Lupron to shrink fibroids prior to surgery

I am posting this because I had a lot of concerns about taking Lupron and I'd like to give some feedback on my experience with it.

I decided to take Lupron prior to surgery hoping it would shrink my fibroids enough so my doctor could make a horizontal incision. Prior to getting my first Lupron injection, my uterus was approximately 20-week sized. After a very heavy period, I started feeling much better (about a week later) and could feel that my fibroids were getting smaller. Doc says I can have a horizontal incision now no problem.

Just got my last shot and I am feeling fine. Yes, I have hot flashes and night sweats, but compared to what I was going through before, this is a minor inconvenience for me.

Worst thing about Lupron is the price...$500 per shot and not covered by my insurance.

Carolyn

I am considering Lupron.
What advice do you offer.
Does it make your bones brittle?
Do you feel older, health wise?
bertsemail@aol.com
rpackard@valcom.com

I'm only taking this for two months prior to surgery. (I think I'm lucky to have gotten such quick results.) It's my understanding that bone-mineral loss will occur if one is on Lupron for longer times (6 months or more?). I have read that some women go on this stuff for 6 months, then go off it (for treatment of fibroids) but my understanding is that the fibroids will grow back. I would not want to go through that. (Keep in mind, I'm not a doctor and this is just my opinion.)

Personally, I don't feel older or like my body is creaking more (I'm only 41). Generally, I feel much better than before. But, like I said, I do have hot flashes. I have not noticed any other side effects. Prior to taking the Lupron, my uterus was quite enlarged (20-week), I had lower back pain, pressure on my bladder and I guess everything else in my abdomen. Oh, yeah, and an almost constant period. So, for me, the Lupron stopped the bleeding and is shrinking my fibroids and has made me much more comfortable physically prior to my upcoming surgery. I think mood swings can be expected; I'm so stressed I can't really tell you if Lupron is the culprit there.

I did a search on Lupron on this site when I was considering it a couple of months ago and came up with lots of posts (quite a few in the Hormone Jungle section).

Has your doctor suggested Lupron?

Carolyn

ps. Just read your other post (about Lupron as a way to avoid surgery). A few references: "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" by Christiane Northrup, pg. 198-199. And "Fibroids" by Johanna Skilling, several discussions throught the book.
[Edited by cliz on 12-28-2000]

I also had 2 months of Lupron prior to hyst for fibroids. My doctor was able to do the surgery thru a laporascope, leaving my cervix and ovaries.

I had very little side effects with the Lupron - in fact, my hot flashes actually lessened (leveled out?), and away went the back pain and bladder pressure from the broids. One side effect I appreciated was my breasts also shrunk a bit.

Now, 5 months post-hyst, I can tell you everything reverses. (Except for no more uterus, of course.) I mean all the "unwanted" side effects. The back pain and bladder pressure have been relieved. I'm so happy I went thru the surgery this way. Since mid August, when friends asked how I'm doing, I have to think back and remember what they're talking about.

Lupron IS expensive - thank God my insurance paid for it.

Good luck to both of you in your decisions.

Dixie Tracy, Fibroid Investigator
SLH 7/11/00

My docter mentioned it and I am going in on May3rd to talk about using the Lupron shots to shrink the fibroids. She said I could wait for menopause and not have surgery but I am getting more and more uncomfortable. I wonder how long the fibroids stay shrunken. Do you know? I might be wasting time tryng to wait for Menopause and suffering. I am 53 but still have regulafr periods.