Waiting for Menopause/Going the Distance

July 3, 2002

About Waiting for Menopause

The recent discussion about “going the distance” (I like that description)

has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this journey. I’d like to

share some of this – for those others who are on the journey with me, for

anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up joining us – a

little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to hear how others feel

doing this too:

* * * * *

I’m waiting for something which is supposed to bring me great relief, but

there’s no way for me to know when it actually arrives. Go figure.

No one will admit that you’ve officially reached menopause until you’ve been

there for at least a full year. Then they will tell you that you’re not

only there – you’ve been there for a whole year already. So, waiting for

menopause is very strange – because you’re not going to know when you get

there, you’ll only find out when you passed it a year ago.

This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of directions, which

tell you what landmarks you’ll see if you miss the turn. As in “if you pass

the Holiday Inn, you’ve gone about 6 blocks too far.” -- What I want to

know is what I’ll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I should turn – not

what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also makes me feel like I’m

going on a trip without a map and I’ll only get to find out where I’ve been

after I get back home again.

This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly at times. Obviously,

menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine. For decades you know

you’re headed there; you know when you’ve been there at lest a year ago; but

you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends get all steamed when

they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they thought they might

have already passed “stop,” thought they might be only 5 or 6 months from

having someone admit they passed “stop” a year ago – but now they’re forced

to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life and start waiting a

year all over again for that distinction – every period means you’re at

least a year away still. Very Through the Looking Glass. With fact like

this, who needs fiction???

With fibroids this also means you can’t even tell whether you should be

expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until at least a year after

the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I’m waiting for menopause

because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I won’t be able to tell

when I should start to get some shrinkage until at least a year after it

should have started – by which time if it hasn’t started at least some --

I’ll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to tell me that I shouldn’t

expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be there a year after

I’m actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know about this one year rule

!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs anyway???

On the one hand, I’d like any shrinkage I’m going to get to start as soon as

possible – whether I know I’m past menopause or not. On the other hand, it

doesn’t really seem right that my fibroids should get to “know” that I’m in

menopause before I do.

Sometimes, I feel like I’m living inside a Far Side cartoon!

*********

Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don’t remember what this

holiday is all about – here’s the Declaration of Independence – (still

playing the civics teacher here I guess):

http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declaration\

_transcription.html

Pat

_________________________________________________________________

Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

July 3, 2002

Pat

I would assume that fibroid shrinkage if any would happen some time after

the estrogen levels start to fall and this happens well before the last

period. You can only know when you've had your last period after you have.

One year seems a reasonable guarantee!

Regards

Vivienne

Waiting for Menopause/Going the Distance

> I'm waiting for something which is supposed to bring me great relief, but

> there's no way for me to know when it actually arrives. Go figure.

>

> No one will admit that you've officially reached menopause until you've

been

> there for at least a full year. Then they will tell you that you're not

> only there - you've been there for a whole year already. So, waiting for

> menopause is very strange - because you're not going to know when you get

> there, you'll only find out when you passed it a year ago.

>

July 3, 2002

Pat, I'll join you and the others going the distance to menopause.

I'll be 48 next week, on July 11th. Between January and june of 2001 I

skipped my period every other month, and when the the months I would get my

period which was every other month, it was interesting, it came at the time

of the monthat as it should have according to the pattern of when I would

get it. from July 2001 to april of 2002 I got my period every month. I

skipped may. Going of the usual pattern I got my period late in June. So

who knows from here. I shall see, when it comes next. Waiting, just waiting

for it to be all over for that possibility of the fibroids to shrink.

Arlene

At 05:49 PM 7/3/02 +0000, you wrote:

>About Waiting for Menopause

>

>The recent discussion about “going the distance” (I like that description)

>has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this journey. I’d like to

>share some of this – for those others who are on the journey with me, for

>anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up joining us – a

>little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to hear how others feel

>doing this too:

>* * * * *

>

>I’m waiting for something which is supposed to bring me great relief, but

>there’s no way for me to know when it actually arrives. Go figure.

>

>No one will admit that you’ve officially reached menopause until you’ve been

>there for at least a full year. Then they will tell you that you’re not

>only there – you’ve been there for a whole year already. So, waiting for

>menopause is very strange – because you’re not going to know when you get

>there, you’ll only find out when you passed it a year ago.

>

>This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of directions, which

>tell you what landmarks you’ll see if you miss the turn. As in “if you pass

>the Holiday Inn, you’ve gone about 6 blocks too far.” -- What I want to

>know is what I’ll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I should turn – not

>what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also makes me feel like I’m

>going on a trip without a map and I’ll only get to find out where I’ve been

>after I get back home again.

>

>This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly at times. Obviously,

>menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine. For decades you know

>you’re headed there; you know when you’ve been there at lest a year ago; but

>you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends get all steamed when

>they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they thought they might

>have already passed “stop,” thought they might be only 5 or 6 months from

>having someone admit they passed “stop” a year ago – but now they’re forced

>to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life and start waiting a

>year all over again for that distinction – every period means you’re at

>least a year away still. Very Through the Looking Glass. With fact like

>this, who needs fiction???

>

>With fibroids this also means you can’t even tell whether you should be

>expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until at least a year after

>the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I’m waiting for menopause

>because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I won’t be able to tell

>when I should start to get some shrinkage until at least a year after it

>should have started – by which time if it hasn’t started at least some --

>I’ll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to tell me that I shouldn’t

>expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be there a year after

>I’m actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know about this one year rule

>!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs anyway???

>

>On the one hand, I’d like any shrinkage I’m going to get to start as soon as

>possible – whether I know I’m past menopause or not. On the other hand, it

>doesn’t really seem right that my fibroids should get to “know” that I’m in

>menopause before I do.

>

>Sometimes, I feel like I’m living inside a Far Side cartoon!

>

>*********

>Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don’t remember what this

>holiday is all about – here’s the Declaration of Independence – (still

>playing the civics teacher here I guess):

>http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declar

ation_transcription.html

>

> Pat

>

>_________________________________________________________________

>Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

>

July 3, 2002

I forgot to say that I do have heavy bleeding the first 2 days. My periods

only seem to last for 4 days.

Arlene

At 07:24 PM 7/3/02 -0400, you wrote:

> Pat, I'll join you and the others going the distance to menopause.

>I'll be 48 next week, on July 11th. Between January and june of 2001 I

>skipped my period every other month, and when the the months I would get my

>period which was every other month, it was interesting, it came at the time

>of the monthat as it should have according to the pattern of when I would

>get it. from July 2001 to april of 2002 I got my period every month. I

>skipped may. Going of the usual pattern I got my period late in June. So

>who knows from here. I shall see, when it comes next. Waiting, just waiting

>for it to be all over for that possibility of the fibroids to shrink.

>

>Arlene

>

>At 05:49 PM 7/3/02 +0000, you wrote:

>>About Waiting for Menopause

>>

>>The recent discussion about “going the distance” (I like that description)

>>has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this journey. I’d like to

>>share some of this – for those others who are on the journey with me, for

>>anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up joining us – a

>>little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to hear how others feel

>>doing this too:

>>* * * * *

>>

>>I’m waiting for something which is supposed to bring me great relief, but

>>there’s no way for me to know when it actually arrives. Go figure.

>>

>>No one will admit that you’ve officially reached menopause until you’ve

been

>>there for at least a full year. Then they will tell you that you’re not

>>only there – you’ve been there for a whole year already. So, waiting for

>>menopause is very strange – because you’re not going to know when you get

>>there, you’ll only find out when you passed it a year ago.

>>

>>This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of directions, which

>>tell you what landmarks you’ll see if you miss the turn. As in “if you

pass

>>the Holiday Inn, you’ve gone about 6 blocks too far.” -- What I want to

>>know is what I’ll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I should turn – not

>>what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also makes me feel like

I’m

>>going on a trip without a map and I’ll only get to find out where I’ve been

>>after I get back home again.

