

Myomectomy

A myomectomy is a surgery used to remove fibroids, thus avoiding a hysterectomy. Hysteroscopic myomectomy, in which a surgical "telescope," or laparascope, is inserted into the uterus through the vagina can be done on an outpatient basis. If there are large fibroids, however, an abdominal incision is required. Then women typically are hospitalized for two to three days, and require up to six weeks recovery. However, laparascopic myomectomies are also being done more often. They only require three small incisions in the abdomen, and have a much shorter hospitalization and recovery time.

Once the fibroids have been removed, the surgeon must repair the wall of the uterus to eliminate future bleeding or infection.

Endometrial ablation

In this surgical procedure, recommended for women with small fibroids, the entire lining of the uterus is removed. Women are no longer fertile, however. The uterine cavity is filled with fluid and a hysteroscopy, or telescope, inserted to provide a clear view of the uterus. Then the uterus is destroyed using a laser beam or electric voltage. The procedure is typically done under anesthesia, although women can go home the same day as the surgery. Another, newer procedure involves using a balloon, which is filled with superheated liquid and inflated until it fills the uterus. The liquid kills the lining, and after 8 minutes the balloon is removed.

Endometrial resection

Like endometrial ablation, the uterine lining is also destroyed during this procedure, only instead of a laser, an electrosurgical wire loop is used.

Total hysterectomy

A total hysterectomy, sometimes called a simple hysterectomy, removes the entire uterus and the cervix. The ovaries are not removed and continue to secrete hormones. Total hysterectomies are always performed in the case of uterine and cervical cancer. This is the most common kind of hysterectomy.

Sometimes, in addition to a total hysterectomy a procedure called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is performed. This surgery removes the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Removal of the ovaries eliminates the main source of the hormone estrogen, so menopause occurs immediately. Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is performed in about one-third of hysterectomy operations, often to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Subtotal hysterectomy

If the reason for the hysterectomy is to remove uterine fibroids, treat abnormal bleeding, or relieve pelvic pain, it may be possible to remove only the uterus and leave the cervix. This procedure, called a subtotal hysterectomy (or partial hysterectomy), removes the least amount of tissue. The opening to the cervix is left in place. Some women feel that leaving the cervix intact aids in their achieving sexual satisfaction. This procedure, which used to be rare, is now performed more frequently when requested.

Subtotal hysterectomy is easier to perform than a total hysterectomy, but leaves a woman at risk for cervical cancer. She will still need to get yearly pap smears.

Radical hysterectomy

Radical hysterectomies are performed on women with cervical cancer or endometrial cancer that has spread to the cervix. A radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix, top part of the vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes, lymph channels, and tissue in the pelvic cavity that surrounds the cervix. This type of hysterectomy removes the most tissue and requires the longest hospital stay and longer recovery period.

Precautions

The frequency with which hysterectomies are performed in the United States has been questioned in recent years. It has been suggested that a large number of hysterectomies are performed unnecessarily. The United States has the highest rate of hysterectomies (number of hysterectomies per thousand women) of any country in the world. Also, the frequency of this surgery varies across different regions of the United States. Rates are highest in the South and Midwest, and are higher for African American women. In recent years, although the number of hysterectomies performed has declined, the number of hysterectomies performed on younger women in their 30s and 40s is increasing, and 55 percent of all hysterectomies are performed on women 35 to 49.

Women for whom a hysterectomy is recommended should discuss possible alternatives with their doctor and consider getting a second opinion, since this is major surgery with life-changing implications. Alternative treatments exist for many conditions. Whether these alternatives are appropriate for any individual woman is a decision she and her doctor should make together.

As in all major surgery, the health of the patient affects the risk of the operation. Women who have chronic heart or lung diseases, diabetes, or iron-deficiency anemia may not be good candidates for this operation. Heavy smoking, obesity, use of steroid drugs, and use of illicit drugs add to the surgical risk.

Description

There are two ways that hysterectomies can be performed. The choice of method depends on the type of hysterectomy, the doctor's experience, and the reason for the hysterectomy.

Abdominal hysterectomy

About 75% of hysterectomies performed in the United States are abdominal hysterectomies. The surgeon makes a four to six inch incision either horizontally across the pubic hair line from hip bone to hip bone or vertically from navel to pubic bone. Horizontal incisions leave a less noticeable scar, but vertical incisions give the surgeon a better view of the abdominal cavity. The blood vessels, fallopian tubes, and ligaments are cut away from the uterus, which is lifted out.

Abdominal hysterectomies take from one to three hours. The hospital stay is three to five days, and it takes four to eight weeks to return to normal activities.

The advantages of an abdominal hysterectomy are that the uterus can be removed even if a woman has internal scarring (adhesions) from previous surgery or her fibroids are large. The surgeon has a good view of the abdominal cavity and more room to work. Also, surgeons have the most experience with this type of hysterectomy. The abdominal incision is more painful than with vaginal hysterectomy and the recovery period is longer.

Vaginal hysterectomy

With a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon makes an incision near the top of the vagina. The surgeon then reaches through this incision to cut and tie off the ligaments, blood vessels, and fallopian tubes. Once the uterus is cut free, it is removed through the vagina. The operation takes one to two hours. The hospital stay is usually one to three days, and return to normal activities takes about four weeks.

The advantages of this procedure are that it leaves no visible scar and is less painful. The disadvantage is that it is more difficult for the surgeon to see the uterus and surrounding tissue. This makes complications more common. Large fibroids cannot be removed using this technique. It is very difficult to remove the ovaries during a vaginal hysterectomy, so this approach may not be possible if the ovaries are involved.

Vaginal hysterectomy can also be performed using a laparoscopic technique. With this surgery, a tube containing a tiny camera is inserted through an incision in the navel. This allows the surgeon to see the uterus on a video monitor. The surgeon then inserts two slender instruments through small incisions in the abdomen and uses them to cut and tie off the blood vessels, fallopian tubes, and ligaments. When the uterus is detached, it is removed though a small incision at the top of the vagina.

This technique, called laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, allows surgeons to perform a vaginal hysterectomy that might be too difficult otherwise. The hospital stay is usually only one day. Recovery time is about two weeks. The disadvantage is that this operation is relatively new and requires great skill by the surgeon.

Any vaginal hysterectomy may have to be converted to an abdominal hysterectomy during surgery if complications develop.

Preparation

Before surgery the doctor will order blood and urine tests. The woman may also meet with the anesthesiologist to evaluate any special conditions that might affect the administration of anesthesia. On the evening before the operation, the woman should eat a light dinner and then avoid eating or drinking anything.

Aftercare

After surgery a woman will feel pain. The degree of discomfort varies, and is generally greatest in abdominal hysterectomies because of the incision. Hospital stays vary from about two days (laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy) to five or six days (abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). During the hospital stay, the doctor will probably order more blood tests.

Return to normal activities such as driving and working takes anywhere from two to eight weeks, again depending on the type of surgery. Some women have emotional changes following a hysterectomy. Women who have had their ovaries removed will probably start taking hormone replacement therapy.

Risks

Hysterectomy is a relatively safe operation, although like all major surgery it carries risks. These include unanticipated reaction to anesthesia, internal bleeding, blood clots, damage to other organs such as the bladder, and post-surgery infection. The risk of death is about one in every 1,000 (1/1,000) women having the operation.

Other complications sometimes reported after a hysterectomy include changes in sex drive, weight gain, constipation, and pelvic pain. Hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause can occur if the ovaries are removed. Women who have both ovaries removed and who do not take estrogen replacement therapy run an increased risk for heart disease and osteoporosis (a condition that causes bones to be brittle). Women with a history of psychological and emotional problems before the hysterectomy are more likely to experience psychological difficulties after the operation.

Normal results

Although there is some concern that hysterectomies may be performed unnecessarily, there are many conditions for which the operation improves a woman's quality of life. In the Maine Woman's Health Study, 71% of women who had hysterectomies to correct moderate or severe painful symptoms reported feeling better mentally, physically, and sexually after the operation.


Cervix
The lower part of the uterus extending into the vagina.


Fallopian tubes
Slender tubes that carry eggs (ova) from the ovaries to the uterus.


Lymph nodes
Small, compact structures lying along the channels that carry lymph, a yellowish fluid. Lymph nodes produce white blood cells (lymphocytes), which are important in forming antibodies that fight disease.


Prolapsed uterus
A uterus that has slipped out of place, sometimes protruding down through the vagina.


For Your Information

Books

Carlson, Karen J., Stephanie A. Eisenstat, and Terra Ziporyn. "Hysterectomy." In The Harvard Guide to Women's Health, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1996, pp. 308-313.

Griffith, H. Winter. "Hysterectomy." In The Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness and Surgery, 3rd ed. New York: Berkeley Publishing, 1995, pp. 818-825.


Organizations

American Cancer Society. (800) 227-2345. http://www.cancer.org.

National Cancer Institute. (800) 4-CANCER. http://www.nci.nih.gov.

Other

Parker, William H. "A Gynecologist's Second Opinion." http://www.gynsecondopinion.com.

Source: Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Published December, 2002 by the Gale Group

The Essay Author is Debra Gordon.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Hormone replacement therapy

Definition

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the use of synthetic or natural female hormones to make up for the decline or lack of natural hormones produced in a woman's body. HRT is sometimes referred to as estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), because the first medications that were used in the 1960s for female hormone replacement were estrogen compounds.

Estrogens

**In order to understand how HRT works and the controversies surrounding it, women should know that there are different types of estrogen medications commonly prescribed in the United States and Europe. These drugs are given in a variety of prescription strengths and methods of administration. There are at present three estrogen compounds used in Western countries. Only the first two are readily available in the United States.


**Estrone. Estrone is the form of estrogen present in women after menopause. It is available as tablets under the brand name Ogen. The most commonly prescribed estrogen in the United States, Premarin, is a so-called conjugated estrogen that is a mixture of estrone and other estrogens.


**Estradiol. This is the form of estrogen naturally present in premenopausal women. It is available as tablets (Estrace), skin patches (Estraderm), or vaginal creams (Estrace).


**Estriol. Estriol is a weaker form of estrogen produced by the breakdown of other forms of estrogen in the body. This is the form of estrogen most commonly given in Europe, under the brand name Estriol. It is the only form that is thought not to cause cancer.

In addition to pills taken by mouth, skin patches, and vaginal creams, estrogen preparations can be given by injection or by pellets implanted under the skin. Estrogen implants, however, are used less and less frequently.

Progestins

Most HRT programs include progestin treatment with estrogen compounds. Progestins-sometimes called progestogens-are synthetic forms of progesterone that are given to reduce the possibility that estrogen by itself will cause cancer of the uterus. Progestins are commonly prescribed under the brand names Provera and Depo-Provera. Other common brand names are Norlutate, Norlutin, and Aygestin.

Estrogen/testosterone combinations

Women's ovaries secrete small amounts of a male sex hormone (testosterone) throughout their lives. Women who have had both ovaries removed by surgery are sometimes given testosterone along with estrogen as part of HRT. Combinations of these hormones are available as tablets under the brand name Estratest or as vaginal creams. Women who cannot take estrogens can use 1% testosterone cream by itself for problems with vaginal soreness.

Estrogen/tranquilizer combinations

There are several medications that combine estrogen with a tranquilizer like chlordiazepoxide (sold under the trade name Menrium) or meprobamate (sold under the trade name PMB). Many doctors warn against these combination drugs because the tranquilizers can be habit-forming.

Purpose

HRT has two primary purposes: preventive treatment against [b]osteoporosis[/]b and heart disease; and relief of physical symptoms associated with menopause.

Menopausal symptoms

Women in midlife enter a stage of development called menopause, when their menstrual periods become irregular and finally stop. The early phase of this transition is called the perimenopause. In the United States, the average age at menopause is presently 50 or 51, but some women begin menopause as early as 40 and others as late as 55. It can take as long as 10 years for a woman to complete the process. Women who have had their ovaries removed surgically are said to have undergone surgical menopause.

Doctors have not always agreed on definitions of the menopause. Some use age as the baseline. Others define menopause as the point when a woman has had no menstrual periods for a full calendar year. Still others define menopause as the end of ovulation. It is not always clear, however, when a woman has had her last period or when she has stopped ovulating. In addition, women who take oral contraceptives can have breakthrough bleeding long after they have stopped ovulating. As a result, some doctors now measure the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a woman's blood to estimate whether the woman has entered menopause. During perimenopause, the FSH levels in a woman's blood rise as her body attempts to stimulate the release of ripe ova. An FSH level over 40 is considered an indicator of menopause.

During the menopausal transition, the levels of estrogen in the woman's body drop. The lowered estrogen level is responsible for a group of symptoms that include hot flashes (or flushes), weight gain, changes in skin texture, mood swings, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, a need to urinate more frequently, and loss of sexual desire. The estrogen that is given in HRT can eliminate hot flashes, night sweats, lack of vaginal lubrication, and urinary tract problems. HRT will not prevent weight gain or wrinkles. It also does not cure depression in most women.

Preventive care

HRT is recommended by many doctors on the grounds that estrogen replacement helps to protect women against two serious midlife health problems.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a disorder in which the bones become more brittle and more easily fractured. It is a particular problem for postmenopausal women because the lower levels of estrogen in the blood lead to weakening of the bone. About 25% of Caucasian women will develop severe osteoporosis; Asian women have a slightly lower risk level; Latino and African American women are least at risk.

In addition to race, there are other factors that put some women at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Women in any of the following groups should take bone loss into account when considering HRT:


**family history of osteoporosis


**menopause before age 40


**kidney disease and dialysis


**thin body build or being underweight


**history of colitis, Crohn's disease, or chronic diarrhea


**thyroid medications


**childlessness


**chronic use of antacids


**lack of exercise


**poor food choices, including high salt intake, lack of vitamin D, high caffeine consumption, and low calcium intake


**smoking and alcohol abuse


**cortisone therapy

HEART DISEASE

Heart disease is a major health concern of women in midlife. It is the leading cause of death in women over 60. The primary disorders of the circulatory system in postmenopausal women are stroke, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Current studies of women on HRT do not yield a completely clear picture. In particular, although estrogen given without progestins has been shown to offer some protection against heart disease, the effect of progestins in offsetting the benefits of estrogen complicates the research findings. It seems likely that estrogen levels are only part of the picture in evaluating a woman's risk of heart disease.

The major factors that are known to increase the risk of heart disease include:


**history of smoking


**being overweight


**high-fat diets


**alcohol abuse


**family history of heart disease


**high blood pressure


**high blood cholesterol levels


**diabetes.

Less important risk factors include being African American, having a sedentary lifestyle, undergoing menopause before age 45, and having high levels of family- or job-related stress.

[b]Precautions[b]

Medical conditions

Certain groups of women should not use HRT. They include women with:


**breast cancer


**cancer of the uterus


**abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been diagnosed


**high blood pressure that rises when HRT is used


**liver disease


**gallstones or diseases of the gallbladder

Drug interactions

HRT can interact with other prescription medications that a woman may be taking. Women who are taking corticosteroids, drugs to slow the clotting of blood (anticoagulants), and rifampin should ask their doctor about possible interactions.

Combining estrogens with certain other medicines can cause liver damage. Among the drugs that may cause liver damage when taken with estrogens are:


**acetaminophen (Tylenol), when used in high doses over long periods


**anabolic steroids such as nandrolone (Anabolin) or oxymetholone (Anadrol)


**medicine for infections


**antiseizure medicines such as divalproex (Depakote), valproic acid (Depakene), or phenytoin (Dilantin)


**antianxiety drugs, including chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), and thioridazine (Mellaril).

In addition, estrogens may interfere with the effects of bromocriptine (Parlodel), used to treat Parkinson's disease and other conditions; they may also increase the chance of toxic side effects when taken with cyclosporine (Sandimmune), a drug that helps prevent organ transplant rejection.

Description

HRT medications come in several different forms, including tablets, stick-on patches, injections, and creams that are worn inside the vagina. The form prescribed depends on the purpose of the hormone replacement therapy. Women who want relief from vaginal dryness, for example, would be given a cream or vaginal ring. Women using HRT to relieve hot flashes or to prevent osteoporosis and heart disease often prefer oral medications or patches. All HRT medications used in the United States are available only with a doctor's prescription.

HRT treatment regimens

One of the complications of HRT is the number of treatment options, including combinations of types of estrogen; dosage levels; forms of administration; and whether or not progestins are used with the estrogen to offset the risk of uterine cancer. This variety, however, means that a woman who wants to use HRT while minimizing side effects can try different forms of medication or dosage schedules when she consults her doctor. It is vital, however, for women to follow their doctor's directions exactly and not change dosages themselves.

At present, women who are taking a combination of estrogens and progestins are placed on one of three dosage schedules:


**Estrogen pills taken daily from the first through the 25th day of each month, with a progestin pill taken daily during the last 10-14 days of the cycle. Both drugs are then stopped for the next five to six days to allow the uterus to shed its lining.


**Estrogen pills taken on a daily basis with low-dose progestin pills, also on a daily basis. Both medications are taken continuously with no days off.


**Estrogen pills and low-dose progestins taken on a daily basis for five days each week, with both medications stopped on the last two days of each week.

Controversies over HRT

It is important to know that there is still considerable disagreement over the advantages and disadvantages of HRT. Further research is ongoing and intensive concerning the benefits and/or risks.

INCREASED RISK OF BREAST CANCER

The most important controversy over HRT is whether it increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Some studies not only indicate a connection, but suggest that the risk of breast cancer rises with the length of time that a woman has been taking HRT. According to an American study published in June 1998, the risk of breast cancer increases by 2.3% for each year that a woman takes HRT. A Swedish study found that the risk of breast cancer doubled after six years of HRT, which agrees with American findings that risk is connected to length of treatment.

TIMING AND LENGTH OF TREATMENT

One of the disagreements about HRT concerns the best time to begin using it. Some doctors think that women should begin using HRT while they are still in perimenopause. Others think that there is no harm in a woman's waiting to decide. Either way, the question of timing means that a woman should keep track of changes in her periods and other signs of perimenopause so that her doctor can evaluate her readiness for HRT.

The other question of timing concerns length of treatment. Some women use HRT only as long as they need it to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Others regard it as a lifetime commitment because of concerns about osteoporosis. One study found that the average length of time that women stay on HRT is 23 months.

UNWANTED SIDE EFFECTS

Much of the disagreement about unwanted side effects from HRT concerns the role of progestins in the estrogen/progestin combinations that are commonly prescribed. Many women who find that estrogen relieves hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause have the opposite experience with progestin. Progestin frequently causes moodiness, depression, sore breasts, weight gain, and severe headaches.

Other treatment approaches

Women who are uncertain about HRT, or who should not take estrogens, should know about other treatment options, such as natural progesterone. Progestins, which are synthetic hormones, were developed because natural progesterone cannot be absorbed in the body when taken in pill form. A new technique called micronization has made it possible for women to take natural progesterone by mouth. Many women prefer this form of hormone because it lacks the side effects of the synthetic progestins even though it is somewhat more expensive. The most common form of natural progesterone is called Prometrium and it is available by prescription only. Another form of natural progesterone consists of the hormone suspended in vitamin E oil. It is absorbed through the skin and is available without a prescription.

