ALERT! Serious Post! It may not include even the slightest humor, who knows.
I was commenting to my wonderfully supportive husband Bradley that I wish there was someone out there I could talk to about all my unique endometriosis drama. There have to be others out there. There HAS to be. There HAS to be.
A few days letter I'm catching up with an old high school friend talking about life, talking about plans, talking about babies. I tell her of my struggles and she offers what encouragement and hope she can. I tell her to check my blogs - it's my "tell-all". She promises she will.
A few days later I get this comment on my blog:
My name is Andrea and my sister is Michelle. She originally sent me your blog so I could view the video about Mom's jeans. I noticed that you had another blog regarding infertility and that you are tossing around the idea of Lupron shots. I hope you don't mind me sharing my comments and feelings. I also suffer from Endometriosis. My husband and I tried for quite a long time to have children and were unsuccessful. We went to a doctor and he started running tests. We found out I had endometriosis. We had the surgery, laperoscopy, and immediatly following the surgery I went on the Lupron shots for 3 months. They weren't as bad as I thought. I did feel the occasional mood swing and hot flash. But over all they weren't too bad. I had my last shot in October of 2002. It takes about a month for the medicine to leave the body. That following January of 2003 we got pregnant and now have a beautiful son. I know without a doubt that the Lupron was the factor in us getting pregnant. We have tried to get pregnant since and again have been unsuccessful. We had to move out of state for school and have had a difficult time finding a doctor out here that does the Lupron shots. Honestly, I was unsure about going on Lupron at first. But now I would do it again. It's different for everyone. You and your husband need to make sure it's right for you guys. Pray about it. I would be glad to talk to you. I hope everything works out for you guys. We know what you are going through. Take care.
Totally unexpected and totally what I needed. I don't think Andrea understands the effect that she has had on this whole overwhelming experience. Truly, a blessing. So, with a determination to follow the plan outlined and proceed forward knowing that it's right I'm going for it.
So this Thursday is my first Lupron shot. I had them schedule the injection on a Thursday in case I have a weird reaction. You never know. More to follow.
Aug 25, 2008
Aug 17, 2008
Lupron Saga
Next phase of treatment: Lupron Injection
This is the one I'm not too thrilled about. The FD wants to inject this hormone every 3 1/2 weeks. Apparently, it's like being menopausal for a month. Estrogen levels are extremely low. Little or no period. This is a common treatment for those with endometriosis. It eliminates the pain that most women experience with endometriosis. However, I don't have that much pain. My pain is usually localized with my period. Painful cramps and bloating. That's about it. But I understand that with my advanced stage of endometriosis it might help.
The side effects are my concern:
"To suppress the endometriosis."
"Well, okay. I'm on BC. I do the Lupron Injection. I have the surgery and you start me back up on fertility treatments. So, we're suppressing for a few months to then speed it all up in one month to retrieve eggs?"
"Well, you'll be on Lupron and BC for a total of 3 months."
"Yeah, but the fertility drug process. Won't it just all speed it up again?"
"Well, not with your surgery and the medication. It won't speed up as fast as you think it will."
Oh-tay! Blindly I'll listen to the doctor? Unfortunately, I get extremely intimidated by doctors. I need Brad there with me. He asks all the right questions and he never, ever gets intimidated.
I also mentioned to the FD that I started reading a book about how to heal endometriosis through nutrition:
"That's not going to work. Your endometriosis is too advanced."
"It's mainly just a nutrition regime. I figure eating more healthy can only help."
"As long as you are not taking Chinese herbs. They really interfere with the anesthetic of surgery."
"I have the book with me. Although I haven't read the whole thing, I like what I know and I believe it will help."
"Just as long as you don't do herbs."
I guess that means I pass the book test.
I'm still concerned about the Lupron. I don't know if it's the right step...for me. I understand the benefits. But I hate the idea of putting so much medication in my system to suppress the endometriosis growths. There is no scientific cure for endometriosis, just medication to appease the symptoms.
I honestly believe that the Word of Wisdom was revelation for our day. I honestly believe that God has put everything on this earth for the benefit of man. Unfortunately, we are mortal and our bodies are susceptible to the food we put in and the environment we live in. The Lord has provided a way for us to be able to be healthy.
"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments shall receive health in their navel and marrow in their bones."
This is the one I'm not too thrilled about. The FD wants to inject this hormone every 3 1/2 weeks. Apparently, it's like being menopausal for a month. Estrogen levels are extremely low. Little or no period. This is a common treatment for those with endometriosis. It eliminates the pain that most women experience with endometriosis. However, I don't have that much pain. My pain is usually localized with my period. Painful cramps and bloating. That's about it. But I understand that with my advanced stage of endometriosis it might help.