>>

>>This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly at times. Obviously,

>>menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine. For decades you know

>>you’re headed there; you know when you’ve been there at lest a year ago;

but

>>you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends get all steamed when

>>they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they thought they might

>>have already passed “stop,” thought they might be only 5 or 6 months from

>>having someone admit they passed “stop” a year ago – but now they’re forced

>>to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life and start waiting a

>>year all over again for that distinction – every period means you’re at

>>least a year away still. Very Through the Looking Glass. With fact like

>>this, who needs fiction???

>>

>>With fibroids this also means you can’t even tell whether you should be

>>expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until at least a year

after

>>the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I’m waiting for menopause

>>because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I won’t be able to tell

>>when I should start to get some shrinkage until at least a year after it

>>should have started – by which time if it hasn’t started at least some --

>>I’ll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to tell me that I

shouldn’t

>>expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be there a year after

>>I’m actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know about this one year rule

>>!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs anyway???

>>

>>On the one hand, I’d like any shrinkage I’m going to get to start as soon

as

>>possible – whether I know I’m past menopause or not. On the other hand, it

>>doesn’t really seem right that my fibroids should get to “know” that I’m in

>>menopause before I do.

>>

>>Sometimes, I feel like I’m living inside a Far Side cartoon!

>>

>>*********

>>Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don’t remember what this

>>holiday is all about – here’s the Declaration of Independence – (still

>>playing the civics teacher here I guess):

>>http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declar

>ation_transcription.html

>>

>> Pat

>>

>>_________________________________________________________________

>>Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

>>

July 5, 2002

To all those trying to go the distance....

I am being asked to join your ranks. I am 48 have had

fibroids for 25 years, bad enough that I'm now on Lupron

injections. Why are you all not considering a hyster??

As I have had not symptoms of menopause,...never skipped

a period yet,...mother was 60 when she went into

menopause,...mother had me at 45 as the first child

(long before fertility treatments)...I wonder what are

the pros and cons of waiting vs. hyster?

What about hormone replacement therapy? If you go into

menopause with all these fibroids lurking around, will

they want to give you even low doses if estrogen?

What is propelling you to make the decisions you are

making? How many others are there struggling with the

choice?

> Pat, I'll join you and the others going the distance to menopause.

> I'll be 48 next week, on July 11th. Between January and june of 2001 I

> skipped my period every other month, and when the the months I would get my

> period which was every other month, it was interesting, it came at the time

> of the monthat as it should have according to the pattern of when I would

> get it. from July 2001 to april of 2002 I got my period every month. I

> skipped may. Going of the usual pattern I got my period late in June. So

> who knows from here. I shall see, when it comes next. Waiting, just waiting

> for it to be all over for that possibility of the fibroids to shrink.

>

> Arlene

>

> At 05:49 PM 7/3/02 +0000, you wrote:

> >About Waiting for Menopause

> >

> >The recent discussion about “going the distance” (I like that description)

> >has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this journey. I’d like to

> >share some of this – for those others who are on the journey with me, for

> >anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up joining us – a

> >little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to hear how others feel

> >doing this too:

> >* * * * *

> >

> >I’m waiting for something which is supposed to bring me great relief, but

> >there’s no way for me to know when it actually arrives. Go figure.

> >

> >No one will admit that you’ve officially reached menopause until you’ve been

> >there for at least a full year. Then they will tell you that you’re not

> >only there – you’ve been there for a whole year already. So, waiting for

> >menopause is very strange – because you’re not going to know when you get

> >there, you’ll only find out when you passed it a year ago.

> >

> >This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of directions, which

> >tell you what landmarks you’ll see if you miss the turn. As in “if you pass

> >the Holiday Inn, you’ve gone about 6 blocks too far.” -- What I want to

> >know is what I’ll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I should turn – not

> >what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also makes me feel like I’m

> >going on a trip without a map and I’ll only get to find out where I’ve been

> >after I get back home again.

> >

> >This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly at times. Obviously,

> >menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine. For decades you know

> >you’re headed there; you know when you’ve been there at lest a year ago; but

> >you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends get all steamed when

> >they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they thought they might

> >have already passed “stop,” thought they might be only 5 or 6 months from

> >having someone admit they passed “stop” a year ago – but now they’re forced

> >to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life and start waiting a

> >year all over again for that distinction – every period means you’re at

> >least a year away still. Very Through the Looking Glass. With fact like

> >this, who needs fiction???

> >

> >With fibroids this also means you can’t even tell whether you should be

> >expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until at least a year after

> >the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I’m waiting for menopause

> >because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I won’t be able to tell

> >when I should start to get some shrinkage until at least a year after it

> >should have started – by which time if it hasn’t started at least some --

> >I’ll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to tell me that I shouldn’t

> >expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be there a year after

> >I’m actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know about this one year rule

> >!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs anyway???

> >

> >On the one hand, I’d like any shrinkage I’m going to get to start as soon as

> >possible – whether I know I’m past menopause or not. On the other hand, it

> >doesn’t really seem right that my fibroids should get to “know” that I’m in

> >menopause before I do.

> >

> >Sometimes, I feel like I’m living inside a Far Side cartoon!

> >

> >*********

> >Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don’t remember what this

> >holiday is all about – here’s the Declaration of Independence – (still

> >playing the civics teacher here I guess):

> >http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declar

> ation_transcription.html

> >

> > Pat

> >

> >_________________________________________________________________

> >Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

> >

July 5, 2002

abycat22@a... wrote:

> To all those trying to go the distance....

> Why are you all not considering a hyster??

> ...I wonder what are

> the pros and cons of waiting vs. hyster?

To me, the pros of waiting are avoiding a hysterectomy. I wouldn't

consider amputation of my finger just because it has a wart on it,

even if amputating were the only way to guarantee the wart would be

gone for good. IMHO, unless there are life threatening or serious

lifestyle altering consequences to the fibroids, why undergo major

surgery, removal of a major organ, with all the potential adverse

effects of removing that organ, including the possibility of reduced

sexual response and function? I can wait another year or two or

three, after already dealing with these for upwards of 10 years, and

if they shrink after menopause or maybe don't shrink but still don't

cause me debilitating symptoms, then I've made the right decision,

will still have my uterus and ovaries and their continued hormone and

sexual functions, won't have to take HRT, and won't have had to take

all the risks of major surgery including blood transfusions,

complications, infections, etc. etc.

> What about hormone replacement therapy? If you go into

> menopause with all these fibroids lurking around, will

> they want to give you even low doses if estrogen?

I don't necessarily want HRT. I'm comfortable right now using non-

prescription progesterone cream, sometimes supplemented with the

cream that has some estrogen in it if I'm getting hot flashes. But I

don't care to become dependent on synthetic hormones.

BL

July 5, 2002

Personally, I couldn't wait any longer. I had been going through

this for too long and was on the verge of scheduling a hysterectomy

when I found this group - and alternatives the doctors didn't want

to talk about. I opted for a UAE at age 49 (about 10 months ago).

Hysterectomy just seemed too extreme for something that is more a

matter of Quality of Life than Life-threatening, I knew there had to

be something else. And if the UAE didn't work, I could always go

back to a hysterectomy if need be. There is no going back from the

hysterectomy. I wish you luck if you decide to wait it out. I just

started with a new Gyn since the one that recommended the UAE is

just too far away for regular check-ups. And I'll probably change

again. When discussing menopause, for all the world he sounded just

like the doctors that recommended hysterectomy. I get a little

touchy when one of them starts out with " At your age.... " . Like

yours, women in my family tend to enter menopause late (another

reason I decided to have the UAE rather than wait). But according to

this doctor that is totally irrelevant to my circumstances. " At my

age " I should be starting HRT. Well, I think next month I'll start

looking for another Gyn. Forgive me if I'm running on. Talking about

these doctors tends to make me do that.

Christy

> > >About Waiting for Menopause

> > >

> > >The recent discussion about " going the distance " (I like that

description)

> > >has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this journey.

