Should it stay or should it go??

Hey all! A much goofier day today. Started out I couldn't sleep because I was so scared (getting the call today from the biopsy) I threw up in the car - ugg! don't you know that's a picture across the Bay Bridge. I then zoned out at work. FINALLY at 5:20PM the dr calls and says...the biopsy shows no signs of cancer (YAY) but we don't know why you have pain and bad periods. Here are your choices:

1. Laproscopy (sp) to determine severity of endometriosis - if mild can burn it off - if not have to back out and schedule a hysterectomy.

Ablation (if lap okay) she does the NOVASURE and says has a 50% success rate of lessening of bleeding and cramps to almost none. 45% none to some lessening and 5% of worsening of symptoms.

IUD that has progesterone

All to see if it helps

2. Hysterectomy to eliminate the problem.

Both require being under anesthesia. But the first option is less invasive.

Any one else out there face these choices?

I don't have an answer to your question, but I've been singing that song since I read the topic of your thread!

Spidey,

I know. I've been singing this song since 5:30 today.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Casperkat But the first option is less invasive.

Dear Casperkat:

You have already stated a good answer. What if you try the less invasive one and it works?

Get smart about your symptoms and your options, and make the best choice for YOU. I am sending huge cyberhugs

Hey Casperkat!

I've been faced with the same choice for different reasons. Last January (05) I chose the Novasure ablasion. I wasn't told it was only 50%, but I don't think it would have changed my mind. Given the choice of less invasive, but possibly ineffective, or maximally invasive, totally effective for my purposes, and higher risk for other complications, I'd make the same choice again.

Just over a year later, my ablasion was not effective for my symptoms (heavy, lengthy, unpredictable, multiple periods every month), and I'm not being given the same choices...now it's "H" time and the choice is take one ovary or two. I would still have made the same choice. I'm a one bite at a time gal, I guess. Yours could be totally effective. 50%, right?!?!

You must listen to your own heart and body (as stated here before), and if the only risk of doing the less invasive first is a potential to have to have general anesthesia again, and that to your equation.

Good luck!

Hi Casperkat,

In my opinion, it comes down to what you think ~you~ want. The less invasive procedures sound like they would improve your symptoms - possibly temporarily - and it would also give you some ~quality of life~ back and time to mull over the idea of a future hysterectomy. A hyst is major surgery so it needs plenty of time to think about.

On another note...if you decide the hyst route, possibly you are a candidate for a less invasive hyst such as a TVH, LAVH or a LSH, the surgery I had. They are not abdominal hyst surgeries.

Here is a Hyster Sisters link that goes over the different ~types~ of hysts and questions to ask your Dr. when you see him again. Just scroll down:

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_preop.htm

Also, I might suggest a 2nd or 3rd opinion. I got 2 opinions myself and I am still very glad I did.

Best wishes. We Hyster Sisters are here to help if we can.

Mary

Casperkat,
I had three laparoscopy treatments before my hyst, they are much easier to get over. I was back at work a week later on each time, exercising fully at 4 weeks. On the last had a coil fitted to help too. I had endo for some years but the laser treatments did help- they were several years apart. My gyne was going to try ablation too first but suddenly there were other issues which it wouldn't help.

I know that I would try the lesser treament first. A hyst is major, not minor surgery. It is very traumatic to your body, if I could have avoided it last November I would have done.

Best wishes on making your decision.

Hey CasperKat,
I think a laproscopy to start is a good idea. The results could point you to exactly what you need to do. My lap. was not bad at all. A bit of cramping when I got home and slept rest of the day to wear off anesthesia. Was done on a Fri. back to work Mon. I don't know what type of insurance you have and I hate that insurance sometimes dictates procedures, but sometimes additional testing such as laps, ultasounds, support you if you should decide to do a hysterectomy. If the lap shows you should have a hysterectomy, you may find that it can be done vaginally, which is what I did. So much easier I think. I hope this reply makes sense, feel a bit scatterbrained today. Oh, by the way, I love Pleasanton. We have really good friends in Livermore on Saddleback Dr. We come out there to see them every year and we always go out to Wente Wineries to eat! Traffic is horrific! Can't wait to come back out again.
Keep in touch and let us know what is going on.

you all have been wonderful. I have bought a couple of books on endometriosis and cures (hahahha - hurt myself laughing). I am developing a list of pros and cons question concerning both procedures. The one thing that is prevalent with the ablation is the (ugg) seepage and discharge that goes on for 3 weeks to 6 months. what I've discovered is that it's more like 2 months of discharge. Now I have to add that to the equation because I am highly allergic to adhesive. Generally by the 3rd day of my periods the skin around my panties is red, swollen, and painful to the touch - the first days it just itches like crazy. Remember, i have 10 day periods that require super tampons and overnight pads that have to be changed ever hour to two hours. I don't know if i can stand wearing protection that long!!Why can't there still be the belt style maxi pad??? All I know is I want an end to daily pain, 10 days of heck, and cramps during my period that drop me to my knees. I have got some serios decisons to make. The research I've done and reading all of your stories has really made me comfortable with my options. Yes, i think they can do a less invasive hysterctomy as long as I don't have massive endometriosis. wouldn't that be my luck?!

I have stage IV endo which was the reason for my hyst. It had caused me a 2 yr long period. Prior to those two years, my periods were long and heavy, even with bcp. So I do empathize with your situation.

Before my hyst, I had a lap, D&C, and hysteroscopy, all at the same time. The lap and hysteroscopy allowed my dr to see what was going on and how bad my endo was. At that time, as much endo as possible was cauterized. As the D&C failed--I never stopped bleeding--and my endo was so bad, especially on my uterus, I had a hyst about 7 weeks after the lap. I had the LAVH which was the least invasive for my situation as I had to have an appendectomy as my appendix was inflammed from the endo.

By having the lap first, my surgery for the hyst was shorter and we knew for sure that the hyst was what I needed for my body. Had the D&C worked, I could have waited for a little while at least before my hyst, and possibly tried Lupron, Dero, etc. to buy me some time.

Making a list of pros and cons is definitely a good idea. Seeking at least a 2nd opinion is also great. Additionally, since you have endo, I suggest you see if you can meet with either a reproductive endocrinologist (they often treat women with endo and can be very knowledgeable about treating endo), a gyn/oncologist (very specialized at removing unwanted tissues from the body), or see if you can find an endometriosis specialist.

Do know that unfortunately, there is actually no cure for endo. Depending on your stage though, alternative treatments may work for you. I, however, had to have a hyst and over 5 yrs later, still have issue with endo. I did retain my ovaries due to my age, but as I have endo on my bowel walls, I was going to be left with endo in my body with or without my ovaries. HRT for those of us with endo can be very limited and since I was 25, we decided it was not the right choice for me for my overall health.

Here are some links you can read to become more familiar with endo, but in my opinion, the least invasive route you can go is sure worth a try!

HS Endo/Adeno Resources
Progestesrone to treat endo
Endometriosis Association
Endo/Adeno: Stories of Triumph over Pain.
Diet and nutrition for endo

Best wishes to you as you make the right choice for you!