New to HysterSisters. Considering Surgery, need input

Hi sisters,
I am 40 yrs old and have always had problems with my period. I started at the age of 11 and had to miss at least 2 days of school each month due to horrible cramps and heavy bleeding. 3 kids later, I am having more pain than before. Last summer I had laproscopic surgery to remove endo., and large ovarian cyst. I also had the balloon ablation. My periods never eased up, and the pain has, once again, increased. Just say my GYN after an extremely painful period and we are discussing surgery. I want the HST....take everything out so I don't have to go through this anymore! He seems a little reluntant and gave me an option. Take Lupron shots for 6-12 to "buy me some more time". Well, I read some rather nasty things about Lupron, and don't want to take the injections. I do have some other health issues he is considering. I had a blood clot yrs. ago, so he is worried about that, although during the first surgery he just gave me Heprin to avoid complications. I also have a chronic muscle disease called Fibromyalgia. The symptoms include chronic pain, fatigue, weakness, bowel problems, etc. I figure I can work through the side effects. What I need from you is info on Lupron, if you have taken it, and how quickly can I expect the process of getting the surgery scheduled to be. I am anxious to be out of pain!!
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Duffsangel

Hi, Duffsangel,

I can't help you with your questions about Lupron, but I know some ladies who can. You may want to post this question on the Hysterectomy Options and Alternatives Forum. I know that some of the ladies there have experience with Lupron.

Best wishes,
Helen

Now of course this is just MY opinion-
I stayed on Lupron for 11 months due to severe endom. It, along with pain came back within 6 months. Lupron is an injection that kinda throws you into menapause which slows down the feeding of endometriosis. It does work on some and I do know women who wanted to have kids take this and it was successful.
Before Lupron I had a Lap surgery for endo. after this surgery I also seen endo come back within 8 months.
If you are unsure you could get a second opinion. Sounds like to me you already know you want a hysterec.
You may need to ask Dr. if insurance will cover hysert. IF you have not already tried the Lupron...Some insurances want you to try everything under the sun before going into surgery.
Now don't get me wrong when on Lupron i loved Miss Monthly NOT visiting...lol But besides that it causes some women to go thru mood swings, hot flashes, ect. I experienced some symptoms for about 3 months then it got better. The doc can also put you on meds to help with hot flashes, ect.
It is up to you-
I personally got tired of the pain- heavy periods. My doc also gave me the choice of going back thru Lupron or another Lap instead of doing hysterec. BUT he knew eventually I would probably have to have hysterec.
So I looked at it as why waiste time...I am ready to live life instead of being in pain-
Take your time and decide whats best for you-
Keep me informed on your decission
runabout
(lynne)

My problems have been very similar to yours. I had a LAVH on 2/8/02 - uterus and cervix removed - kept both ovaries. I am feeling great! Wish I would have had the surgery sooner. I did keep both ovaries becasue they were not bad - I am only 41 years old and do not want to take hormones any sooner than I have to. My doctor thinks I have another 5 - 10 years before menopause so those ovaries come in handy. My mom did not start menopause until she was 52 so I hope I have that long too. Take care.