The side effects are my concern:
- Bone density loss
- Hot flashes
- Headaches
- Vaginal dryness
- Changes in mood
- Decreased interest in sex
"To suppress the endometriosis."
"Well, okay. I'm on BC. I do the Lupron Injection. I have the surgery and you start me back up on fertility treatments. So, we're suppressing for a few months to then speed it all up in one month to retrieve eggs?"
"Well, you'll be on Lupron and BC for a total of 3 months."
"Yeah, but the fertility drug process. Won't it just all speed it up again?"
"Well, not with your surgery and the medication. It won't speed up as fast as you think it will."
Oh-tay! Blindly I'll listen to the doctor? Unfortunately, I get extremely intimidated by doctors. I need Brad there with me. He asks all the right questions and he never, ever gets intimidated.
I also mentioned to the FD that I started reading a book about how to heal endometriosis through nutrition:
"That's not going to work. Your endometriosis is too advanced."
"It's mainly just a nutrition regime. I figure eating more healthy can only help."
"As long as you are not taking Chinese herbs. They really interfere with the anesthetic of surgery."
"I have the book with me. Although I haven't read the whole thing, I like what I know and I believe it will help."
"Just as long as you don't do herbs."
I guess that means I pass the book test.
I'm still concerned about the Lupron. I don't know if it's the right step...for me. I understand the benefits. But I hate the idea of putting so much medication in my system to suppress the endometriosis growths. There is no scientific cure for endometriosis, just medication to appease the symptoms.
I honestly believe that the Word of Wisdom was revelation for our day. I honestly believe that God has put everything on this earth for the benefit of man. Unfortunately, we are mortal and our bodies are susceptible to the food we put in and the environment we live in. The Lord has provided a way for us to be able to be healthy.
"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments shall receive health in their navel and marrow in their bones."
Birth Control...Opposite Direction?
Birth control is a lot of fun. Really. First of all, I love the way it reeks havoc on my already sensitive stomach. And, second, I now have an excuse for being so mean.
"Stickybuns, it must be the pills. I'm sure of it."
Originally, I was going to fill the prescription at good ol' Walmart. Cause it's a one-stop shop. However, I was totally dismayed to find out that it would take three hours to fill the script. Are you kidding me? I can wander around Walmart for a good hour, but for three? I might as well start working there. Plus side, then I'll get to wear the sweet vest with the ultra-sweet lettering on the back saying, "How can I help you?" To be a rebel, I'd take a black sharpie and place the word NOT in the appropriate place. I'm sure I'd get some glares. And then blame it on the pills.
"Listen, granny, I'm sure you'll be able to locate the denture adhesive yourself. Think health. Think teeth. Think toothpaste. I'm sure you'll get there eventually."
I ended up filling my script at CVS. Only a 15 minute wait. Had the hubby check before I drove myself across the street. Because that would have been torture.
Didn't know until I spoke with pharmacist that I would be on this continuously. Meaning...no break. Ever. Well, for awhile. I'm excited at the prospect of a missed visit from Aunt Flo. I might have a party. Invitations to be sent out soon.
You would think that birth control is the opposite direction. And you are correct my genius friend. The FD (fertility doc) is attempting to suppress the endometriosis growths. In a couple of weeks, I'll have to take a LUPRON shot. That dilemma is for another post.
Until then...continuous BC.
"Stickybuns, it must be the pills. I'm sure of it."
Originally, I was going to fill the prescription at good ol' Walmart. Cause it's a one-stop shop. However, I was totally dismayed to find out that it would take three hours to fill the script. Are you kidding me? I can wander around Walmart for a good hour, but for three? I might as well start working there. Plus side, then I'll get to wear the sweet vest with the ultra-sweet lettering on the back saying, "How can I help you?" To be a rebel, I'd take a black sharpie and place the word NOT in the appropriate place. I'm sure I'd get some glares. And then blame it on the pills.
"Listen, granny, I'm sure you'll be able to locate the denture adhesive yourself. Think health. Think teeth. Think toothpaste. I'm sure you'll get there eventually."
I ended up filling my script at CVS. Only a 15 minute wait. Had the hubby check before I drove myself across the street. Because that would have been torture.
Didn't know until I spoke with pharmacist that I would be on this continuously. Meaning...no break. Ever. Well, for awhile. I'm excited at the prospect of a missed visit from Aunt Flo. I might have a party. Invitations to be sent out soon.
You would think that birth control is the opposite direction. And you are correct my genius friend. The FD (fertility doc) is attempting to suppress the endometriosis growths. In a couple of weeks, I'll have to take a LUPRON shot. That dilemma is for another post.
Until then...continuous BC.
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