I'd like to

> > >share some of this – for those others who are on the journey

with me, for

> > >anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up joining

us – a

> > >little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to hear how

others feel

> > >doing this too:

> > >* * * * *

> > >

> > >I'm waiting for something which is supposed to bring me great

relief, but

> > >there's no way for me to know when it actually arrives. Go

figure.

> > >

> > >No one will admit that you've officially reached menopause

until you've been

> > >there for at least a full year. Then they will tell you that

you're not

> > >only there – you've been there for a whole year already. So,

waiting for

> > >menopause is very strange – because you're not going to know

when you get

> > >there, you'll only find out when you passed it a year ago.

> > >

> > >This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of

directions, which

> > >tell you what landmarks you'll see if you miss the turn. As

in " if you pass

> > >the Holiday Inn, you've gone about 6 blocks too far. " -- What

I want to

> > >know is what I'll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I should

turn – not

> > >what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also makes me

feel like I'm

> > >going on a trip without a map and I'll only get to find out

where I've been

> > >after I get back home again.

> > >

> > >This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly at

times. Obviously,

> > >menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine. For

decades you know

> > >you're headed there; you know when you've been there at lest a

year ago; but

> > >you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends get all

steamed when

> > >they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they thought

they might

> > >have already passed " stop, " thought they might be only 5 or 6

months from

> > >having someone admit they passed " stop " a year ago – but now

they're forced

> > >to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life and

start waiting a

> > >year all over again for that distinction – every period means

you're at

> > >least a year away still. Very Through the Looking Glass. With

fact like

> > >this, who needs fiction???

> > >

> > >With fibroids this also means you can't even tell whether you

should be

> > >expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until at least

a year after

> > >the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I'm waiting for

menopause

> > >because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I won't be

able to tell

> > >when I should start to get some shrinkage until at least a year

after it

> > >should have started – by which time if it hasn't started at

least some --

> > >I'll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to tell me

that I shouldn't

> > >expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be there a

year after

> > >I'm actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know about this

one year rule

> > >!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs

anyway???

> > >

> > >On the one hand, I'd like any shrinkage I'm going to get to

start as soon as

> > >possible – whether I know I'm past menopause or not. On the

other hand, it

> > >doesn't really seem right that my fibroids should get to " know "

that I'm in

> > >menopause before I do.

> > >

> > >Sometimes, I feel like I'm living inside a Far Side cartoon!

> > >

> > >*********

> > >Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don't remember

what this

> > >holiday is all about – here's the Declaration of Independence –

(still

> > >playing the civics teacher here I guess):

> >

>http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration

/declar

> > ation_transcription.html

> > >

> > > Pat

> > >

> >

>_________________________________________________________________

> > >Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger:

http://messenger.msn.com

> > >

July 5, 2002

Hello Waiting for Memopause Group!

All of these reasons explain why I didn't have a

hysterectomy 30 years ago the first time the medical

establishment advised it!! The reality now is that I am

suffering. It is interfering with my productive life at

work, it most definitely is decimating my energy levels,

and it is certainly interfering with my relationship

with my husband. If I am not bleeding, or have cramps,

then I am on some kind of drug that has eliminated my

libido in any event!! I would rather avoid this drastic

measure but the options are proving just as

unpalatable. I expect I will be waiting years for

menopause (my mother was 60!!)and just wonder about the

prices to be paid for either choice....and there do seem

to be prices to be paid!!!

> abycat22@a... wrote:

> > To all those trying to go the distance....

> > Why are you all not considering a hyster??

> > ...I wonder what are

> > the pros and cons of waiting vs. hyster?

>

> To me, the pros of waiting are avoiding a hysterectomy. I wouldn't

> consider amputation of my finger just because it has a wart on it,

> even if amputating were the only way to guarantee the wart would be

> gone for good. IMHO, unless there are life threatening or serious

> lifestyle altering consequences to the fibroids, why undergo major

> surgery, removal of a major organ, with all the potential adverse

> effects of removing that organ, including the possibility of reduced

> sexual response and function? I can wait another year or two or

> three, after already dealing with these for upwards of 10 years, and

> if they shrink after menopause or maybe don't shrink but still don't

> cause me debilitating symptoms, then I've made the right decision,

> will still have my uterus and ovaries and their continued hormone and

> sexual functions, won't have to take HRT, and won't have had to take

> all the risks of major surgery including blood transfusions,

> complications, infections, etc. etc.

>

> > What about hormone replacement therapy? If you go into

> > menopause with all these fibroids lurking around, will

> > they want to give you even low doses if estrogen?

>

> I don't necessarily want HRT. I'm comfortable right now using non-

> prescription progesterone cream, sometimes supplemented with the

> cream that has some estrogen in it if I'm getting hot flashes. But I

> don't care to become dependent on synthetic hormones.

>

> BL

>

July 5, 2002

Thank you Christy!

The UAE sounds like a terrific option until you read

about the possibilities of expelling fibroids at later

dates and infection rates. Sometimes there is just so

much attraction to the notion that we would be *done*

with it!!! How have your periods been since then? Do

you still have an enlarged uterus? Mine was so big, it

got in the way of me getting out of bed one morning! I

felt this hard, large, grapefruit size thing protruding.

I couldn't bend enough in the middle to get up!!! It

scared me to death!! Made me think, " This is *not*

normal! " I really wanted to freak. People talk about

getting " edgy " when they approach their period, how

about falling into a real funk because you know you will

stop enjoying life for some infinite duration. Then you

watch that duration grow to between 2 to 3 weeks out of

every month!!! To have this all just END is becoming

very tempting!!!

Help!

> Personally, I couldn't wait any longer. I had been going through

> this for too long and was on the verge of scheduling a hysterectomy

> when I found this group - and alternatives the doctors didn't want

> to talk about. I opted for a UAE at age 49 (about 10 months ago).

> Hysterectomy just seemed too extreme for something that is more a

> matter of Quality of Life than Life-threatening, I knew there had to

> be something else. And if the UAE didn't work, I could always go

> back to a hysterectomy if need be. There is no going back from the

> hysterectomy. I wish you luck if you decide to wait it out. I just

> started with a new Gyn since the one that recommended the UAE is

> just too far away for regular check-ups. And I'll probably change

> again. When discussing menopause, for all the world he sounded just

> like the doctors that recommended hysterectomy. I get a little

> touchy when one of them starts out with " At your age.... " . Like

> yours, women in my family tend to enter menopause late (another

> reason I decided to have the UAE rather than wait). But according to

> this doctor that is totally irrelevant to my circumstances. " At my

> age " I should be starting HRT. Well, I think next month I'll start

> looking for another Gyn. Forgive me if I'm running on. Talking about

> these doctors tends to make me do that.

> Christy

>

> > > >About Waiting for Menopause

> > > >

> > > >The recent discussion about " going the distance " (I like that

> description)

> > > >has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this journey.

> I'd like to

> > > >share some of this – for those others who are on the journey

> with me, for

> > > >anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up joining

> us – a

> > > >little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to hear how

> others feel

> > > >doing this too:

> > > >* * * * *

> > > >

> > > >I'm waiting for something which is supposed to bring me great

> relief, but

> > > >there's no way for me to know when it actually arrives. Go

> figure.

> > > >

> > > >No one will admit that you've officially reached menopause

> until you've been

> > > >there for at least a full year. Then they will tell you that

> you're not

> > > >only there – you've been there for a whole year already. So,

> waiting for

> > > >menopause is very strange – because you're not going to know

> when you get

> > > >there, you'll only find out when you passed it a year ago.

> > > >

> > > >This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of

> directions, which

> > > >tell you what landmarks you'll see if you miss the turn. As

> in " if you pass

> > > >the Holiday Inn, you've gone about 6 blocks too far. " -- What

> I want to

> > > >know is what I'll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I should

> turn – not

> > > >what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also makes me

> feel like I'm

> > > >going on a trip without a map and I'll only get to find out

> where I've been

> > > >after I get back home again.

