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Lupron to shrink fibroid prior to hysterectomy
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08-12-2015, 10:04 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 29
Hysterectomy: February 9th, 2016
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Lupron to shrink fibroid prior to hysterectomy
Hi Everyone,
My hysterectomy has not been scheduled yet; but my gyn wants to put me on Lupron for 3 months to try and shrink the fibroid. She said due to its size ( my uterus is the equivalent of a 5 month prenancy) i may be in severe pain, along with the other side effects. Has anyone had any experience with Lupron? Plus, what are the pros/cons of a vertical incision on my abdomen vs. going through the C section scar I already have?
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08-12-2015, 01:36 PM
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Posts: 8,056
Hysterectomy: April 14th, 2015
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Lupron to shrink fibroid prior to hysterectomy
I can't comment on your question about incision location, but I do have experience taking Lupron. My fibroids had expanded my uterus to 22-week size, and I was given 2 monthly shots prior to my surgery. It shrinks the fibroids by temporarily shutting down production of the estrogen that's feeding them, so your periods will stop, and you may have some menopausal symptoms; I was told that would wear off 4 weeks after the last shot. For me, it was worth it because it shrank my uterus to where I could have a laparoscopic procedure - 16 week size according to the final report - so ask if that might be possible in your case. Even if you do end up with an abdominal procedure, the shrinkage might allow for a smaller incision. Best wishes for your surgery!
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08-12-2015, 01:50 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 191
Hysterectomy: September 8th, 2015
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Lupron to shrink fibroid prior to hysterectomy
i dont have experience with lupron but my dr suggested it to give me an idea what i would be like with no hormones before committing to a hysterectomy... i declined after researching and seeing all the horrible side effects of taking lupron.. there are even lupron victims fb pages and stuff.. i know there are risks with anything but lupron wasnt something i wanted to try after my research... now i know in ur case its for a different reason so maybe it would be a good thing idk?
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08-12-2015, 05:10 PM
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Posts: 1,601
Hysterectomy: December 10th, 2015
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Lupron to shrink fibroid prior to hysterectomy
I just had my first Lupron injection about three weeks ago. So far I have been pleasantly surprised and have had minimal side effects. I had some light spotting for about a week. I have Stage III Endometriosis and my rectum is stuck to my cervix. My GYN wants me on Lupron for 4-6 months prior to my hysterectomy in hopes of shrinking the Endometriosis implants on my bowel wall to make surgery safer. Otherwise, there is a 15-20% chance they could nick my colon. They say your symptoms are usually worse for the first couple of weeks on Lupron, but not for me. I've actually had multiple pelvic pain-free days in a row. No menopause symptoms yet. I read a bunch of things about the horrible side effects, but so far, so good. Lupron IS crazy expensive. My co-pay is $500 with prescription coverage. Without coverage, it is over $1000. Good luck!
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08-12-2015, 05:36 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 4,029
Hysterectomy: June 5th, 2014
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Lupron to shrink fibroid prior to hysterectomy
I went on lupron twice in an effort to shrink my fibroids. I felt so much better while taking it, none of the mega cramps and nausea I was experiencing the week before and week of my period. I had no side effects, but sadly my fibroids kept growing by leaps and bounds, so I had no lasting benefit.
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08-12-2015, 09:36 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 219
Hysterectomy: July 22nd, 2015
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Re: Lupron to shrink fibroid prior to hysterectomy
I had Lupron before my 2002 Myomectomy, I did have hot flashes but that's the only side effect that I truly remember. I was probably moody but am that way anyway! :P
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08-13-2015, 09:54 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 135
Hysterectomy: October 28th, 2015
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Lupron to shrink fibroid prior to hysterectomy
Hi Larrie,
I am in my second month on lupron to shrink my fibroid before surgery. First shot for 1 month, second for 3 months. I also take HRT add back for bones. I was really scare with the side effects, but finally, it's a lot better than I tought.
The first week after the shot was the worst. I had water retention, headaches, pain everywhere in my body and was exhausted. I had a mega period after a week. Then I was a lot better.
After a week I had pain in my legs a couple of days... While running only... Uphill... So it's not that bad.
Now I don't have pain. I realise my fibroid was causing pressure. I was so used to it I didn't really noticed. But the pressure is now gone.
I have hot flashes, really small. If I didn't know it was a side effect, I wouldn't notice them but I am more self-conscious. No night sweats. I'm surprised because I had night sweat while in PMS.
I feel emotional, as in PMS. Usually I cry maybe one or twice a year, so I say it's the lupron talking... So no sad movies for me!
I hope the lupron will succeed in shrinking the fibroid so the surgery will be easier.
If you want to try it, go for 1 month first, if you can't tolerate sides effects, you can stop. If you go with the 3 months shot first, you're stuck with it for the whole three months... My doctor didn't want me to take the three months at the beginning in case I regret.
For the incision, the doctor told me that the vertical incision is harder to heal. She will try to do a horizontal incision on me, but higher than the bikini, because I exercise a lot.
Good luck with your decision!
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