Guest guest Posted May 14, 2001 Report Share Posted May 14, 2001 Therese: I appreciate the information. Currently, I am trying to figure out why all the drs. recommend taking the cervix and ovaries and all the literature and support people say to keep the ovaries and cervix. I just don't know what to do. My surgery will have to be abdominal because of the 22 week size uterus. At this point I just don't know that much about hysterectomy, but I would like to save my organs if they are healthy. I'm confused because of the posting last month where a woman in our group stated that one can still get ovarian cancer even if they take your ovaries. I'll have to go back and see who wrote that so I can ask them how that could possibly be. If anyone else has information on this, I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks, Pam Ganser Therese Barraco wrote: , Pam, and Anita, If you decide on hysterectomies, please consider a subtotal hysterectomy, in which the cervix is left in. This helps in structural support of pelvic organs. Also, why do your ovaries necessarily have to come out? Doctors are routinely removing ovaries of women over 45, to protect against ovarian cancer. But ovarian cancer is rare, and even with the ovaries removed, cancer can still appear. If you leave the ovaries in, you have a better than 50% chance that they will continue to function. Therese Re: decision made Hi Guys. Boy did this hit me hard. Three years ago when I leanred these things had grown to the 20 week stage, I did the research and learned that " it was best to keep my uterus " for a) structural b)hormonal and c)sexual health. Ok. According to the same sources, I could have a myo no matter what size my uterus, no matter how many fibroids... WITH a bikini incision and WITH very little blood loss. OK!!! Fast recovery time too!! Then I began having consultations and that is NOT what I was told. In fact I was accused of being irrational and unreasonable. I eventually learned that nobody in my area was DOING this " new, improved " surgery. WHY????? I couldn't get them to tell me. So I looked at traveling to have surgery. My insurance at the time, a govt HMO, would not allow me to travel, even tho the policy stated that " for medical specialty, or when care is not available " I could go out of state. I went thru over 18 months of appeals and all I won was the right to go out of network but within my county which did not help at all, since no doctor here did the surgery or had ever done a successful myo on a uterus my size with this many fibroids. During this time my symptoms were taking over my life. I had gushing to the point of being afraid I would bleed to death almost every month. I became anemic. I had pain and pulling thruout the month and not just during my period. I had episodes of bladder spasms which sent me to the ER, bowels spasms which ended up putting me on medication, and developed such a severe consipation problem that Senokot and fiber have logging this has become a way of life. I have been reinstated on a plan which will allow me to travel...as of nine months ago, but by that time I had to move due to landlord problems and I was so debilitated that it took me all this time to get unpacked and settled and to a point where I felt organized enough to have this surgery. I have become increasingly desparate. I have pain from degenration and calcification (it feels like there is a sack of rocks in there) and the strain getting up and down from a seated position, walking any distance, going up and down stairs, well I am darn near handicapped from this. I began having erratic periods,like this last week, within two weeks of the last one! I feel like I am caving under the pressure of all of this. I have been recommended for UAE, but I am too burnt out to do the research right now. I had ruled that out due to my size and # of fibroids and also Carla's experience (losing uterine contraction). I have a couple of docs I could see for myo but they are all the way across the country and right now I don't feel up to the trip. Also, a woman who had a myo with Levine right about the time I began this, three years ago, ALREADY has regrowth and is having another surgery! I am NOT having TWO surgeries... Lap s/c hyst is looking pretty good. I like the fast recovery time. I like knowing that I will never bleed again or have any future problems. But I keep thinking about my original research. I will be setting myself up for loss of structural support in the pelvic area and possibly a life with Depends in the future. I could be looking at HRT which will be another whole bag of worms. And I will definetely lose the uterine contraction during orgasm which I still remember describing to my best friend all those years ago as a clenching, a " loins thing " ... and pretty terrific. I mean, that's the " big ending " ... how will sex end now? Three years ago I felt it was imperitive to hold on, not to lose anything. Now I am actually coming to terms with the idea of " growing old " of inevitable changes " facts of life " stuff. I don't know if I am , as I said, caving under the pressure, or finding " acceptance " . So now I am finding myself stymied and immobilized AGAIN. I don't know about you guys, but my family, friends, and boyfriend are SO SICK of hearing about this. I am SICK of talking about it. I feel like one of those women I used to hate, who go around discussing their gyn problems to get attention or just in inappropriate situations. I knew a couple of women like this at work and church when I was younger and I thought they had to be nuts to constantly talk about this. I have a real sense of urgency. I do not want to have another period. I want to get on with my life. I want all the hassle to go away and I want my time back and my energy. I want a flat stomach again. I want everyone to see that I finally " dealt with this " . BUT WHAT THE HECK IS THE ANSWER? I know that only I can decide. For the first time in my life I honestly don't know what to do now. This is going to be a week of much prayer and meditation, and if I can summons the energy, a re-look at all my reams and reams of research. B --- Pam Ganser wrote: > > Dear Anita: I can certainly relate to and > understand your situation. It seems that our timing > on this decision is synchronized. I work at a school > too and am on aygestin, loestrin, and now lupron > again and I have had it too. I used up all of my > sick leave and am planning to have an abdominal > hysterectomy the first week of June. I don't want to > see anymore blood, kotex-with or without wings, > clots, bathrooms every 10 minutes or my little red > backpack with my change of clothes and two pairs of > underwear. Everything I've tried has failed ,so > goodbye uterus. What are you going to do about your > ovaries? I am not afraid of this surgery, in fact I > am relieved to have finally made a decision in which > there will never be a possibility of me bleeding > again. I just wish there had been another solution > for us that was easier. Hopefully, in the future > there will be. Pam Ganser > > Ken Liggett wrote: > Dear Friends, > I guess the bleeding and clotting has finally worn > me down. Again at work yesterday I couldn't stay > out of the bathroom all morning. I got scared again > that this was it I was just going to hemorrage. I > called the Dr. and he wanted tosee me. I am off the > aygestin and now taking a higher BC pill > Two a day for now. I am going to get the Lupron > shot in a couple of days and I decided to have a > vaginal hysterectomy in July as soon as school is > out. I hope I last that long. I have only one > ovary that he will leave in place. Hopefully I > don't have adhesions and he can complete the > operation vaginally. I appreciate all the > information and concern I received from all of you > and will continue to monitor the e-mails. I'll let > you know my experiences on Lupron. Thank you > Anita > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2001 Report Share Posted May 14, 2001 Therese: I appreciate the information. Currently, I am trying to figure out why all the drs. recommend taking the cervix and ovaries and all the literature and support people say to keep the ovaries and cervix. I just don't know what to do. My surgery will have to be abdominal because of the 22 week size uterus. At this point I just don't know that much about hysterectomy, but I would like to save my organs if they are healthy. I'm confused because of the posting last month where a woman in our group stated that one can still get ovarian cancer even if they take your ovaries. I'll have to go back and see who wrote that so I can ask them how that could possibly be. If anyone else has information on this, I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks, Pam Ganser Therese Barraco wrote: , Pam, and Anita, If you decide on hysterectomies, please consider a subtotal hysterectomy, in which the cervix is left in. This helps in structural support of pelvic organs. Also, why do your ovaries necessarily have to come out? Doctors are routinely removing ovaries of women over 45, to protect against ovarian cancer. But ovarian cancer is rare, and even with the ovaries removed, cancer can still appear. If you leave the ovaries in, you have a better than 50% chance that they will continue to function. Therese Re: decision made Hi Guys. Boy