Alternative therapies are also available. Many mainstream as well as alternative practitioners recommend changes in diet and nutrition as helpful during menopause. Women who limit their intake of fats and salts, increase their use of fresh fruits and vegetables, cut out smoking, and drink only in moderation often find that these dietary changes help them feel better. Naturopaths typically recommend vitamin and mineral supplements for general well-being as well as for relief from hot flashes and leg cramps. In addition, herbal teas and tonics are helpful to some women in treating water retention, insomnia, constipation, or moodiness.

Women who find menopause emotionally stressful because of negative social attitudes toward older women are often helped by meditation, biofeedback, therapeutic massage, and other relaxation techniques. Yoga and tai chi provide physical exercise as well as stress reduction. Exercise is an important safeguard against osteoporosis.

Preparation

Women who are considering HRT should visit their doctor for a series of tests to make sure that they do not have any serious health disorders. They should have a Pap smear and breast examination to rule out cancer. They should also have a urinalysis, a bone density test, and blood tests to measure their red blood cell level, blood sugar level, cholesterol level, and liver and thyroid function.

In addition to these tests, most doctors will also give a progesterone challenge test. It consists of doses of progesterone given over a 10-day period to see if the woman is still producing her own estrogen. If she bleeds at the end of the test, she is still producing estrogen.

Aftercare

Aftercare is a very important part of HRT. Women who are taking HRT will need to see their doctor more frequently. At a minimum, they should be checked twice a year with a blood pressure test and breast examination. They should have a complete physical on a yearly basis. Any abnormal bleeding must be reported to the doctor as soon as it occurs. The doctor will need to order a tissue biopsy or dilation and curettage (D & C) in order to rule out cancer of the uterus.

Women who are taking HRT and decide to stop should taper their dosage over a period of several months rather than discontinuing abruptly. A gradual reduction minimizes the possibility of hot flashes and other side effects.

Risks

The short-term risks associated with HRT include a range of physical side effects. Common side effects include fluid retention, bloating, weight gain, sore breasts, leg cramps, vaginal discharges, migraine headaches, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, acne, depression, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Potentially serious side effects include tissue growths in the uterus (fibroids), gallstones, thrombophlebitis, hypoglycemia, abnormal growth (hyperplasia) of uterine tissue, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Normal results

Normal results of HRT include relief of hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and urinary symptoms associated with menopause.


Dilation and curettage (D & C)
A surgical procedure in which the patient's cervix is widened (dilated) and the endometrium is scraped with a scoop-shaped instrument (curette).


Estrogen
The primary sex hormone that controls normal sexual development in females. During the menstrual cycle, estrogen helps prepare the body for possible pregnancy.


Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the follicles in the ovaries to swell and release ripe ova. Doctors sometimes use its levels in a woman's blood to evaluate whether she is in menopause.


Hormone
A substance secreted by an endocrine gland that is carried by blood or other body fluids to its target tissues or organs.


Hot flash
A warm or hot sensation on the face, neck and upper body, sometimes accompanied by flushing and sweating. Some women refer to hot flashes as hot flushes.


Osteoporosis
A bone disorder in which the bones become brittle, porous, and easily broken. It is a major health concern for postmenopausal women.


Ovary
The female sex gland that produces eggs and female reproductive hormones.


Ovulation
The cyclical process of egg maturation and release from the ovary.


Progesterone
A female hormone produced by the ovary. It functions to prepare the lining of the uterus to receive a fertilized ovum.


Progesterone challenge test
A test that is given to see if a woman is still secreting estrogen. It consists of doses of progesterone given over a 10-day period.


Progestin
Synthetic progesterone available as an oral medication.


Testosterone
A male sex hormone that is sometimes given as part of HRT to women whose ovaries have been removed. Testosterone helps with problems of sexual desire.


Uterus
The hollow organ in women in which fertilized eggs develop during pregnancy. The uterus is sometimes called the womb.


For Your Information

Books

**Compton, Madonna Sophia, MA. Women at the Change: The Intelligent Woman's Guide to Menopause. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1998.


**Goldman, Lee, et al, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. W. B. Saunders, 2000.


**Goroll, Alan H. Primary Care Medicine. 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000.


**Greer, Germaine. The Change: Women, Aging, and the Menopause. New York: Fawcett Columbine, 1991.


**Greenwood, Sadja. Menopause, Naturally: Preparing for the Second Half of Life. Volcano, CA: Volcano Press, 1992.


**Nurses Drug Guide 1995. Ed. Billie Ann Wilson, et al. Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1995.


**Sander, Pela. "Natural Healing Therapies." In Women of the 14th Moon: Writings on Menopause. Ed. Dena Taylor and Amber Coverdale Sumrall. Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1991.


Organization

**American Heart Association. 7320 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75321. (214)373-6300.


**National Women's Health Network. 514 10th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. (202) 347-1140.


**North American Menopause Society (NAMS). 11100 Euclid Avenue, 7th Avenue, McDonald Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44105.


**Women's International Pharmacy. 5708 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716. (800) 279-5708.


Other

Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy. Fact sheet. National Cancer Institute. http://rex.nci.nih.gov

Source: Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Published December, 2002 by the Gale Group

The Essay Author is Laith Farid Gulli M.D..


Posted by: Stacey

BABS-- I don't need hormone therapy treatment right?? Thats only if I have a hysterectomy! Correct???


Posted by: Stacey

Prevention

There is no proven way to prevent endometriosis. One study, however, indicated that girls who begin participating in aerobic exercise at a young age are less likely to develop the condition.


I don't think this is true, I started jogging when I was 13 years old--and started aerobics at age 14--sooooo I doubt that one is true...lol


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Quote:
Originally posted by Stacey
BABS-- I don't need hormone therapy treatment right?? Thats only if I have a hysterectomy! Correct???

It depends on which stage women are in with their Endo. If you're on BCP, that's a form of therapy. BCPs are given to those who want to prevent pregnancy and to those with painful periods. BCPs are hormones.

From what I've been reading, seems like once a person has been diagnosed with Endometriosis and has a Hysterectomy, dif. strength hormones are prescribed to replace the hormones your body once created naturally.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Quote:
Originally posted by Stacey
Prevention

There is no proven way to prevent endometriosis. One study, however, indicated that girls who begin participating in aerobic exercise at a young age are less likely to develop the condition.


I don't think this is true, I started jogging when I was 13 years old--and started aerobics at age 14--sooooo I doubt that one is true...lol
I believe the key words in prevention are: Less Likely to develope the condition.

Like you, I was very active at a very young age. Didn't help me.

I wonder if this also goes in hand with when a person says: "Exercise helps me feel better during my mensus"

A friend of mine says she feels better during her mensus when she exercises.

The only thing I can say is: Everyone is dif. and react/respond in many dif. ways. I consider the people who can escape the pain by exercising to be very lucky. I'm guess these people do their research by conducting surveys


Posted by: Stacey

Quote:
Originally posted by BabsieGirl
It depends on which stage women are in with their Endo. If you're on BCP, that's a form of therapy. BCPs are given to those who want to prevent pregnancy and to those with painful periods. BCPs are hormones.

From what I've been reading, seems like once a person has been diagnosed with Endometriosis and has a Hysterectomy, dif. strength hormones are prescribed to replace the hormones your body once created naturally.
YES-you are right.

I am on BCP--well 2 more days of it!
I am in between stage 4 and 5


Posted by: Stacey

see some days it does help for me to exercise--and some days I can't get off the couch & lay on a heating pad!!!!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Quote:
Originally posted by Stacey
YES-you are right.

I am on BCP--well 2 more days of it!
I am in between stage 4 and 5

Please keep us posted!! If you have any questions on how to get preg (besides the obvious) and want to know your fertile days, please shoot me a PM. I've been there done that. What ever you do, do not get disappointed if getting there isn't fast enough or as fast as you'd like it to happen.

Have you talked to your doctor about the possibility of fertility drugs? I would suggest setting an appt with your gyno and discuss your options and to get all your questions answered. He knows you best

I'll pray for you sweetie


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Quote:
Originally posted by Stacey
see some days it does help for me to exercise--and some days I can't get off the couch & lay on a heating pad!!!!

I could never exercise. I get light headed and pass out. Last time my trainer pushed me during this time, he had to use the smelling salt...... There were times aside from this. Passing out started making me nervous. So, on top of nervousness, the fear of passing out in front of people I new or didn't know would make me feel anxious and I'd panic. So, I don't leave the house when I start my mensus. If I start at work, I tell my boss I need to go home. And, I stay there. I don't train and I don't move.


Hang in there.


Posted by: Stacey

Hey Girl! Yes my doctor and I have discussed fertility drugs--however we are going to try for a year without. My doctor thinks I will need them though. Who Knows. Its in Gods hands


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Exactly, it's in Gods hands.

Fertility drugs will make it happen alot faster in case you're in a race against time and the disease.

I'll keep you in my prayers and, my offer still stands about PMing me.

Love ya
Babs


Posted by: pattytkd

Hello all, I am new here and new to the sport of bodybuilding. I am a 37 yr old female mother of 2 and grandmother to 1! Yes a grandma at 37! Well I got married at 17 and me and hubby just celebrated our 20th anniversay!!! Anyway been into fitness all my life but got really bad out of shape due to the endo. I would bleed at nothing. i am a martial arts school owner and head instructor and got so bad I would have to leave my dojang floor 2 or 3 times in 1 hour to change because I would bleed so heavy from doing anything. I went from a size 2 to a size 10. Yes I gain weight easy, but I also could not do ANYTHING. Anyway I had the choice of ablation (burning the lining of the uterus)or hysterectomy. after much talk with my family and friends I decided to undergo the knife. It was a very difficult recovery and yes painful. But I was up walking the halls of the hospital 24 hrs after the surgery. I had 350 stitches inside and 9 staples outside. I was told that it would be 1 yr before I could fully teach or train again. Within 3 months I was teaching my classes on my own, rolling, falling, tumbling, doing full splits the whole thing. Doc said I recovered so quickly because I was still in great shape. Tho I didn't see great shape when I looked inthe mirror. But it was so great not to be hurting, cramping, bleeding all the time. I am so glad I had it done. Now I have a nice scar from hip bone to hip bone but to me that is a beautiful thing because I am now free from pain and bleeding. I still have my ovaries, they removed my cervix and uterus and tubes. So when I ovulate I get that little pain each month but other than that I feel great. No longer anemic. So now this past Sept 03 I decided that i wanted to be a fitness competetior in the sport of either fitness or bodybuilding. Leaning more towards the bodybuilding. I just like that really defined hard look. So here I am a grandma, had a hysterectomy exactly 1 yr ago and pumping iron to be the best I can be as an OLD woman!!!
Blessings to all!
Patty


Posted by: donescobar2000

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BabsieGirl
My goal is to become a Pro Figure athlete regardless of the scars I have developed during my battle of fighting Endometriosis./QUOTE]


Sweetie you're not the only one with the goal of competing. I have a scar going around my waste and up to a bit above my navle. This comes from a Tummy Tuck procedure which I had done in August. I'm still healing and bulking to get myself huge. I wish you plenty of luck.



Posted by: BabsieGirl

OMG, i had no idea you got a tummy tuck!!!!

Share your story, if you don't mind. I was doing some reading where women who are getting a hysterectomy also get a tummy tuck at the same time.

Your story will explain why you went through with the tummy tuck, your healing process, how soon you returned to the gym, etc...which is what a lot of men and women in our field of goals would like to know.....

Cool.....

Thanks for sharing


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Patty -- Thank YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING. That was so brave of you! Thank you Thank you Thank you.

Okay. I have some questions........


Posted by: Stacey

Quote:
Originally posted by BabsieGirl
Exactly, it's in Gods hands.

Fertility drugs will make it happen alot faster in case you're in a race against time and the disease.

I'll keep you in my prayers and, my offer still stands about PMing me.

Love ya
Babs
Thank you


Posted by: Stacey

Patty~ wow what an awesome story!!! You are truly amazing!!!!!!!!!!


Posted by: donescobar2000

Quote:
Originally posted by BabsieGirl
OMG, i had no idea you got a tummy tuck!!!!

Share your story, if you don't mind. I was doing some reading where women who are getting a hysterectomy also get a tummy tuck at the same time.

Your story will explain why you went through with the tummy tuck, your healing process, how soon you returned to the gym, etc...which is what a lot of men and women in our field of goals would like to know.....

Cool.....

Thanks for sharing

I will definilty do that.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Thanks bud

That's very nice of you


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Okay..........Tomorrow is the BIG DAY!!!! Maybe not like "the big day" rather the day, I get a thorough break down of what's going on and which is the best thing for me to do.

If anyone has any questions they think I should ask, please post them and I'll be sure to ask.

You guys are wonderful.

Thanks,
BabsieGirl


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Myth: Endometriosis can only be treated with surgery.

Fact: There are many treatment options that have been shown to be effective in the management of endometriosis - and surgery is just one of them. In some cases, the gynecologist may recommend medical treatment following surgery.

Myth: All of this pain is just part of being a woman with endometriosis. I just have to accept it.

Fact: You may have learned to "just accept" the pain you are experiencing because of your endometriosis. While painful periods, lower back pain during your period or pain during or after sexual intercourse may be associated with your endometriosis - you don't have to accept them as "part of being a woman." Endometriosis can be a serious disease and should be managed as such.

There's a good chance your gynecologist considered your symptoms, your medical history and other factors to help make a diagnosis of endometriosis. But your input shouldn't stop there. Continuing to keep a written record of your symptoms over an extended period of time will help to highlight any changes in physical patterns as well as how you are feeling. This record will serve as an important tool that can assist your doctor in the management of your endometriosis.

Myth: Endometriosis can be cured.

Fact: Endometriosis is a chronic disease and there is no known cure at this time. However, the disease may be treated and managed successfully. Treatment may help reduce the level of pain and other symptoms that endometriosis can cause.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Fast Facts about Endometriosis: Common name: Endometriosis or Endo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Medical name: Endometriosis

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Number of women affected: At least 5.5 million women in North America alone have endometriosis.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Common symptoms: Very painful cramps or periods, heavy periods, chronic pelvic pain (which includes lower back pain and pelvic pain), intestinal pain, pain during or after sex, infertility.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Common treatments: Pain medication
Hormone therapy
Surgery—laparoscopy (pronounced lapp-are-ah-skoe-pee) or laparotomy (pronounced lapp-are-ah-toe-mee)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Does this disorder affect fertility/childbearing? About 30 percent to 40 percent of women with endometriosis are infertile, making it one of the top three causes for female infertility.

However, endometriosis-related infertility is often treated successfully using hormones and surgery.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases, affecting more than 5.5 million women in North America alone. The two most common symptoms of endometriosis are pain and infertility. Some women have pain before and during their periods, as well as during or after sex. This pain can be so intense that it affects a woman’s quality of life, from her relationships, to her day-to-day activities. Some women don’t have any symptoms from endometriosis. Others may not find out they have the disease until they have trouble getting pregnant.

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conducts and funds important research into the causes of and treatments for endometriosis. The NICHD hopes that through research, we will someday be able to cure and even prevent this painful disease.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Who gets endometriosis?

Endometriosis can affect any menstruating woman, from the time of her first period to menopause, regardless of whether or not she has children, her race or ethnicity, or her socio-economic status. Endometriosis can sometimes persist after menopause; or hormones taken for menopausal symptoms may cause the symptoms of endometriosis to continue.

Current estimates place the number of women with endometriosis between 2 percent and 10 percent of women of reproductive age. But, it’s important to note that these are only estimates, and that such statistics can vary widely.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Why does having endometriosis cause pain?

How endometriosis causes pain is the topic of much research. Because many women with endometriosis feel pain during or related to their periods, some researchers are focusing on the menstrual cycle in their search for answers about pain.

Normally, if a woman is not pregnant, her endometrial tissue builds up inside her uterus, breaks down into blood and tissue, and is shed as her menstrual flow or period. This cycle of growth and shedding happens every month or so.

The endometriosis areas growing outside the uterus also go through a similar cycle; they grow, break down into blood and tissue, and are shed once a month. But, because this tissue isn’t where it’s supposed to be, it can’t leave the body the way a woman’s period normally does. As part of this process, endometriosis areas make chemicals that may irritate the nearby tissue, as well as some other chemicals that are known to cause pain.

Over time, in the process of going through this monthly cycle, endometriosis areas can grow and become nodules or bumps on the surface of pelvic organs, or become cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries. Sometimes the chemicals produced by the endometriosis can cause the organs in the pelvic area to scar, and even to scar together, so they appear as one large organ.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Is there a cure for endometriosis?

Currently, we have no cure for endometriosis. Even having a hysterectomy or removing the ovaries does not guarantee that the endometriosis areas and/or the symptoms of endometriosis will not come back.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

This is soooooooooo freaky???????????????

I need to ask my doctor about this!!!


Posted by: nikegurl

unfortunately, i believe it is true. my cousin's wife suffered from endo for many years before having a hysterectomy 4 years ago. she still has symptoms and some discomfort and her doctor told her that while it's not the norm...it's not unheard of.

however, the good news is she is drastically improved. it isn't entirely over but she isn't bedridden with pain anymore.

good luck today.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Quote:
she still has symptoms and some discomfort and her doctor told her that while it's not the norm...it's not unheard of.
Wow, that's comforting. NOT......

Did her doctor tell her why she's still having these symptoms? i mean, when they're out (since they were causing her problems and they're no longer there) you'd think she wouldn't have any pains, etc.....

Do you think the doctor removed all of her endo? Does she still go in for Laparascopies after the fact?


Quote:
however, the good news is she is drastically improved. it isn't entirely over but she isn't bedridden with pain anymore.
That is good news! Endo REALLY puts a lot of strain on relationships and our daily lives. It controls us ya know.

Sad, there isn't really a cure for it and the pain never stops, rather reduced.

Did your cousins wife chose Hormone Therapy first, or straigh up total removal?

Thank you for sharing NG. The more I hear, the more I start feeling a little better. Not totally better, but better knowing I have people to talk to about this. My husband isn't really comforting me the way I'd like. All I want to do is talk to him about this and explain how I feel. I want to "feel" he completely understands what's going to happen to me and my future. I just feel he doesn't care. Maybe I'm being a little sensitive cause I know men could care less about these sort of things, however, he's suppose to be my best friend. And, best friends are there for each other.

Thank you for listening.
Babs


Posted by: nikegurl

i can ask her for you (i'm not sure on some of the details)

babsie - this is just a thought and i could be way off base. i hope you don't mind my speculating anyway....

your husband may not seem as supportive as you'd like out of frustration in his inability to "fix" it for you. i find sometimes guys seem cold or almost indifferent not because they don't care but because they feel overwhelmed by not being able to actually do anything about it. (when all we want is some comfort)

hang in there lady.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Aww, okay. Tell her if she doesn't want to share, that's okay and I understand

I don't mind you speculating at all hon. You're entitled to your opinion.

