Re: Difficulty making a decision!
From: anonymous (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat Oct 19 02:19:14 2002
Dena:
You've got the cream of the crop right there in PA - Dr. Harry Reich is
in Scranton. You can find out more about him at http://www.adlap.com . They
may know of a doctor in your area for endo surgery.
Try staying away from dairy, acidic foods/beverages/etc., beans,
phytoestrogens (soy, tofu, etc.) and caffeine/chocolate (yes, I read
that you felt dietary modification hasn't helped you but maybe by
staying away from the above items, it *may* result in less pain - try
it, you've got nothing to lose, except pain).
Hope all works out for you.
At Fri, 18 Oct 2002, Dena wrote:
>
>At Fri, 18 Oct 2002, Kathy wrote:
>>
>>I was diganosed with endometriosis 18 months ago. I have not had any
>>treatment except for the natural things I've tried ( vitamins, diet
>>etc.) which provided no relief. At the time of diagnosis ,my gyn
>>recommended Lupron treatment but after many hours of research I am
>>terrified to try it ( my dr. claims he's never had a patient who had
>>severe side effects). Besides it is cost prohibitive for me and I do
>>not want to just treat the pain. At my next visit he recommended a
>>complete hysterectomy (I am 36 and have completed my family) but I
>>hesitate because I feel I am too young and not ready to deal with
>>menopause! I had my latest visit with him yesterday and we had the same
>>conversation we always have! He tells me that in his heart he believes I
>>would feel better if I had the hysterectomy and I tell him I'm not
>>ready! I feel stupid sometimes because I am not accepting the options he
>>has given me ( he says he feels horrible because I am suffering and
>>won't let him help me!). At one time I felt the best treatment for me
>>would be excision of the disease via a laparoscopy. After all it
>>doesn't belong there so why leave it there! My dr. said he does not
>>have the equipment or the experience ( and I appreciate his honesty) to
>>do it. I have also heard that it doesn't always provide relief either!
>>The more I research and talk to people with the disease the more
>>undecisive I become!! I am aware that there is no cure and no guarantees
>>the the pain would be gone forever! For some time I was able to just
>>deal with it and pray that God would heal me! However, recently my
>>symptoms have become progressively worse and in addition to chronic
>>bladder problems, I have begun to have bowel trouble. I would
>>appreciate hearing from anyone who has had success with any of the
>>treatments I've mentioned or any others you've tried! I am also looking
>>for a specialist in endo in the western PA region (Pittsburgh to Erie).
>>Any advice, information or comments are welcome and encouraged! Thanks
>>for your time! God bless!
>>Kathy
>
>Hi Kathy,
>
>I just wanted to share my opinion. Your doctor may be a wonderful
>person, but it doesn't seem as though he knows too much about endo. Have
>you mentioned to him that you don't believe a hysterectomy is a cure for
>endo? He may know how to perform a hyst, but if he can't remove the
>endo, I would not go through with it.
>
>I am unfortunately one of those who had a horrible time with Lupron, so
>I do not recommend it at all. The six months on Lupron was the worst
>six months of my entire life (and I've been through lots!) My doctor
>(former doctor) also told me that no one had had any bad experiences
>with the drug. After my reaction, he probably continues to tell people
>that.
>
>My recommendation would be to find a skilled surgeon, even if it means
>traveling. It would be worth it for the relief. I've had three
>laparotomies and I have to say I'd have ten more if I had to. I'm not
>willing to put my body through menopause or any more drugs at my age.
>
>Good luck to you, whatever you choose to do.
>
>--
>Dena
>
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