> > > >

> > > >This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly at

> times. Obviously,

> > > >menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine. For

> decades you know

> > > >you're headed there; you know when you've been there at lest a

> year ago; but

> > > >you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends get all

> steamed when

> > > >they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they thought

> they might

> > > >have already passed " stop, " thought they might be only 5 or 6

> months from

> > > >having someone admit they passed " stop " a year ago – but now

> they're forced

> > > >to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life and

> start waiting a

> > > >year all over again for that distinction – every period means

> you're at

> > > >least a year away still. Very Through the Looking Glass. With

> fact like

> > > >this, who needs fiction???

> > > >

> > > >With fibroids this also means you can't even tell whether you

> should be

> > > >expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until at least

> a year after

> > > >the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I'm waiting for

> menopause

> > > >because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I won't be

> able to tell

> > > >when I should start to get some shrinkage until at least a year

> after it

> > > >should have started – by which time if it hasn't started at

> least some --

> > > >I'll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to tell me

> that I shouldn't

> > > >expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be there a

> year after

> > > >I'm actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know about this

> one year rule

> > > >!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs

> anyway???

> > > >

> > > >On the one hand, I'd like any shrinkage I'm going to get to

> start as soon as

> > > >possible – whether I know I'm past menopause or not. On the

> other hand, it

> > > >doesn't really seem right that my fibroids should get to " know "

> that I'm in

> > > >menopause before I do.

> > > >

> > > >Sometimes, I feel like I'm living inside a Far Side cartoon!

> > > >

> > > >*********

> > > >Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don't remember

> what this

> > > >holiday is all about – here's the Declaration of Independence –

> (still

> > > >playing the civics teacher here I guess):

> > >

> >http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration

> /declar

> > > ation_transcription.html

> > > >

> > > > Pat

> > > >

> > >

> >_________________________________________________________________

> > > >Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger:

> http://messenger.msn.com

> > > >

July 5, 2002

, I have considered having a hysterectomy, especially if the fibroids

don't shrink. I'm going to a specialist ginichologist, to check on my

fibroids and the calicification of them. From reading this list, the

calcification isn't a feal concern. I realize having a hysterctomy can have

some lasting health affects, but I would hate to have one of the procedures

done to have the fibroids moved, and then have the fibroids grow back. I

need to read more information too.

Arlene

At 04:18 PM 7/5/02 +0000, you wrote:

>To all those trying to go the distance....

>

>I am being asked to join your ranks. I am 48 have had

>fibroids for 25 years, bad enough that I'm now on Lupron

>injections. Why are you all not considering a hyster??

>As I have had not symptoms of menopause,...never skipped

>a period yet,...mother was 60 when she went into

>menopause,...mother had me at 45 as the first child

>(long before fertility treatments)...I wonder what are

>the pros and cons of waiting vs. hyster?

>

>What about hormone replacement therapy? If you go into

>menopause with all these fibroids lurking around, will

>they want to give you even low doses if estrogen?

>

>What is propelling you to make the decisions you are

>making? How many others are there struggling with the

>choice?

>

>> Pat, I'll join you and the others going the distance to menopause.

>> I'll be 48 next week, on July 11th. Between January and june of 2001 I

>> skipped my period every other month, and when the the months I would get my

>> period which was every other month, it was interesting, it came at the time

>> of the monthat as it should have according to the pattern of when I would

>> get it. from July 2001 to april of 2002 I got my period every month. I

>> skipped may. Going of the usual pattern I got my period late in June. So

>> who knows from here. I shall see, when it comes next. Waiting, just waiting

>> for it to be all over for that possibility of the fibroids to shrink.

>>

>> Arlene

>>

>> At 05:49 PM 7/3/02 +0000, you wrote:

>> >About Waiting for Menopause

>> >

>> >The recent discussion about “going the distance” (I like that

description)

>> >has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this journey. I’d

like to

>> >share some of this – for those others who are on the journey with me, for

>> >anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up joining us – a

>> >little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to hear how others feel

>> >doing this too:

>> >* * * * *

>> >

>> >I’m waiting for something which is supposed to bring me great relief, but

>> >there’s no way for me to know when it actually arrives. Go figure.

>> >

>> >No one will admit that you’ve officially reached menopause until you’ve

been

>> >there for at least a full year. Then they will tell you that you’re not

>> >only there – you’ve been there for a whole year already. So, waiting for

>> >menopause is very strange – because you’re not going to know when you get

>> >there, you’ll only find out when you passed it a year ago.

>> >

>> >This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of directions, which

>> >tell you what landmarks you’ll see if you miss the turn. As in “if you

pass

>> >the Holiday Inn, you’ve gone about 6 blocks too far.” -- What I want to

>> >know is what I’ll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I should turn – not

>> >what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also makes me feel

like I’m

>> >going on a trip without a map and I’ll only get to find out where I’ve

been

>> >after I get back home again.

>> >

>> >This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly at times.

Obviously,

>> >menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine. For decades you know

>> >you’re headed there; you know when you’ve been there at lest a year

ago; but

>> >you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends get all steamed when

>> >they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they thought they might

>> >have already passed “stop,” thought they might be only 5 or 6 months from

>> >having someone admit they passed “stop” a year ago – but now they’re

forced

>> >to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life and start

waiting a

>> >year all over again for that distinction – every period means you’re at

>> >least a year away still. Very Through the Looking Glass. With fact like

>> >this, who needs fiction???

>> >

>> >With fibroids this also means you can’t even tell whether you should be

>> >expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until at least a year

after

>> >the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I’m waiting for menopause

>> >because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I won’t be able to tell

>> >when I should start to get some shrinkage until at least a year after it

>> >should have started – by which time if it hasn’t started at least some --

>> >I’ll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to tell me that I

shouldn’t

>> >expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be there a year

after

>> >I’m actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know about this one year

rule

>> >!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs anyway???

>> >

>> >On the one hand, I’d like any shrinkage I’m going to get to start as

soon as

>> >possible – whether I know I’m past menopause or not. On the other

hand, it

>> >doesn’t really seem right that my fibroids should get to “know” that

I’m in

>> >menopause before I do.

>> >

>> >Sometimes, I feel like I’m living inside a Far Side cartoon!

>> >

>> >*********

>> >Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don’t remember what this

>> >holiday is all about – here’s the Declaration of Independence – (still

>> >playing the civics teacher here I guess):

>>

>http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declar

>> ation_transcription.html

>> >

>> > Pat

>> >

>> >_________________________________________________________________

>> >Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

>> >

July 5, 2002

I do really need to read more information. As I said I really want to wait

it out to see if the fibroids start shrinking, since my periods are slowing

down and I just have at least 2 days of heavy bleeding out of the 3 or 4

days that I have it. I'm not experiencing any pain. I had considered a

hysterctomy especially if there was a problem of the calcification or any

other real cruicial trouble. Also as i said in my other message, I would

hate to go through one of the procedures to remove my fibroids for them to

grow back again. So I'm going to wait, and hope they do begin to shrink.

Arlene

At 09:38 PM 7/5/02 -0000, you wrote:

> abycat22@a... wrote:

>> To all those trying to go the distance....

>> Why are you all not considering a hyster??

>> ...I wonder what are

>> the pros and cons of waiting vs. hyster?

>

>To me, the pros of waiting are avoiding a hysterectomy. I wouldn't

>consider amputation of my finger just because it has a wart on it,

>even if amputating were the only way to guarantee the wart would be

>gone for good. IMHO, unless there are life threatening or serious

>lifestyle altering consequences to the fibroids, why undergo major

>surgery, removal of a major organ, with all the potential adverse

>effects of removing that organ, including the possibility of reduced

>sexual response and function? I can wait another year or two or

>three, after already dealing with these for upwards of 10 years, and

>if they shrink after menopause or maybe don't shrink but still don't

>cause me debilitating symptoms, then I've made the right decision,

>will still have my uterus and ovaries and their continued hormone and

>sexual functions, won't have to take HRT, and won't have had to take

>all the risks of major surgery including blood transfusions,

>complications, infections, etc. etc.