NG, thanks for turning my neg. thinking into something positive. I always think the worse when I should keep a positive attitude and I try really hard. Just this decision is so emotional for me, and maybe for my husband.

Should I ask him to share his thoughts with me?


Posted by: nikegurl

how do you think things would go if you were to tell him you know he can't do anything to medically change your condition but a literal shoulder to lean on, a few extra hugs, maybe some additional help around the house (?), etc. would really help you out.

that way he knows in a concrete way what would help.

not sure about your hubbie but i know my ex really needed those kinds of specifics or he'd get all flustered and frustrated thinking he couldn't do anything at all if he couldn't solve the problem itself.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

That's wonderful advice hon. Didn't get to use it last night because I was so upset after my appt and my experience with the pharmacy. So disturbing.

I'll try to use it tonight when I go home.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Stage I, or minimal endometriosis, involves small spots of endometriosis in the pelvis or the ovaries without scarring. There is little evidence that it causes infertility and there is no evidence that surgery is a cost effective treatment. The value of a laparoscopy to diagnose stage I endometriosis is debatable. Many patients conceive without treatment.

Stage II, or mild endometriosis, involves more extensive areas of endometriosis, often with "nodules" in the cul-de-sac on exam. The ovaries can be scarred to the sides of the pelvis making the ovaries immobile. A careful exam and vaginal ultrasound will usually make the diagnosis without surgery. Again, many patients conceive without surgical treatment but surgery can be helpful.

Stage III, or moderate endometriosis, has more scarring and/or endometriomas (collections of endometriosis in the ovaries). Vaginal ultrasound done in the first half of the cycle will detect endometriomas. The presence of an endometrioma is diagnostic for stage III or IV endometriosis. Surgical treatment is indicated.

Stage IV, or severe endometriosis, is like stage III but with either endometriomas in both ovaries, involvement of bowel and/or bladder or very extensive scarring. Surgery is needed for general health reasons. Often IVF will eventually be needed to achieve fertility to bypass the scarring.

Endometriosis and Tubal Disease
Endometriosis nearly always spares the fallopian tube. This allows the patient and physician to consider GIFT as a treatment option,except for Stage IV endometriosis. The presence of tubal damage, particularly hydrosalpinx indicates another problem--usually previous tubal infection. The best treatment for damaged tubes is IVF.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

My doctors visit was soooooooo short. Maybe 10min, if that. The doctor came in, asked how I was doing, scurried through my chart then told me to follow him to another office cause he wanted to look something up. In their he told me I have stage IV Endo and an Endometrial Sac on my colon, asked if I wanted to have anymore children....I said no...........He asked, "how do you know?"......I said because my husband said we're done!..............I told him I wanted to go ahead and have a Hysterectomy.......he said he agreed and looked into my insurance...............what a crock of crap!!!!!!&(@)#$*@()#_$*&)#. My insurance says I have to be on Depro-Lupron for 3-6months before they'll cover a hysterectomy. I think they should say that if someone is at a 2 or low 3 stage, not a person who's at stage IV and counting. Stage IV is the LAST STAGE, there's no telling what will happen to me now....................So, after that my doctor gave me some more darvesets and a presciption for the injection......I go to the pharmacy and wait ONE HOUR for them to tell me my insurance won't cover the injection and they won't tell me why but if I wanted the injection I can pay $600.............I was so ticked off yesterday I was in tears all the way home which is an hour drive..........I went home...........told the family I loved'em, leave me alone for the evening and I'm going to bed with out dinner! I get to work today and go directly to the lady who went through exactly what I am.........She said we have another branch of health insurance that many of us do not know about and explained my injection is covered however my doctor has to order it through this company and they have to mail it to my doctor........Then I go in, get the shot and it's covered......................................


I'm scheduled to go in tomorrow to get my shot however, that's still up in the air as my doctor is arguing with my insurance at the moment.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Oh...MY MOM shows up at my appt. She's so anal. it's annoying.

While we're both in the room waiting for the doctor my mom says, "Krystie, you really need to see an internist!" I tell her if she wants to be in the same room with me, I want no lectures.......She's great at ticking me off. Everything has got to be her way or she's not happy......So I reminded her that I'm the one who has been going through this pain for 14 years and seeing the same doctor for it. He knows my background ect...

We're sitting there and I tell her that I'm following through in getting the Hysterectomy.......She asks me, "Why, I thought you wanted to try for a little boy?" and that I should wait. So then I tell her my hubby doesn't want to have anymore, what am I suppose to do, go mess around so I can make her happy with another child? Then I explained how expensive it's going to be to send the girls off to college and by adding another body would only lessen their chances of going., etc........

So then she changes the subject by asking if I'm still working out. By that time, I was soooooo ready to ask her to leave. I wanted to say, "Mom, you're in the medical field, why are you asking me this question knowing I just had surgery?" I asked her why she asked that question.........She said, "Because you're getting fat!"

I wanted to just get up, walk out the doors, start bawling and never return to anyone. Instead I sucked it up, turned my head and told her my weight gain was due to all the hormones we've been playing with to get the endometriosis to SLOW OR STOP it from spreading.

I'm already freaking out because many women gain A LOT of weight when they get a hysterectomy. I know I'm strong and will work hard to keep all the weight off me but right now, there's nothing I can do because I'm not allowed to do anything I just feel stuck................and now I'm depressed........I had myself geared up that if I do gain weight, it would be an even exchange to be pain free and well worth it to lead a normal life. I'm sure things are going to be a struggle at first, but once I get going, things have to change I just know it...........All this gain is water..........

Thanks you guys for listening. I'll let you know what the doc said about my injection.


Babs


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Usually endometriosis is found in the pelvic area
It has been found on every pelvic organ, including the uterus (17-55% of women), ovaries (61-78%), tubes, ligaments, uterers, bowel, bladder
However, it can be found in anywhere in the body
**it has been found in the lungs, knees, nose, arms, brain



Posted by: BabsieGirl

Okay gang.

I just got off the phone with my doctor and my "secondary" injectable pharmacy procare." Tomorrow on the 26th, I'm going in to get an injection of: Depro Lupron 3.75

Each month I will get the injection for 3 to 6 months. If they do not work (which I doubt they will as far into this as I am) then a Hysterectomy is needed. Which kind? I'm not sure.

Hang tight and I'll be back with some info on Lupron 3.75 Injections, etc.......


Babs


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Depo Lupron


Depo Lupron is a long acting Lupron taking by injection once every 4 to 6 weeks. To down regulate the ovaries on a long term basis and is started on Day 21 of the cycle prior to the month down regulation is to be effective. This allows the ovaries to go into a resting phase similar to menopause to allow for exogenous control of hormones with drugs. In our program, Depo Lupron is used to down regulate potential recipients of donor eggs. This allows for maximum ability to synchronize with a prospective egg donor. Depo Lupron is also used to control endometriosis and to control irregular bleeding.

Side effects are similar to menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, moodiness and sweating. These subside, but if they don't, your physician may prescribe some hormone replacement therapy to relieve hot flashes and prevent loss of bone density in long term use


Posted by: BabsieGirl

what you should know about lupron depot.

1. Lupron Depot, a GnRH agonist, is effective for the treatment of endometriosis. After completing a maximum of 6 months of therapy, 96% of patients reported no painful periods (dysmenorrhea), 66% reported no pelvic tenderness, and 53% reported no pelvic pain.

2. Treatment with Lupron Depot lasts. Symptom relief can extend well beyond the treatment period for many women. In women who completed the
12-month follow-up after the end of Lupron Depot therapy, 76% of patients previously reporting painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) were still symptom-free. Of women who had pelvic tenderness before using Lupron Depot, 61% were symptom-free after a year. Over half the women with pelvic pain were symptom-free a year after Lupron Depot therapy.

3. Lupron Depot therapy can actually shrink the endometriotic implants that have been causing pain in your abdomen. In clinical studies, women with pelvic pain underwent diagnostic laparoscopy before and after they were treated with Lupron Depot for 6 months. In the women in whom surgeons could actually see endometriotic lesions and implants, the surgeons observed that a full course of Lupron Depot therapy had substantially reduced the size of the endometrial implants.



4. Many women with endometriosis experience pain relief within the first 3 months of Lupron Depot therapy. In order to determine whether or not Lupron Depot is going to work for you, your physician may recommend a trial of therapy for 3 months. Many patients can tell within that period of time whether or not Lupron Depot will work to control their pelvic pain. If it is working for you, your physician may have you complete the entire 6-month regimen. Treatment with Lupron Depot for 6 months has shown long-lasting symptom relief.

5. Just 6 months of therapy can mean years of pain relief. While a course of GnRH agonist therapy is for 6 months, many women report pain relief for up to 5 years after they have finished therapy. In fact, in one study, 63% of patients with mild disease reported being symptom-free 5 years after the end of GnRH agonist therapy,* and 26% of patients with severe disease reported being symptom-free.

*Drugs used in this study include:
Zoladex® (goserelin acetate implant), a registered trademark of Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals LP.
Synarel® (nafarelin acetate), a registered trademark of Pharmacia Corporation.
Suprefact® (buserelin acetate), a registered trademark of Aventis Pharmaceuticals.


6. If symptoms return, you can take a second 6-month course of Lupron Depot. If, after completing therapy, your pain returns, your doctor may prescribe Lupron Depot plus norethindrone acetate 5 mg daily for an additional 6 months. The benefits of add-back therapy can be a decrease in the frequency of hot flashes and a significant reduction of bone loss—in addition to the pain relief that Lupron Depot provides.



7. Lupron Depot is well tolerated. Lupron Depot, like any of the other drugs in its class that are used for endometriosis, works by putting your body into a temporary state of menopause, so most side effects of Lupron Depot therapy are similar to what women experience during menopause. These can include hot flashes, headaches, no periods, and vaginal dryness.

These symptoms are a result of a temporary state of menopause and are generally reversible after the drug is discontinued. Many patients have established ways of tolerating side effects, most notably hot flashes, in much the same way women going through the first stages of menopause have learned to cope with their symptoms. Examples include dressing in layers that can be easily removed, avoiding hot drinks and spicy foods that can trigger hot flashes, and using waterproof mascara to prevent makeup from running.

If you are concerned about hot flashes tell
your doctor. Your doctor may add norethindrone acetate 5 mg daily to your Lupron Depot therapy, which can reduce hot flashes while still maintaining Lupron Depot's efficacy.



Most common side effects with Lupron Depot are generally those related to hypoestrogenism, including vasomotor flushes, headaches, and vaginal dryness. A small amount of bone loss (average 3.2%) may also occur during therapy with Lupron Depot alone, but usually is partially or completely recovered after you stop taking Lupron Depot.

The most commonly reported side effects of Lupron Depot plus norethindrone acetate 5 mg daily were hot flashes, headache, nausea/vomiting, depression/emotional lability, and asthenia. In addition, Lupron Depot plus norethindrone acetate–treated patients had significantly decreased HDL levels and significantly increased LDL/HDL ratios. After treatment, mean serum lipid levels from patients with follow-up data returned to pretreatment values. Norethindrone acetate should be used with caution in women with cardiovascular risk factors including lipid abnormalities and cigarette smoking. Refer to the norethindrone acetate prescribing information for warnings, precautions, contraindications and adverse reactions.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

My appt time is 3:30 so I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow.


Posted by: Vieope

Good to know that you are a strong woman and will overcome the current problem.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Thanks V, I'm trying really hard to keep a positive view point. It's hard believe me, it's hard!

Thank you for visiting bud


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Okay,

Yesterday I went to my gyno to get the Lupron Injection. Didn't hurt at all.

So far, I'm not experiencing anything other than pain in my hip from where I got the injection. Which I'm assuming is normal and will subside shortly. The site is tender to touch.

Still have cramping, which will HOPEFULLY stop after the first 30 days are up.

My doctor said none of his patients experienced weight gain.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

What should I expect?

At first, your estrogen level will increase for one o two weeks. during that time, you may notice an increase iin your current symptoms. Then these hormones will decline to levels similar to those in menopausal women.

Therefore, the most common side effects of LUPRON DEPOT 3.75mg include:

Hot Flashs
Vaginal Dryness
Headaches
Changes in Mood
Decreased Interest in Sex

Your Mentrual periods will probably become less regular and the flow may be heavier or lighter. After a few months of therapy your periods may stop completely.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

When you take LUPRON DEPOT 3.75mg, your hormone levels are decreased to menopausal levels or lower. This low level can result in thinning of the bones, which may not be completely reversible in some patients. There are certain conditions that may increase the possibility of the thinning of your bones when you take a drug such as LUPRON DEPOT 3.75mg. They are:

*Excessive use of alcohol
*Smoking
*Family history of Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones with fractures)
*Taking other medications that can cause thinning of the bones

If your symptoms returna fter treatment is finished and repeated treatment is desired, you will need co-treatment with LUPRON DEPOT 3.75mg and NORETHINDRONE ACETATE. Your health care provider should assess your bone density at this time. Be sure to discuss this with your health care provider.

Co-treatment with LUPRON DEPOT 3.75mg AND NORETHINDRONE ACETATE has not been studied for treatment of fibroids.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

LUPRON DEPOT 3.75mg is NOT a method of birth control. Even though you may not have periods, unprotected intercourse could result in pregnancy. Therefore, you should use non-hormonal birth control such as condoms or a diaphragm with contraceptive gel/cream or an IUD. If you think that you may be pregnant while receiving LUPRON DEPOT 3.75mg, contact your health care provider IMMEDIATELY.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

LUPRON DEPOT 3.75mg interrups the normal menstual cycle and the production of estrogen and this may slow the growth of Endometrial Implants. As a result, pain and other symptoms resulting from Endometriosis can be eased during treatment. In about 50% to 60% of the women treated during clinical studies, LUPRON DEPOT 3.75mg afforded relief from sypmtoms. Some of the symptoms were more responsive to treatment. The list below shows what percentage of patients who have the specific symptoms found relief at the end of treatment.

Mentrual pain/cramping 96%
Pelvic Pain 53%
Pain with Intercourse 56%
Pelvic Tenderness 66%
Thickening of the pelvic tissue 71%

Many of the original patients were followed up to 1 year after treatment with LUPRON DEPOT 3.75mg was stopped to determine when symptoms of Endometriosis recurred. In these patients, some of the symptoms reappeared fast than others.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Once you have finished your course of treatment with LUPRON DEPOT 3.75mg, your periods will return and the menopausal symptoms you experienced will disappear within ten weeks from the day of your last injection. In some patients, thinning of the bone structure may not be completely reversible.


Posted by: shortstuff

Hey Babs Just read this and I am so sorry to hear this. It is awful I know, my mother went throught he exact same thing. She did the hormones, didn't work, had a hysterectomy and everything has been fine since then. She chose to not do any hormone replacement therapy after the hsterectomy because of the risk her doctor told her for her that her endo could come back. She was the exact same as you. Her uterus and ovaries were completely covered with the endo and like you it had begun to spread. She was unable to move sometimes for days on end out of bed the pain was so bad. The females in our family also have genetically have high blod pressure, my grandmother had breast cancer, and heart disease runs in the family. So she has now been empty (of her female organs) for 5 years and feels great. There was no major weight gain, just the menopause came 20 years before it was suppossed becasue of the hysterectomy. She said the first two years after were the most intense for hot flashes and the whole hormonal imbalance, but she still gets them evryonce in awhile. But now she is able to sleep, able to work, exercise, and be normal. It only took her about 3-4 months to recover but she was not in great shape before going under.

Good luck on your decisions and I am thinking and praying for you


Posted by: BabsieGirl

HI SS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! **HUGS*** thank you for sharing!!!!

I'm sorry to hear about your mom sweetie & family history. Glad she's doing MUCH better. Sounds like your family is a strong one and nothing gets in their way. This is how I picture you! Being strong and letting nothing stop you from what you want to do! So, who do you get your sweetness from? Just kidding

Seriously though, thank you for sharing. A lot of women go in wonder because they don't have friends & family memebers who are going through what they are. It's people like you who are willing to open your learning experiences (even if it's not you that went through it) to the people who think, "I'm the only one and I'm scared, etc....!" I want people to see, they're not the only one and god didn't just pick them to "torture."

Life is good as long as you keep a positive attitude and it gets hard to do when things happen to you.

Do you know what kind of Hysterectomy your mother had? What she had removed? I'm wondering if she had everything removed, or just her uterus?? Only because you said she isn't taking any hormone replacement therapy since having her hysterectomy. I'm not douting you. Just trying to weigh my options. I'd rather not take hormones after the hysterectomy however, I don't want to increase another health risk by not.

Cause and Effect is all I'm trying to figure out here (at the moment) and get to the bottom of. I'm sure my 3 months will fly by.

From what I've been reading I don't want any type of Hormone treatment that is going to trigger the Estrogen hormone. Endometriosis thrives off Estrogen. A lot of women are taking Progesterone while others are taking something else. Maybe it's all trial and error with dif. people and the way their bodies react chemically

Oh, the menopause thing has me wigging out I don't want to become forgetful and I don't want to lose my bone density. Sometimes I feel like I can't win for losing........Then something positive happens...............This is where the emotionaly rollar coaster comes in.

This summer my husband and I planned on taking the girls on vacation. That got all mess up because of my health. In 3 months, my doctor and I decide on a date for my Hysterectomy (lupron isn't going to work he's hoping it'll burn the Cul-De-Sacs off my colon) and I'll be on FMLA and Disability anywhere from 1 to 2 months. I'm sure I'll still be limited on movements for another couple months so there goes the summer. Down the drain............

Okay....I'm not trying to make a book....

You have a nice weekend sister!

Babs


Posted by: shortstuff

Oh Babs I hate reading this baout such a good wonderful person, and I know Stacey has her awful troubles too with trying to get pregnant. I feel so lucky that I began working out and eating well when I did becasue thank god I have no signs of any of my families health problems, just got my dad's damn sweet tooth

She had everything removed. she did the hormones for 2 months and stopped after doing her research like you are doing. Plus something about it reacted badly with her and she just had no energy. She is feeling great now and is very glad she is not doing hormones, as much as it sucks going through the menopause, and she does her calcium replacements and a bunch of other stuff.

I know this rough, it was so awful to go through this with my mom, I was 17 when she had the surgery but I remember the years before when she would be up all night becasue she could not sleep she was in so much pain. I am praying that this does not happen to me.

Enjoy the time off if at all possible and enjoy your family, and you are giving your girls a great mother to look up to and see how well youa re able to pull through such a trying time, and with great strength.

XOXOXOXO-Pam


Posted by: BabsieGirl

I just got off the phone with my doctor and he said I can return to the gym. I'm not allowed to hit it hard like I'm preparing for a comp. Rather, general fitness goals for a couple weeks. If I injur myself further, it'll only delay the time I get to spend in the gym.

So, I'm playing it smart. No heavy weights......mainly I'm going to try cardio out next week and see how that goes and then introduce myself to the weights maybe by the middle or end of next week.........Not sure yet. I'm going to chat this over with my PT.

Next week my stitches are coming out and I don't want them to pop.

This is so up lifting.....

