ADENOMYOSIS/CYSTS/PAIN

Thank you for your previous good counsel. I am 49, one young son, battling chronic back pain, bloating, exhaustion and abdomenal (abdominal) tenderness on left side.  My June US showed abnormal endometrium, abnormal left ovary with complicated cyst and small cyst along uterine fundus.   Pathology report noted hyperplasia without atypia. I was asked to schedule a followup appt. w/gyn.  Extended stomach and tenderness persisted so my general doc recommended an abd and pelvic MRI with contrast.  My gyn gave me the results:  showing the same cyst a bit enlarged (4.2 adnexal cyst) with tiny cysts within on left ovary; peritoneal cysts at the uterine body and thickened junctional zone with several high intensity foci at the fundal region suggesting adenomyosis. Fluids are present surrounding the uterus as well as between the uterine segment and bladder. Small amount of fluid in the right adnexa.  No fibroids or endometriosis; confirmed that I am not in menopause nor peri.  CA125, hormone panel, CBC, and pap were fine.  Blood pressure very high which was odd as I usually have low BP but doc suggested I may be nervous (true!) Back pain present (some days much worse than others).  While I have chroic backpain, this started as I was without a period for 8 months, then prolonged, excessive bleeding for 2 cycles (40 days), a trip to ER in June suggested possibly menopause.  Spotting has since returned this month (6th day).  The back pain and exhaustion are overwhelming and I'm getting rather depressed at not being myself and no confirmation that the back pain and other symptoms are related. My new gyn suggested 'monitoring' the situation.  She said that surgery could confirm adenomyosis yet she is generally cautious about surgery.   I'm at the point, where I'd just like to have a hysterectomy to get more immediate relief or confirmation of something.  But I may not be thinking straight.  In your opinion, do these symptoms pose more worry or is monitoring a typical course of action given this little info you now know?  I appreciate your advice.  

[dian07]

Hey kid...I would get a second opinion and  I would seek the advice of a gyn/oncologist because this is their arena of expertise.....absolutely, if there is going to be a surgery, YOU HAVE ONLY ONE CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.....see a gyn/oncologist....that is who you want by your side.
Peace.
dian

[alicia27lmt]

Hello,
I have similar symptoms.  Have you been diagnosed with adenomyosis?  I had an MRI and then an ultrasound with a biopsy to confirm that I have it.  I am having a procedure called Novasure next week.  This is a procedure that burns the lining of the uterus to reduce bleeding and pain.  I have very heavy periods, for 20 days or more, with severe back pain.  My OB/GYN explained to me that the reason I feel most of the pain in my back is that my uterus is tipped towards the back(retro) I think it's called.  I have always suffered with ovarian cysts every cycle, but mine are functional and they are very painful but go away on their own.  The only cure for the cysts I have is BC pills which I cannot take.  My biopsy also confirmed no cancer in uterus.  Maybe you need a second opinion.  I am hoping for good results with the Novasure ablation I am having.  75% of women have little to no periods again, and reduced pain too.  I hope this helps a little,  best wishes
alicia

[BROOKE62]

I do not mean to talk down the abalation and novasure, I had this done in Jan along with a d&c.  I have found that  in my case it didnt do anything.  My periods are worse, the pain is the same if not worse, I have weird brown and black discharge.  I wish I would have researched it a little more before consenting.  Heinsight is 20/20.  Felt you should know the possible adverse outcome that I wish I would have.

No disrespect intended
Brooke

[alicia27lmt]

Dear Brooke,
No disrespect taken at all. I don't know why you had the Novasure, adeno like me or something else but I am so sorry you had a poor outcome.  I chose to have it after much research because my only other option was to have a total abdominal hysterectomy, and there is no way I am ready for that.  Although we are not having anymore children, I feel strongly that emotionally I don't want my uterus removed unless it is absolutely the only choice, and since my doc said it should be a last resort I thought it would be worth the chance to try the less invasive surgery rather than having a major surgery with a much longer recovery time.  My doc told me to expect that the burnt tissue would come out, and may have bleeding and or spotting.  I don't go for my follow-up until 6 weeks post-op.  I am now three days post-op and feeling great.  No bleeding, just cramping which is very manageable with the meds.  I stay put on my heating pad, and hubby took time off of work to take care of the baby.  What are your options now?  I hope that you have some options.  Thanks alicia