Valuable Endo Help
From: Angela (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri Aug 8 07:28:56 2003
>>
I would also like to share an inspiring and hopeful story about coping
with endo. I have had all of the surgeries, all of the medicines, been
diagnosed with irritable bowel, interstitial cystitis, etc...The only
thing that has been able to help me is chiropractic. I have been seeing
a chiropractor about 3 times each week for 6 weeks and I feel remarkably
better! When I do get pains, it is bearable and I can control it with
over the counter medications. I used to pop a Darvocet or Ultram every
day, but now I don't! It took me a few visits to really see results, but
I am so much happier and can function daily like a normal person! I just
wanted to share my inspiration with all of you. GOod luck and make it a
terrific day!
>>>
>>>I just wanted to provide this forum with some valuable information. I
>>>have done tremendous research and traveled the country in search of the
>>>best resources to cope with endometriosis. I recently underwent surgery
>>>with Dr. John Rock, former president of the World Endometriosis
>>>Society. He is a leading expert and innovator in the research and
>>>treatment of endometriosis. He performed a laparotomy on me in October
>>>2002 and the results have already been remarkable. I am finally
>>>pain-free. I am 23 years old and I have been suffering from
>>>endometriosis since my first menstrual period at age 11. My younger
>>>sister was diagnosed with endometriosis at age 13. She and I have been
>>>treated by the most prestigious medical facilities and doctors in this
>>>country. I have visited the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, the
>>>University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Dr. Marc Laufer
>>>at Boston Children's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and with doctors
>>>such as Dr. Rock at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. I have also
>>>consulted with Dr. David Redwine in Bend, Oregon and gynecological
>>>specialists at the University of Miami Medical Center as well. I have
>>>done tremendous research in medical journals and consulted with numerous
>>>other physicians nationwide. It saddens me to hear of the countless
>>>surgeries that you all have undergone and the fact that doctors do not
>>>know how to properly treat endometriosis. I have been in your shoes.
>>>But now with the expertise of Dr. John Rock and his team of
>>>gynecological specialists at Emory University, I am well now and I am
>>>off all hormones and prescription drugs for the first time in 12 years.
>>>Since I was 11, I have been plagued with cramps, lower back pain, cystic
>>>ovaries, gastrointestinal and urological symptoms due to the
>>>endometriosis. There is no cure for endometriosis. But there is help
>>>out there. Dr. Rock has taught me that often times, as with my case,
>>>laparoscopic surgery is not thorough enough in exploring and treating
>>>endometriosis. Often times, the endometriosis is deep within the pelvic
>>>cavity, it is in the retro-peritoneum. The laparoscope is unable to see
>>>all of this deep endometriosis. That is why a laparotomy is often
>>>necessary. I was first diagnosed and treated laparoscopically in 1999
>>>but my symptoms did not improve, even with continuous birth control
>>>usage to suppress my periods. I have learned that there is a type of
>>>endometriosis that one is born with, like myself and my sister. The
>>>pain is present before one's first menstruation or at the onset of
>>>menstruation. This type of endometriosi is congenital-one is born with
>>>the disease. This is the deep disease that needs to be removed by
>>>laparotomy. I have also learned that hormones do not always suppress
>>>the growth of endometriosis. Often times, hormones are only implemented
>>>to suppress the symptoms, not the growth. In addition to excising, not
>>>lasering or burning the endometriosis, Dr. Rock and his colleagues at
>>>Emory also perform a procedure called a presacral neurectomy to combat
>>>the neurological pathways that transmit pelvic pain. It is important
>>>that young girls and women, like yourselves, realize that painful,
>>>debilitating periods are not normal. It is very important that you find
>>>the right specialists. There are too many myths and misconceptions out
>>>there regrading endometriosis. You owe it to yourselves to find the
>>>best healthcare providers. I consulted with very reputable specialists
>>>in my hometown of Miami, Florida but I was misdiagnosed for nine years
>>>and not treated comprehensively enough with laparoscopic surgery. I
>>>urge those of you out there, both young and old, to find the best
>>>doctors. Endometriosis can only be diagnosed through exploratory
>>>surgery such as laparoscopy and laparotomy. It is not necessary to have
>>>multiple surgeries and radical surgery such as hysterectomy. My
>>>reproductive organs have been spared because I found the best resources
>>>and the best doctors. I have tried everything from hormones to
>>>acupuncture. These treatments only mask the pain-they do not rid you of
>>>the disease. If you have any questions, please contact me via e-mail
>>>and I will get you in touch with the best endometriosis specialists. It
>>>is important that you take an active role in your health-your quality of
>>>life and your fertility are at stake.
>
>--
>My name is alex newton and I am trying to find the best endometriosis specialist for my girlfriend. She has had the surgery by Dr.Rock but is now experiencing a reoccurance. The doctor who took his place has said she will more than likely have to have a hysterectomy. She is going to try a strong hormone therapy first to see if this will help. We are wanting to start a family and we would like to explore all of our options before we have to settle on this procedure. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
>
![[ endo@obgyn.net ]](../../images/endo_at_obgyn.gif)