I've been going into the gym about every other day visiting my friends and talking with my PT. Saturday I'm going in JUST TO TALK. Next week I'm heading up LIGHT cardio


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Oh Pam I love you hon..........Thank you for your support and encouraging words.

Sweetie, you have a nice weekend


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Okay, Saturday was a day from hell.

I couldn't keep anything down.

Sunday was a little better.

When I got into work this morning, I asked a gal here if Lupron made her sick when she first started. She said yes but not to the point of vomiting all day and not being able to keep things down. My hips were also hurting.

So maybe it was the 24hr stomach flu

Today, I'm feeling TONS BETTER especially since I know I will be going to gym this evening for a round of cardio. I'll get to see all my friends too.............


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Last night I thought I was going to do cardio. Boy, was I WRONG!!! The moment I walked through the doors at the gym, my ovaries were feeling all BIG like they were going to burst. Then this headache came from NO WHERE! I was like, "okay, what's going on? I haven't even started cardio and my body is acting all funny!"

So I met up with my PT, a couple buds and gals there. Talked about when I'm going to compete next, blah blah blah. Anyway, I learned my PT may be working a booth at the Expo. I'm soooooooo excited for him. So, if he goes, I'm going to show my enthusiasm and go to. Not work any booths, but to walk around and see what's going on. Prolly catch pre-judging Figure/Fitness, etc......Oh, and meet TP and GOPRO.

Today, I woke up with the same headache I went to sleep with. It's starting to go away.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Monday I'll catch this thread up.

Been too moody these past couple days.

To who ever is reading this:

Have a nice weekend and be safe!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Okay. I'm going to forget all about my moody last couple of days from last week.

Here's something new:

Over the weekend I've experienced more severe headache, joint pain, forgetfulness (memory loss) and blurred vision. Which, is why I didn't make it to the Expo. There's always next year

Today I'm having electric like jolts to my joints, blurred vision, slight abdominal pain and headache. For the headache I'm taking advil during the AM and Darvesets PM, blurred vision I'm wearing my glasses although it's not helping out with the focus problem. I think more so than blurred vision I'm having more of a focus issue. It's taking me like 5 sec. to focus in.

If this gets worse, I'll need to report everything to my doctor, which means, I'll be given another DARN prescription.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Oh........At the moment I'm pondering the idea of having a tummy tuck during my hysterectomy. Only because I want to make sure my tummy muscles get tightened back up, etc.....this will also ensure all organs are tightly entact and prevent further back pain. A gal I've been talking to says he Gyno performed the tummy tuck. So I'm going to ask my gyno and see what he says.........If he cannot, then I'm calling my Surgeon buddy in to perform it. The tummy tuck is going to be CHEAP because my insurance will have already paid for the anesthesiologist and hospital fees, etc.........

Anyone have any ideas?


Posted by: BabsieGirl

I forgot to mention this part.

Starting Thursday evening. I kept getting up during the night. Was having night sweats, feeling hot & couldn't get commfy at all. So, Friday was awful. I was so tired.

Saturday, I couldn't sleep in although I wanted to BADLY!!! Same thing Friday. Restless night!

Sunday, a little better but not like it use to be. I'M SOOOOOOOO TIRED!!!!! But when I lay down to go to sleep, I'M VERY MUCH AWAKE!!!!!!!!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Today is the first day I woke up WITH OUT A HEADACHE!!!!!

Slight cramping and no period!

I have to blink a couple times before I can see clearly, maybe that will go away also today.

So far, I'm not in a mood. That's NOT to say it won't happen through out the day


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Below is an article submitted by David E. Gregory of South Carolina, in support of his wife Michele:


My name is David E. Gregory and my wife Michele has chronic stage 4 Endometriosis. For all you “men” out there that don’t believe in this or are in denial about it, let me park my truck between your legs tomorrow while you try to go about your daily business. Maybe then you will have a miniscule idea how much your lady hurts. If that doesn’t get your attention, do her a very big and gracious favor and hit the road. Go on and get out of her life now before she gets any worse and you get hurt. I can’t “feel” my wife’s pain, but I can darn sure see it in her face every minute of every day. I get to see her cry while trying to simply sit down and watch a television show because her insides are all twisted up.

Am I having a bad day today? Yes, you could say that, and that’s another reason for my writing this. You see, on those rare occasions when she does have a relatively good day, we try to cram all we can into as short a time as we have. We never know how the next hour will be. We have had to leave the grocery store in the midst of shopping because her “endo” suddenly acted up and doubled her over. Try getting a baseball bat in your kidneys every now and then when you least expect it men. No warning or anything. No pattern of timing. Flat out of nowhere, totally blindsided, BAM! Can’t even breathe because it hurts so bad. Isn’t that sooo funny guys???? Want me to hit you again? No? Too bad. BAM!!! See, told you. You never know where or when. BAM!!! Got ya again!

That’s how you wife feels. Or your girlfriend as the case may be. I only wish that my words “could” hit you in the &*$#% so you “could” feel it. All we as men can do is imagine the pain. If you really care about her, you will get off your BUTTS and help me and the other “men” get something done about this. Forget about the ball game or the fight on T.V. or the golf date. SHOW your lady you care about her. Go to the doctor’s office and watch her “pain” as that un-feeling piece of crud tells her, “It’s all in your head, Honey. It’s just one of those WOMAN things.” Yeah, right. When was the last time you went with her and decked that idiot? When was the last time you canceled YOUR plans to be with her just to hold her hand because that’s ALL you could do for her? Yeah, I thought so. As long as she gives “you” what “you” want, when “you” want it, everything’s fine and dandy ain’t it? What about her? Ever consider “her” feelings? Right again huh? And you call yourself a MAN. HAH!!! Not even close. Wuss is more like it.

Now that I’ve had my say, let me give you some cold, hard, FACTS. Out of all the “Doctors” out there, especially those that call themselves “Gynecologists” I conservatively estimate 4% of them REALLY know and understand what Endometriosis is. What kind of odds does that give YOUR lady of finding one of them? Would you put $1,000.00 up with those odds on a ball game? I didn’t think you would. But you WILL gamble your lady’s health and state of mind on it. What does that tell her about how much you care? What does that tell you about yourself? You will, on the other hand support all kinds of research and “cures” for impotence. Case in point....VIAGRA!!!!!! There have already been NINE of “us” die because of that “urge” to get it on, both “during” and “after” the act!! Exciting ain’t it? I can’t wait to get my hands on some and give it a try. Hold your breath, will ya’?

We “men” also support all sorts of research, and spend un-Godly amounts of money to find a cure for and fight “Breast Cancer.” Why is that? ‘Cause we can “see” that. Here’s a scenario for you.

Billy; “See that gal over there?”

Bubba; “Which un”?

Billy; “That one with no boobs.”

Bubba; “Yeah, ain’t that awful”?

Billy; “Shore is. Man, we got to DO something about that Cancer stuff.” “Can’t have that happenin’ to MY woman.”

Bubba; “You got that right, Billy.” “I don’t want no woman what looks like that.”

“We got to git congress to spend some more money to find a cure.”

Billy; “Yep.” “Think I’ll call up “Big John” when we finish these here beers and tell him to put another bill out in the House to fix this.”

Bubba; “That’s a right good idee.” Think I’ll do that thang too.”

See what I mean? We are so concerned about how she “LOOKS”. We want a “trophy” to show off. Don’t matter how she “feels” inside, just so she “looks” good when we want her to. Oh yeah, we got to have our “supper” cooked too, and ready when we get home, or it’s gonna’ hit the fan fer sure!

When are you “men” going to wake up and smell the coffee? When are you going to get off your BUTT and really do something to HELP your woman? What is it going to take to get your attention? Do I personally have to lead the “strike” and picket outside YOUR house to get you attention? Yeah? O.K., I’ll be there, just as soon as I get finished over at Bubba’s place. If all of us would take ONE LOUSY DOLLAR out of our pockets, and send it to some research lab every week, we would have this cured in no time. Just think what that would do to show someone close to you how much you cared. That’s asking too much though isn’t it? Four bucks a month? Heck, that’s two less beers for ME!

Therein lies the key word....ME! If it don’t directly affect ME, then the heck with it. But it does, guys, it does. Ever wonder “why” she is so “ornery” all the time? It ain’t ‘cause she’s a B%$#&. Don’t ever make the mistake of letting me hear that. I’ll ask you real nicely why you think that way. When you say, “Aw, she says she hurts all the time”, my ball bat is right outside in the truck. Go back and read paragraph “two” and you’ll see what I mean.

I guess by now you are wondering when I’ll be through “having my say” aren’t you? The truth is, this whole story is “my” say. Someone has to do it, and I haven’t heard “you” saying anything. I haven’t seen “you” in the Doctor’s office lately. You would have seen “me” there. I’m not “ashamed” to be seen going to the “woman Doctor’s” office with my wife. That’s where “I” belong. Right beside her all the way. That’s where “you” belong too. Then, go out and tell all your “buddies” how easily this could happen to “their” women too. Tell them how much it hurts when the “Doctor” goes poking and jabbing on her to tell how far this has spread. Tell them how much “YOU” cried when you found out there was NO CURE, and it may very well cause her death. You can’t do that can you. Nope! That would make you “less” of a “man.” MEN don’t cry. BULL!!!!

Endometriosis, the “women’s” disease. Don’t effect us men none‘atall. Guess again. It DOES affect us men. Truth be known, ENDOMETRIOSIS is the single leading cause of more “domestic” violence than anything else. “We” men just don’t want to accept it as real. How would you like it if everytime you complained about something hurting, SHE said, “Aw Honey, it’s just one of those MAN things.” It’ll pass. Quit your bellyaching and fix my supper.” “Oh, while you’re up, bring me another beer too.”

Now, I’ve said my peace. What are YOU going to do about it? I look forward to seeing YOU and hearing YOUR voice the next time someone starts talking about how to spend some “slush” money. You know, we “really” don’t need that new stadium right now, our wives need this money a lot worse than we do. I can hear it now???????????

David E. Gregory
Endometriosis Sufferer


Posted by: Stacey

HOLY COW- My hubby needs to read this!! Although I must give him credit~ He's much better now, then he was last year!!!!


Posted by: BabsieGirl



I'M HAVING HOT FLASHES NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


This is sooooooooooooooooooooo weird!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

I know Stacey!!!! I feel much better knowing that some men take the initiative to understand their "old ladies."

My hubby understands a little, and shows concern but, this guy REALLY hits men where it counts who will not take the time to understand what Endo is....Pretty interesting.


Posted by: Stacey

I KNOW~ Very interesting. Matt still needs to learn a lot more, and not take me lightly when I say "my endo is acting up"
Or "I have horrible cramps" (which comes out of my mouth EVERY Day)


Posted by: BabsieGirl

My hubby is starting to be a little more understanding HOWEVER, he has yet to do some research or read what I take home to him. IMO, I feel he should want to learn what is going on with his best friend, his wife, the mother of our children, etc......but he hasn't. I'm trying to stop wondering why I "think" he doesn't care all that much so, I'm gonna stop rambling

Women are just so dif. than men!


Posted by: Stacey

honey I feel the SAME Way you do!! I'm always printing things off the internet, or telling him stuff about Endometriosis--and I don't think he listens--or cares THAT much.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Too bad we couldn't slip a memory card in their heads


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Yesterday I had slight cramping. Joint and leg pain. The days before that were a little hectic but I managed.

Besides the headache, the one thing I'm having a hard time dealing with, is memory loss. It's like I'm lacking brain function. NOT FUNNY!.......Over the weekend my hubby and I were travleing down the road and his favorite song came on the radio....Well the base was awful load and I find that embarrassing so I tried to turn it down..............I COULDN'T REMEMBER WHERE THE KNOB/BUTTON CONTROL WAS!!!!!!!!!!...I about bawled my eyes out.........I had this car since 1998!!!!! Brandnew off the show room floor.....My doctor is GOING to do something about this no doubt.!!!!

The past couple nights before this incident, I had nose bleeds during the evening time along with a headache over my left eye and like electro stimulant pains just behind my left ear......Odd....It happened Wed, Thur and Fri of last week. that's it....Not at all this week so far.......

TODAY...I'm feeling okay. Something wrong with my blood pressure (i think) because each time I stand up, my head throbs....then it goes away......

I still have a hard time staying asleep. I get too too too hot at nights..........................................

keeping you posted
Babs


Posted by: BabsieGirl

today. Still having pains in my bones. Mostly hip, shin and forearm.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Okay. Friday I was instructed to go into the ER to be evaluated for my headaches, nose bleeds and memory loss.

When I arrived to the ER I was immediately taken into a dark room and evaluated. My blood pressure was 180/90. I received a CAT Scan, 3 bags of saline and had blood taken. The CAT Scan came back normal. Blood checked out fine however, no explanation for the headache, nose bleeds & memory loss.

The only time I'd ever have a headache was either the day of or before my mensus.

Today, I'm scheduling an appt with my family dr to have an MRI plus something else done. These tests will allow the dr to study my brain activity (for memory loss) and (the other test) to see if there is any bleeding or aneurisms.

We're all hoping the Lupron is causing all the problems. As I've never had any of these problems prior to the injections.

I'll keep all posted.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

****Reminder.......Thursday I go in to get my 2nd injection

I left a msg with my Gyno about the hospital visit


Posted by: Stacey

Hey girl. I had a realllllllllllly bad day with Endo yesterdsay Severe veryyyyyyyy painful cramping ALL day. I was taking 4 advil at a time and that did nothing

Better today so far..but I'm sure it will be back

I hate Endometriosis!!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Having Endo is def. NO party

Scrath the thursday appt. It moved to tomorrow. I'll also get blood pressure meds


Posted by: BabsieGirl

You guys.....I talked to my dr yesterday. The weight isn't going to come off until I'm off my injections and HRT. We talked diuretics and working out....No matter what I do, I won't change until this is all over.

So, after my appt, I drove to my gym....said my goodbyes to everyone and cancelled my membership. Many of my friends were in tears....I did tell them they'd see me in there again, just not anytime soon.

Surgery will be in appx 60 to 90 days. I'm too too sensitive to my lupron injections. I shouldn't be having this many problems, but I am and, they're out of control. My dr actually wanted to take me off lupron and schedule the hysterectomy however he added HRT along with the Lupron...so I said I'll wait another 30 and see what happens...then we'll go from there.

Thank you all for your support along the way.
Babs


Posted by: ah1

Hi,
My DH directed me to this board and I hope you don't mind me posting. I have to admit, I rolled my eyes when he told me about it and have been so surprised at the quality of this forum (sorry!!)There's a lot of info here, you've obviously done a lot of research!

I'm sorry you are having such a reaction to the lupron, I read each entry in turn and as soon as you mentioned it I was (in my mind lol) urging you not to take it :-( I hope the side-effects you've been suffering are reversible, and lessen now you are taking the addback.

I live in the UK, I've had endo since I was 13 years old (over 18 years ago). I've tried all the hormone therapies, surgery, alternatives - you name it :-) As you've found in your research, there's no cure. Having babies doesn't always help, having a hyst is not a cure (and in answer to an earlier query, the disease is often left behind when the reproductive organs are removed, and each tiny dot of endo produces enough hormones by itself to keep the disease active)... the best way to "cure" endo is to have ALL endo removed by a specialist surgeon.

Feel free to contact me or join one of the endo boards!
http://asefaqs.tripod.com (Hope it is okay to post that here) and if not, I may as well compound the problem by adding another URL to a site that produced a fantastic docummentary on endo that really helped my DH and family to understand what endo really does to us... http://www.endometriosis.org/html/video.html I highly recommend it.

I wish you all the best with your fight against endo.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Hi AH

Feel free to post here hon! Why did you roll your eyes? Because it's a fitness forum? If so, I can see where you were coming from No biggie

Who is DH?

You're right!! I have def. done my research. Anything goes into or touches my body gets researched. It's amazing how closely you must watch what goes in these days.

With Lupron, I was hoping for a miracle. Seems all my life, what ever there was to catch, I would get it, so I thought, lets try this and see if I can get a "break" from pain, etc. Turns out, Lupron buys time not solutions! For many though, I must say, it helps them tremendously however, the end result I'm seeing from others after Lupron Therapy, is getting the hysterectomy. The only thing I can see gaining from Lupron is an eye opener to what it's going to feel like after the hysterectomy. A continuous rollar coaster ride!!!

My HRT (Cenestin) is working. Over the weekend I didn't have a headache. Today, I awoke with a slight headache however, it's gone now So, I'm happy. Still moody and I noticed I'm starting to cry a lot easier. Usually I'm stubborn when it comes to crying. There were occasions when I'd cry which were funerals or happy moments, those were my only exception to my rule of reasons to cry. So, for me to up and cry some times, out of the blue, is odd.

You ever feel like, "you can't win for losing?" That's how all this research has made me feel. At first, I thought getting a hysterectomy was the answer to all my prayers. Then I learned quite quickly, it's not! Just another door to more problems.

Seems like you and I were both diagnosed at an early age. I'm just more so REALLY disappointed with my mother. I mean, why the heck didn't she help me get treatment for this??? In a sense she did. But if you'd hear her today, she's constantly saying I need to see other doctors, etc. etc......When these thoughts are going through my mind, "Why the hell didn't YOU do that when this was in the early stages MOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM?" Right now, I'm so pissed off at her! Especially after reading one of the stories from the site you recommended. Her mother took her to 10 dif. doctors! 10!!! You know how many I went to when I was your age? 1.....Do you know who I'm still with? The same dr. I love my dr because he's always been there for me. He's very caring, etc....however, I'm pissed off at him too for not taking matters into his own hands. I mean, why is it a month ago he finally went in to look at my female organs? All of this stuff is running through my mind and this situation is making me feel like an angry person. My life was ruined by Endo! Never did I get to experience things in life on my own. I was forced to have a baby EARLY, because it could possibly solve the problem or, I wouldn't be able to have a child at all because of the scarring. I was forced to grow up...........Okay enough...It's sad enough.

What resolution did you find?

Thank you SOO SOO much for stopping in here. I'm trying to make this thread informative for other fitness athletes going through this mess. If we can get together and share our experiences, we can all learn from them, etc.....

I will get back on stage one day!

Babs


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Endometriosis - Diet and Nutrition

Changing your diet to deal with Endometriosis is an excellent foundation to assist you in reducing the symptoms, and will help regenerate your health.
Adjusting our diets can bring about many positive physical and metabolic changes, as well as improving our health. Many of you may be aware that various illnesses and diseases have responded very positively to changes in diet, and Endometriosis is no exception.

Some of the positive physical changes that take place when we change our diet, will at first not seem reliant on our food intake, but they are. For example, eating the right kinds of foods can:

sharpen our mental alertness
help us to stop feeling so sluggish
give us more energy
regulate sleep patterns
regulate bowel movements
balance blood sugar levels
regulate metabolism
regulate body weight
control hyperactivity - especially in children

We are very much a reflection of what we eat. When someone has a diet loaded in fats, the first place it will show up is in their complexion, with greasy, sallow skin. When we are constipated, an Iridologist (alternative health practitioner specialising in diagnosis using the iris of the eye) will immediately see this in the lack-lustre appearance of the eyes. With a lack of vital nutrients in our system, the body will eventually give you tell-tale signs.