>

>> What about hormone replacement therapy? If you go into

>> menopause with all these fibroids lurking around, will

>> they want to give you even low doses if estrogen?

>

>I don't necessarily want HRT. I'm comfortable right now using non-

>prescription progesterone cream, sometimes supplemented with the

>cream that has some estrogen in it if I'm getting hot flashes. But I

>don't care to become dependent on synthetic hormones.

>

>BL

>

July 6, 2002

I did my research, and took into account the risks, including the

draw-backs associated with the wait-and-see approach (the anemia,

and scheduling my life around my period among other things). As it

turns out, I'm very happy I had the UAE. My periods have been very

light, with no pains or cramps. I did have some mild cramping and

slight discharge in the month or so after, but nothing serious.

Didn't need to take any pain-killers or use anything more than a

panty liner. The cramps were actually somewhat welcome as I figured

it was from those hated fibroids shrinking away. My uterus has

shrunk down some, but not what I'd hoped for. On the other hand, I

had a hard mass I could feel before - that softened up and just

seemed to disappear shortly after the UAE. I also don't have to get

up to go to the bathroom several times during the night. This also

occured very shortly after the UAE. As I said, I was very close to a

hysterectomy myself, couldn't stand the idea of another of those

periods. There are potential risks with the UAE, but please remember

also that those that have had problems are probably going to be more

vocal than those of us that have not. For one thing, they're looking

for others with the same problems to see how they coped. Hope you

find the right solution for you.

Christy

> > > > >About Waiting for Menopause

> > > > >

> > > > >The recent discussion about " going the distance " (I like

that

> > description)

> > > > >has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this

journey.

> > I'd like to

> > > > >share some of this – for those others who are on the

journey

> > with me, for

> > > > >anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up

joining

> > us – a

> > > > >little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to hear

how

> > others feel

> > > > >doing this too:

> > > > >* * * * *

> > > > >

> > > > >I'm waiting for something which is supposed to bring me

great

> > relief, but

> > > > >there's no way for me to know when it actually arrives. Go

> > figure.

> > > > >

> > > > >No one will admit that you've officially reached menopause

> > until you've been

> > > > >there for at least a full year. Then they will tell you

that

> > you're not

> > > > >only there – you've been there for a whole year already.

So,

> > waiting for

> > > > >menopause is very strange – because you're not going to

know

> > when you get

> > > > >there, you'll only find out when you passed it a year ago.

> > > > >

> > > > >This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of

> > directions, which

> > > > >tell you what landmarks you'll see if you miss the turn.

As

> > in " if you pass

> > > > >the Holiday Inn, you've gone about 6 blocks too far. " --

What

> > I want to

> > > > >know is what I'll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I

should

> > turn – not

> > > > >what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also makes

me

> > feel like I'm

> > > > >going on a trip without a map and I'll only get to find out

> > where I've been

> > > > >after I get back home again.

> > > > >

> > > > >This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly at

> > times. Obviously,

> > > > >menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine. For

> > decades you know

> > > > >you're headed there; you know when you've been there at

lest a

> > year ago; but

> > > > >you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends get

all

> > steamed when

> > > > >they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they

thought

> > they might

> > > > >have already passed " stop, " thought they might be only 5 or

6

> > months from

> > > > >having someone admit they passed " stop " a year ago – but

now

> > they're forced

> > > > >to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life and

> > start waiting a

> > > > >year all over again for that distinction – every period

means

> > you're at

> > > > >least a year away still. Very Through the Looking Glass.

With

> > fact like

> > > > >this, who needs fiction???

> > > > >

> > > > >With fibroids this also means you can't even tell whether

you

> > should be

> > > > >expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until at

least

> > a year after

> > > > >the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I'm waiting

for

> > menopause

> > > > >because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I won't be

> > able to tell

> > > > >when I should start to get some shrinkage until at least a

year

> > after it

> > > > >should have started – by which time if it hasn't started at

> > least some --

> > > > >I'll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to tell me

> > that I shouldn't

> > > > >expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be

there a

> > year after

> > > > >I'm actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know about

this

> > one year rule

> > > > >!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs

> > anyway???

> > > > >

> > > > >On the one hand, I'd like any shrinkage I'm going to get to

> > start as soon as

> > > > >possible – whether I know I'm past menopause or not. On

the

> > other hand, it

> > > > >doesn't really seem right that my fibroids should get

to " know "

> > that I'm in

> > > > >menopause before I do.

> > > > >

> > > > >Sometimes, I feel like I'm living inside a Far Side cartoon!

> > > > >

> > > > >*********

> > > > >Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don't

remember

> > what this

> > > > >holiday is all about – here's the Declaration of

Independence –

> > (still

> > > > >playing the civics teacher here I guess):

> > > >

> >

>http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration

> > /declar

> > > > ation_transcription.html

> > > > >

> > > > > Pat

> > > > >

> > > >

> >

>_________________________________________________________________

> > > > >Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger:

> > http://messenger.msn.com

> > > > >

July 7, 2002

Thank you again, Christy!

I talked it over with my husband and he agrees with the

group. He said if you have the UAE and it doesn't work,

you can *always* have the hysterectomy! The more I

read, the more I agree, we have not been informed of the

choices!

Did they talk to you about what happens to this

dead/dying fibroid tissue after it has its blood supply

cut off? It sounds simply barbaric to think of having

to expell these things at some point? Painful...???

Risk of complications??? Bloodclots..? ...Or do they

just become reabsorbed by the body?

I am supposed to be ordering my next Lupron shot next

week. I wonder if that is really necessary?

What kind of tests did you have to endure before they

ruled you a candidate for the procedure? Are there some

conditions that might preclude a UAE for some people?

Thank you for helping to open my eyes!!! I have tried

to avoid this final step my whole life, feeling

indignant that all GYN's say *hysterectomy* without two

seconds thought! I wanted to keep mine. Maybe there is

still hope?

Thank you. Will let you know how it goes.

> I did my research, and took into account the risks, including the

> draw-backs associated with the wait-and-see approach (the anemia,

> and scheduling my life around my period among other things). As it

> turns out, I'm very happy I had the UAE. My periods have been very

> light, with no pains or cramps. I did have some mild cramping and

> slight discharge in the month or so after, but nothing serious.

> Didn't need to take any pain-killers or use anything more than a

> panty liner. The cramps were actually somewhat welcome as I figured

> it was from those hated fibroids shrinking away. My uterus has

> shrunk down some, but not what I'd hoped for. On the other hand, I

> had a hard mass I could feel before - that softened up and just

> seemed to disappear shortly after the UAE. I also don't have to get

> up to go to the bathroom several times during the night. This also

> occured very shortly after the UAE. As I said, I was very close to a

> hysterectomy myself, couldn't stand the idea of another of those

> periods. There are potential risks with the UAE, but please remember

> also that those that have had problems are probably going to be more

> vocal than those of us that have not. For one thing, they're looking

> for others with the same problems to see how they coped. Hope you

> find the right solution for you.

> Christy

>

> > > > > >About Waiting for Menopause

> > > > > >

> > > > > >The recent discussion about " going the distance " (I like

> that

> > > description)

> > > > > >has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this

> journey.

> > > I'd like to

> > > > > >share some of this – for those others who are on the

> journey

> > > with me, for

> > > > > >anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up

> joining

> > > us – a

> > > > > >little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to hear

> how

> > > others feel

> > > > > >doing this too:

> > > > > >* * * * *

> > > > > >

> > > > > >I'm waiting for something which is supposed to bring me

> great

> > > relief, but

> > > > > >there's no way for me to know when it actually arrives. Go

> > > figure.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >No one will admit that you've officially reached menopause

> > > until you've been

> > > > > >there for at least a full year. Then they will tell you

> that

> > > you're not

> > > > > >only there – you've been there for a whole year already.