did this hit me hard. Three years ago when I leanred these things had grown to the 20 week stage, I did the research and learned that " it was best to keep my uterus " for a) structural b)hormonal and c)sexual health. Ok. According to the same sources, I could have a myo no matter what size my uterus, no matter how many fibroids... WITH a bikini incision and WITH very little blood loss. OK!!! Fast recovery time too!! Then I began having consultations and that is NOT what I was told. In fact I was accused of being irrational and unreasonable. I eventually learned that nobody in my area was DOING this " new, improved " surgery. WHY????? I couldn't get them to tell me. So I looked at traveling to have surgery. My insurance at the time, a govt HMO, would not allow me to travel, even tho the policy stated that " for medical specialty, or when care is not available " I could go out of state. I went thru over 18 months of appeals and all I won was the right to go out of network but within my county which did not help at all, since no doctor here did the surgery or had ever done a successful myo on a uterus my size with this many fibroids. During this time my symptoms were taking over my life. I had gushing to the point of being afraid I would bleed to death almost every month. I became anemic. I had pain and pulling thruout the month and not just during my period. I had episodes of bladder spasms which sent me to the ER, bowels spasms which ended up putting me on medication, and developed such a severe consipation problem that Senokot and fiber have logging this has become a way of life. I have been reinstated on a plan which will allow me to travel...as of nine months ago, but by that time I had to move due to landlord problems and I was so debilitated that it took me all this time to get unpacked and settled and to a point where I felt organized enough to have this surgery. I have become increasingly desparate. I have pain from degenration and calcification (it feels like there is a sack of rocks in there) and the strain getting up and down from a seated position, walking any distance, going up and down stairs, well I am darn near handicapped from this. I began having erratic periods,like this last week, within two weeks of the last one! I feel like I am caving under the pressure of all of this. I have been recommended for UAE, but I am too burnt out to do the research right now. I had ruled that out due to my size and # of fibroids and also Carla's experience (losing uterine contraction). I have a couple of docs I could see for myo but they are all the way across the country and right now I don't feel up to the trip. Also, a woman who had a myo with Levine right about the time I began this, three years ago, ALREADY has regrowth and is having another surgery! I am NOT having TWO surgeries... Lap s/c hyst is looking pretty good. I like the fast recovery time. I like knowing that I will never bleed again or have any future problems. But I keep thinking about my original research. I will be setting myself up for loss of structural support in the pelvic area and possibly a life with Depends in the future. I could be looking at HRT which will be another whole bag of worms. And I will definetely lose the uterine contraction during orgasm which I still remember describing to my best friend all those years ago as a clenching, a " loins thing " ... and pretty terrific. I mean, that's the " big ending " ... how will sex end now? Three years ago I felt it was imperitive to hold on, not to lose anything. Now I am actually coming to terms with the idea of " growing old " of inevitable changes " facts of life " stuff. I don't know if I am , as I said, caving under the pressure, or finding " acceptance " . So now I am finding myself stymied and immobilized AGAIN. I don't know about you guys, but my family, friends, and boyfriend are SO SICK of hearing about this. I am SICK of talking about it. I feel like one of those women I used to hate, who go around discussing their gyn problems to get attention or just in inappropriate situations. I knew a couple of women like this at work and church when I was younger and I thought they had to be nuts to constantly talk about this. I have a real sense of urgency. I do not want to have another period. I want to get on with my life. I want all the hassle to go away and I want my time back and my energy. I want a flat stomach again. I want everyone to see that I finally " dealt with this " . BUT WHAT THE HECK IS THE ANSWER? I know that only I can decide. For the first time in my life I honestly don't know what to do now. This is going to be a week of much prayer and meditation, and if I can summons the energy, a re-look at all my reams and reams of research. B --- Pam Ganser wrote: > > Dear Anita: I can certainly relate to and > understand your situation. It seems that our timing > on this decision is synchronized. I work at a school > too and am on aygestin, loestrin, and now lupron > again and I have had it too. I used up all of my > sick leave and am planning to have an abdominal > hysterectomy the first week of June. I don't want to > see anymore blood, kotex-with or without wings, > clots, bathrooms every 10 minutes or my little red > backpack with my change of clothes and two pairs of > underwear. Everything I've tried has failed ,so > goodbye uterus. What are you going to do about your > ovaries? I am not afraid of this surgery, in fact I > am relieved to have finally made a decision in which > there will never be a possibility of me bleeding > again. I just wish there had been another solution > for us that was easier. Hopefully, in the future > there will be. Pam Ganser > > Ken Liggett wrote: > Dear Friends, > I guess the bleeding and clotting has finally worn > me down. Again at work yesterday I couldn't stay > out of the bathroom all morning. I got scared again > that this was it I was just going to hemorrage. I > called the Dr. and he wanted tosee me. I am off the > aygestin and now taking a higher BC pill > Two a day for now. I am going to get the Lupron > shot in a couple of days and I decided to have a > vaginal hysterectomy in July as soon as school is > out. I hope I last that long. I have only one > ovary that he will leave in place. Hopefully I > don't have adhesions and he can complete the > operation vaginally. I appreciate all the > information and concern I received from all of you > and will continue to monitor the e-mails. I'll let > you know my experiences on Lupron. Thank you > Anita > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2001 Report Share Posted May 14, 2001 Pam, Therese, I just bought the book " Hormonal Health " by Dr. Colgan as recommended by someone else in this group. The book mentions there is only about a 4% running rate of ovarian cancer. So Dr. Colgan states quite plainly, would you have your breasts removed because there is a 32% running rate of breast cancer. Of course not, so when doctors tell you you can avoid ovarian cancer by having your ovaries removed, it really doesn't make any sense...unless you think routine removal of the breasts is a good idea. Dr. Colgan's book states that women who keep their ovaries have a tougher menopause. However, Johanna Skilling's book " Fibroids " states keeping your ovaries makes the menapause experience less sudden and less severe. Johanna's book was published in 2000, while Colgans book was published in 1996. You really need to research this more, I can't say which is right. But both books agree that hormones are a vital part of a healthy body, and ovaries do help produce estrogen. So keeping the ovaries sounds like the right thing to do. - Good Luck, Debbie Re: decision made > > > Hi Guys. Boy did this hit me hard. Three years ago > when I leanred these things had grown to the 20 week > stage, I did the research and learned that " it was > best to keep my uterus " for a) structural b)hormonal > and c)sexual health. Ok. According to the same > sources, I could have a myo no matter what size my > uterus, no matter how many fibroids... WITH a bikini > incision and WITH very little blood loss. OK!!! Fast > recovery time too!! > > Then I began having consultations and that is NOT what > I was told. In fact I was accused of being irrational > and unreasonable. I eventually learned that nobody in > my area was DOING this " new, improved " surgery. > WHY????? I couldn't get them to tell me. > > So I looked at traveling to have surgery. My > insurance at the time, a govt HMO, would not allow me > to travel, even tho the policy stated that " for > medical specialty, or when care is not available " I > could go out of state. I went thru over 18 months of > appeals and all I won was the right to go out of > network but within my county which did not help at > all, since no doctor here did the surgery or had ever > done a successful myo on a uterus my size with this > many fibroids. > > During this time my symptoms were taking over my life. > I had gushing to the point of being afraid I would > bleed to death almost every month. I became anemic. > I had pain and pulling thruout the month and not just > during my period. I had episodes of bladder spasms > which sent me to the ER, bowels spasms which ended up > putting me on medication, and developed such a severe > consipation problem that Senokot and fiber have > logging this has