The diet in modern day western society has become depleted of vital nutrients for many reasons. Intensive farming has robbed the soil of vital trace elements which used to be taken up by the crops as they grew, and in turn we consumed them. We rely so much on convenience foods now, which are very low in goodness. Much of our ‘fresh’ produce like fruit and vegetables, is actually gassed and then stored in warehouses for months.

Many of us eat ‘fast food’, which is not very nutritious - the longer that food is left standing in a heated serving cabinet, the less nutritious value it has. People get lazy, they cannot be bothered to shop for valuable ingredients, yet alone cook good wholesome food anymore.

Scientists, health researchers and others have now found that the lower your food intake, with fewer calories and proteins, the longer you will live. We simply do not need the food intake that we have in the West.

What the body needs is a simple, balanced, preferably organic diet, which is prepared using fresh ingredients, and is viewed as our means of sustainance rather than being viewed as ‘something to stop us being hungry’. We do have many problems and issues surrounding food in the West, with anorexia, comfort eating, and many other eating disorders. Food is also used in many social situations, but this is no excuse for not being able to feed yourself with good food when you are at home.

Food is our fuel, it makes us function, grow, replace worn out cells, gives us energy, and feeds the entire body. Food is the secondary requirement to life, with oxygen being the first basic requirement. More important than food is our daily requirement for water. We need lots of it; plain, fresh water. Yet most people only drink a small proportion of what the body really needs.

But going back to food; it provides us with energy. The foods we take in include:

carbohydrates, which provide the chief source of energy for bodily functions and muscular exertions
fats, which are the most concentrated form of energy. Three fatty acids, are essential in the diet because the body cannot make them itself.
proteins, which are the building blocks in food, the construction materials for growth and repair of cells
fibre, indigestible parts of plants which provides roughage and aids digestion
vitamins and minerals - the organic substances which the body cannot make, but which it requires in small amounts to maintain health

Controlled Diet for Endometriosis

Controlling your diet to help you deal with Endometriosis is an excellent starting point. As I have said earlier, we really are a reflection of what we eat, and the body responds very quickly to what is put inside it. Let me emphasise that point thus:

Look how radically altered we become by too much alcohol - which can happen very quickly
A Sumo wrestler is not born large - they eat themselves large
Body builders do build up their bodies with power/weight lifting, but they also use a high protein diet to back it up
Drink too much coffee and you have a caffeine rush
Travel to another area and you may get upset by the change in water consumption
When we are hungry, many of us suffer that awful drowsy blood sugar drop; eat something and we can pick up again very quickly

So the body is very sensitive to what is put in it, and sometimes that sensitivity is quick to show up. Unfortunately other sensitivities are not noticed and will creep up on us, which is when we suffer from dietary deficiencies and a lack of trace elements. There are times when our body gives us clues that we have a deficiency and we start to have cravings for certain types of foods.

The role of a controlled diet in Endometriosis management has proved exceedingly beneficial for many women. Some women have even been able to be totally symptom free with changes in diet. The plan of the endo diet is to relieve or prevent some of the disabling symptoms that occur with menstruation, as well as the general pain of endo. The goal is to decrease estrogen levels, stabilise hormones, increase energy, alleviate painful cramps and stabilise emotions.


Candida

Some women are achieving great health improvements by following a diet to address Candida yeast infection. By following the Candida diet these women are seeing improvements with their Endometriosis. There is speculation that there are links between Candida and Endometriosis.

A diet for Candida is very similar to a diet regime to help with Endometriosis, which is probably why these women are getting good results from a diet for Candida.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



SO WHERE DO WE START!

Lets start with pain and hormones in relation to diet …………


Endometriosis is an estrogen-sensitive condition, but the painful menstrual cramping that occurs is predominantly due to prostaglandin synthesis in the body. Prostaglandins are naturally occurring fatty acids, which are derived from dietary sources. The body can produce different types of prostaglandins through a complex series of pathways.

There are the ‘good guys’ and the ‘bad guys’ of the prostaglandin group. The goal of a controlled diet is to block the ‘bad guys’ (PGF2a and PGE2) for their negative actions on the body and increase the ‘good guys’ (PGE1) for their opposite and beneficial actions. The action of the bad guys is to increase uterine contractions, and the good guys have a soothing effect. By changing the types of oils that are taken into the diet, the production of the good guys can be stimulated, which helps with uterine relaxation. These oils are composed of omega-3 acids, which lead to PGE1 production. Excellent sources of the omega-3 fatty acid producing oils are:


evening primrose
Safflower oil
Walnut oil
flax seeds/oil

It is also important to decrease intake of those fatty acids that will stimulate the bad guys which are found in saturated fats, butter, animal and organ meat, lard.

In addition to decreasing bad fat intake, the diet should also consist of high fibre. Not only does this help with good digestion, but it is also thought that a diet high in fibre can decrease total circulating estrogens. It is recommended to incorporate 25 grams per day of fibre. Good sources are:


whole grains excluding wheat and rye
beans, peas and pulses
brown rice
vegetable and fruits
oatmeal

The following foods are recommended to modulate estrogen levels by incorporating one or two servings a day:


mustard greens
broccoli
cabbage
turnips


FOODS TO AVOID

wheat - this includes breads, cakes and pasta products, all based on wheat
refined and concentrated carbohydrates
sugar, in whatever form, including honey
alcohol
caffeine which is found in tea, coffee, soft drinks
chocolate
dairy produce including all milk and cheese
fried food, margarine and hydrogenated fats
soya products like tofu, miso, - tamari can be used in small amounts
tinned and frozen packaged foods as little as possible
additives and preservatives

FOODS BENEFICIAL FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

beans, peas, lentils
onions
garlic (raw or lightly cooked)
carrots (contain beta-carotene)
live yoghurt (good for health intestinal flora)
rhubarb
seeds and sprouted seeds
ginger
green tea




HORMONE REBALANCING
Foods containing natural plant sterols can be helpful. They are thought to block the estrogen receptors, so in turn excess estrogen in the body cannot ‘lock-in’ to these receptors. These include:


peas, beans and pulses
red and purple berries
garlic
apples
parsley
fennel
brassicas: cabbage, cauliflower etc
nuts and seeds
celery, carrots
rhubarb
sage


VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS
Although the best source of vitamins and minerals is through a well balanced diet, many foods today are depleted in these vital trace elements. Today, most of us need to supplement our diet with some of the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function optimally.

The following is a list of supplements that will help women with Endometriosis:

Magnesium - is a mineral and is believed to ease cramping with menstruation
Zinc - is essential for enzyme activity, helping cells to reproduce which will help with healing. Zinc is also reported to boost the immune system and helping to create an emotional sense of well-being
Calcium - levels of calcium in menstruating women decrease 10 to 14 days before the onset of menstruation. Deficiency may lead to muscle cramps, headache or pelvic pain.
Iron - women with Endometriosis tend to have very heavy periods which can lead to an iron deficiency. This can lead to anaemia which is characterised by extreme fatigue and weakness.
B vitamins - these are important for the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the body. B vitamins are reported to improve the emotional symptoms of Endometriosis, and have proved helpful in dealing with PMT
Vitamin C - is well known for helping to boost the immune system and help provide resistance to disease. It is also used in the body to build and maintain collagen within the body.
Vitamin A - is another immune system booster
Vitamin E - plays an important role by increasing oxygen carrying capacities and also strengthens the immune system
Selenium - when taken together with vitamin E has been reported to decrease inflammation associated with Endometriosis, as well as immune system booster.


OTHER USEFUL SNIPPETS:

Certain vegetables have substances that activate liver enzymes and help the liver to detoxify chemicals. This allows the liver to eliminate excess estrogen from the body more effectively. These vegetables include: broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts.
Auto immune diseases are thought to be triggered by free- radicals in the body, which could be an added factor in Endometriosis. Free radicals are destructive molecules and are found naturally in the body but can be made worse by pollution, stress, illness and smoking. There are minerals and vitamins that will help to fight off these free-radicals because of their antioxidant properties, including: vitamins A,C,E, CoQ10, selenium, vitamin B complex, as well as specific supplements being sold specifically as Antioxidants.
It is very common for women with Endometriosis to suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I used to suffer from it myself, and it took quite a while to define which foods would trigger it off. These triggers can vary from one woman to another. Even simple things like drinking a hot drink when it was too hot would trigger it off in me. You need to really pay attention as to what your own subtle triggers are, as well as which foods will set it off.

TO SUM UP

increase omega-3 fatty acids
avoid meat, dairy products, wheat and sugar
increase fibre
modulate estrogen
avoid caffeine and alcohol
avoid refined foods, e-numbers, additives
minimise or avoid soya products as they contain high levels of phytoestrogens, and soy contains a particular toxin which seems to be particularly detrimental for women with Endometriosis
peel fruit and vegetables to remove toxic chemicals
eat organic produce wherever possible
drink lots of filtered or mineral water
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recipes for the Endometriosis Diet
If you are to change your diet to help deal with Endometriosis then there will be many changes in the foods you can and cannot eat.

As you can see by the advice above, there are many foods you are advised to leave out of your diet completely, especially if you are to reap the benefits.

These main foods are:


meat, wheat and wheat products, sugar, dairy, caffeine, additives and all refined and convenience foods.
Your diet will be based mainly on:


vegetables, pulses, beans, rice, fruit and fresh water
The prospect of adjusting your diet so radically may seem somewhat daunting. You may be wondering and concerned about:


what on earth you are going to eat - mountains of plain vegetables, piles of fruit, gallons of plain water
how do you have variety in your diet
how do you find recipes which are still enjoyable and tasty, but still suitable fo a diet for Endometriosis
how do you plan meals so that you do not become utterly bored with your diet

There are many wonderful recipes you can use and I have done the hard work for you

I have complied a book of recipes specifically for a diet for Endometriosis

‘Recipes for the Endo Diet’

This is an extract from the Introduction to the book:

‘The information in this book is the bottom line, based on ingredients and recipes that are best suited to a diet for Endometriosis. It includes recipes that do not require many different ingredients, or lots of complex cooking techniques.


The book has not been written with an endless list of in-depth or scientific information regarding nutrition, or the properties of certain foods. You can find that information in other books about diet and Endometriosis. This book has been researched and written to be an easy to follow, easy to use recipe book, and tailor make for women with Endometriosis.’


As well as having 250 recipes, the book also includes:

more in-depth recommendations of what to leave out of your diet and why
tips about estrogen and your diet, and how to keep it in balance
advice on ways to protect and balance your hormones through diet
details of substitute ingredients as alternatives to milk, butter, egg substitutes for baking, and sugar substitutes
recipes of how to make alternative nut yoghurts and nut milks
specific information about alternative flours for baking, so you can still bake without using wheat flour
lots of sauce and dressings recipes to expand your meal ideas - spice up your favourite vegetables, quick and easy ways to have a sauce for your pasta (wheat-free of course), many wonderful recipes for dressings for salads.
a range of recipes from simple and easy to cook through to more flavourful and exotic ideas.
tips and ideas to complete your meals added to individual recipes.
snippets of nutritional advice woven among the recipes as you work your way through the book.

The recipes in the book include:

cold drinks
hot drinks
healing drinks
soups
vegetable dishes
main dishes
spicy dishes
pasta dishes
sweets and puddings - yes you read that right!
baking and breads
pie crusts and crumble mixes
sauces, dressings and dips
spreads and dips for sandwiches/toast or parties
a few recipes using larger quantities suitable for catering

All customised for a diet for Endometriosis

I also anticipate that the recipes in the book will give you ideas and guidelines of how to adapt your own favourite recipes, without jeopardising your diet regime for Endometriosis.

Announcement!


As an introductory offer the price of the book is reduced by 40% to help you get off to a quick start

Guarantee
If 'Recipes for the Endometriosis Diet' does not meet your expectations, I will refund your money, with no questions asked.

http://www.endo-resolved.com/diet.html


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Here's a helpful link

http://www.pcrm.org/health/Preventiv...metriosis.html


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Hey, I was reading where beta3 can help slow the Endometrical process and decrease pain.

I know Syntrax sells beta3. Check it out. www.syntrax.com


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Okay. If you're following this thread, you now know I have introduced Add-Back Therapy with Lupron Depot 3.75. The only added "bonus" (i've experienced) to this unique little package is, mood swings from HELL. I'm generally not a moody person. Open and upfront, yes but, moody I am not!!!

So what is Cenestin and what makes it unique?

CENESTIN (synthetic conjugated estrogens, A) Tablets is a medicine that contains a mixture of synthetic estrogen hormones made primarily from plants. CENESTIN uses a patented technology that provides a consistent slow release of estrogens over time into your body. CENESTIN 0.625 mg, 0.9 mg, and 1.25 mg reduces hot flashes and CENESTIN 0.3 mg only treats vaginal dryness, itching, and burning related to menopause.

CENESTIN contains the same primary estrogens found in the leading estrogen therapy with an advanced delivery system consisting of a polymer matrix core that slowly releases the drug. CENESTIN is a relatively pH-independent estrogen therapy.

Premarin® (conjugated estrogens tablets, USP), the most commonly prescribed brand of conjugated estrogens, is created from horse urine and the name actually comes from this source (PREgnant MARes’ urINe).

What are the benefits of CENESTIN therapy?

CENESTIN (0.625 mg, 0.9 mg, and 1.25 mg) is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause (such as night sweats and hot flashes). Such relief may begin within 4 weeks of starting therapy. At its 0.3 mg dose, CENESTIN is only indicated to treat vulvar and vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is characterized by moderate-to-severe dryness, itching, and burning in or around the vagina.

What are the common side effects of CENESTIN?

Some women may experience side effects when taking estrogens. Common side effects with CENESTIN include headache, breast pain, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, stomach/abdominal cramps and bloating, nausea and vomiting, and hair loss. Side effects often lessen or disappear within the first 12 weeks of therapy. Speak with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of CENESTIN. Certain people are more susceptible to less common but serious side effects including stroke or heart attack, as well as cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Your doctor can help identify warning signs and offer ways to lower your chance of serious side effects during treatment.

Does taking estrogen affect my risk of breast cancer or heart disease?

The recent Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study showed that combining a certain dose of conjugated equine estrogens and a type of progestin (MPA, or medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets) results in a slightly higher risk of breast cancer and heart disease compared with women taking a sugar pill.1

A WHI substudy looking at use of estrogen only is continuing because these same risks—including breast cancer—have not been seen.2,3

As a precaution, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising women who are using or considering estrogen or estrogen-progestin treatment to consult with their physicians about whether they are at increased risk for these conditions. These drugs should only be used if their benefits outweigh their risks, and the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest possible time period.

View the FDA advisory statement on estrogen and estrogen with progestin based on the results of the Women’s Health Initiative here: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopag...ns/default.htm

View the entire ACOG statement on the results of the Women’s Health Initiative here:
http://www.acog.org/from_home/public...nr08-30-02.cfm

View the NAMS statement on the results of the Women’s Health Initiative, and comment on the FDA labeling for postmenopausal hormones here:
http://www.menopause.org


Posted by: Stacey

WOW Very Very Interesting Babsie!!!!! Thanks for posting this!!
I can't wait to read more!!!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Hey THANKS Stacey !!!!

I'll be posting for a LONG time


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Carolyn Levett

Dec 2003

Here is a brief account of my own story ……………………


The content and final outcome of my own story is a stark contrast from that of so many women around the world who suffer from this devastating disease.


The content differs because I did not go through the rounds of drugs, tests, operations, false hopes, mis-guided information, more drugs, more pain, worsening symptoms ….. need I go on; because so many of you know and experience this scenario - year in year out. It is utterly heart breaking.


The outcome of my story was based totally upon my absolute focus and conviction to get well, to get rid of Endometriosis, to banish this disease from my life. And I did. I took the slow, steady, gently, and natural way using alternative therapies and LOTS of positive thinking. And the final outcome …… I did beat Endometriosis, and it never returned. It is nearly 10 years ago that I was given proof that I had beaten endo, by a visual inspection of my internal organs, with a laparoscopy, and the gyne said there was NO active endometriosis and that it had all dried up.


The reason for my second laparoscopy was based purely on a very strong intuitive feeling of the need to be checked internally. I felt something was amiss but I had no idea what, and I had no symptoms. In fact I was fitter than I had been in many years. During the operation one cyst was found on my ovary and treated, but like I said, all the other cysts and signs of Endometriosis had simply dried up.


My homeopath told me that this last cyst was the last physical evidence, the final manifestation of the disease. It was as though all the toxic debris and residue of endo had been moped up into one place, ready for the final treatment. My intuition to get checked internally despite feeling really fit and well, was so strong and would not go away. I tried to ignore it, knowing how fit I felt, but in the end my intuition was screaming at me.


I had worked with my homeopath for 4 years and together we went through ‘layers’ of healing, finally getting to the root causes of my ill health and Endometriosis. The disease was finally laid to rest with the support of homeopathic remedies and many steps I took to help myself. The final cyst on my ovary was the last ‘process’ in my healing, strange as that may sound. This cyst made my intuition kick in, which enabled me to get this last physical evidence cleared up once and for all.


Therefore, it wasn’t simply a case of ‘feeling better’ because my symptoms had subsided, and mine was not a case of simply going into remission, which is the term the medical profession would prefer to call it. I know at a gut level that I was healed. Totally healed.


When I had my first diagnostic laparoscopy, my gyne told me that I had the worst case of Endometriosis she had ever seen - so it is not as though my healing was easier or simpler or quicker because I had a mild case of Endo. No, quite the opposite. I had cysts all over my abdominal cavity and was advised to a have a total hysterectomy.


I have been reading so many desperate stories of women whose lives have been totally devastated by this disease. One woman had actually been omitted into hospital over 100 times. Women are cancelling entire chunks of their lives because of this disease. Many women are opting for a total hysterectomy in a last ditch attempt to gain relief from this disease. Millions of women are in despair of gaining any relief from the pain and agony associated with endo, never mind hoping to be cured or healed.


Which is why I am giving a brief insight into my own story - to give women hope and to spread the word that a ‘cure’, healing, remission, whatever you want to call it, can and does happen. There may be a few successes for women who choose conventional drugs and surgery to treat their endometriosis, but they are few and far between. The best successes are for those women who use natural and alternative treatments.


This is because using natural therapies are natural, and they enable your own body to do the healing by using your immune system to full force. Alternative therapies help you do this by strengthening your immune system. There is not one alternative therapy that does the healing for you - what they all do, without exception, is to help you to heal yourself. Ask any alternative health practitioner, and they will confirm this statement.


It does not matter if you use Homeopathy, Herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture or whatever - they all work to the same basic ‘principle’; that healing comes from within, and any alternative therapy helps the patient to help themselves.


