Re: off topic-endometriosis

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn,

Have you been pried open (surgery) for this diagnosis, or are they/you

basing endometiosis on signs and symptoms ( " only " )? Not as if S & S

aren't enough with this, eh? Supposedly, the only way they can dx

this is by actually opening you up and taking a look-see.

Well, the only torso-type of surgery I ever had was the c-section and

they weren't looking for endometriosis with that, but later my ob-gyn

(and just about everyone else) was sure I had endometriosis, judging

by the level of the pain. I hear you!

Question: Without my poring through previous postings re. this, have

you had sonography for fibroid tumors, too? (I can't remember if

these actually cause pain, too, or they're just a side attraction.)

I'm wondering if, with what you described, you don't have fibroid

tumors -- either too or instead of the endometriosis.

Anyway, the only way I had to battle this kind of pain was by eating

tons of ibuprofen -- something to smack down the prostaglandin in your

body. Just be glad you're younger (I thought you said around 30?).

Back when I used to be alive, ibuprophen wasn't on the market yet, and

we had our PE teachers in school telling us it was " all in our heads "

and " just forget about it. "

If you are around 30, like I was thinking, be prepared for this to get

worse as you get older. If I serve as any model of anything, however,

and god help you if I do, all of this pain stuff resolves with

menopause (and can't we be glad for " small favors " !).

Ibuprophen, heating pad, a good stiff drink, and painkillers (not

mixed with the good stiff drink). That's what I think of. I hope you

get some other good ideas for this one. It's a real killer and I know

only too well.

the one still in Champaign IL

>

> Does anyone out there have any good suggestions for treating

> endometriosis? I am in wicked awful pain, I have taken nsaids and

> narcotics and still feeling awful. Just wondering if maybe there is

> another suggestion?

> Thanks,

> Dawn

>

[Guest guest]

, It doesn't have to get worse. Hormones, male and female, decline

naturally with age, but they can be replaced naturally. Mel

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Yup, they had a look-see and then some (2 hours worth of burning all of the

scattered endometriosis growing everywhere it shouldn't be. Even after

that, she said she wasn't sure she got it all). And yes, that is the only

way you can difinitively diagnose it. As far as fibroid tumors, no, that

has not been mentioned to me and I am not all that familiar with them. I

don know for sure that I have had two ovarian cysts rupture (extremely

painful, the last one, I actually thought I might be having a heart attack

because of referred shoulder pain). And , hey, I'm not 30 yet! I'm only

29! I'm still in my 20s, don't make me grow up! (I'm just kidding, like

you have a choice about growing up when you have CFS/FMS). And I must agree

with you that I am fortunate as far as medicines available to me. I never

felt better than when I was on Lupron, but it is unsafe to take for more

than 6 months, so I only got 6 months of relief. If you are unfamiliar with

it, Lupron is an estrogen suppressing drug. Which really makes me wonder if

there is a connection between estrogen dominance and a lot of my pain. The

doctor at the FFC said she believes that I have too much estrogen, not

enough progesterone and testosterone. I am beginning to think that she must

be right. The thing is, don't know what to do about it...

Thanks for the advice,

Dawn

>From: " netsukeme " <kcapel@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: off topic-endometriosis

>Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2006 21:23:31 -0000

>

>Hi Dawn,

>

>Have you been pried open (surgery) for this diagnosis, or are they/you

>basing endometiosis on signs and symptoms ( " only " )? Not as if S & S

>aren't enough with this, eh? Supposedly, the only way they can dx

>this is by actually opening you up and taking a look-see.

>

>Well, the only torso-type of surgery I ever had was the c-section and

>they weren't looking for endometriosis with that, but later my ob-gyn

>(and just about everyone else) was sure I had endometriosis, judging

>by the level of the pain. I hear you!

>

>Question: Without my poring through previous postings re. this, have

>you had sonography for fibroid tumors, too? (I can't remember if

>these actually cause pain, too, or they're just a side attraction.)

>I'm wondering if, with what you described, you don't have fibroid

>tumors -- either too or instead of the endometriosis.

>

>Anyway, the only way I had to battle this kind of pain was by eating

>tons of ibuprofen -- something to smack down the prostaglandin in your

>body. Just be glad you're younger (I thought you said around 30?).

>Back when I used to be alive, ibuprophen wasn't on the market yet, and

>we had our PE teachers in school telling us it was " all in our heads "

>and " just forget about it. "

>

>If you are around 30, like I was thinking, be prepared for this to get

>worse as you get older. If I serve as any model of anything, however,

>and god help you if I do, all of this pain stuff resolves with

>menopause (and can't we be glad for " small favors " !).

