Hello......trying to make a decision

Hello,
I have been battling endometriosis for many years. I think it's almost been 20 years. I had a lap way back in 1996, and then I was on Lupron for 6 miserable months (but the Lupron worked). I have had endo symptoms on and off since that time. I have dealt with the pain. The periods got heavier and more painful the last 4 years. I'm now on birth controI pills to help with the pain and heavy cycles. I had a bad episode this June, so they sent me for an ultrasound, which showed that I now have fibroids. I finally got my referral to the gyno (my hubby is active military, so I have to see the regular doc for a long time before getting referrals). That appointment was last week. They did a biopsy as well as a ton of blood work. This doctor has suggested another round of Lupron followed by a hysterectomy is about 3-6 months. At first, I was sad but ok with this step. Frankly, I am tired of the pain and heavy bleeding, but I'm scared as well. My original doctor in 1996 told me that this was coming.

My family is somewhat supportive. My hubby and children are behind whatever choice I make. My mom, on the other hand, said that I need second opinions, but to also refuse the Lupron and surgery because I don't have cancer----so just leave it alone.

I know that it is MY decision, but I just don't know what decision I should make. That's why I'm here.

Thanks for reading,
J

Hi luckysierra, Welcome to HysterSisters! You do have some tough choices to make. Here's what I know. A hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis. Excision vs. Hysterectomy. The best way to treat endo is to have all the endometrial implants excised by an endometriosis specialist Endo specialist. Just removing the uterus or even the uterus and ovaries will leave behind any endo on the bowels or bladder allowing it to remain and flare up after a hysterectomy. I do agree with your mom about getting a second opinion (www.givemeasecond.com), but I don't know about refusing the Lupron. Lupron has proven effective in helping some women with endo symptoms, and more importantly it has helped you. Since you also have fibroids, your case is a bit more complicated. There are other options besides hysterectomy to treat fibroids as well. Alternatives to treating Fibroids. We have a lot of information on endometriosis, myths, and treatments. Here is a link to our endometriosis articles. I found them very helpful in understanding my endo diagnosis and in making decisions regarding treatment and associated issues. I strongly recommend you read them. It may be possible that you could treat all your problems without undergoing a hysterectomy, or it may be that you need a hysterectomy plus excision of endometrial implants to treat all your problems. Cancer is not the only reason to have a hysterectomy, but caution is a good thing. It's great that you're asking questions and doing research before having a surgery that may not put an end to your problems. A hysterectomy is not an easy surgery, and the initial recovery period is 6-8 weeks in most cases, with 6 months to a year for full recovery. Please keep on asking questions, and read posts by other women as well. They can be very helpful.