> So,

> > > waiting for

> > > > > >menopause is very strange – because you're not going to

> know

> > > when you get

> > > > > >there, you'll only find out when you passed it a year ago.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of

> > > directions, which

> > > > > >tell you what landmarks you'll see if you miss the turn.

> As

> > > in " if you pass

> > > > > >the Holiday Inn, you've gone about 6 blocks too far. " --

> What

> > > I want to

> > > > > >know is what I'll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I

> should

> > > turn – not

> > > > > >what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also makes

> me

> > > feel like I'm

> > > > > >going on a trip without a map and I'll only get to find out

> > > where I've been

> > > > > >after I get back home again.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly at

> > > times. Obviously,

> > > > > >menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine. For

> > > decades you know

> > > > > >you're headed there; you know when you've been there at

> lest a

> > > year ago; but

> > > > > >you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends get

> all

> > > steamed when

> > > > > >they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they

> thought

> > > they might

> > > > > >have already passed " stop, " thought they might be only 5 or

> 6

> > > months from

> > > > > >having someone admit they passed " stop " a year ago – but

> now

> > > they're forced

> > > > > >to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life and

> > > start waiting a

> > > > > >year all over again for that distinction – every period

> means

> > > you're at

> > > > > >least a year away still. Very Through the Looking Glass.

> With

> > > fact like

> > > > > >this, who needs fiction???

> > > > > >

> > > > > >With fibroids this also means you can't even tell whether

> you

> > > should be

> > > > > >expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until at

> least

> > > a year after

> > > > > >the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I'm waiting

> for

> > > menopause

> > > > > >because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I won't be

> > > able to tell

> > > > > >when I should start to get some shrinkage until at least a

> year

> > > after it

> > > > > >should have started – by which time if it hasn't started at

> > > least some --

> > > > > >I'll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to tell me

> > > that I shouldn't

> > > > > >expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be

> there a

> > > year after

> > > > > >I'm actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know about

> this

> > > one year rule

> > > > > >!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs

> > > anyway???

> > > > > >

> > > > > >On the one hand, I'd like any shrinkage I'm going to get to

> > > start as soon as

> > > > > >possible – whether I know I'm past menopause or not. On

> the

> > > other hand, it

> > > > > >doesn't really seem right that my fibroids should get

> to " know "

> > > that I'm in

> > > > > >menopause before I do.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >Sometimes, I feel like I'm living inside a Far Side cartoon!

> > > > > >

> > > > > >*********

> > > > > >Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don't

> remember

> > > what this

> > > > > >holiday is all about – here's the Declaration of

> Independence –

> > > (still

> > > > > >playing the civics teacher here I guess):

> > > > >

> > >

> >http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration

> > > /declar

> > > > > ation_transcription.html

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Pat

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > >

> >_________________________________________________________________

> > > > > >Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger:

> > > http://messenger.msn.com

> > > > > >

July 7, 2002

Hi Arlene!

Now that is a real question for the group!!!! If you

have a UAE or other procedure to remove fibroids, how

fast can they grow back??? Here I am thinking it took

me 25 years to grow them to this big size and at that

rate I'm home free if they start over. Is that not

accurate thinking? What is the likelihood they will

grow back within 5 to 10 years?

> , I have considered having a hysterectomy, especially if the fibroids

> don't shrink. I'm going to a specialist ginichologist, to check on my

> fibroids and the calicification of them. From reading this list, the

> calcification isn't a feal concern. I realize having a hysterctomy can have

> some lasting health affects, but I would hate to have one of the procedures

> done to have the fibroids moved, and then have the fibroids grow back. I

> need to read more information too.

>

> Arlene

>

> At 04:18 PM 7/5/02 +0000, you wrote:

> >To all those trying to go the distance....

> >

> >I am being asked to join your ranks. I am 48 have had

> >fibroids for 25 years, bad enough that I'm now on Lupron

> >injections. Why are you all not considering a hyster??

> >As I have had not symptoms of menopause,...never skipped

> >a period yet,...mother was 60 when she went into

> >menopause,...mother had me at 45 as the first child

> >(long before fertility treatments)...I wonder what are

> >the pros and cons of waiting vs. hyster?

> >

> >What about hormone replacement therapy? If you go into

> >menopause with all these fibroids lurking around, will

> >they want to give you even low doses if estrogen?

> >

> >What is propelling you to make the decisions you are

> >making? How many others are there struggling with the

> >choice?

> >

> >> Pat, I'll join you and the others going the distance to menopause.

> >> I'll be 48 next week, on July 11th. Between January and june of 2001 I

> >> skipped my period every other month, and when the the months I would get my

> >> period which was every other month, it was interesting, it came at the time

> >> of the monthat as it should have according to the pattern of when I would

> >> get it. from July 2001 to april of 2002 I got my period every month. I

> >> skipped may. Going of the usual pattern I got my period late in June. So

> >> who knows from here. I shall see, when it comes next. Waiting, just waiting

> >> for it to be all over for that possibility of the fibroids to shrink.

> >>

> >> Arlene

> >>

> >> At 05:49 PM 7/3/02 +0000, you wrote:

> >> >About Waiting for Menopause

> >> >

> >> >The recent discussion about “going the distance” (I like that

> description)

> >> >has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this journey. I’d

> like to

> >> >share some of this – for those others who are on the journey with me, for

> >> >anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up joining us – a

> >> >little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to hear how others feel

> >> >doing this too:

> >> >* * * * *

> >> >

> >> >I’m waiting for something which is supposed to bring me great relief, but

> >> >there’s no way for me to know when it actually arrives. Go figure.

> >> >

> >> >No one will admit that you’ve officially reached menopause until you’ve

> been

> >> >there for at least a full year. Then they will tell you that you’re not

> >> >only there – you’ve been there for a whole year already. So, waiting for

> >> >menopause is very strange – because you’re not going to know when you get

> >> >there, you’ll only find out when you passed it a year ago.

> >> >

> >> >This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of directions, which

> >> >tell you what landmarks you’ll see if you miss the turn. As in “if you

> pass

> >> >the Holiday Inn, you’ve gone about 6 blocks too far.” -- What I want to

> >> >know is what I’ll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I should turn – not

> >> >what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also makes me feel

> like I’m

> >> >going on a trip without a map and I’ll only get to find out where I’ve

> been

> >> >after I get back home again.

> >> >

> >> >This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly at times.

> Obviously,

> >> >menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine. For decades you know

> >> >you’re headed there; you know when you’ve been there at lest a year

> ago; but

> >> >you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends get all steamed when

> >> >they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they thought they might

> >> >have already passed “stop,” thought they might be only 5 or 6 months from

> >> >having someone admit they passed “stop” a year ago – but now they’re

> forced

> >> >to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life and start

> waiting a

> >> >year all over again for that distinction – every period means you’re at

> >> >least a year away still. Very Through the Looking Glass. With fact like

> >> >this, who needs fiction???

> >> >

> >> >With fibroids this also means you can’t even tell whether you should be

> >> >expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until at least a year

> after

> >> >the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I’m waiting for menopause

> >> >because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I won’t be able to tell

> >> >when I should start to get some shrinkage until at least a year after it

> >> >should have started – by which time if it hasn’t started at least some --

> >> >I’ll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to tell me that I

> shouldn’t

> >> >expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be there a year

> after

> >> >I’m actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know about this one year

> rule

> >> >!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs anyway???

> >> >

> >> >On the one hand, I’d like any shrinkage I’m going to get to start as

> soon as

> >> >possible – whether I know I’m past menopause or not. On the other

> hand, it

> >> >doesn’t really seem right that my fibroids should get to “know” that

> I’m in

> >> >menopause before I do.

> >> >

> >> >Sometimes, I feel like I’m living inside a Far Side cartoon!

