Severe PID

[ReallyAfraid]

I was just DX for Severe PID after an ovarian cyst ruptured. After surgery (removal of left overy, cyst and tube) at my six weeks follow-up I was told I have a very severe case of PID with major adhesions that has connected all of my organs. I asked what needs to be done and the Doctor didn't seem to concern and kind of down played it when he said either nothing or surgery, but let's see how you feel over the next few months. I asked about the pain I had my first cycle after the surgery. He said if it worsens or stays as bad then we can talk about surgery. Now I'm really afraid and don't have a clue of what this all really means. I looked up PID and found that it's listed as an STD, and that is a serious disease and my require surgery. I'm two times PO for tubal pregancy (17 yrs ago). And if surgery is required what are my options for keeping my right (only) overy and not having to take astrogen for the rest of my life? I'm 36 almost 37 with two grown children (so don't want anymore). Please help.

                                                                                                                    Signed,
                                                                                                            Afraid and Confused

[Elaine Brown, MD]

I typed you a really long nice explanation which wouldn't fit into the post--darn so here is the nutshell version:

I'm assuming that your recent surgery was due to pain, that was felt to be caused by the ovarian cyst, and when they went in they discovered "adhesions" and so they are guessing that you had PID-- IN THE PAST. PID is infection or inflammation of the pelvic organs usually caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea, and people often have it and never know about it.  In your case, it may have been before the tubal pregnancy.  The most common cause of tubal pregnancy is scarring of the fallopian tubes due to PID.

The only reason to have more surgery would be persistant or recurrent pain. If the pain effects you enough to make surgery worthwhile, then the question becomes what to take out and what to leave.

If you leave the ovary you run the risk of MORE surgery--pain comes back, another cyst, etc.

If you take the ovary you will very likely need some hormones for awhile.  IMPORTANT--hormone replacement therapy is NOT a life sentence--you can be tapered off at any time.  My patients usually decide based on how they feel, whether or not they have a family history of breast cancer, etc.  Hope this helps!

Dr B

[lesnbek]

I also suffer Severe PID. I went to Dr's for 7 years before a Dr did anything. It was so bad i could hardly move around it affected everything. I had a pain in my butt that i felt when i moved at all. The first surgery I had they removed major scar tissue-all my organs were binded together and attached to my side. Dr said I cant believe you could walk. The pain was so bad after surgery for a week.Then I felt better for a couple months.. Then the pain came back stronger. I went to hospital they said I had a ruptured cyst and sent me home. I was throwing up black stuff which was blood from tummy. I ended up having another surgery to remove cyst and remove scar tissue. I have been told I can have kids and I cant because everything was so blocked. I dont know if i can or cant. I cant have sex anyway because of pain. I had 2 surgeries in 2 years both in Nov. Nov is coming and I to am scared. Dr's do not take this serious enough. It affects your ability to live a normal life. I dont know what to do either. I know scar tissue doesnt go away it will only get worse till it is removed and then it will come back. If you ever wanna chat I am here. Lesnbek

[ReallyAfraid]

I really thank you for your time and help. I thought that he meant I still have PID not knowing that I don't and I was so worried I went in this morning to his office. And like you said about the surgery he said the same. He doesn't want to do the surgery because there's nothing wrong with my organs aside from the adhesions that attaches them. He said the only options are: 1) Have the surgery and maybe the adhesions won't bother me anymore and to take hornones for the better part of the rest of my life. 2) Take pain medication the days I have pain with out surgery. 3) OR have another baby because it's a good chance that the 9 month pregnancy will give my uterus and overy a rest and once the baby is delivered the adhesions won't be as bad and I may not ever have a problem.
Let me remind you I have two children 18 & 19 with a 19 month old grandbaby so with that said, I won't be having another baby.  :)
But what do you think about the other opitions?
I'm so sorry to keep bothering you with my issue but I can't just not go to work and take drugs to manage the pains and I'm freaked out about another surgery and hospital stay. I still have bruses on my arms from the needles from July 17th.
Once again, Thank you sooo much for your time and help it is more than appreciated.