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Treating Endometriosis: Life w/ Lupron and Chemical Menopause… Last Updated 10/07/00 |
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In April 2000 I visited my gynecologist for my yearly exam. I had been experiencing some very heavy periods, even though I was on birth control pills. But worse, sometimes it hurt when my husband and I had sex. He said it sounded like I had endometriosis - and we could treat it through surgery - a laproscopic surgery. It was to be done on an outpatient basis. My husband and I decided that while the doctor was "in there", I would have him "tie my tubes". Let me first say that I have a great deal of faith and trust in my doctor. I've been his patient for 10 years; he's delivered both of my children. My surgery was on my 32nd birthday (what a present!). I checked into the hospital at 11 AM and was home by 6 PM. I was doing great from the surgery, but the endometriosis was "worse than expected". My doctor decided that the best follow-up treatment would be a six-month series of shots of a drug called "Lupron". I got my first shot in the hospital, before I even woke up from the anesthesia. Later that night, I read the little pamphlet they gave me at the hospital. Lupron would basically put me into a "chemical menopause". This was on a Thursday. I thought it sounded ok - no periods for six months! That would be GREAT! |
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A few days later, I began researching Lupron on the net. I found NOTHING but horror stories "Lupron ruined my life" type stories. I started freaking out! What kind of drug had the doctor put into me? Was my life going to be ruined too??!! I began compiling my questions! At my first follow-up visit (when I went to get my stitches out) I was able to have a long talk with my doctor's RN. She explained what Lupron really did to my system: it shuts down the production of estrogen by your body (also means there is no testosterone by the way). She also told me more of what the next six months would REALLY be like. Hot Flashes. Insomnia. Depression. Weight Gain. Moodiness. Loss of Bone Density. We agreed that I would go on an anti-depressant. She encouraged me to continue to work out. I figured I could do it. I'd just stay as focused as I could, and deal with it as best I could. Little did I know it would be harder than I thought. |
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More about my journey later…This story will be continued . |
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Thanks as always to Miz Kitty for her wonderful website:
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This page is the © of DSmouse, 2000. All Rights Reserved |
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