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Hormone therapy vs hysterectomy
I was just diagnosed by laparoscopy with stage IV endometriosis, adhesions, endometriomas on both ovaries, etc. I'm betting I've been suffering from its existence long before I actually had the severe pain that sent me to the ER every time I had a period because I'd been to doctors with chronic bowel problems and distention and was diagnosed with IBS, which has very much improved since some adhesions and the cysts were taken care of during laparoscopy.
My question is about treatment. They want me to try Lupron Depot first, rather than going straight for a hysterectomy. It's an expensive medication and I am on disability and already have to pay too much for more important medication every month. The people at the dr's office is going to talk to the drug company to see if they can do something for me. I mean, the goal is always to avoid surgery when surgery can be avoided, but if I cannot get this hormone shot therapy, hysterectomy with salpingo oopherectomy is my other alternative. I am 39. I have never had children and have never wanted to have children and have no desire to have children in the future. While I am a bit attached to my body parts and thing surgery would by not fun, why not just go for it and get done with and not have to worry about the stupid endometriosis again?
I also worry about the horomone causing problems with other conditions I have, in particular Bipolar I Disorder with a history of psychosis and mixed episodes (if you don't know what it is, pray you never find out). But my psychiatrist said if I did the hormone therapy my moods would have to be watched even more careful and honestly, it scares. I've gotten to a great place in my life and have managed to stay out of the hospital for 4 years. I don't want that messed with.
I'm just looking for a little input here.
My question is about treatment. They want me to try Lupron Depot first, rather than going straight for a hysterectomy. It's an expensive medication and I am on disability and already have to pay too much for more important medication every month. The people at the dr's office is going to talk to the drug company to see if they can do something for me. I mean, the goal is always to avoid surgery when surgery can be avoided, but if I cannot get this hormone shot therapy, hysterectomy with salpingo oopherectomy is my other alternative. I am 39. I have never had children and have never wanted to have children and have no desire to have children in the future. While I am a bit attached to my body parts and thing surgery would by not fun, why not just go for it and get done with and not have to worry about the stupid endometriosis again?
I also worry about the horomone causing problems with other conditions I have, in particular Bipolar I Disorder with a history of psychosis and mixed episodes (if you don't know what it is, pray you never find out). But my psychiatrist said if I did the hormone therapy my moods would have to be watched even more careful and honestly, it scares. I've gotten to a great place in my life and have managed to stay out of the hospital for 4 years. I don't want that messed with.
I'm just looking for a little input here.
No, it's not PMDD. I have a pretty classic case of Bipolar I Disorder and the condition responds to the therapy I get that is specifically for Bipolar Disorder. I do some wicked PMS, but not to point that it qualifies for PMDD.
The surgeon has already explained and given me information about the type of hysterectomy he would do, so I'm assuming that means his plan is to do that in the event that I can't get the hormone.
Another thing I worry about is weight gain. Which would more likely cause weight gain?
I went about most my life 'petite' until a lengthy depression hit and medication caused weight gain. I got quite obese for my size (168lbs at 5ft tall). I lost that weight a couple of years ago. It took me two years to do it right and I've kept it off. My psychiatrist knows to NEVER prescribe something that is known to cause weight gain. I read that the Lupron Depot can cause weight gain. What about a hysterectomy? Will you gain weight too?
The surgeon has already explained and given me information about the type of hysterectomy he would do, so I'm assuming that means his plan is to do that in the event that I can't get the hormone.
Another thing I worry about is weight gain. Which would more likely cause weight gain?
I went about most my life 'petite' until a lengthy depression hit and medication caused weight gain. I got quite obese for my size (168lbs at 5ft tall). I lost that weight a couple of years ago. It took me two years to do it right and I've kept it off. My psychiatrist knows to NEVER prescribe something that is known to cause weight gain. I read that the Lupron Depot can cause weight gain. What about a hysterectomy? Will you gain weight too?
You could ask your doc if there is any way to salvage at least one ovary. That way you wouldn't have to do hormone replacement therapy. Hopefully they can do this for you....Lupron is waaayyyyy to expensive - I can't do it either but my GYN won't do even a partial hyster on me.
Is it possible that all of your moods are caused by PMDD? If you don't know what that is do a little research and see what you can find out. If that is the case a hyst might help you with your mood swings.
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