> >> >

> >> >*********

> >> >Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don’t remember what this

> >> >holiday is all about – here’s the Declaration of Independence – (still

> >> >playing the civics teacher here I guess):

> >>

> >http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declar

> >> ation_transcription.html

> >> >

> >> > Pat

> >> >

> >> >_________________________________________________________________

> >> >Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

> >> >

July 7, 2002

My understanding is that they are absorbed by the body. Some have

reported expelling the fibroids, but I don't think that's the

general rule. As for tests, I was relatively surprised at how easily

the IR found me suitable. Just looked at my last ultrasound, and

said basically no problem. I even e-mailed one of the doctors that

participates in at the embo board because I had so many fibroids, I

thought after my meeting with the IR that this might be a problem.

But he assured me also that it would not. Immediately before the

procedure they did another ultrasound. Can't tell you what they did

much after they had me on the table though. They said I was

conscious the whole time - which caused some confusion actually

because one of the nurses was named Christy, and I kept trying to

answer - but I don't remember a thing. The IR even came into my room

later and showed my husband and me the pictures, but the only reason

I know is because they told me so. Anyway, I understand there are

some types of fibroids which should not be treated by UAE, I believe

the ones on a stem (pedunculated?) are better removed. And I would

see if I could talk to the gyn or IR before going in for your next

Lupron shot. It may not be necessary. I know my UAE was scheduled

very quickly once I made up my mind and called back the IR. Even

faster than the gyn trying to schedule my hysterectomy. Best of

luck. I know I put up with mine about 15 to 20 years, I'm not really

sure just how long since my 1st gyn didn't even tell me I had

fibroids until I was turned down for health insurance - because

fibroids had been mentioned in his report. Oh well, I won't get

started on the doctors again. Again, good luck whatever you decide.

Christy

> > > > > > >About Waiting for Menopause

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >The recent discussion about " going the distance " (I

like

> > that

> > > > description)

> > > > > > >has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this

> > journey.

> > > > I'd like to

> > > > > > >share some of this – for those others who are on the

> > journey

> > > > with me, for

> > > > > > >anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up

> > joining

> > > > us – a

> > > > > > >little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to

hear

> > how

> > > > others feel

> > > > > > >doing this too:

> > > > > > >* * * * *

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >I'm waiting for something which is supposed to bring me

> > great

> > > > relief, but

> > > > > > >there's no way for me to know when it actually

arrives. Go

> > > > figure.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >No one will admit that you've officially reached

menopause

> > > > until you've been

> > > > > > >there for at least a full year. Then they will tell

you

> > that

> > > > you're not

> > > > > > >only there – you've been there for a whole year

already.

> > So,

> > > > waiting for

> > > > > > >menopause is very strange – because you're not going to

> > know

> > > > when you get

> > > > > > >there, you'll only find out when you passed it a year

ago.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of

> > > > directions, which

> > > > > > >tell you what landmarks you'll see if you miss the

turn.

> > As

> > > > in " if you pass

> > > > > > >the Holiday Inn, you've gone about 6 blocks too far. " -

-

> > What

> > > > I want to

> > > > > > >know is what I'll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I

> > should

> > > > turn – not

> > > > > > >what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also

makes

> > me

> > > > feel like I'm

> > > > > > >going on a trip without a map and I'll only get to find

out

> > > > where I've been

> > > > > > >after I get back home again.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly

at

> > > > times. Obviously,

> > > > > > >menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine.

For

> > > > decades you know

> > > > > > >you're headed there; you know when you've been there at

> > lest a

> > > > year ago; but

> > > > > > >you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends

get

> > all

> > > > steamed when

> > > > > > >they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they

> > thought

> > > > they might

> > > > > > >have already passed " stop, " thought they might be only

5 or

> > 6

> > > > months from

> > > > > > >having someone admit they passed " stop " a year ago –

but

> > now

> > > > they're forced

> > > > > > >to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life

and

> > > > start waiting a

> > > > > > >year all over again for that distinction – every period

> > means

> > > > you're at

> > > > > > >least a year away still. Very Through the Looking

Glass.

> > With

> > > > fact like

> > > > > > >this, who needs fiction???

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >With fibroids this also means you can't even tell

whether

> > you

> > > > should be

> > > > > > >expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until

at

> > least

> > > > a year after

> > > > > > >the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I'm

waiting

> > for

> > > > menopause

> > > > > > >because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I

won't be

> > > > able to tell

> > > > > > >when I should start to get some shrinkage until at

least a

> > year

> > > > after it

> > > > > > >should have started – by which time if it hasn't

started at

> > > > least some --

> > > > > > >I'll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to

tell me

> > > > that I shouldn't

> > > > > > >expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be

> > there a

> > > > year after

> > > > > > >I'm actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know

about

> > this

> > > > one year rule

> > > > > > >!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs

> > > > anyway???

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >On the one hand, I'd like any shrinkage I'm going to

get to

> > > > start as soon as

> > > > > > >possible – whether I know I'm past menopause or not.

On

> > the

> > > > other hand, it

> > > > > > >doesn't really seem right that my fibroids should get

> > to " know "

> > > > that I'm in

> > > > > > >menopause before I do.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >Sometimes, I feel like I'm living inside a Far Side

cartoon!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >*********

> > > > > > >Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don't

> > remember

> > > > what this

> > > > > > >holiday is all about – here's the Declaration of

> > Independence –

> > > > (still

> > > > > > >playing the civics teacher here I guess):

> > > > > >

> > > >

> >

>http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration

> > > > /declar

> > > > > > ation_transcription.html

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Pat

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > >

> >

>_________________________________________________________________

> > > > > > >Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger:

> > > > http://messenger.msn.com

> > > > > > >

July 7, 2002

UAE cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids. Unless another blood

supply is established (rare), fibroids should not grow back. Also,

if a fibroid is completely removed in a myomectomy that particular

fibroid can not grow back, however you can develop new fibroids. And

to whoever posted who is on Lupron now - Lupron affects the arteries

making UAE inadvisable until they return to normal.

> Hi Arlene!

>

> Now that is a real question for the group!!!! If you

> have a UAE or other procedure to remove fibroids, how

> fast can they grow back??? Here I am thinking it took

> me 25 years to grow them to this big size and at that

> rate I'm home free if they start over. Is that not

> accurate thinking? What is the likelihood they will

> grow back within 5 to 10 years?

>

July 8, 2002

,

You state " The UAE sounds like a terrific option until you read about the

possibilities of expelling fibroids at later dates and infection rates. " Can

you tell us what sources you have read that imply that UAE has high infection

rates? Also, the possibilities of expelling fibroids is very much related to

the type of fibroids being treated.

Ann M.

July 8, 2002

Hello Cecile!

Thank you for the information. How long does one need

to be off Lupron before considering UAE? It has been

one month since my last shot and the radiologist said

they are scheduling out procedures for a month from

now. That would make a two month interlude. I only had

two such shots before deciding there must be a better

way!!!

Thanks for even giving a ball park on the time delay

needed.

> UAE cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids. Unless another blood

> supply is established (rare), fibroids should not grow back. Also,

> if a fibroid is completely removed in a myomectomy that particular

> fibroid can not grow back, however you can develop new fibroids. And

> to whoever posted who is on Lupron now - Lupron affects the arteries

> making UAE inadvisable until they return to normal.

>

> > Hi Arlene!

> >

> > Now that is a real question for the group!!!! If you

> > have a UAE or other procedure to remove fibroids, how

> > fast can they grow back??? Here I am thinking it took

> > me 25 years to grow them to this big size and at that

> > rate I'm home free if they start over. Is that not

> > accurate thinking? What is the likelihood they will

> > grow back within 5 to 10 years?

> >

>

July 8, 2002

Oh Christy! Thanks for responding!

I called the GYN today and asked him why he hadn't

recommended the UAE? He said because it was invasive!