>

>Ibuprophen, heating pad, a good stiff drink, and painkillers (not

>mixed with the good stiff drink). That's what I think of. I hope you

>get some other good ideas for this one. It's a real killer and I know

>only too well.

>

>

>the one still in Champaign IL

>

>

>

> >

> > Does anyone out there have any good suggestions for treating

> > endometriosis? I am in wicked awful pain, I have taken nsaids and

> > narcotics and still feeling awful. Just wondering if maybe there is

> > another suggestion?

> > Thanks,

> > Dawn

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>This list is intended for patients to share personal experiences with each

>other, not to give medical advice. If you are interested in any treatment

>discussed here, please consult your doctor.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Dawn:

Bio-identical progesterone cream is sold over-the-counter. Bio-

identical testosterone gel or cream is available by prescription.

Rich

The

> doctor at the FFC said she believes that I have too much estrogen,

not

> enough progesterone and testosterone. I am beginning to think

that she must

> be right. The thing is, don't know what to do about it...

> Thanks for the advice,

> Dawn

[Guest guest]

Rich,

I have a few questions regarding that. First, if I have too much estrogen, will

taking the other hormones then just increase all of my hormone levels? Won't I

then just have too much estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone? Or do they

somehow balance out? Also, if I add the other hormones, will my body try to

compensate and then increase my estrogen again? I guess I am wondering if I

need to somehow suppress my estrogen production, but I don't know if that is

possible or safe. As far as the creams you were talking about, how would I know

how much to use? Would it be safe for my breastfeeding son? And excuse me for

asking, but you said cream and I am blushing to think where am I supposed to put

that cream? (I know after having a baby, cysts, and endometriosis, I shouldn't

be blushing about that, but I can't help it). I know this is kind of off topic

as far as your research, but I really appreciate your help. Lately this has

been kicking my butt!

Thanks,

Dawn

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[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn, I'm not Rich, but I'm still up so I'll tell you what I can.

Estrogen and progesterone levels are realtive...not constant. During normal

cycles each rises and falls on different schedules. The estrogen is a

stimulating hormone and progesterone a calming one...which accounts largely

for cyclical mood and physical changes. As menopause approaches

(perimenopause) progesterone production becomes irregular, declines and

stops. During this period of progesterone decline the production of

estrogen, the stimulating hormone, continues causing " estrogen dominance " ,

physiological and (I would suggest) psychological changes, some

uncomfortable as in hot flashes. This was a long introduction to what

happens during and following gestation. During pregnancy the production of

progesterone increases, this to avoid aborting, and increases during the

last trimester to 300-400 mg per day! THAT is a lot of calming! That is the

source of the " glow " so often observed in late pregnancy. Following birth

there is no reason for the prodigous amounts of progesterone (the calming

hormone) and this often precipitates depression. So, how old is the baby?

These post partum depressions usually resolve with a little support but they

can be serious and long lasting. The bottom line is this: supplementing

natural progesterone (transdermal cream or sublingual but not oral) will

moderate the estrogen dominance (stimulation), improve mood and physical

well being including enhancing bone density. This is a much abbreviated

account. It is late and I am going to crash for a nap so I can see my

physician tomorrow. I'll be back Wednesday. I'm sure there are others more

experienced who can tell you more (or better) tomorrow. Good health and good

evening. Mel

[Guest guest]

Hi Mel and anyone who is interested,

Thanks for the response. I will see if I can answer your questions. My son is

15 months old. You mentioned PPD, mine was severe (I couldn't eat, sleep,

function; I would suspect I was dangerously close to postpartum psychosis). But

I responded very quickly to medication, improving with the very first dose. I

wonder if there is a correlation, my fibro did great while I was pregnant. I am

not sure if I mentioned this before, but I got my period back at 7 weeks

postpartum, despite the fact that I was exclusively breastfeeding. I mention

this because I think it supports the theory that my estrogen is out of wack. I

get hormonal migraines, both with menses and ovulation, so I know my body is

extremely sensitive to hormones. You mentioned estrogen dominatating in

perimenopause, I am only 28, a little young for that. -Dawn

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[Guest guest]

< You mentioned estrogen dominatating in perimenopause, I am only 28,

a little young for that. >

Yes, you are, Dawn. I was around 37 when I started all that stuff.