become a way of life. > > I have been reinstated on a plan which will allow me > to travel...as of nine months ago, but by that time I > had to move due to landlord problems and I was so > debilitated that it took me all this time to get > unpacked and settled and to a point where I felt > organized enough to have this surgery. I have become > increasingly desparate. I have pain from degenration > and calcification (it feels like there is a sack of > rocks in there) and the strain getting up and down > from a seated position, walking any distance, going up > and down stairs, well I am darn near handicapped from > this. > > I began having erratic periods,like this last week, > within two weeks of the last one! > > I feel like I am caving under the pressure of all of > this. I have been recommended for UAE, but I am too > burnt out to do the research right now. I had ruled > that out due to my size and # of fibroids and also > Carla's experience (losing uterine contraction). I > have a couple of docs I could see for myo but they are > all the way across the country and right now I don't > feel up to the trip. Also, a woman who had a myo with > Levine right about the time I began this, three years > ago, ALREADY has regrowth and is having another > surgery! I am NOT having TWO surgeries... > > Lap s/c hyst is looking pretty good. I like the fast > recovery time. I like knowing that I will never bleed > again or have any future problems. But I keep > thinking about my original research. I will be > setting myself up for loss of structural support in > the pelvic area and possibly a life with Depends in > the future. I could be looking at HRT which will be > another whole bag of worms. And I will definetely > lose the uterine contraction during orgasm which I > still remember describing to my best friend all those > years ago as a clenching, a " loins thing " ... and > pretty terrific. I mean, that's the " big ending " ... > how will sex end now? > > Three years ago I felt it was imperitive to hold on, > not to lose anything. Now I am actually coming to > terms with the idea of " growing old " of inevitable > changes " facts of life " stuff. I don't know if I am > , as I said, caving under the pressure, or finding > " acceptance " . > > So now I am finding myself stymied and immobilized > AGAIN. I don't know about you guys, but my family, > friends, and boyfriend are SO SICK of hearing about > this. I am SICK of talking about it. I feel like one > of those women I used to hate, who go around > discussing their gyn problems to get attention or just > in inappropriate situations. I knew a couple of women > like this at work and church when I was younger and I > thought they had to be nuts to constantly talk about > this. > > I have a real sense of urgency. I do not want to have > another period. I want to get on with my life. I > want all the hassle to go away and I want my time back > and my energy. I want a flat stomach again. I want > everyone to see that I finally " dealt with this " . > > BUT WHAT THE HECK IS THE ANSWER? I know that only I > can decide. For the first time in my life I honestly > don't know what to do now. > > This is going to be a week of much prayer and > meditation, and if I can summons the energy, a re-look > at all my reams and reams of research. > > B > > --- Pam Ganser wrote: > > > > Dear Anita: I can certainly relate to and > > understand your situation. It seems that our timing > > on this decision is synchronized. I work at a school > > too and am on aygestin, loestrin, and now lupron > > again and I have had it too. I used up all of my > > sick leave and am planning to have an abdominal > > hysterectomy the first week of June. I don't want to > > see anymore blood, kotex-with or without wings, > > clots, bathrooms every 10 minutes or my little red > > backpack with my change of clothes and two pairs of > > underwear. Everything I've tried has failed ,so > > goodbye uterus. What are you going to do about your > > ovaries? I am not afraid of this surgery, in fact I > > am relieved to have finally made a decision in which > > there will never be a possibility of me bleeding > > again. I just wish there had been another solution > > for us that was easier. Hopefully, in the future > > there will be. Pam Ganser > > > > Ken Liggett wrote: > > Dear Friends, > > I guess the bleeding and clotting has finally worn > > me down. Again at work yesterday I couldn't stay > > out of the bathroom all morning. I got scared again > > that this was it I was just going to hemorrage. I > > called the Dr. and he wanted tosee me. I am off the > > aygestin and now taking a higher BC pill > > Two a day for now. I am going to get the Lupron > > shot in a couple of days and I decided to have a > > vaginal hysterectomy in July as soon as school is > > out. I hope I last that long. I have only one > > ovary that he will leave in place. Hopefully I > > don't have adhesions and he can complete the > > operation vaginally. I appreciate all the > > information and concern I received from all of you > > and will continue to monitor the e-mails. I'll let > > you know my experiences on Lupron. Thank you > > Anita > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2001 Report Share Posted May 14, 2001 Pam, Therese, I just bought the book " Hormonal Health " by Dr. Colgan as recommended by someone else in this group. The book mentions there is only about a 4% running rate of ovarian cancer. So Dr. Colgan states quite plainly, would you have your breasts removed because there is a 32% running rate of breast cancer. Of course not, so when doctors tell you you can avoid ovarian cancer by having your ovaries removed, it really doesn't make any sense...unless you think routine removal of the breasts is a good idea. Dr. Colgan's book states that women who keep their ovaries have a tougher menopause. However, Johanna Skilling's book " Fibroids " states keeping your ovaries makes the menapause experience less sudden and less severe. Johanna's book was published in 2000, while Colgans book was published in 1996. You really need to research this more, I can't say which is right. But both books agree that hormones are a vital part of a healthy body, and ovaries do help produce estrogen. So keeping the ovaries sounds like the right thing to do. - Good Luck, Debbie Re: decision made > > > Hi Guys. Boy did this hit me hard. Three years ago > when I leanred these things had grown to the 20 week > stage, I did the research and learned that " it was > best to keep my uterus " for a) structural b)hormonal > and c)sexual health. Ok. According to the same > sources, I could have a myo no matter what size my > uterus, no matter how many fibroids... WITH a bikini > incision and WITH very little blood loss. OK!!! Fast > recovery time too!! > > Then I began having consultations and that is NOT what > I was told. In fact I was accused of being irrational > and unreasonable. I eventually learned that nobody in > my area was DOING this " new, improved " surgery. > WHY????? I couldn't get them to tell me. > > So I looked at traveling to have surgery. My > insurance at the time, a govt HMO, would not allow me > to travel, even tho the policy stated that " for > medical specialty, or when care is not available " I > could go out of state. I went thru over 18 months of > appeals and all I won was the right to go out of > network but within my county which did not help at > all, since no doctor here did the surgery or had ever > done a successful myo on a uterus my size with this > many fibroids. > > During this time my symptoms were taking over my life. > I had gushing to the point of being afraid I would > bleed to death almost every month. I became anemic. > I had pain and pulling thruout the month and not just > during my period. I had episodes of bladder spasms > which sent me to the ER, bowels spasms which ended up > putting me on medication, and developed such a severe > consipation problem that Senokot and fiber have > logging this has become a way of life. > > I have been reinstated on a plan which will allow me > to travel...as of nine months ago, but by that time I > had to move due to landlord problems and I was so > debilitated that it took me all this time to get > unpacked and settled and to a point where I felt > organized enough to have this surgery. I have become > increasingly desparate. I have pain from degenration > and calcification (it feels like there is a sack of > rocks in there) and the strain getting up and down > from a seated position, walking any distance, going up > and down stairs, well I am darn near handicapped from > this. > > I began having erratic periods,like this last week, > within two weeks of the last one! > > I feel like I am caving under the pressure of all of > this. I have been recommended for UAE, but I am too > burnt out to do the research right now. I had ruled > that out due to my size and # of fibroids and also > Carla's experience (losing uterine contraction). I > have a couple of docs I could see for myo but they are > all the way across the country and right now I don't > feel up to the trip. Also, a woman who had a myo with > Levine right about the time I began this, three years > ago, ALREADY has regrowth and is having another > surgery! I am NOT having TWO surgeries... > > Lap s/c hyst is looking pretty good. I like the