Endometreosis

I had a partial hysterectomy 4 years ago for endo. It was the BEST decision I have made. I have 2 children and didn't want any more. I have been pain free for over 4 years now... I have my life back!!!!

I did birth control for years to keep it under control after a laparoscopy at age 19. I tried the chemical menopause b/c I needed some relief and wasn't ready for a hysterectomy at age 27. That provided some, but the pain returned again and at age 34 I had a laparotomy to remove "nodes" that had adhered my bowel to my pelvic wall.

I have had two subsequent pregnancies and will not return to the pill and would like to go into menopause naturally, so I will follow up any subseqent issues with an herbalist/accupuncturist. A lot of women I know started using some chinese medicine (I know a lot of readers will roll their eyes) to control endometriosis after struggling for years with traditional treatments.

So, yes get looked at by a specialist. You want to make sure that the endo isn't going to perforate a bowel (as mine almost did) or isn't compromising any other organs. Most endo compromises the reproductive organs, so if that's true for you, then the recommendations below might work, but you really need to get it looked at.

The pain is just an symptom of the endo and it's the endo that needs to be dealt with not the pain. But, accupuncture is a great option. It worked for me at a point when only vicodin would have worked and I am not professionally in an position to do that. Nor would I do that with two kiddos at home.

Good luck mama!

I had this problem, too. I had endo and adenomitosis. After we were done having children my OB suggested a partial hysterectomy done laproscopically. They left my ovaries in and just took out my uterus. It's been a little over 3 years and I couldn't be happier!! Recovery was very easy bc of the lap. procedure.

good luck!

i was put on birth control to eliminate the pain. it's worked for me. otherwise i was told total removal of the reproductive organs is best option if you have no plans for getting pregnant again. i opted for BC.

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Consider talking to your Dr. About a Novasure
Endometrial Ablation. It is done outpatient.
I had one done in October and I LOVE it.

Im dont think its legal for your employer to fire you if you are out for surgery if he does you can sue him. I had a partial hysterectomy last June with a 6 week recovery it was the best thing Ive ever done for my endometriosis. Talk to your dr about other options for your surgery other then being sliced from hip to hip like I was such as laperscopic and vaginal hysterectomy. My friend had her uterus taken laperscopicaly and she was back to work in 2 weeks. That was not an option for me cause my uterus was attached to other organs with scar tissue. Good luck and I hope this helps you with your pain.

I had a hysterectomy 5 years ago for the same reason and it was THE SINGLE BEST thing I've ever done for myself. You should talk to your doctor about your options, but there is no need to live with the pain. My life changed for the better after my surgery.

My daughter who is 42 just had an endometrial ablation which, so far, has been a godsend. She has no pain now AND she doesn't need hormones that have their own side effects and which are not indicated for her because of a family history of breast cancer. You might ask about this -- however I think it takes special training so if there's a teaching hospital in your area, that might be a good place to start (Duke?). If you check it out on line, you might be able to find a site that can suggest doctors who do this procedure. Good luck!

I have terrible endo also. I am on the pill continuously, only getting my period 3 times a year (or if I begin spotting while I am on the pill, I stop and let myself get an extra one as per Dr. advice) I am on Loestrin, a low dose pill. I am 95% sure I am going to get a hysterectomy in the Fall.