I guess he doesn't think that a hysterectomy is

invasive? Anyway, I got a referral to a Radiologist and

he was very nice. He said " Most of the woman who come

for a UAE, come because of research on the Internet. He

said most of them are in their 40's and have spent time

researching and have thought through their options.

What does that tell you??? Maybe the GYN's aren't

recommending it? Anyway my GYN said, " Oh. A

Radiologist does that. " He also said I could have a

laproscopic uterine cauterization (spelling?). I

reminded him we had talked about that but decided

against it because it did not address the fibroids...at

all! They would still be there growing and causing

troubles. It seemed to me the GYN office could also do

that procedure and that was the main reason why it was

being suggested. Guess I need another, yet another, GYN.

Anyway I have an appt. for a consultation next week for

a UAE. To think I might actually be on the right track

to finally end all this suffering and turmoil....I think

I could cry.

Anyway, I still have questions. They talked about a

spinal block. What did they give you for pain? Also

they said you would need a week out of work. Is that

how long you were out of work? I know everyone must be

bored of it by now, but what are all the questions I

should ask him?

I can't believe I might have found an option that will

let me stay whole and keep my uterus. After suffering

all these years, it would be a tribute to have triumphed.

Thanks for taking the time to share with me all the

things that you have. Do you have any idea what the

complication rates are? Probably not anywhere near as

bad as hysterectomies!!

> My understanding is that they are absorbed by the body. Some have

> reported expelling the fibroids, but I don't think that's the

> general rule. As for tests, I was relatively surprised at how easily

> the IR found me suitable. Just looked at my last ultrasound, and

> said basically no problem. I even e-mailed one of the doctors that

> participates in at the embo board because I had so many fibroids, I

> thought after my meeting with the IR that this might be a problem.

> But he assured me also that it would not. Immediately before the

> procedure they did another ultrasound. Can't tell you what they did

> much after they had me on the table though. They said I was

> conscious the whole time - which caused some confusion actually

> because one of the nurses was named Christy, and I kept trying to

> answer - but I don't remember a thing. The IR even came into my room

> later and showed my husband and me the pictures, but the only reason

> I know is because they told me so. Anyway, I understand there are

> some types of fibroids which should not be treated by UAE, I believe

> the ones on a stem (pedunculated?) are better removed. And I would

> see if I could talk to the gyn or IR before going in for your next

> Lupron shot. It may not be necessary. I know my UAE was scheduled

> very quickly once I made up my mind and called back the IR. Even

> faster than the gyn trying to schedule my hysterectomy. Best of

> luck. I know I put up with mine about 15 to 20 years, I'm not really

> sure just how long since my 1st gyn didn't even tell me I had

> fibroids until I was turned down for health insurance - because

> fibroids had been mentioned in his report. Oh well, I won't get

> started on the doctors again. Again, good luck whatever you decide.

> Christy

>

> > > > > > > >About Waiting for Menopause

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >The recent discussion about " going the distance " (I

> like

> > > that

> > > > > description)

> > > > > > > >has made me reflect on several of the aspects of this

> > > journey.

> > > > > I'd like to

> > > > > > > >share some of this – for those others who are on the

> > > journey

> > > > > with me, for

> > > > > > > >anyone who is contemplating joining us – or may wind up

> > > joining

> > > > > us – a

> > > > > > > >little today, maybe more another time -- I'd like to

> hear

> > > how

> > > > > others feel

> > > > > > > >doing this too:

> > > > > > > >* * * * *

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >I'm waiting for something which is supposed to bring me

> > > great

> > > > > relief, but

> > > > > > > >there's no way for me to know when it actually

> arrives. Go

> > > > > figure.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >No one will admit that you've officially reached

> menopause

> > > > > until you've been

> > > > > > > >there for at least a full year. Then they will tell

> you

> > > that

> > > > > you're not

> > > > > > > >only there – you've been there for a whole year

> already.

> > > So,

> > > > > waiting for

> > > > > > > >menopause is very strange – because you're not going to

> > > know

> > > > > when you get

> > > > > > > >there, you'll only find out when you passed it a year

> ago.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >This reminds me of those awful (in my opinion) kind of

> > > > > directions, which

> > > > > > > >tell you what landmarks you'll see if you miss the

> turn.

> > > As

> > > > > in " if you pass

> > > > > > > >the Holiday Inn, you've gone about 6 blocks too far. " -

> -

> > > What

> > > > > I want to

> > > > > > > >know is what I'll see BEFORE I should turn, and WHEN I

> > > should

> > > > > turn – not

> > > > > > > >what sights there are for the lost traveler. It also

> makes

> > > me

> > > > > feel like I'm

> > > > > > > >going on a trip without a map and I'll only get to find

> out

> > > > > where I've been

> > > > > > > >after I get back home again.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >This makes waiting for menopause seem downright silly

> at

> > > > > times. Obviously,

> > > > > > > >menopause is a lot subtler than most folks imagine.

> For

> > > > > decades you know

> > > > > > > >you're headed there; you know when you've been there at

> > > lest a

> > > > > year ago; but

> > > > > > > >you never know when you actually ARE there. Friends

> get

> > > all

> > > > > steamed when

> > > > > > > >they have a period after 6 or 7 months without – they

> > > thought

> > > > > they might

> > > > > > > >have already passed " stop, " thought they might be only

> 5 or

> > > 6

> > > > > months from

> > > > > > > >having someone admit they passed " stop " a year ago –

> but

> > > now

> > > > > they're forced

> > > > > > > >to move back 6 or 7 spaces on the playing board of life

> and

> > > > > start waiting a

> > > > > > > >year all over again for that distinction – every period

> > > means

> > > > > you're at

> > > > > > > >least a year away still. Very Through the Looking

> Glass.

> > > With

> > > > > fact like

> > > > > > > >this, who needs fiction???

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >With fibroids this also means you can't even tell

> whether

> > > you

> > > > > should be

> > > > > > > >expecting to start getting some shrinkage/relief until

> at

> > > least

> > > > > a year after

> > > > > > > >the shrinkage is supposed to have begun. So, I'm

> waiting

> > > for

> > > > > menopause

> > > > > > > >because I hope then my fibroids will shrink, but I

> won't be

> > > > > able to tell

> > > > > > > >when I should start to get some shrinkage until at

> least a

> > > year

> > > > > after it

> > > > > > > >should have started – by which time if it hasn't

> started at

> > > > > least some --

> > > > > > > >I'll really be perplexed. Will someone then try to

> tell me

> > > > > that I shouldn't

> > > > > > > >expect any shrinkage until after I get proclaimed to be

> > > there a

> > > > > year after

> > > > > > > >I'm actually there? I doubt that my fibroids know

> about

> > > this

> > > > > one year rule

> > > > > > > >!! Life really is a trip – why does anyone need drugs

> > > > > anyway???

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >On the one hand, I'd like any shrinkage I'm going to

> get to

> > > > > start as soon as

> > > > > > > >possible – whether I know I'm past menopause or not.

> On

> > > the

> > > > > other hand, it

> > > > > > > >doesn't really seem right that my fibroids should get

> > > to " know "

> > > > > that I'm in

> > > > > > > >menopause before I do.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >Sometimes, I feel like I'm living inside a Far Side

> cartoon!

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >*********

> > > > > > > >Happy Independence Day tomorrow – in case you don't

> > > remember

> > > > > what this

> > > > > > > >holiday is all about – here's the Declaration of

> > > Independence –

> > > > > (still

> > > > > > > >playing the civics teacher here I guess):

> > > > > > >

> > > > >

> > >

> >http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration

> > > > > /declar

> > > > > > > ation_transcription.html

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Pat

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > >

> > >

> >_________________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > >Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger:

> > > > > http://messenger.msn.com

> > > > > > > >

July 8, 2002

Hi again, Christy and Group!

I asked the Radiologist today what happens to fibroids

that have their blood supply cut off. He said mostly

they are reabsorbed by the body. Otherwise they

generaly atrophy and are left as a small calcified

nubbin if examined years later.

Sounds good to me.