fast > recovery time. I like knowing that I will never bleed > again or have any future problems. But I keep > thinking about my original research. I will be > setting myself up for loss of structural support in > the pelvic area and possibly a life with Depends in > the future. I could be looking at HRT which will be > another whole bag of worms. And I will definetely > lose the uterine contraction during orgasm which I > still remember describing to my best friend all those > years ago as a clenching, a " loins thing " ... and > pretty terrific. I mean, that's the " big ending " ... > how will sex end now? > > Three years ago I felt it was imperitive to hold on, > not to lose anything. Now I am actually coming to > terms with the idea of " growing old " of inevitable > changes " facts of life " stuff. I don't know if I am > , as I said, caving under the pressure, or finding > " acceptance " . > > So now I am finding myself stymied and immobilized > AGAIN. I don't know about you guys, but my family, > friends, and boyfriend are SO SICK of hearing about > this. I am SICK of talking about it. I feel like one > of those women I used to hate, who go around > discussing their gyn problems to get attention or just > in inappropriate situations. I knew a couple of women > like this at work and church when I was younger and I > thought they had to be nuts to constantly talk about > this. > > I have a real sense of urgency. I do not want to have > another period. I want to get on with my life. I > want all the hassle to go away and I want my time back > and my energy. I want a flat stomach again. I want > everyone to see that I finally " dealt with this " . > > BUT WHAT THE HECK IS THE ANSWER? I know that only I > can decide. For the first time in my life I honestly > don't know what to do now. > > This is going to be a week of much prayer and > meditation, and if I can summons the energy, a re-look > at all my reams and reams of research. > > B > > --- Pam Ganser wrote: > > > > Dear Anita: I can certainly relate to and > > understand your situation. It seems that our timing > > on this decision is synchronized. I work at a school > > too and am on aygestin, loestrin, and now lupron > > again and I have had it too. I used up all of my > > sick leave and am planning to have an abdominal > > hysterectomy the first week of June. I don't want to > > see anymore blood, kotex-with or without wings, > > clots, bathrooms every 10 minutes or my little red > > backpack with my change of clothes and two pairs of > > underwear. Everything I've tried has failed ,so > > goodbye uterus. What are you going to do about your > > ovaries? I am not afraid of this surgery, in fact I > > am relieved to have finally made a decision in which > > there will never be a possibility of me bleeding > > again. I just wish there had been another solution > > for us that was easier. Hopefully, in the future > > there will be. Pam Ganser > > > > Ken Liggett wrote: > > Dear Friends, > > I guess the bleeding and clotting has finally worn > > me down. Again at work yesterday I couldn't stay > > out of the bathroom all morning. I got scared again > > that this was it I was just going to hemorrage. I > > called the Dr. and he wanted tosee me. I am off the > > aygestin and now taking a higher BC pill > > Two a day for now. I am going to get the Lupron > > shot in a couple of days and I decided to have a > > vaginal hysterectomy in July as soon as school is > > out. I hope I last that long. I have only one > > ovary that he will leave in place. Hopefully I > > don't have adhesions and he can complete the > > operation vaginally. I appreciate all the > > information and concern I received from all of you > > and will continue to monitor the e-mails. I'll let > > you know my experiences on Lupron. Thank you > > Anita > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2001 Report Share Posted May 15, 2001 I was diagnosed with complex cyst in my breast. I did not want to go under the knife, so I visit some alternative health. One of Chinese herbalist said that I have female hormonal unbalanced and wants me to check them out. I talked to my primary care Doctor and Breast surgeon. They did not think female hormone are related to the tumor. Now I am diagnosed with uterine fibroids, I wonder if female hormone is relate to the cause of cyst in breast and fibroid. Is there MD out there believe in the connection and will do more diagnostic test? I live in Northern California. At 10:59 PM 5/14/01 -0500, you wrote: >Pam, Therese, > >I just bought the book " Hormonal Health " by Dr. Colgan as >recommended by someone else in this group. > >The book mentions there is only about a 4% running rate of ovarian cancer. >So Dr. Colgan states quite plainly, would you have your breasts removed >because there is a 32% running rate of breast cancer. Of course not, so >when doctors tell you you can avoid ovarian cancer by having your ovaries >removed, it really doesn't make any sense...unless you think routine removal >of the breasts is a good idea. > >Dr. Colgan's book states that women who keep their ovaries have a tougher >menopause. However, Johanna Skilling's book " Fibroids " states keeping your >ovaries makes the menapause experience less sudden and less severe. >Johanna's book was published in 2000, while Colgans book was published in >1996. You really need to research this more, I can't say which is right. > >But both books agree that hormones are a vital part of a healthy body, and >ovaries do help produce estrogen. So keeping the ovaries sounds like the >right thing to do. > >- Good Luck, >Debbie > > Re: decision made > > > > > > Hi Guys. Boy did this hit me hard. Three years ago > > when I leanred these things had grown to the 20 week > > stage, I did the research and learned that " it was > > best to keep my uterus " for a) structural b)hormonal > > and c)sexual health. Ok. According to the same > > sources, I could have a myo no matter what size my > > uterus, no matter how many fibroids... WITH a bikini > > incision and WITH very little blood loss. OK!!! Fast > > recovery time too!! > > > > Then I began having consultations and that is NOT what > > I was told. In fact I was accused of being irrational > > and unreasonable. I eventually learned that nobody in > > my area was DOING this " new, improved " surgery. > > WHY????? I couldn't get them to tell me. > > > > So I looked at traveling to have surgery. My > > insurance at the time, a govt HMO, would not allow me > > to travel, even tho the policy stated that " for > > medical specialty, or when care is not available " I > > could go out of state. I went thru over 18 months of > > appeals and all I won was the right to go out of > > network but within my county which did not help at > > all, since no doctor here did the surgery or had ever > > done a successful myo on a uterus my size with this > > many fibroids. > > > > During this time my symptoms were taking over my life. > > I had gushing to the point of being afraid I would > > bleed to death almost every month. I became anemic. > > I had pain and pulling thruout the month and not just > > during my period. I had episodes of bladder spasms > > which sent me to the ER, bowels spasms which ended up > > putting me on medication, and developed such a severe > > consipation problem that Senokot and fiber have > > logging this has become a way of life. > > > > I have been reinstated on a plan which will allow me > > to travel...as of nine months ago, but by that time I > > had to move due to landlord problems and I was so > > debilitated that it took me all this time to get > > unpacked and settled and to a point where I felt > > organized enough to have this surgery. I have become > > increasingly desparate. I have pain from degenration > > and calcification (it feels like there is a sack of > > rocks in there) and the strain getting up and down > > from a seated position, walking any distance, going up > > and down stairs, well I am darn near handicapped from > > this. > > > > I began having erratic periods,like this last week, > > within two weeks of the last one! > > > > I feel like I am caving under the pressure of all of > > this. I have been recommended for UAE, but I am too > > burnt out to do the research right now. I had ruled > > that out due to my size and # of fibroids and also > > Carla's experience (losing uterine contraction). I > > have a couple of docs I could see for myo but they are > > all the way across the country and right now I don't > > feel up to the trip. Also, a woman who had a myo with > > Levine right about the time I began this, three years > > ago, ALREADY has regrowth and is having another > > surgery! I am NOT having TWO surgeries... > > > > Lap s/c hyst is looking pretty good. I like the fast > > recovery time. I like knowing that I will never bleed > > again or have any future problems. But I keep > > thinking about my original research. I will be > > setting myself up for loss of structural support in > > the pelvic area and possibly a life with Depends in > > the future. I could be looking at HRT which will be > > another whole bag of worms. And I will definetely > > lose the uterine contraction during orgasm which I > > still remember describing to my best friend all those > > years ago as a clenching, a " loins thing " ... and > > pretty terrific. I