>

> Hi Mel and anyone who is interested,

> Thanks for the response. I will see if I can answer your

questions. My son is 15 months old. You mentioned PPD, mine was

severe (I couldn't eat, sleep, function; I would suspect I was

dangerously close to postpartum psychosis). But I responded very

quickly to medication, improving with the very first dose. I wonder

if there is a correlation, my fibro did great while I was pregnant.

I am not sure if I mentioned this before, but I got my period back at

7 weeks postpartum, despite the fact that I was exclusively

breastfeeding. I mention this because I think it supports the theory

that my estrogen is out of wack. I get hormonal migraines, both with

menses and ovulation, so I know my body is extremely sensitive to

hormones. You mentioned estrogen dominatating in perimenopause, I am

only 28, a little young for that. -Dawn

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Dawn.

I think Mel gave a good answer to your questions about the

hormones. I would suggest that you get a copy of the paperback

entitled " What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You about Premenopause, " by

R. Lee, M.D., Hanley, M.D., and Virginia Hopkins. I met

Lee and heard him speak before he died a few years ago. He is

the person who originated the concept of estrogen dominance and

championed the use of transdermal bio-identical progesterone and

other hormones to achieve balance when they were out of balance.

Many women have found this to be helpful. In the book, they talk

about what dosages to try, and how to change them to get the balance

right.

And yes, you guessed where you're supposed to put the progesterone

cream (blush, blush!) You can put it in other spots, but I've heard

Dr. V. speak (he specializes in this area, too) and

he said that if you put these hormones on other areas of your skin,

there are enzymes there that will tend to break them down faster.

Please on't be embarrassed about all this. I've had a prescription

for testosterone gel for several years now, and I can really tell if

I stop using it for a few days. Between my CPAP machine, my glasses

and my testosterone gel, I'm almost a superman again!! Fortunately,

you can't see me to check that statement out!

Rich

>

> Hi Mel and anyone who is interested,

> Thanks for the response. I will see if I can answer your

questions. My son is 15 months old. You mentioned PPD, mine was

severe (I couldn't eat, sleep, function; I would suspect I was

dangerously close to postpartum psychosis). But I responded very

quickly to medication, improving with the very first dose. I wonder

if there is a correlation, my fibro did great while I was pregnant.

I am not sure if I mentioned this before, but I got my period back

at 7 weeks postpartum, despite the fact that I was exclusively

breastfeeding. I mention this because I think it supports the

theory that my estrogen is out of wack. I get hormonal migraines,

both with menses and ovulation, so I know my body is extremely

sensitive to hormones. You mentioned estrogen dominatating in

perimenopause, I am only 28, a little young for that. -Dawn

>

>

>

>

>

>

> It's the future, it's here, and it's free: Windows Live Mail beta

> http://www2.imagine-msn.com/minisites/mail/Default.aspx?locale=en-

us

>

>

[Guest guest]

Rich,

Thanks. I really appreciate the advice. It is kind of funny, I actually back

channelled (I think that is what you call it) Mel the other day. And guess what

book he recomended? Yup, the same one. And he was not the first, my family

doctor (who is a DO) had told me to read it a while ago. I had gotten it out of

the library, then it sat on my bookshelf for a few months. Since I hadn't read

it yet, I returned it. Now, I am starting to think someone is trying to get a

message through my thick skull!!! So, I will read the book. I didn't realize

how rellavent it really was to me or I would have read it before. Anyway,

thanks for the advice and for helping me not to be so shy, it helps that I can

hide behind my computer screen!

Thank you,

Dawn

I think Mel gave a good answer to your questions about the hormones. I would

suggest that you get a copy of the paperback entitled " What Your Doctor May NOT

Tell You about Premenopause, " by R. Lee, M.D., Hanley, M.D., and

Virginia Hopkins. I met Lee and heard him speak before he died a few years

ago. He is the person who originated the concept of estrogen dominance and

championed the use of transdermal bio-identical progesterone and other hormones

to achieve balance when they were out of balance. Many women have found this to

be helpful. In the book, they talk about what dosages to try, and how to change

them to get the balance right. And yes, you guessed where you're supposed to put

the progesterone cream (blush, blush!) You can put it in other spots, but I've

heard Dr. V. speak (he specializes in this area, too) and he

said that if you put these hormones on other areas of your skin, there are

enzymes there that will tend to break them down faster. Please on't be

embarrassed about all this. I've had a prescription for testosterone gel for

several years now, and I can really tell if I stop using it for a few days.

Between my CPAP machine, my glasses and my testosterone gel, I'm almost a

superman again!! Fortunately, you can't see me to check that statement out!

Rich

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