Endometriosis and Infertility

I am 29. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for 16 months. I have had a HSG (normal), my husband sperm tested (normal), and took Clomid for 7 months (great levels the whole time).  All my tests have been normal. After that, my OB/GYN did a laproscopy on Aug. 16 as his last step before sending me to a fertility specialist.   During the procedure, he found that I have Stage 4 Endometriosis and Endometriomas on both ovaries.  He cleaned up the left side but was unable to do anything to the right due to inflammation and my tube being wrapped around my intestines.  He also drained the endometriomas but didn't remove them.  He wants to put me on Lupron for 3 months and do another surgery.  I have heard terrible things about Lupron.  I was wondering if there are any other treatments available?  Is Lupron the best treatment for my condition especially since my main concern is having a baby?  Also, my OB/GYN didn't mention seeing a RE.  I want to know if I would be a good candidate to see a RE since my case is severe and we are anxious to get pregnant.  I feel like I want a specialist who deals with this daily even though my doc is great and experienced OB/GYN.  I also don't want to hurt my docs feelings by asking to see a specialist.  Thanks for any help you can offer!

[Michelle_Shawn]

Hi Sharry -
I can totally relate to where you are at. I had sx last September with my reg OB/Gyn to remove an endometrioma. He was only able to drain it because my endo was so severe he wanted me to see a specialist. He immediately referred my to a RE who specialized in endo. My RE had me do a 3 month shot of Lupron and right after I went and got the shot I went online and researched it. I read such terrible things - I was terrified. And honestly I was fine....I had the insane hot flashes and the moodiness but it was nothing like i expected. It is a drug I have seen definitely has different effects on different people. After the lupron my RE went in to do more surgery. He said the reason for being on the lupron prior to the sx was it shrunk everything and caused less bleeding and trauma during the surgery. He was really great in explaining the endometriosis to me. He basically said there are 5 stages because there is stage 4 and stage 4 severe and I was a stage 4 severe. I had the same thing multiple endometriomas, everything was stuck together and wrapped all around! But He explained that really the stage you are has not shown to be directly related to your likelihood of being able to conceive and how they stage the endo is by a point system. Endometriomas have such a high point value if you have a few, you are likely going to be a stage 4. The second sx was very successful, the before and after pics are crazy how messy things were and now my insides look like a textbook pic! But after the sx he ahd me go on birth control for a few months and then we did IVF and I am nine weeks pregnant after the first try! I I am blessed because i live in a state wherre ins covers the ivf and i know everyone is not so lucky. I just wanted to share with you becuase i definitely know where you are at. When i found out how bad my endo was I was convinced I never stood a chance at getting preggers and luckily i was wrong. I would ask to see a specialist for both the endo and since you have been trying so long. I truely believe after an unsuccessful year they should send you to a RE. Dont worry about offending your doc, you need to take care of yourself....good luck! Michellle

[blueeyes_jd]

I agree with Michelle!!! but the whole lupron will make it so you dont get preggers... at least while you are on it... I hope you talk to your doctor about seeing a RE because if hes a good doctor he will want to help you and make sure you get the best treatment... if he is offended then you should go to a diff. doctor...jmho you need to worry about you right now... so good luck!!! ;) HUGS I hope you and your hubby get preggers!!

[Sharry22]

Michelle,

Thanks so much for the comment.  I have been so confused by all the stories I am hearing and negative things people are saying, but your story really sounds like mine and is positive.  You have made me feel better about the situation which means a lot to me!  You give me hope in what seems like an almost hopeless situation.  May God bless you and your pregnancy!  
Sharry