mean, that's the " big ending " ... > > how will sex end now? > > > > Three years ago I felt it was imperitive to hold on, > > not to lose anything. Now I am actually coming to > > terms with the idea of " growing old " of inevitable > > changes " facts of life " stuff. I don't know if I am > > , as I said, caving under the pressure, or finding > > " acceptance " . > > > > So now I am finding myself stymied and immobilized > > AGAIN. I don't know about you guys, but my family, > > friends, and boyfriend are SO SICK of hearing about > > this. I am SICK of talking about it. I feel like one > > of those women I used to hate, who go around > > discussing their gyn problems to get attention or just > > in inappropriate situations. I knew a couple of women > > like this at work and church when I was younger and I > > thought they had to be nuts to constantly talk about > > this. > > > > I have a real sense of urgency. I do not want to have > > another period. I want to get on with my life. I > > want all the hassle to go away and I want my time back > > and my energy. I want a flat stomach again. I want > > everyone to see that I finally " dealt with this " . > > > > BUT WHAT THE HECK IS THE ANSWER? I know that only I > > can decide. For the first time in my life I honestly > > don't know what to do now. > > > > This is going to be a week of much prayer and > > meditation, and if I can summons the energy, a re-look > > at all my reams and reams of research. > > > > B > > > > --- Pam Ganser wrote: > > > > > > Dear Anita: I can certainly relate to and > > > understand your situation. It seems that our timing > > > on this decision is synchronized. I work at a school > > > too and am on aygestin, loestrin, and now lupron > > > again and I have had it too. I used up all of my > > > sick leave and am planning to have an abdominal > > > hysterectomy the first week of June. I don't want to > > > see anymore blood, kotex-with or without wings, > > > clots, bathrooms every 10 minutes or my little red > > > backpack with my change of clothes and two pairs of > > > underwear. Everything I've tried has failed ,so > > > goodbye uterus. What are you going to do about your > > > ovaries? I am not afraid of this surgery, in fact I > > > am relieved to have finally made a decision in which > > > there will never be a possibility of me bleeding > > > again. I just wish there had been another solution > > > for us that was easier. Hopefully, in the future > > > there will be. Pam Ganser > > > > > > Ken Liggett wrote: > > > Dear Friends, > > > I guess the bleeding and clotting has finally worn > > > me down. Again at work yesterday I couldn't stay > > > out of the bathroom all morning. I got scared again > > > that this was it I was just going to hemorrage. I > > > called the Dr. and he wanted tosee me. I am off the > > > aygestin and now taking a higher BC pill > > > Two a day for now. I am going to get the Lupron > > > shot in a couple of days and I decided to have a > > > vaginal hysterectomy in July as soon as school is > > > out. I hope I last that long. I have only one > > > ovary that he will leave in place. Hopefully I > > > don't have adhesions and he can complete the > > > operation vaginally. I appreciate all the > > > information and concern I received from all of you > > > and will continue to monitor the e-mails. I'll let > > > you know my experiences on Lupron. Thank you > > > Anita > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2001 Report Share Posted May 16, 2001 Hi : In my experience, I haven't found a medical doctor willing to address the issue of treating things naturally. I have been seeing a " clinical nutriitionist/pharmacist/homeopath " since Jan of this year for a number of physical ailments I have such as: acid reflux, lactose intolerance, depressed immune system, problems sleeping, tired all the time, etc. He also feels it is a hormone imbalance in my system that is causing all these " symptoms " . The adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands produce different hormones that keep your body functioning normally. Any imbalance in these 3 types of hormones will cause one's system to go haywire. He has me on a regimen of agnus castus (vitex), essential fats, probiotics, and a number of things for stomach issues. Since finding out that my fibroid has grown significantly since 1995, I have been trying to find a natural alternative to reduce the size of the fibroid. The nutritionist suggested dry vitamin E and progesterone cream, which I've just started on. There is a connection with too much estrogen production and fibroids, which can be caused by diet (soy, red meat, dairy, which should be avoided) and oxidation in the system. He says the progesterone cream will counterbalance the production of a form of estrogen called estradiol. High estradiol in the system points to fibroid growth. Vit E is a potent antioxident and helps with lining of uterus as well as other issues. Progesterone also helps with bone loss, fibroids, breast cancer, activation of killer cells, helps with mental decline and depression. I am just learning all of this myself, but if you are interested in more info on this nutritionist, you can email me directly. Donna Re: decision made I was diagnosed with complex cyst in my breast. I did not want to go under the knife, so I visit some alternative health. One of Chinese herbalist said that I have female hormonal unbalanced and wants me to check them out. I talked to my primary care Doctor and Breast surgeon. They did not think female hormone are related to the tumor. Now I am diagnosed with uterine fibroids, I wonder if female hormone is relate to the cause of cyst in breast and fibroid. Is there MD out there believe in the connection and will do more diagnostic test? I live in Northern California. At 10:59 PM 5/14/01 -0500, you wrote: >Pam, Therese, > >I just bought the book " Hormonal Health " by Dr. Colgan as >recommended by someone else in this group. > >The book mentions there is only about a 4% running rate of ovarian cancer. >So Dr. Colgan states quite plainly, would you have your breasts removed >because there is a 32% running rate of breast cancer. Of course not, so >when doctors tell you you can avoid ovarian cancer by having your ovaries >removed, it really doesn't make any sense...unless you think routine removal >of the breasts is a good idea. > >Dr. Colgan's book states that women who keep their ovaries have a tougher >menopause. However, Johanna Skilling's book " Fibroids " states keeping your >ovaries makes the menapause experience less sudden and less severe. >Johanna's book was published in 2000, while Colgans book was published in >1996. You really need to research this more, I can't say which is right. > >But both books agree that hormones are a vital part of a healthy body, and >ovaries do help produce estrogen. So keeping the ovaries sounds like the >right thing to do. > >- Good Luck, >Debbie > > Re: decision made > > > > > > Hi Guys. Boy did this hit me hard. Three years ago > > when I leanred these things had grown to the 20 week > > stage, I did the research and learned that " it was > > best to keep my uterus " for a) structural b)hormonal > > and c)sexual health. Ok. According to the same > > sources, I could have a myo no matter what size my > > uterus, no matter how many fibroids... WITH a bikini > > incision and WITH very little blood loss. OK!!! Fast > > recovery time too!! > > > > Then I began having consultations and that is NOT what > > I was told. In fact I was accused of being irrational > > and unreasonable. I eventually learned that nobody in > > my area was DOING this " new, improved " surgery. > > WHY????? I couldn't get them to tell me. > > > > So I looked at traveling to have surgery. My > > insurance at the time, a govt HMO, would not allow me > > to travel, even tho the policy stated that " for > > medical specialty, or when care is not available " I > > could go out of state. I went thru over 18 months of > > appeals and all I won was the right to go out of > > network but within my county which did not help at > > all, since no doctor here did the surgery or had ever > > done a successful myo on a uterus my size with this > > many fibroids. > > > > During this time my symptoms were taking over my life. > > I had gushing to the point of being afraid I would > > bleed to death almost every month. I became anemic. > > I had pain and pulling thruout the month and not just > > during my period. I had episodes of bladder spasms > > which sent me to the ER, bowels spasms which ended up > > putting me on medication, and developed such a severe > > consipation problem that Senokot and fiber have > > logging this has become a way of life. > > > > I have been reinstated on a plan which will allow me > > to travel...as of nine months ago, but by that time I > > had to move due to landlord problems and I was so > > debilitated that it took me all this time to get > > unpacked and settled and to a point where I felt > > organized enough to have this surgery. I have become > > increasingly desparate. I have pain from degenration > > and calcification (it feels like there is a sack of > > rocks in there) and the strain getting up and down > > from a seated position, walking any distance, going up > > and down stairs, well I am darn near handicapped from > > this. > > > > I