Deciding which alternative therapy to use is down to personal choice with a mixture of finding a practitioner you ‘click with’, combined with a therapy that suits you. For example, if you do not like needles then Acupuncture will not be for you; if you do not like taking strong tasting concoctions, then Herbalism may not be for you. Go for the therapy which ‘feels’ right for you, and it will be right for you.


The other reason why alternative therapies are superior to aid healing is because they are permanent, not temporary, as in the case of drug treatment. As soon as drug treatment is stopped then the symptoms of endo come rushing back with vengeance.


I do read stories of women who have tried different alternative therapies and have felt let down. They have only felt limited benefit from the therapy they have chosen. In every story I have read of women who have ‘tried’ one of the alternative therapies, and have not had total success, the limiting factor has been the time span. These women have not given the therapy a chance to work. They may have only tried a regime of homeopathy or herbalism or whatever, for a few months and then given up because they were not seeing significant improvements.


My own time scale with a homeopath was 4 years - not 4 months. I was committed and determined, and my homeopath forewarned me it could take a long time to get well. But I felt that the ultimate long term benefit of total healing was far better than temporary respite. Therefore, my advice is to see any treatment using alternative therapy for endometrisios as long term (but not permanent).


People are so used to the idea of a quick fix for things in life, especially with modern medicine. We are all so impatient. But if your body has taken years to become dis-eased then it will take a long time to repair the damage and get the body back into equilibrium and balance.



This has been more of a positive health and healing story rather then my own personal story of healing. The aim of my communication here is to provide hope that there are other possibilities to gain healing of Endometriosis. Evidence is mounting that it is possible, by the growing numbers of women who have achieved it.


The medical profession is not the ‘be all, and end all’ of health care for the human body. The medical profession is a relatively new phenomenon in the time scale of human society. Throughout history we have used herbs, healing, and essential oils. The practise of acupuncture goes back centuries; massage combined with oils goes way back in history.


Modern medicine is driven by pharmaceutical companies. There are very few doctors who develop new treatments for any of today’s illnesses and diseases. It is the drugs companies who develop new treatments in the form of new drugs. And guess what, that means more profits! I admit that there have been some wonderful developments in the field of medical surgery with the use of clever, and less invasive surgical techniques, like laser surgery and fibre optics, and many lives have been saved.


But when it comes to treating and healing diseases then modern medicine goes in with a sledge hammer, and does more harm than good. There are the dangers of side effects, some of which are permanent and very damaging to the body.


Your body chemistry is very delicate and the most delicate chemical system is the hormone system. We all know that endometriosis is fed and activated by hormones. In the human body, it takes only microscopic amounts of any given hormone to have a powerful and cascading effect in the body. These hormones are very potent, and yet the very treatment being offered for Endometriosis by modern medicine is synthetic hormonal drugs, which will obviously throw the body into disarray and upset a finely tuned orchestra of natural chemicals in the body.


Please be kind to your body. Healing yourself is simply a matter of being committed. A total commitment to change the way you are doing things. Do not leave it up to others; take control of your own health. I did, because after I heard my treatment options from the gyne, and compared that to the treatment potential using natural therapies, I knew I had no choice.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Endometriosis and : Nutrition/Thyroid/Anti Candida/Osteoporosis/Trans Fatty Acids/Dioxins/HRT

NUTRITION

Adapted from :
Endometriosis : A key to Healing Through Nutrition - Dian Shepperson Mills MA & Michael Vernon PhD HCLD Sugar Busters : Dr Sam Andrews, Dr Morrison C Bethea, Dr Luis A Balart, H Leighton Steward

Digestion affects the reproductive system and how the changes in western diet over the last few hundred years has affected us in the rise of refined foods which are high in calories, but low in nutrition. Patterns of healthily eating have changed as our diet has drastically altered over the last 50 years and our bodies have not adapted to the changes.

There are immune system links related to the foods we eat. In nature oil molecules are shaped like a horseshoe. which fits with other bits to form a strong cell membrane to protect what is going on inside. This stops harmful chemicals entering and damaging the cells i.e. like what happens in endometriosis and breast cancers. These oils are crucial to health, i.e. extra virgin cold pressed olive oils, organic butter, vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower and sesame which are labeled unrefined, unhydrogenated or cold pressed. Fresh nuts and seeds are also a good source of these CIS fatty acids. They aid metabolism in moderation and do not make you fat. Tans fatty acids from processed oils and foods don't form the horseshoe shape and therefore do not protect the cell, high trans fatty acids in body cells have a higher risk of breast cancer. They weaken the cells so that they cannot stop harmful chemicals entering the cell.

Heat changes cis oils into trans oils, so deep frying is not advised, and don't use the same oil twice for frying. Evening primrose and starflower oil in cheap packages and not cold pressed are almost as good as taking nothing, they have to be cold pressed to do any good.

"Nutrition is not an alternative approach like herbal medicine or homeopathy. It is essential to life. Eating is something we do every day. It sustains us and keeps us healthy, or it can make us unhealthy" "Nutrition is certainly very low on the list of doctors priorities, many of whom may have had only a few hours of lessons in nutrition and do not understand how nutrients can relate to body biochemistry. It is a rare doctor who shows any interest in your food intake".

" For example, the mucous membrane which lines the digestive tract is renewed rapidly every 72 hours, New tissue can be formed very quickly on damaged organs, given the right blocks of life".

Immune System Danger
Fluoride - Breaks off a portion of the Y shaped antibody, breaking the antibody in two and making it ineffective, causing immune system weakness and reproductive problems. This includes avoiding certain toothpaste's, mouth rinses, medications, aerosols, pesticides, herbicide, foods processed with fluoridated water, shampoo, deodorants etc. Look for those that are fluoride free.

Immune System Supplements
Selenium (yeast free)
Vitamins A C E
Echinacea (three week blocks only)
Coenzyme Q10
Zinc
Magnesium
B complex vitamins

Food Intolerances
"Some foods i.e. wheat and milk may be a problem if they are not digested correctly. The body becomes intolerant if large molecules pass through the mucosal barrier. Some of our white blood cells are thought to have a memory of three months, so avoiding a problem food for three months may solve the problem and then you can start to re-introduce the food gradually."

Why do food intolerances arise?
- Gut membrane is compromised by irritants as excess gluten from wheat, food additives, pesticides, drugs or filaments from yeast overgrowth. The protective mucous membrane is breached.
- Gut flora becomes imbalanced by onslaught of antibiotics or hormonal preparations.

Factors Influencing Nutrient Intake
Fresh healthy food is not much good if the digestive tract is not working properly.

For Healthy digestion
- time for food to be processed in the digestive tract
- liver function tests
- healthy gut flora
- fibre to excrete toxins and waste products

Constipation is triggered by wheat, eggs, bananas or dairy foods.

Some families are atopic, i.e. history of illnesses such as asthma, eczema, hay fever and arthritis. Most common food intolerances are cows milk products, (cheese, butter, yoghurt, cream), food preservatives and colourings, wheat (cakes, biscuits, pastries, pastas), chocolate, eggs, citrus fruits, and foods containing salicylates (e.g. apples, cherries, grapes, peaches, aubergine, broccoli, tea and coffee)

Natrual and Environmental Oestrogens
"Made from cholesterol in the ovaries, testes and adrenal glands in response to signals from the pituitary. They can also be made by every fat cell in the body, from where they are secreted into the blood and carried to the cells of the breasts and reproductive organs." Oestrogen's are responsible for cell growth in the breast, uterus, bone, liver and cardiovascular system. Some environmental synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides appear to mimic the role of oestrogen's in the body.

Control of oestrogen is a nutritional process which is disturbed by too much sugar, too little protein and incapacitated by lack of vitamin B complex. You can control oestrogen through diet and gentle exercise.

Dietary fibre increases secretion of excess oestrogen's from the body. The western diet rich in animal and trans fats elevates the levels of sex hormones produced in the body. Fats and fat cells store oestrogenic pesticides and cause a build up of free radicals, which can damage cell membranes, so a low fat diet is advisable. Avoiding bad saturated animal fats and trans oils, and eating mainly the good cold pressed cis oils is vital to health.

To aid excretion of oestrogen's.
- Unrefined wholegrain cereals, nuts, seeds, berries, and the pulse/legume vegetables (peas, beans and lentils). Fibre binds the oestrogen's and inhibits their reabsorption. Some fibres such as the lignins found in rye, other grains and seeds are changed by gut flora to form anti-oestrogenic compounds enterolactone and enterodiol, which are protective against cancers. Good quality fibre encourages a hormone known as serum hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which can be used as a marker for steroid hormone abnormalities. While the oestrogen is bound to the SHBG, it cannot exert any biological effect within the body. If the diet is low in fibre, the oestrogen's can have a biological effect.
- At least four vegetables, two fruits and a handful of nuts and seeds should be eaten each day with some wholegrain cereal. This speeds up the transit time of the food through the digestive tract. The best vegetables are all rich in vitamin B complex i.e. brussels, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, turnip, swede, radish, horseradish, mustard and cress. These speed up the body's degradation system, oestrogen is metabolised and ultimately excreted from the body.
- Other protective factors may be phyto oestrogen's from soya and high natural selenium in foods. Eating green leafy vegetables, a little soya protein and selenium rich seafoods helps the body protect itself.

Oestradiol causes tissue proliferation and uncontrolled levels of oestrogen. If the body goes into oestrogen dominance, it has been indicated for contributing to the serious problem of endometriosis and breast cancers. When this oestradiol form of oestrogen reaches the liver, enzymes which use B vitamins as co-factors, change this sex hormone to the less harmful oestriol. A healthy liver with plentiful supply of B vitamins can degrade oestradiol into oestriol which is important for optimum well-being. If the sum of Oestrone and oestradiol is greater than the oestriol in a 24 hr urine sample, women may be at greater risk of illness related to oestrogen excess. Your doctor can check levels with simple blood or saliva test.

Oestiol is the form in which oestrogen can be bound to fibre and excreted. Eating fish can be beneficial. Rich fish oils i.e. herring, mackerel, sardines, pilchards, salmon, trout, tuna has been shown to help women suffering from high circulating oestrogen levels. The fish must be from a clean source, low in pesticides.

- Xeno Oestrogen's - Those which our bodies metabolise from pesticides.
- Dioxins, PCB - Bad news - Even plastic wrappings leak into the food we eat daily.
- DES - used to prevent spontaneous abortion in pregnancy in the 60's and 70's
These mimic oestrogen and synthetic oestrogen's are soluble in ALL fats and oils so they can cross cell membranes into the nucleus and activate or repress gene expression. The body can alter these chemicals, possibly to even more potent forms in the body.

What contains dioxins in food
- Eating higher up the food chain - i.e. the fats in meat and dairy food contain the highest levels of dioxins so keep intake very low.
- Polluted lakes and rivers where fish are caught.
- Fruits and vegetables sprayed. Dioxins are even on the skins of organic vegetables. ALL fruits and vegetables MUST be peeled to remove the chemicals, washing does not work.
- Processed foods - i.e. cakes and biscuits contain contaminated fats so should be kept to a bare minimum. More control is available over pure ingredients cooked at home.
- Water from unpurified sources.
These alter the way genes are expressed.

What to Eat?
Easy - the freshest food available. Fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds and organic dairy foods. Organic meat which is hormone and antibiotic free and deep-sea fish. Cook from fresh often, avoid additives and flavour enhancers and preservative unless natural ones like vinegar and vitamin C. The soil association provides lists of suppliers who can deliver organic vegetables daily. 86 Colston St, Bristol BS1 5BB. Ideally, grow your own. Peel, scrubbing is not effective.

"Potatoes are for pigs and corn is for cattle". There is some truth in this saying of the French. They fatten animals just as they fatten us. Potatoes, beets, carrots and many other root vegetables are simply starch, a storage form of glucose. Once inside our digestive tracts, they are quickly converted to pure sugar. Their absorption is rapid, and the resulting insulin response is very significant. How many of us, for the sake of dieting, have not eaten a tender, juicy steak but instead have eaten a baked potato with all the fixings. If we scooped out a baked potato and filled the skin with sugar, would you eat it? That is what you do when you eat a baked potato, because it is quickly converted to sugar in your stomach.

Stock up with useful items i.e. balanced mineral salt, black pepper, spices and herbs. For wheat free, get rye crispbreads,, 100% rye bread, rye pasta, oatcakes, porridge oats, corn tortilla and tacos, corn pasta, rice pasta, lentil pasta, buckwheat pancakes, ricecakes, brown rice, millet, millet flakes, (pastry made from brown rice flour, ground almonds and marg in equal proportions)

Unflavoured crisps in moderation. Potato based pizza if you have to. Tuna, salmon, beans vegetable soups and tomatoes in tins. Sugar free jams, organic rice and corncrisps., yeast free vegetable stock powder. For dairy free - soya milks, rice dream or oat milks, soft soya cheeses, vegetable pates (carrot, mushroom, chestnut) or nut butters or black olive paste. Tofu, nut milks, soya yoghurt, ewes or goats milk and yoghurts, hummus, avocados and egg pate, tuna mackerel or crab pate.

Organic fruit and nut bars, dried apricots and carob bars for snacks. Nuts, seeds or sesame sticks. Wheat free museli. Tofutti.

Rules
- Eat two fresh fruits and four fresh vegetables daily, but preferably raw.
- Eat wholegrain cereals and unrefined foods.
- Drink at least a litre of fresh water daily.
- Use only cold pressed vegetable oils.
- Half your diet should consist of alkaline forming foods - i.e. vegetables, fruits, sprouted seeds, live yoghurt, almonds, brazil nuts and buckwheat. The other half should be acid forming i.e. grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, eggs, cheese, fish and poultry.
- Reduce sugar intake. - I.e. refined sugars. Causes fluid retention and stops other nutrients being absorbed.
- Avoid excess salt intake. Around 3g per day.
- Cut down tea, coffee, alcohol and tobacco.
- Avoid excess fatty foods e.g. beef, lamb and pork. Red meat supplies the pro-inflammatory series 2 prostaglandin's, so should be eaten in moderation. Game is often less fatty. Use white meat and fish. Avoid fried foods, and grill or bake instead. Steam vegetables. No dairy foods in excess. Balance dairy with lots of green leafy vegetables.
- Exercise gently regularly.
- Eat a high fibre diet. Wholegrain cereals,, nuts, seeds or fruits and vegetables, 30G (1oz) per day.
- Candida Albicans - If you suspect its grown, remove yeast for 2 - 3 months, refined sugars, wheat, fermented foods, dried fruits and dairy foods. The anti yeast foods which should be used frequently are garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli, brussels, kale, watercress, mustard cress, cauliflower, turnips, cinnamon, olive oil, aloe vera juice and pau darco tea.

THYROID

The Role of the Thyroid

FROM : Endometriosis - A Key to Healing through Nutrition - Dian Shepperson Mills MA and Michael Vernon PhD HCLD

" The thyroid gland and its hormonal products play a vital role in our overall well-being. The major hormone produced by the thyroid is thyroxine, which is the hormone that controls the basal metabolic activity of the body. Thyroxine speeds up most of the metabolic reactions that take place in the cells of the body. "

" Thyroxine works with the other hormones of the body to enhance their biological actions."

"Oestrogen is an antagonistic hormone to thyroxine, so if we have oestrogen dominance, then thyroxine levels may also be low."

"When a person has low levels of thyroxine (hypothyroidism), the body slows up. An individual with hypothyroidism feels cold and becomes sluggish. But more important to our discussions in this book, hypothyroidism leads to infertility. Women with hypothyroidism nay not menstruate." " A normal menstrual cycle is dependent upon the presence of a properly functioning thyroid.

The thyroid gland also produces T3 (triidothyrine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones have to be finely balanced as imbalances can lead to abnormal heartbeats, hyperactivity and irritability. Very high levels can lead to hyperthyroid weight loss, low levels can lead to hypothyroid weight gain.".

"The pituitary gland produces thyroid - stimulating hormone (TSH). If the level of TSH is found to be normal when tested, the patient will not be suffering from hypothyroidism. The level of TSH will change before thyroid hormone levels fall and if you suspect you suffer from a sluggish thyroid, check with your GOP and ask for tests on T3, T4, TSH and antibodies to the thyroid. It is very important for women with endometriosis that all four tests are done, not just the first two. "

ANTI CANDIDA

FROM : Endometriosis - A Key to Healing through Nutrition - Dian Shepperson Mills MA and Michael Vernon PhD HCLD

"Candida albicans is a one celled yeast. We all have this yeast within our digestive tract, normally living in harmony with us. Only when it grows out of proportion can it become a problem. Symptoms from disrupted intestinal flora can include constipation and diarrhoea, or both; headaches: chronic fatigue; depression; dizziness; bloating; poor concentration; vaginal irritation; sugar and bread cravings; mood swings; PMS; digestive problems; and blurred vision. If you are experiencing these symptoms this may be an area to explore.

Three things can play havoc with the delicate balance of the intestinal flora, weakening the immune system so that it is less able to cope with yeast overgrowth;

1 A diet high in saturated and trans fats and refined sugars.

2 Prolonged use of antibiotics, the contraceptive pill and HRT, or exposure to toxic substances.

3 Prolonged stress."

(are you starting to see a connection here, immune system, endo is also probably related to that, trans fats and refined sugars, pill and HRT hormones, dioxins, stress caused by having endo)

"Candida albicans is a very aggressive yeast and if it sees a space for growth, it will proliferate. It can change from a one-celled yeast into a 'hyphal' form, spreading long filaments, which may puncture minute holes in the intestine wall, causing a 'leaky gut'."

"Candida can also upset the hormone balance as it has receptor sites in its cell membranes, which accept hormones; if progesterone binds to candida if fails to reach its destination. Acetaldehyde (breakdown product of alcohol produced by candida from sugar) reacts with the neurotransmitter dopamine to cause emotional disturbances like anxiety, spaced-out feelings and depression. Aldehydes cause suppression of T cell function, increased susceptibility to infection and inability of the immune system to respond efficiently to infections or allergens. "

(The diet I am on, no refined sugar, wholemeal pastas and breads, low dairy, the correct fats etc is supposed to help with this and I have had lots of success with it in the last three months relating to the intensity of pain that I suffer. )

"Important to reduce the foods feeling the yeast. i.e. sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, maltose, honey, molasses). Refined sugars, yeasts, fermented foods, dried fruits, dairy foods (other than live yoghurt) should be removed from the diet for 2 or 3 months. "

" For the first month you can eat plenty of fresh vegetables, pulses, wholegrain cereals, meat and fish, nuts and seeds, which provide substantial meals. Avoiding snack type foods is important. The body craves nutrients from fresh meals: it needs solid wholefood meals, but many people replace wholesome dinners with sugar and wheat based snacks, which are nutritionally unsound. The following foods nave anti-yeast properties and should be used frequently: garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, watercress, mustard cress, cauliflower, turnips, cinnamon, olive oil, and aloe vera juice. "

OSTEOPOROSIS

FROM : BBC Online News 24 8 99

Health: Medical notes

Osteoporosis: The facts

"Large holes inside bones cause them to become weak

" (Osteoporosis affects one in three women and one in 12 women, is responsible for 200,000 breaks per year in the UK and 40 deaths a day. It is often known as a silent illness, because many people do not know they have it until it is too late. Although it is thought of as a disease of old age, latest research suggests its roots lie in adolescence.)

