Can Endo return????

Hello Fellow Sisters....

I had a TAH on August 29th... endo was discovered at that time... My Doctor managed to save one ovary...everything else was removed... my question is.. can the endo return because I still have one ovary functioning ???

Diana,
My doc said that endo can return and that estrogen is what "feeds" it. He also said that even though he removed all of the endo he could see, that there was still mircroscopic endo floating around in there. He recommended that I delay starting hormones ( I lost both ovaries) because that estrogen would work the same as my bodies own estrogen. So I would conclude that the answer is yes your one ovary could produce estrogen to feed your endo... but I do believe there are ways to control it, i.e. birth control pills.? I'm sure another sister more educated than I will have more answers about this. I look forward to their opinions on this as well!

Endo can return if you still have an ovary. It can also return if you start estrogen replacement. I've been trying to read up on it more because I also have the disease. Right now I am taking progestin only. But in March the doctor wants to put me on estrogen to help with the hot flashes. It is really confusing. Some say that it doesn't matter if you go on and ERT right after the hysterectomy or wait - your chances are about the same that it will come back. Basically, the way I understand it - it doesn't really go away. It can go dormant. But if there is any microscopic bits of it, any estrogen can make it flare up again. For me, I am going to go with what my doctor suggests and hope for the best. He's already did it my way and waited on starting the ERT. So I guess in March I will just pray for the best.

Yes, endo can "return." As mentioned, it can be very microscopic in nature and thus undetected and not removed. Estrogen can then feed this endo causing it to grow and spread.

I, too, have endo for which I had my hyst. I was able to keep both of my ovaries. As your hormones are benefitial to your cardiovascular system, bone strength, libidio, etc. it can be hard to decide what is best when you have endo.

Different drs have different ideas as to how to treat endo. There are many theories regarding endo and each dr treats according to what s/he as seen in their own studies and medical practice.

Having endo, it can be a great idea to have a second opinion, preferably an endometriosis specialist if at all possible.

Knowing all you can about endo can also help you be aware of your options for the future. We have several Endometriosis Resources you might find helpful.

There is no perfect solutions when it comes to endo, and unfortunately, there is no cure.

Many best wishes to you for the future and hopefully you will be one who has little or no issues with regard to endo in the future!

Hi, I had severe endo too, I had a total hyster and ovaries removed as well. We waited 6 weeks before starting me on a very low dose estradiol. I asked to be switched to the patch and will start that tomorrow. (climara patch). My doc believes I will benefit overall health wise with 5-10 yrs of estrogen therapy (heart,bones,etc). He doesn't think I should take any progesterone because of possible breast cancer. I am still looking into the progesterone theory on my own. It's all confusing to me too. I figured I was probably producing lots more estrogen on my own prior to the surgery which fed the endo. Now at least the estrogen is a lower level. I can feel the difference in my moods.
ON another note, my friend had endo but it went into a dormant state after she had her children and has not had any problems since. I've been keeping my eyes open to all the posts on endo, hoping to learn as I go. take care

Absolutely! I had surgery 9/29/05 for RSO, endo, etc. and my surgery this year was on 9/10/06 and they found more endo! My doctor said that the endo they can actually see represents only about 30% of what we really have as it is in our tissue. Lupron is supposed to help diminish it. For me it didn't. I did opt to keep my one ovary but I would think that whether you get your hormones from your own ovary or bio identicals or synthetic hormones that it will still "feed" the endo, wouldn't it? The only way to truly kill it off is to remove as much as possible and then hope Lupron can finish it off or if you have the hyster with BSO to not do hormones for 6 months or so..... Can a nurse or someone who knows way more than me clarify that or is this bordering on med advice already? I'm curious now that I've put it all in writing because I was more worried about return of painful cysts on this ovary rather than the endo but now that I'm thinking it through......

I was told it was better to have everything removed to keep the endo from coming back. Don't save anything! Most women that have the endo returned saved ovaries etc..

MsKayJay,
What is Lupron?

Lupron is a drug that puts you into fake menopause to try and control the endo. Has many nasty, nasty side effects.

Yes, endo can and sadly does return. Hyst is not a cure for endo, is just one of the treatments. Endo can and is on people's bladder, bowel, gallbladder, and even their nose!!! Yes I have a friend with it in her sinus cavities.

My mom had a hyst and then 10 years later had her gallbladder removed. Their was endo all over her gallbladder at that time. 10 years post hyst.

I agree, there are many good endometriosis resources out there and it is very worthwhile to become as educated as possible so that you can make choices that make sense to you. HTH!

What can they do to help people with it in their nose? Did this happen before the surgery or after?