began having erratic periods,like this last week, > > within two weeks of the last one! > > > > I feel like I am caving under the pressure of all of > > this. I have been recommended for UAE, but I am too > > burnt out to do the research right now. I had ruled > > that out due to my size and # of fibroids and also > > Carla's experience (losing uterine contraction). I > > have a couple of docs I could see for myo but they are > > all the way across the country and right now I don't > > feel up to the trip. Also, a woman who had a myo with > > Levine right about the time I began this, three years > > ago, ALREADY has regrowth and is having another > > surgery! I am NOT having TWO surgeries... > > > > Lap s/c hyst is looking pretty good. I like the fast > > recovery time. I like knowing that I will never bleed > > again or have any future problems. But I keep > > thinking about my original research. I will be > > setting myself up for loss of structural support in > > the pelvic area and possibly a life with Depends in > > the future. I could be looking at HRT which will be > > another whole bag of worms. And I will definetely > > lose the uterine contraction during orgasm which I > > still remember describing to my best friend all those > > years ago as a clenching, a " loins thing " ... and > > pretty terrific. I mean, that's the " big ending " ... > > how will sex end now? > > > > Three years ago I felt it was imperitive to hold on, > > not to lose anything. Now I am actually coming to > > terms with the idea of " growing old " of inevitable > > changes " facts of life " stuff. I don't know if I am > > , as I said, caving under the pressure, or finding > > " acceptance " . > > > > So now I am finding myself stymied and immobilized > > AGAIN. I don't know about you guys, but my family, > > friends, and boyfriend are SO SICK of hearing about > > this. I am SICK of talking about it. I feel like one > > of those women I used to hate, who go around > > discussing their gyn problems to get attention or just > > in inappropriate situations. I knew a couple of women > > like this at work and church when I was younger and I > > thought they had to be nuts to constantly talk about > > this. > > > > I have a real sense of urgency. I do not want to have > > another period. I want to get on with my life. I > > want all the hassle to go away and I want my time back > > and my energy. I want a flat stomach again. I want > > everyone to see that I finally " dealt with this " . > > > > BUT WHAT THE HECK IS THE ANSWER? I know that only I > > can decide. For the first time in my life I honestly > > don't know what to do now. > > > > This is going to be a week of much prayer and > > meditation, and if I can summons the energy, a re-look > > at all my reams and reams of research. > > > > B > > > > --- Pam Ganser wrote: > > > > > > Dear Anita: I can certainly relate to and > > > understand your situation. It seems that our timing > > > on this decision is synchronized. I work at a school > > > too and am on aygestin, loestrin, and now lupron > > > again and I have had it too. I used up all of my > > > sick leave and am planning to have an abdominal > > > hysterectomy the first week of June. I don't want to > > > see anymore blood, kotex-with or without wings, > > > clots, bathrooms every 10 minutes or my little red > > > backpack with my change of clothes and two pairs of > > > underwear. Everything I've tried has failed ,so > > > goodbye uterus. What are you going to do about your > > > ovaries? I am not afraid of this surgery, in fact I > > > am relieved to have finally made a decision in which > > > there will never be a possibility of me bleeding > > > again. I just wish there had been another solution > > > for us that was easier. Hopefully, in the future > > > there will be. Pam Ganser > > > > > > Ken Liggett wrote: > > > Dear Friends, > > > I guess the bleeding and clotting has finally worn > > > me down. Again at work yesterday I couldn't stay > > > out of the bathroom all morning. I got scared again > > > that this was it I was just going to hemorrage. I > > > called the Dr. and he wanted tosee me. I am off the > > > aygestin and now taking a higher BC pill > > > Two a day for now. I am going to get the Lupron > > > shot in a couple of days and I decided to have a > > > vaginal hysterectomy in July as soon as school is > > > out. I hope I last that long. I have only one > > > ovary that he will leave in place. Hopefully I > > > don't have adhesions and he can complete the > > > operation vaginally. I appreciate all the > > > information and concern I received from all of you > > > and will continue to monitor the e-mails. I'll let > > > you know my experiences on Lupron. Thank you > > > Anita > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2001 Report Share Posted May 16, 2001 Where do you get the progesterone cream? Is it a prescription? Thanks, Re: decision made > > > > > > > > > Hi Guys. Boy did this hit me hard. Three years ago > > > when I leanred these things had grown to the 20 week > > > stage, I did the research and learned that " it was > > > best to keep my uterus " for a) structural b)hormonal > > > and c)sexual health. Ok. According to the same > > > sources, I could have a myo no matter what size my > > > uterus, no matter how many fibroids... WITH a bikini > > > incision and WITH very little blood loss. OK!!! Fast > > > recovery time too!! > > > > > > Then I began having consultations and that is NOT what > > > I was told. In fact I was accused of being irrational > > > and unreasonable. I eventually learned that nobody in > > > my area was DOING this " new, improved " surgery. > > > WHY????? I couldn't get them to tell me. > > > > > > So I looked at traveling to have surgery. My > > > insurance at the time, a govt HMO, would not allow me > > > to travel, even tho the policy stated that " for > > > medical specialty, or when care is not available " I > > > could go out of state. I went thru over 18 months of > > > appeals and all I won was the right to go out of > > > network but within my county which did not help at > > > all, since no doctor here did the surgery or had ever > > > done a successful myo on a uterus my size with this > > > many fibroids. > > > > > > During this time my symptoms were taking over my life. > > > I had gushing to the point of being afraid I would > > > bleed to death almost every month. I became anemic. > > > I had pain and pulling thruout the month and not just > > > during my period. I had episodes of bladder spasms > > > which sent me to the ER, bowels spasms which ended up > > > putting me on medication, and developed such a severe > > > consipation problem that Senokot and fiber have > > > logging this has become a way of life. > > > > > > I have been reinstated on a plan which will allow me > > > to travel...as of nine months ago, but by that time I > > > had to move due to landlord problems and I was so > > > debilitated that it took me all this time to get > > > unpacked and settled and to a point where I felt > > > organized enough to have this surgery. I have become > > > increasingly desparate. I have pain from degenration > > > and calcification (it feels like there is a sack of > > > rocks in there) and the strain getting up and down > > > from a seated position, walking any distance, going up > > > and down stairs, well I am darn near handicapped from > > > this. > > > > > > I began having erratic periods,like this last week, > > > within two weeks of the last one! > > > > > > I feel like I am caving under the pressure of all of > > > this. I have been recommended for UAE, but I am too > > > burnt out to do the research right now. I had ruled > > > that out due to my size and # of fibroids and also > > > Carla's experience (losing uterine contraction). I > > > have a couple of docs I could see for myo but they are > > > all the way across the country and right now I don't > > > feel up to the trip. Also, a woman who had a myo with > > > Levine right about the time I began this, three years > > > ago, ALREADY has regrowth and is having another > > > surgery! I am NOT having TWO surgeries... > > > > > > Lap s/c hyst is looking pretty good. I like the fast > > > recovery time. I like knowing that I will never bleed > > > again or have any future problems. But I keep > > > thinking about my original research. I will be > > > setting myself up for loss of structural support in > > > the pelvic area and possibly a life with Depends in > > > the future. I could be looking at HRT which will be > > > another whole bag of worms. And I will definetely > > > lose the uterine contraction during orgasm which I > > > still remember describing to my best friend all those > > > years ago as a clenching, a " loins thing " ... and > > > pretty terrific. I mean, that's the " big ending " ... > > > how will sex end now? > > > > > > Three years ago I felt it was imperitive to hold on, > > > not to lose anything. Now I am actually coming to > > > terms with the idea of " growing old " of inevitable > > > changes " facts of life " stuff. I don't know if I am > > > , as I said, caving under the pressure, or finding > > > " acceptance " . > > > > > > So now I am finding myself stymied and immobilized > > > AGAIN. I don't know about you guys, but my family, > > > friends, and boyfriend are SO SICK of