"What is it?

Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones that can lead to breaks which are difficult to heal - hence its alternative name, brittle bone disease.

Osteoporosis facts and figures

Bones are made up of a thick outer shell with a honeycomb mesh inside.

Osteoporosis occurs when the gaps in this honeycomb become bigger making the bone fragile and brittle causing them to break easily.

The wrists, hips and spine are particularly at risk.

What causes it?

During childhood and the teenage years the skeleton grows and develops, with the bones getting longer and the internal mesh becoming more dense until they achieve their greatest density when a person is in their late 20s.

A natural part of the ageing process is that bones get weaker in people over 30 and the honeycomb becomes less dense.

However, in some cases this occurs faster than in others leading to osteoporosis.

A poor diet in youth can also lay the foundations for the disease in later life.

Who gets it?

Women are particularly at risk because they have smaller more fragile bones to start off with.

Dr Nicola Keay on how the disease affects younger women This is complicated by the menopause during which the body stops producing oestrogen - a hormone essential for good bone health.

And because of the natural ageing process, the risk increases with age.

However, more and more research is indicating that the disease can affect younger people, with the National Osteoporosis Society reporting an increase in incidence of the disease among young women, particularly those who are underweight or who have suffered anorexia.

How can it be prevented?

Diet and exercise are the two key preventive measures.

Katy Jeffs on steps she has taken to avoid the disease The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy says skipping, jogging and aerobics are the best exercises to beat the disease.

A high calcium, well-balanced diet throughout life but especially while the body is still developing is recommended.

Dr Nicola Keay: "A balance is essential" Dr Nicola Keay, an osteoporosis researcher who has studied the effect of the disease on young women, said there were dangers in failing to find a balance.

"If you're doing too much exercise or don't eat enough, or if you don't do any exercise and eat lots of fast food, those extremes obviously aren't good," she said. "The message is to get a balance - do enough exercise, eat a reasonable diet and don't go on a crash diet at 10 or 12 worrying about being too fat because it's the worst thing you can do for your bones."

What is the treatment?

Gentle exercise can help those who are already suffering the disease but have not yet suffered any fractures to rebuild bone strength.

Drug treatments can help restore levels of oestrogen in those who have stopped producing it, or target it to where it is needed in people who have low levels of the hormone.

These therapies include including hormone replacement therapy, oestrogen derivatives and a new generation of drugs known as selective oestrogen receptor modulators.

Is there help?

The National Osteoporosis Society offers factsheets for sufferers.

They can be obtained by writing to The National Osteoporosis Society, PO Box 10, Radstock, Bath BA3 3YB, UK or by phoning 01761 471771.

TRANS FATTY ACIDS

FROM : Endometriosis - A Key to Healing through Nutrition - Dian Shepperson Mills MA and Michael Vernon PhD HCLD

I found the book above has quite good information on endometriosis and explains the value of the food we eat and how it affects oestrogen levels which we all know affects our endo and help with what is the best things to eat or not to eat as the case may be.

One interesting bit to me is Chapter 8 for how digestion affects the reproductive system and how the changes in western diet over the last few hundred years has affected us in the rise of refined foods which are high in calories, but low in nutrition. It also explains in patterns of healthily eating how our diet has drastically altered over the last 50 years and that our bodies have not adapted to the changes.

It explains the immune system link related to the foods we eat. In nature oil molecules are shaped like a horseshoe. which fits with other bits to form a strong cell membrane to protect what is going on inside. This stop harmful chemicals entering and damaging the cells i.e. like what happens in endometriosis. These oils are crucial to health, i.e. extra virgin cold pressed olive oils, organic butter, vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower and sesame which are labelled unrefined, unhydrogenated or cold pressed. Fresh nuts and seeds are also a good source of these CIS fatty acids. They aid metabolism in moderation and do not make you fat.

Tans fatty acids from processed oils and foods don't form the horseshoe shape and therefore do not protect the cell, high trans fatty acids in body cells have about higher risk of breast cancer. They weaken the cells so that they cannot stop harmful chemicals entering the cell.

Heat changes cis oils into trans oils, so deep frying is not advised, and don't use the same oil twice for frying.

I was stunned to learn that evening primrose and starflower oil in cheap packages and not cold pressed are almost as good as taking nothing, they have to be cold pressed to do any good. That shocks me, I always thought I was doing the right thing by buying the stuff in bulk, cheaply.

There is a lot of food (pun) for thought here and if anyone is serious about nutrition to try and fight endo, this is a good place to start. I don't know them so no benefit in promoting the book, but you all know how much better I have been feeling since I severely cut back on dairy and refined sugar.

DIOXINS AND OESTROGEN

Hi all, thought you might find this interesting, I found it on a support list and it doesn't half put the dioxin theory into perspective for endo i.e. endometriosis is characteristic of oestrogen dominance ie oestrogen feeds the endometriosis.

QUOTE "Another major factor contributing to an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone is environmental in nature. We, in the industrialized world, now live immersed in a rising sea of petrochemical derivatives. Petrochemicals are everywhere. They are in our air, food and water. Our machines run a petrochemicals, millions of products including plastics (leaking xenoestrogens).....pesticides....are either made from petrochemicals or contain them. These organochlorine chemicals include pesticides, herbicides (such as DDT, DDE, dieldrin, atrazine, methoxychlor, hetachlor, kepone, etc.) as well as various plastics (polycarbonated plastics found in baby bottles and water jugs). These chemicals have an uncanny ability to mimic natural estrogen. As estrogen mimics, these compounds are highly fat soluble, non-biodegradable, accumulate in fat tissue of animals and humans and are difficult to excrete. They are given the name xeno-estrogens since, although they are foreign chemicals, they are taken up by the estrogen receptor sites in the body, seriously interfering with natural biochemical changes.

Mounting research in now revealing an alaring situation world wide created by the inudation of these hormone mimics worldwide.

Disturbing Changes Extremely disturbing events are being reported globally about other alarming changes happening in the environment.

In 1947, orthnithologists noticed that eagles in Florida had lost their drive to mate and nest. In th e1960's ranch minks that were fed fish from Lake Michigan failed to reproduce. In 1977, female gulls in California were nesting with females.

Not long ago, in Lake Apopka in Florida, wildlife biologists discovered that strange biological occurrences were happening to the alligators living there. In 1980, a toxic spill occurred dumping huge amounts of pesticide similar to DDT in to the lake. That event was almost forgotten until five years later, when it was discoverec that 90 percent of the alligators had disappeared. Most of those that reamined were incapable of reproducing or had no urge to mate. The males were born with deformed penishes that were 75 percent shorter than average. Further testing indicated that their testosterone levels were so low that they hormonally resembled females. Moreover, the females had abnormal ovaries and follicles described as "burned out".

To Add to this concern, recent reports show that strange hermaphroditic fish have been caught in Port Phillip Bay in Victoria, Australia.

Similarly, a major British study revealed that male fish downstream from sewage treatment plants are changing sex as a result of estrogen chemicals which are not removed from the treated effluent.

Dr. Ana Soto, an endocrinologist at Tufts University, had been experimenting with cancer cells taken from human breasts and then cultured. She found that they would grow when they were fed estrogens. As part of her experiment she quit feeding the cells estrogens. To her total amazement, however, the cancer cells continued to grow for four months even when no estrogens were fed to them.

Dr. Soto then realized that the manufacturer of the flasks she had been using had started to use a different plasticone that, when it becomes warm, releases minute quantities of the estrogen-like compound nonylphenol! Nonylphenols refer to a family of compounds that are used as surfactants (reducing the surface tension of water creating a bridge between two chemicals that don't normally mix) in pesticides as well as industrial and institutional cleaning products. Her tissue samples were being contaminated by the xeno-estrogens of the plastic flasks!

Good reading: Hormone Heresy What Women Must Know about their Hormones, By Sherril Sellman. " HRT

Taken from " HRT: Your Questions Answered" by Malcolm Whitehead & Val Godfree, which is aimed at the medical profession:

8.19 CAN A WOMAN WHO HAS ENDOMETRIOSIS TAKE HRT, AND WHAT IS THE RISK OF RECURRENCE?

This problem is fully discussed in Question 9.45. In summary, endometriotic tissue can respond to oestrogens, even if many years have elapsed between menopause and starting HRT. However, the possible risks of a recurrence of endometriosis must be balanced against the benefits of HRT. Often women with severe endometriosis have undergone a surgically induced menopause (bilateral oophorectomy), and thus are in special need of HRT to reduce their risk of future cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. In women in whom all endometriotic tissue has been removed at surgery, the chances of recurrence appear lower than if endometriotic tissue had been left behind. However, even with apparent complete surgical removal of all endometriotic tissue, we have seen the disease reactivated with HRT. This may be because endometriosis can arise de novo from coelomic metaplasia; or because microscopic disease, not visible to the naked eye, remained after surgery.

In women with residual disease after surgery, it is often recommended that HRT be withheld for at least 9 months after surgery and then commenced. However, we have seen the disease reactivated in women starting HRT 10 years after menopause (see Question 9.45).

It is not possible to generalize further and each case has to be judged on its merits. We believe that endometriosis probably poses one of the most difficult treatment decisions. Primary care physicians should not hesitate to seek specialist advice if they are in any doubt as to whether or not to prescribe for these women.

8.20 WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PRESCRIBE HRT FOR PATIENTS WITH PREVIOUS ENDOMETRIOSIS?

The optimal treatment regimen is not known. In terms of overall stimulation by the oestrogen, there would not appear to be any differences between oral & non-oral routes at comparable doses. However, we would advise against using sustained release preparations, such as oestradiol implants, as first-line treatment. These can result in higher plasma oestradiol values and they cannot be discontinued quickly should symptoms indicative of recurrence develop (see Question 9.45).

Frequently, women with a history of severe endometriosis will have undergone hysterectomy and therefore, under normal circumstances, would not require progestons. However, the underlying pathophysiology of endometriosis is oestrogenic activation of ectopic endometrial tissue.

Progestons have an antimitotic, suppressant effect upon the endometrium, so, in theory, it may be advisable to add a progeston to the oestrogen in a continuous daily fashion. We stress that this strategy is hypothetical and confirmation data are not available.

9.45 WHAT EFFECT MAY HRT HAVE ON ENDOMETRIOSIS?

Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependant condition & may be exacerbated by HRT or re-activated if dormant. Patients who have undergone total abdominal hysterectomy & bilateral salpingo oophorectomy with complete excision of all endometriotic tissue are currently believed to be at low risk from a recurrence if they take HRT. However, if excision of the endometriosis was incomplete then HRT can reactivate dormant disease.

We have a series of patients (data unpublished), some of whom had undergone hysterectomy & bilateral salpingo oophorectomy, in whom endometriosis has been re-activated by HRT in the following sites: the ovary, the adnexae and pelvic side-wall, the top of the vagina and the large bowel. In some, the passage of blood and/or mucus rectally was observed around the time of the withdrawl bleeding.

There was a suggestion that one patient had developed hydronephrosis due to the re- activated endometriosis causing ureteric obstruction. The renal enlargement resolved when HRT was withdrawn. We also observed a re- activation of endometriosis (requiring total abdominal hysterectomy & bilateral salpingo oophorectomy) in a woman first starting HRT 12 years after menopause. Thus, there seems to be no upper time limit after menopause when HRT can be prescribed safely, and comments that it is safe to administer oestrogens 3-5 years after hysterectomy/menopause have, we believe, no scientific basis.

Patients with a history of endometriosis, especially those with residual disease, should be advised to stop HRT if they develop symptoms or signs suggestive of re-activation. We stress that the incidence of re- activation is most probably low but no data are currently available as to the precise risk. Thus, patients in whom endometriosis may be re- activated should be closely supervised with more frequent pelvic examinations, perhaps every 6-12 months. Pelvic ultrasonography may be helpful if symptoms and signs suggestive of re-activation occur.


Posted by: Fitgirl70

How in the H did you write all of that......????? I don't know what to respond to!!!


Posted by: Stacey

DANG Woman!! VERY VERY INTERESTING AND A LOT TO READ!! I am going to print it out and read it tonight!! Thank you so much for posting it!!!
Your awesome


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Confirming Clinical Hypothyroid (normal lab tests T3, T4, TSH, but feeling lousy)

The most reliable way to confirm clinical hypothyroid is to measure the urine temperature for three consecutive days. Urinate in a Styrofoam cup for 3 consecutive days in the morning as soon as you get up. If you forget one day then don't worry just continue until you get 3 consecutive days. Measure the urine temperature with an ordinary health care thermometer. If the temperature is below 98.6 consistently, ( usually 97) then you most probably have clinical hypothyroid.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Okay. On April 22nd, I visit my dr and receive my 3rd Lupron Injection and probably some more Cenestin. At this time we'll schedule my hysterectomy. I could have the hysterectomy done in 30 days or a little longer because I'm wanting some cosmetics done and coordinating could take some time between my gyno and Cosmetic friend and his partner. I know I'm getting an abdominal plasty (mini tummy tuck) because I want to make sure the cut won't affect the style of my posing suit. There will be no lipo suction with the tummy tuck. Just cut (for my gyno) and close (after my organs are removed by my gyno). At this time I may elect to get Breast Augmentation because when I diet down for competition, I lose my boobies I go from a D cup to an A. Pretty sad. Having cosmetic surgery done at the same time as the hysterectomy saves me from having to pay extra (at a later date) hospital & anesthesiologist fees, etc....

Tummy tuck - Estimate $1000
Breast Aug - Estimate $1500
(pays to have friends in the cosmetic field)
Co-Pay for Hospital pay - $500
Cost for Hysterectomy is included in the Hospital fee of $500.

Grand total for Hysterectomy, Tummy tuck and Breast Aug is $3000.00

These figures are subject to change IF my friends partner doesn't agree with the cosmetic fees. Those fees can change slightly but not drastically. Regardless I want the tummy tuck and will most likely get that done. I could care less about the boobies. I have those off season

Anyway -- just keeping things up to date.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Last Friday (4-16) wasn't a good morning for me. Woke up at 1am with bad #2, spotting and severe back pain. This pretty much carried on through the weekend (the #2 and spotting.) SO, yesterday (monday) I left a msg with my dr and asked if this was normal and reminded him about the Cenestin he put me on 3 weeks and a couple days ago. He calls me back and tells me to stop taking Cenestin and puts me on Prometrium. At this point, I'm thinking.......Yay ( ) Prometrium...........I don't like that BUT I'm going to take it because I only have a couple more days until I go into see my GYN.

April 22nd...............HURRY UP!!!!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Okay, after posting the above (I really don't want to share because it's gross) I went to the bathroom....same problems as last Friday. Well, after wiping #2, I noticed some blood. NOT A LOT...very little. My ovaries felt like they were on fire.

Waiting on my dr to call me back. I did however call him immediately after.

Still having bad back pain. Cramping off and on.


Posted by: Stacey

Gosh girl--let me know what the Dr. Says!!!!!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

I will. If he doesn't call me back by like 3:30, I'll call the office. Could be that the nurse or someone got busy and never got a chance to call me yet.

No news is good news, Right?


Posted by: BabsieGirl

ONE MORE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Y.I.K.E.S


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Real quick. ( cause i have to get back to work)

Yesterday I had my appt. No surgery until Lupron is gone. The bleeding episode was due to an IBS attack so everything is inflamed, therefore, the surgery has been post poned. Apparently estrogen (Cenestin and Prometrium) is what caused all my problems (IBS Attack and both Rectal and vaginal bleeding.) I am ONLY receiving Lupron Injections (with no HRT i.e. add back) in order to get all the swelling down. This means no Cenestin and no Prometrium. I look 6 or 7 months preggo!!!! I'll see if I can get the camera here at work and take a quick pic so you all can see. My tummy is HUGE!!!!

Next appt date: 5-20-04 (May)


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Update:

Sunday & today I have experienced breakthrough bleeding. Abdominal pain, burning like feeling in my tuumy and lower back pain. I also noticed 3 reddish brown spots on my tummy beside the incision site.....Called my dr this morning. Waiting for a response. Today is his normal surgery day so i'm hoping to hear from him later this afternoon.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

The nurse just called me back. My doctor has prescribed me to take Provera for 10 days.

He seems to think my problems are related to hormones......DUH!!!! I could've come up with that one myself.....Oh well. I'm getting a second opinion to which is scheduled for May 3rd. I love my doctor and we've been through it all however, I'm taking this a little more seriously.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Another update.

Today I've been in BAD PAIN.....This week and last have been the absolute pits!!

I called my dr this morning and left a msg with his nurse asking if there was a drug out there to counteract Lupron and get it out of my system. I QUIT, I'M DONE!!!!! I'd rather have 3 days of pain vs every day. My entire body HURTS since taking add back out of my daily routine.

This is what my dr had to say: "There's no drug out there to counteract and take the Lupron out of your system. You'll have to wait it out. Continue to take Pravera until it's gone, keep your appt and weigh your options carefully because we're going to talk about them during your next appt. Keep taking Darvecet for the pain and I'll see you next month."

How can one win for losing in this situation? Lupron puts women into temp. menopause (which is painful) a hysterectomy is immediately menopause (I assume the pain will either be the same if not worse) and birth control doesn't work for me..........................IS THERE EVER LIGHT??? What to do, what to do....................


Posted by: ms21vegas

Hey Babs! I'm Shana! I just signed up today & I saw your post about endometriosis. I have it as well!
I started to notice the pain when I was a sophomore in high school. I gradusted in 01! They first tried to tell me I was constipated, and I knew I wasen't. So then I went to see my friends doctor (who treated alot of women w/endo.) I had an ultra sound..and sure enough I had endo.
Since then I have had a total 3 lap. so far! I was fat,over weight by 30lbs.
My last lap was Oct 17 2003. After that one I joined a gym around 12/03 and started working out 3-4 day's a week. It still hurted & rested on my heating pad, but not as much as before. I have lost 20lbs up to today 5/3/04. My last doc opt was a week ago & he said my overies look great, I have a tiny cyst on my right overie, but the only bad news was that he said with me on the depo shot I have low bone density. Which is normal he said. So now I'm on Caltrate.
My whole point is for me being so over weight my overies were terrible when I started working out & lost pounds for some reason my overies were getting better as I went in every time. Don't get me wrong! LOL! They still have their day's when they are killing me in pain, but most of all they are doing so much better!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

That's funny Shana! When I first went to my dr he thought the same thing. Told me to get some milk of mag. Obviously that didn't work. Then he had me get an upper GI Test done and that's when they found I had a Hiatus Hernia. Through trial and error of MANY birth control pills and other meds, nothing has worked and if it did work, it was limited because my body adapts to quickly. Like you, I also had ultra sounds done and Endometriosis never showed up. The symptoms were there.

I'm sorry to discover there's yet another young female out there suffering with Endometriosis. I hope some day, a cure will be found and your (as well as other women) pain and suffering will soon fade.