hearing about > > > this. I am SICK of talking about it. I feel like one > > > of those women I used to hate, who go around > > > discussing their gyn problems to get attention or just > > > in inappropriate situations. I knew a couple of women > > > like this at work and church when I was younger and I > > > thought they had to be nuts to constantly talk about > > > this. > > > > > > I have a real sense of urgency. I do not want to have > > > another period. I want to get on with my life. I > > > want all the hassle to go away and I want my time back > > > and my energy. I want a flat stomach again. I want > > > everyone to see that I finally " dealt with this " . > > > > > > BUT WHAT THE HECK IS THE ANSWER? I know that only I > > > can decide. For the first time in my life I honestly > > > don't know what to do now. > > > > > > This is going to be a week of much prayer and > > > meditation, and if I can summons the energy, a re-look > > > at all my reams and reams of research. > > > > > > B > > > > > > --- Pam Ganser wrote: > > > > > > > > Dear Anita: I can certainly relate to and > > > > understand your situation. It seems that our timing > > > > on this decision is synchronized. I work at a school > > > > too and am on aygestin, loestrin, and now lupron > > > > again and I have had it too. I used up all of my > > > > sick leave and am planning to have an abdominal > > > > hysterectomy the first week of June. I don't want to > > > > see anymore blood, kotex-with or without wings, > > > > clots, bathrooms every 10 minutes or my little red > > > > backpack with my change of clothes and two pairs of > > > > underwear. Everything I've tried has failed ,so > > > > goodbye uterus. What are you going to do about your > > > > ovaries? I am not afraid of this surgery, in fact I > > > > am relieved to have finally made a decision in which > > > > there will never be a possibility of me bleeding > > > > again. I just wish there had been another solution > > > > for us that was easier. Hopefully, in the future > > > > there will be. Pam Ganser > > > > > > > > Ken Liggett wrote: > > > > Dear Friends, > > > > I guess the bleeding and clotting has finally worn > > > > me down. Again at work yesterday I couldn't stay > > > > out of the bathroom all morning. I got scared again > > > > that this was it I was just going to hemorrage. I > > > > called the Dr. and he wanted tosee me. I am off the > > > > aygestin and now taking a higher BC pill > > > > Two a day for now. I am going to get the Lupron > > > > shot in a couple of days and I decided to have a > > > > vaginal hysterectomy in July as soon as school is > > > > out. I hope I last that long. I have only one > > > > ovary that he will leave in place. Hopefully I > > > > don't have adhesions and he can complete the > > > > operation vaginally. I appreciate all the > > > > information and concern I received from all of you > > > > and will continue to monitor the e-mails. I'll let > > > > you know my experiences on Lupron. Thank you > > > > Anita > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > > > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2001 Report Share Posted May 16, 2001 Where do you get the progesterone cream? Is it a prescription? Thanks, Re: decision made > > > > > > > > > Hi Guys. Boy did this hit me hard. Three years ago > > > when I leanred these things had grown to the 20 week > > > stage, I did the research and learned that " it was > > > best to keep my uterus " for a) structural b)hormonal > > > and c)sexual health. Ok. According to the same > > > sources, I could have a myo no matter what size my > > > uterus, no matter how many fibroids... WITH a bikini > > > incision and WITH very little blood loss. OK!!! Fast > > > recovery time too!! > > > > > > Then I began having consultations and that is NOT what > > > I was told. In fact I was accused of being irrational > > > and unreasonable. I eventually learned that nobody in > > > my area was DOING this " new, improved " surgery. > > > WHY????? I couldn't get them to tell me. > > > > > > So I looked at traveling to have surgery. My > > > insurance at the time, a govt HMO, would not allow me > > > to travel, even tho the policy stated that " for > > > medical specialty, or when care is not available " I > > > could go out of state. I went thru over 18 months of > > > appeals and all I won was the right to go out of > > > network but within my county which did not help at > > > all, since no doctor here did the surgery or had ever > > > done a successful myo on a uterus my size with this > > > many fibroids. > > > > > > During this time my symptoms were taking over my life. > > > I had gushing to the point of being afraid I would > > > bleed to death almost every month. I became anemic. > > > I had pain and pulling thruout the month and not just > > > during my period. I had episodes of bladder spasms > > > which sent me to the ER, bowels spasms which ended up > > > putting me on medication, and developed such a severe > > > consipation problem that Senokot and fiber have > > > logging this has become a way of life. > > > > > > I have been reinstated on a plan which will allow me > > > to travel...as of nine months ago, but by that time I > > > had to move due to landlord problems and I was so > > > debilitated that it took me all this time to get > > > unpacked and settled and to a point where I felt > > > organized enough to have this surgery. I have become > > > increasingly desparate. I have pain from degenration > > > and calcification (it feels like there is a sack of > > > rocks in there) and the strain getting up and down > > > from a seated position, walking any distance, going up > > > and down stairs, well I am darn near handicapped from > > > this. > > > > > > I began having erratic periods,like this last week, > > > within two weeks of the last one! > > > > > > I feel like I am caving under the pressure of all of > > > this. I have been recommended for UAE, but I am too > > > burnt out to do the research right now. I had ruled > > > that out due to my size and # of fibroids and also > > > Carla's experience (losing uterine contraction). I > > > have a couple of docs I could see for myo but they are > > > all the way across the country and right now I don't > > > feel up to the trip. Also, a woman who had a myo with > > > Levine right about the time I began this, three years > > > ago, ALREADY has regrowth and is having another > > > surgery! I am NOT having TWO surgeries... > > > > > > Lap s/c hyst is looking pretty good. I like the fast > > > recovery time. I like knowing that I will never bleed > > > again or have any future problems. But I keep > > > thinking about my original research. I will be > > > setting myself up for loss of structural support in > > > the pelvic area and possibly a life with Depends in > > > the future. I could be looking at HRT which will be > > > another whole bag of worms. And I will definetely > > > lose the uterine contraction during orgasm which I > > > still remember describing to my best friend all those > > > years ago as a clenching, a " loins thing " ... and > > > pretty terrific. I mean, that's the " big ending " ... > > > how will sex end now? > > > > > > Three years ago I felt it was imperitive to hold on, > > > not to lose anything. Now I am actually coming to > > > terms with the idea of " growing old " of inevitable > > > changes " facts of life " stuff. I don't know if I am > > > , as I said, caving under the pressure, or finding > > > " acceptance " . > > > > > > So now I am finding myself stymied and immobilized > > > AGAIN. I don't know about you guys, but my family, > > > friends, and boyfriend are SO SICK of hearing about > > > this. I am SICK of talking about it. I feel like one > > > of those women I used to hate, who go around > > > discussing their gyn problems to get attention or just > > > in inappropriate situations. I knew a couple of women > > > like this at work and church when I was younger and I > > > thought they had to be nuts to constantly talk about > > > this. > > > > > > I have a real sense of urgency. I do not want to have > > > another period. I want to get on with my life. I > > > want all the hassle to go away and I want my time back > > > and my energy. I want a flat stomach again. I want > > > everyone to see that I finally " dealt with this " . > > > > > > BUT WHAT THE HECK IS THE ANSWER? I know that only I > > > can decide. For the first time in my life I honestly > > > don't know what to do now. > > > > > > This is going to be a week of much prayer and > > > meditation, and if I can summons the energy, a re-look > > > at all my reams and reams of research. > > > > > > B > > > > > > --- Pam Ganser wrote: > > > > > > > > Dear Anita: I can certainly relate to and > > > > understand your situation. It seems that our timing > > > > on this decision is synchronized. I work at a school > > > > too and am on aygestin, loestrin, and now lupron > > > > again and I have had it too. I used up all of my > > > > sick leave and am planning to have an abdominal > > > > hysterectomy the first week of June. I don't want to > > > > see anymore blood, kotex-with or without wings, > > > > clots, bathrooms every 10 minutes or my little red > > > > backpack with my change of clothes and two pairs of > > > > underwear. Everything I've tried has failed ,so > > > > goodbye uterus. What are you going to do about your > > > > ovaries? I am not afraid of this surgery, in fact I > > > > am relieved to have finally made a decision in which > > > > there will never be a possibility of me bleeding > > > > again. I just wish there had been another solution > > > > for us that was easier. Hopefully, in the future > > > > there will be. Pam Ganser > > > > > > > > Ken Liggett wrote: > > > > Dear Friends, > > > > I guess the bleeding and clotting has finally worn > > > > me down. Again at work yesterday I couldn't stay > > > > out of the bathroom all morning. I got scared again > > > > that this was it I was just going to hemorrage. I > > > > called the Dr. and he wanted tosee me. I am off the > > > > aygestin and now taking a higher BC pill > > > > Two a day for now. I am going to get the Lupron > > > > shot in a couple of days and I decided to have a > > > > vaginal hysterectomy in July as soon as school is > > > > out. I hope I last that long. I have only one > > > > ovary that he will leave in place. Hopefully I > > > > don't have adhesions and he can complete the > > > > operation vaginally. I appreciate all the > > > > information and concern I received from all of you > > > > and will continue to monitor the e-mails. I'll let > > > > you know my experiences on Lupron. Thank you > > > > Anita > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > > > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2001 Report Share Posted May 17, 2001 Hi : The progesterone cream is by prescription only. Your doctor can prescribe it for you. I think it is " 3-5% " progesterone cream. Donna Re: decision made Where do you get the progesterone cream? Is it a prescription? Thanks, Re: decision made > > > > > > > > > Hi Guys. Boy did this hit me hard. Three years ago > > > when I leanred these things had grown to the 20 week > > > stage, I did the research and learned that " it was > > > best to keep my uterus " for a) structural b)hormonal > > > and c)sexual health. Ok. According to the same > > > sources, I could have a myo no matter what size my > > > uterus, no matter how many fibroids... WITH a bikini > > > incision and WITH very little blood loss. OK!!! Fast > > > recovery time too!! > > > > > > Then I began having consultations and that is NOT what > > > I was told. In fact I was accused of being irrational > > > and unreasonable. I eventually learned that nobody in > > > my area was DOING this " new, improved " surgery. > > > WHY????? I couldn't get them to tell me. > > > > > > So I looked at traveling to have surgery. My > > > insurance at the time, a govt HMO, would not allow me > > > to travel, even tho the policy stated that " for > > > medical specialty, or when care is not available " I > > > could go out of state. I went thru over 18 months of > > > appeals and all I won was the right to go out of > > > network but within my county which did not help at > > > all, since no doctor here did the surgery or had ever > > > done a successful myo on a uterus my size with this > > > many fibroids. > > > > > > During this time my symptoms were taking over my life. > > > I had gushing to the point of being afraid I would > > > bleed to death almost every month. I became anemic. > > > I had pain and pulling thruout the month and not just > > > during my period. I had episodes of bladder spasms > > > which sent me to the ER, bowels spasms which ended up > > > putting me on medication, and developed such a severe > > > consipation problem that Senokot and fiber have > > > logging this has become a way of life. > > > > > > I have been reinstated on a plan which will allow me > > > to travel...as of nine months ago, but by that time I > > > had to move due to landlord problems and I was so > > > debilitated that it took me all this time to get > > > unpacked and settled and to a point where I felt > > > organized enough to have this surgery. I have become > > > increasingly desparate. I have pain from degenration > > > and calcification (it feels like there is a sack of > > > rocks in there) and the strain getting up and down > > > from a seated position, walking any distance, going up > > > and down stairs, well I am darn near handicapped from > > > this. > > > > > > I began having erratic periods,like this last week, > > > within two weeks of the last one! > > > > > > I feel like I am caving under the pressure of all of > > > this. I have been recommended for UAE, but I am too > > > burnt out to do the research right now. I had ruled > > > that out due to my size and # of fibroids and also > > > Carla's experience (losing uterine contraction). I > > > have a couple of docs I could see for myo but they are > > > all the way across the country and right now I don't > > > feel up to the trip. Also, a woman who had a myo with > > > Levine right about the time I began this, three years > > > ago, ALREADY has regrowth and is having another > > > surgery! I am NOT having TWO surgeries... > > > > > > Lap s/c hyst is looking pretty good. I like the fast > > > recovery time. I like knowing that I will never bleed > > > again or have any future problems. But I keep > > > thinking about my original research. I will be > > > setting myself up for loss of structural support in > > > the pelvic area and possibly a life with Depends in > > > the future. I could be looking at HRT which will be > > > another whole bag of worms. And I will definetely > > > lose the uterine contraction during orgasm which I > > > still remember describing to my best friend all those > > > years ago as a clenching, a " loins thing " ... and > > > pretty terrific. I mean, that's the " big ending " ... > > > how will sex end now? > > > > > > Three years ago I felt it was imperitive to hold on, > > > not to lose anything. Now I am actually coming to > > > terms with the idea of " growing old " of inevitable > > > changes " facts of life " stuff. I don't know if I am > > > , as I said, caving under the pressure, or finding > > > " acceptance " . > > > > > > So now I am finding myself stymied and immobilized > > > AGAIN. I don't know about you guys, but my family, > > > friends, and boyfriend are SO SICK of hearing about > > > this. I am SICK of talking about it. I feel like one > > > of those women I used to hate, who go around > > > discussing their gyn problems to get attention or just > > > in inappropriate situations. I knew a couple of women > > > like this at work and church when I was younger and I > > > thought they had to be nuts to constantly talk about > > > this. > > > > > > I have a real sense of urgency. I do not want to have > > > another period. I want to get on with my life. I > > > want all the hassle to go away and I want my time back > > > and my energy. I want a flat stomach again. I want > > > everyone to see that I finally " dealt with this " . > > > > > > BUT WHAT THE HECK IS THE ANSWER? I know that only I > > > can decide. For the first time in my life I honestly > > > don't know what to do now. > > > > > > This is going to be a week of much prayer and > > > meditation, and if I can summons the energy, a re-look > > > at all my reams and reams of research. > > > > > > B > > > > > > --- Pam Ganser wrote: > > > > > > > > Dear Anita: I can certainly relate to and > > > > understand your situation. It seems that our timing > > > > on this decision is synchronized. I work at a school > > > > too and am on aygestin, loestrin, and now lupron > > > > again and I have had it too. I used up all of my > > > > sick leave and am planning to have an abdominal > > > > hysterectomy the first week of June. I don't want to > > > > see anymore blood, kotex-with or without wings, > > > > clots, bathrooms every 10 minutes or my little red > > > > backpack with my change of clothes and two pairs of > > > > underwear. Everything I've tried has failed ,so > > > > goodbye uterus. What are you going to do about your > > > > ovaries? I am not afraid of this surgery, in fact I > > > > am relieved to have finally made a decision in which > > > > there will never be a possibility of me bleeding > > > > again. I just wish there had been another solution > > > > for us that was easier. Hopefully, in the future > > > > there will be. Pam Ganser > > > > > > > > Ken Liggett wrote: > > > > Dear Friends, > > > > I guess the bleeding and clotting has finally worn > > > > me down. Again at work yesterday I couldn't stay > > > > out of the bathroom all morning. I got scared again > > > > that this was it I was just going to hemorrage. I > > > > called the Dr. and he wanted tosee me. I am off the > > > > aygestin and now taking a higher BC pill > > > > Two a day for now. I am going to get the Lupron > > > > shot in a couple of days and I decided to have a > > > > vaginal hysterectomy in July as soon as school is > > > > out. I hope I last that long. I have only one > > > > ovary that he will leave in place. Hopefully I > > > > don't have adhesions and he can complete the > > > > operation vaginally. I appreciate all the > > > > information and concern I received from all of you > > > > and will continue to monitor the e-mails. I'll let > > > > you know my experiences on Lupron. Thank you > > > > Anita > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > > > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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