Please feel free to continue to share your experiences with Endo here. I'm trying to make this thread as informational as possible.

Thank you for posting hon, I really appreciate it

Babs


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Okay. Yesterday I received a 2nd opinion to make sure my dr (of 14 years) was right on AND to let my family know, he's not out to make a quick buck before vacation

In a couple weeks I will be getting an MRI of my brain and lungs. Here's why: When I was younger and showing horses (yes, I trained horses and competed on a professional level with them) we didn't have a place to keep them so, I would board them at my friends house. There, they also had horses, ducks, geese (geese are mean) and chickens. Well, these animals all have to go #2 and there's no designated spot for them to go other than where they're standing at the moment so, needless to say, there was A LOT of ammonia in the barn (where I spend most of my time grooming the animals.) Breathing in all that ammonia wasn't good for my lungs and SOON I was having chest pain. My mom ended up taking me to the hospital because heart disease runs in the family and she was afraid I had it too. I had X-Rays done and that's when it was discovered...............I had Hystoplasmosis. A nogul on my right lung. I never received medication for it. Only treatment I received was monthly visits to a Lung Disease Specialist where he took chest X-Rays like crazy. 4 years later we learned (still with out any treatment) it had calcified.

My point. Endometriosis can spread to any organ in your body. Although it doesn't travel via organ to organ, it can attach to anything at any point in time by traveling through your own blood vessels. Well, now I'm questioning that "bloody spot" on my lung. Was it really Hystoplasmosis or is it Endometriosis? Only an MRI can tell. So, since this horrible disease can spread, I'm getting it all looked at very carefully.

In June, (either the first or second week) I will get my hysterectomy and keep all informed.

Babs


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Friday I will be getting my MRI. As soon as I know the results, I'll clue all in.

Lately, I've been feeling EXTREMELY tired, while having even more dificulty remembering things, blurred vision and twitching behind my eyes...While I get the twitch I feel odd for about 5 seconds....feels as though I lose consciousness for a sec. My speech has been awful.

I just wonder what all this medication has done to me???


Posted by: BabsieGirl

okay. I cannot edit for some reason

I will not get my MRI done on Friday because they're booked. My dr told me they should be able to get me in, but they cannot.

Anyway, I am being placed on the cancellation list and I'm scheduled to have all this done next Tuesday at 8am. It could be sooner if someone cancels.

Babs


Posted by: Stacey

Ms21Vegas~ Sorry to hear you have Endometriosis. I have it as well...so I know it's not fun. I am not overweight by no means..and it's still very painful for me (I don't know why it sounded like you said it's worse when your overweight?)
Strange!

I'm glad your ovaries are doing better.

It's a very painful disease!!!


Posted by: Stacey

MS21- what stage are you at (as in levels in Pain) My doctor said that I have the worst stage. I think Babsie does too?!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Yep, I sure do. Stage IV is the final stage. There's no Stage V (at least that's what I've been told by a specialist I saw last week.) Mine is severe and has even spread to my colon.

Friday I got my MRI done and the dr thinks the same as Bandaide.........I may be having Petit Seizures, in which case if the test comes back positive for that, I'll lose my license for 6months.


Posted by: Stacey

oh gosh Babsie!!! Thats horrible-will you know for sure soon that you are? Your in my prayers

Yep- I am stage 4 also! yukkkkkkk


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Thank you for all your prayers and your comments. It really does mean a lot to me.

Something I forgot to write in here is: Sunday, I started my period (not suppose to.) Not spotting, it's full blown PMS.

The first month of Lupron I had break through LIGHT "spotting." This happened off and on. I experienced SEVERAL side effects

The second month, I was put on Cenestin for hot flashes and night sweats. 3 weeks after taking Cenestin I started spotting again. I was taken off Cenestin and put on Promotrium. Prometrium stopped the spotting. I also had an IBS attack.

The third month I was suppose to schedule my hysterectomy but for some reason my dr didn't mention the hysterectomy rather stated we're going to finish off the cycle. He requested at that time I stop taking prometrium. No HRT for me. About a week later I called back (because I was sooooooooooooo fed up with the side effects) as I started spotting again and told him, i'm not going to take Lupron anymore, I'm done and I'm sick of hurting!!!!" At that point he said that was fine, put me on Provera (for 10 days) and requested I keep my appt for the 20th. Well, about the 8th day of taking Provera I noticed my memory was getting worse than what Lupron was doing to it, and along with that I would get twitching like sensations in my eyes, my mind would go blank, etc......VERY WEIRD!!! So, I called my dr and requested an MRI. He ordered it and I got it done Friday. At this time, we're currently awaiting my results. I know my appt was scheduled for the 20th of this month HOWEVER, if I'm not getting another Lupron Injection, why not make it sooner? So, this week I'm going in once my dr. gets the results from the MRI.

Piece of advice, DON'T TAKE POVERA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My memory isn't quit what it use to be after starting therapy so periodically (as I think about things and if I remember) I'll post additional information later today or as the days go by.

One thing I'd like to add is........I was 135 before all therapy, BCP's after BCP's then Lupron, Cenestin, Promotrium and Provera I am now a whopping 200lbs. I've tried dieting and, it doesn't work while taking hormones. So now I'm thinking, since I've started my period (full throttle) this has to mean I can exercise or something to try to lose all this weight before surgery. Therefore, I'm going to beg and plea like a wild woman for some sort of diretic (other than OTC) to get me off to a start on losing water I've gained. (these hormones make you retain LOTS of water) I'm not saying, I've gained 60lbs of water alone and not fat I'd just like to think I've put on more water than fat

I'll keep trying to inform all.

May peace and happiness always be with you
Babs


Posted by: Stacey

BABS! That is just crazy scary what you have been going through!!! I'm so sorry honey. I am thankful that you post all this so that I know what to expect..and what drugs to stay away from (As you know I'm not taking any since I'm trying to get pregnant.)... I'm so sorry your dealing with this. I would definatly try and see if the doc will prescribe you some medicine to help shed the weight!!

HUGS TO YOU MY DEAR!! Your ALWAYS in my thoughts


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Hi Stacey,

I'm happy to know I've helped in some way. I know the information I've posted is based solely upon my experiences however, most of us girls go through the changes and experiences. On the other hand, like with anything we do, every one reacts dif. What worked or didn't work for me, may or may not work for someone else.

One thing I can say for certain is: Provera will mess you up. I've read this from nearly everyone who took it. Far too many side effects, etc........If your dr tells you, you need it...........Tell him N.O....W.A.Y.........H.U.H ....U.H.

What ever your specific case is, try less drastic measures. Remember, everything we try to do in hopes to conquer Endo, is hopeless.

I'm getting ready to post what was discussed during my visit yesterday with my GYN.....


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Wednesday, May 12th my dr and I went over our "options." I have 4. We also went over my MRI results.

Lets talk about my MRI results.

My dr and I learned I have lesions on the front part of my brain and I have sinusitis. I'm taking - C AMOX TR-K CLV 875-125MG TABTEV........1 tablet twice daily with food (12 hours apart) I'll start taking this tomorrow AM.

For pain (Endo pain and Headache) I take the following (1 or 2 tabs every 4 to 6 hrs) IC PROPOXY-N/APAP100-650 TAB TEV. I'll actually take this when I have pain.

Option #1: As we all know it, Hysterectomy.

My dr will remove EVERYTHING and I'll become an IT. The surgery will last roughly about an hour to 2 hours. Hospital stay around 3 to 4 days. FMLA and Disability leave, 8 weeks. Full pay for 4 weeks then 70% after. (not an option at the moment)

Option #2: BCP, Seasonal.

I don't know too much about this one, although my babysitter also has Endo (Stage 1) and started this about 2 months ago. She loves it. (not an option for me right now)

Option #3: 9 Month Therapy

The 9 month therapy as we all know it is, pregancy. Yep! Famous form of therapy for the Endo suffers. Tried it twice. Look at me now, I still have Endo and worse than ever. (possibly an Option)

Option #4: Bitter Sweet Pain Endurance

I just made that up.

I mention this because, with anything we Endometriosis sufferers go through, no amount of therapy, or types of hysterectomies will ever truly end our pain. Therapy will help shrink the cells (which feed off Estrogen.) The only guarantee from a Hysterecomy (or benefit I should say) is lack of our cycle. There is NO cure for Endometriosis. NONE.

With the research I've done and conversations held with other women who have had or about to undergo a hysterectomy, we're all learning that everyone is dif in this situation. Some people gain weight, some people lose weight, some people hit depression, while others are extatic and could care less what happens. All this is due to hormonal imbalances. Whether we chose to keep both ovaries and lose the uterus or lose it all, we'll need some sort of Estrogen. Actually to be honest, there are women out there who believe HRT is not for them (when everything has been removed.) There are risks and benefits to every decision we make in life. By electing HRT, you're asking for relief in night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, stamina & bone loss (I may be forgetting some more.) By not taking HRT, you're asking for; night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, loss in libido, bone loss, heart disease, etc.... Yet, if you take HRT, it also increases your risck of cancer! Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer. Nothing matches up to your NATURAL hormones. So, if I had to chose, I wouldn't use any form of HRT. What's the use? Think of our anscestors. They didn't have any form of HRT, went through menopause and managed life just fine with out. IN FACT, most doctors prefer when you have a hysterectomy, EVERYTHING goes because YOU'RE AT RISK FOR CANCER!!!! Maybe I should've named Option 4, Bitter Sweet Twist?

Let me just touch up on weight gain. Before I started therapy, I weighed 135. I've been through nearly every type of BCP on the market (or so it feels) starting at the age of 12. Never have I in my life (even after 2 pregnancies) have I weighed 200lbs. I'm 5'6". Weighing this much is not an option for me. Lupron gave me the chance to look into my future life, what it would be or even feel like after surgical menopause. For me, menopause isn't going to start at the age of 26 young. Not if I have a say in it. I have goals to acheive, yet and I feel, if I gained even more weight, I would hit depression bouts and think about suicide. It is absolutely miserable feeling and looking over weight. Looking at my past I actually appreciate being 5 or 10lbs over weight. My saying stands true (in my eyes) "Before you talk about what you want - Appreciate what you have!" I appreciate where I was before. My feet didn't hurt after an hour of walking around the house, yard, around the block, stores, etc.... At this moment, I feel luck to have OPTIONS! I really do. There are MANY women out there who are forced into surgical menopause. They're forced because of cancer, genetics, tumors, fibroids, etc.........I have a choice/option to make. I have 3 months to come up with my decision. I feel 3 months is enough time to fully understand where I'm headed in my life and which decision will benefit me best. For once, I have a decision over Endometriosis and it may JUST MAY be, because of Lupron.

The option running through my mind at the moment is option #3 (firstly) and option #2. Option #1 is last on my list because of weight gain. I have no promise in loseing the weight I've gained. Who knows, I could have an awful menses next month, call my dr and ask him to meet me on the surgical table in 30 min...........but, I may not. So, I've talked to my mother, mother in-law, my father and my husband. We've decided that if in 3 months, we're not pregnant we'll do the following:

Fertility pills
Or,
Hysterectomy. I say hysterectomy and not the seasonal pills because, either way................it's all about weight gain...Either way, Hysterectomy or BCPs add weight.

Starting next Monday I will start my diet and log any exercise I may do. I am not stepping one foot in my local gym with out first dropping 25lbs. So, it's going to be a while before I hit the weights. Besides, dieting (IMHO) is a better start....it'll allow my body to adjust properly. I think my diet will be something like the Candida diet. Mostly veggies. Not sure.

Thanks for keeping up with my progress. I plan on keeping this updated daily.

BabsieGirl's surviving!!!!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

I forgot to mention......in 3 months I'm going back to my GYN......


Posted by: Stacey

GOOD LUCK HONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Thanks Stacey

May 28th will be my last day at work and possibly last day online. I will be traveling back and forth to the Cleveland Clinic where I'll be under the care of an Endocrine/Endometrosis specialist for 6+ weeks.


Posted by: Stacey

I HATE ENDOMETRIOSIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This has been the absolute WORST 2 weeks of my LIFE


Posted by: ms21vegas

Quote:
Originally posted by Stacey
I HATE ENDOMETRIOSIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This has been the absolute WORST 2 weeks of my LIFE
I'm sorry Stacie!!! I hope you feel better! Are you on any medicine..pain killers? When I was on painkillers I took them so often my body got aimmuned to them. So all I could do was lay on the heating pad"HOT".

Mine has been ok for awhile until I started rode biking w/my dad & the next day I'm so sore..heating pad sore.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Stacey -- What's going on?


Posted by: Stacey

Thanks Ms21vegas!! yep I am immuned to all painpills --but he gave me Vioxx==which for me is my miracle drug.

Babsie-I had a cysts rupture (A big one) and the Doc found some other big cysts. I'm having sugery in 2-3 weeks. I have to get "Stents" put in. Do you know what that is??? UGGGG

(Oh read my journal for more info)


Posted by: ms21vegas

Stacey,
Good Luck on your surgery! I hope everything goes well!


Posted by: Stacey

thanks girl!!!!! I'm not sure when the surgery is!??!


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Stacey - How are you doing????


Posted by: Stacey

Hey Babsie! I had my surgery on June 5th. I'm healing pretty good. Still have a light bruise around one incision but dr. said it's okay. I am working out again..and able to have sex. Although that is still sometimes painful. Sucks!!! We have 3 months to get pregnant doc said- then if I'm not in like 5 months I will need surgery again. Uggggg.

HOW ARE YOU???????


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Ugh, Stacey I'm sorry to learn this. Keep your chin up. Things will get better. My doctor is giving me 3 months also to get pregnant. We've been having alternative surgeries to get my husband and I by. We're taking Clomid to help our chances. Even with taking Clomid our chances are very slim. I have pollycystic ovaries (which was found during surgery in Cleveland.) This explains some facial hair and extra (natural) testosterone I produce because of my ovaries. Weird.

Anyway I think it's great you're back to the gym. Unfortunately, I have a prolapsed Uterus so NO gym for me for a while. I'm on a diet and love it. Seems to be working.


Posted by: Stacey

Good Luck Babsie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sending hugs to you


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Fridays surgery went well with the exception of an allergic reaction to demoral. However you spell that. I have colitis, IBS and if my Endometriosis gets worse around my colon then I'll get a bowel obstruction. I barely remember everything because I was so loopy. When I go in for my follow up appt, I'm surely going to remember this time.

Monday is another surgery and I'll keep all posted.

Stacey, thanx for the hugs. Prayers, kisses and hugs as well, are being sent your way. Good luck hon and if you need to talk, you can call me anytime or send me PM.

Babs


Posted by: BabsieGirl

Okay. Mondays surgery went well. My tubes are open. So, our chances of conceiving are promising.

I received some news on the 19th though. I have colitis and am currently taking Asacol for that.

today I'm feel good. I'm on a nutrition program which seems to help. Will keep this updated.

Sign,
BabsieGirl


Posted by: gymbaby04

Babs, stacey you girls are going to be just fine. It is a hard decision to make. When i was 31 i had to have hysterctomy just a partial, dr said my cramping was just going to get worse with age. After the surgery and everything dr. said i had endo which i thought i should of been told before. i was in hospital 3 days due to fever but was up and walking around . Took a week off work and then went back. i just think it depends on the person and how well they heal.


Posted by: BabsieGirl

How much weight did you gain after?


Posted by: gymbaby04

actually i lost weight about 10lbs


Posted by: Hawkwind

WOW! I had a hyst/ooph/appendectomy four years ago due to stage IV endo. I also have fibromyalgia and my recovery was overlong due to needing two more surgeries and a run-in with lyme disease. Hugs to you. I understand the physical and emotional agony that goes along with endo. It knocked me down, but it didn't keep me down.


Posted by: natalia88

i was diagonased with endo about 4 months ago im having a hard time with it im eating organic food now and quit smoking 10 days ago i kno your not suppose to put stress on your body but i figered out i wanted to quit do any of you smoke on here?i get problems with lower back pain and pressure on my bowels and ovaries my periods r so painful any advice would be appreated it makes me cry the pain i feel like such a wimp


Posted by: natalia88

hi im new here i got endo and im having a hard time with it i quit smoking 10 days ago my period was worse than ever i really thought it mite help im on the endo diet to but sometimes slip i get alot of pain round my pelvis and lower back i think im in stage 3 or 4 paractomal dont help anymore and it constanly feels like something pressing on my bowels and bladder im taking b vitamins st johns wort for pmt and vitamin c and slippery elm for my bowels i also get stinging wen i go toilet any advice would be appreaited thanks


Posted by: RenT

HI, I was daignosed with endometreosis just over two years ago. I started feeling the effects of having this horrible condition after I had my first and only child. I had the normal after childbirth bleeding which went away after a couple of weeks, then when it came time for my next menstrual cycle the bleeding lasted for a month and a half, by this time i was anemic and had been to the emergency room about seven times. They brushed me off and switched me from one BCP to the next about six times in the strongest prescription they could give me in pill form.....needless to say this still did not work. They booked me for ultrasounds and still nothing was found. Finally one doctor referred me to a gyno and soon after was in for a consult then a laproscopy. I was then diagnosed with endo, and was told that I more than likely have had this since my first menstrual period which was when i was 9. I often swell up so badly in my abdomen that i look really pregnant (like 7 or so months) which also accompanies severe sharp pains from my cervix to my belly button. I have on many occasions dropped to my knees in pain unable to move. Sortly after I was diagnosed with endo I was put on the depo-provera shot which i know is bad and i hate it but has so far seemed to be the only thing that keeps it from spreading any worse than it already has. At first this seemed to be somewhat affective for the pain, but slowly it faded. I now have to get the depo shot once every two months instead of the regular three. I have often been told by women who have endo as severe as mine not to bother with endometrial ablasions or other similar procedures, because by the time I heal from that it will be time for another. I have been told by many the only way to go is to get a hysterectomy. My problem now is that I am unsuccessful in finding a doctor that is good enough to replace the one i was seeing which is now retired. This has been a - what seems to me- hopeless adventure. I have so many questions to ask but have no trustworthy doctor to ask them of. If anyone has any suggestions as to a different medication i could take that is less harmful on your body and is also effective for pain relief. That would be great because I know depo-provera can't be the best answer....especially being that I have enough problems with my bones (I also have two types of scoliosis). I live in northern ontario so if anyone knows of a good gyno i could see please let me know.


Posted by: RenT

OH and what is the endo diet?


Posted by: adriabold

Hi ladies, I just wanted to say that every BODY is different and ANYthing can happen....I am new to this site, but I just wanted to say to all those diagnosed with endo, please do not give up hope of having children!! I was diagnosed at age 16 with endo, doctor after doctor said 'i was too young'or 'it was in my head, everyone gets cramps' but the pain never subsided. I was told after 3 surgeries, and 4 lupron treatments (which I had the worst side effects) I would be lucky to conceive. Well, almost 9 yrs later, I have 3 beautiful children, AND I am pregnant with twins! Have faith!!
http://www.womenhealthzone.com/womens-health/endometriosis/treatments-for-endometriosis/


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Endometriosis as a Figure Athlete


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