Re: New to all of this
From: Alta (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri May 6 13:37:55 2005
I have to second everything that Shannon C. said. You're not crazy.
Don't suffer through this alone. Communicate with your husband, share
what is going on. Also, you may want to seek a therapist, they do help.
There is a lot of anger and frustration that goes along with all of
this. When I went to one, she helped me keep my head straight.
Work with your doctor, if you haven't already, to manage your pain. And
yes, I too have to take pain medication to help out. Keep pushing
things forward when it comes to what your doctor does, take charge of
the situation.
I am finding that walking helps with the pain. It may not for you but I
wanted to suggest it.
--
Alta
At Fri, 6 May 2005, Shannon wrote:
>
>Dear Donna:
>
>Firstly, let me say that you are definitely not crazy! I too suffer from
>Endo and it affects my ability to enjoy life on a daily basis.
>
>I am 33 years old and I have been through numerous surgeries ... 2
>laparoscopies in 1999/2000, a hysterectomy/oopherectomoy in 2000, and
>have had 4 surgical procedures in the past six months.
>
>I have experienced and continue to struggle with pain from Endo and it
>does not only affect the reproductive system. I thought once I had my
>hysterectomy I would be totally "cured". However, after 4 years of
>"tolerable" living, I was again crippled by pain which forced me into
>medical leave and to seek out further medical attention. I have went
>through four surgical procedures in the past 6 months, countless pain
>meds, extensive testing to discover that my severe Endo has travelled
>throughout my body to my bowels, bladder, liver, urethra, vagina.
>
>This explained the excruitiating pain during bowel movements and
>urination and symptoms of GI and urological concerns. I totally
>understand and sympathize with your pain here. I would suggest that
>your OB/GYN identify the areas by laparoscopy and confirm this.
>
>In regards to your relationship with your husband, I think communication
>is absolutely key here. Do not let this disease ruin your marriage - I
>split with my husband 2 years ago (after almost 10 years of marriage) -
>because we could no longer communicate. Be honest and open with him
>about how you are feeling and let him support you when times are rough.
>
>I am very blessed to have a new,wonderful man in my life now who made me
>realize that communication is key and that I don't have to "be the hero"
>always by going through the misery of Endo alone. I should also tell
>you to make the most of the times when you are feeling OK and enjoy
>intimate relations whenever possible. You can have outstanding sexual
>relations with your husband (you deserve it!) despite endo - but it
>requires openness and communication about what works for you. Good
>timing is key too!
>
>I have just joined the forum like yourself and hopefully have made you
>realize you are not alone! I wish I would have found this group 10 years
>earlier ... Keep positive and look forward to brighter days ahead!
>
>At Fri, 6 May 2005, Donna wrote:
>>
>>Hi. I'm 28 and was recently diagnosed with Endo. I had a lap and just
>>had my first Lupron shot last week. I've been having symptoms (chronic
>>abdominal and lower back pain, constipation) since Dec. I also have
>>IBS, so that doesn't help matters any. I felt 100% better after sugery
>>but a month later, I am back to being miserable. I have missed SOOO
>>much work because of all of this. I feel like I am going insane. I
>>have no libido and my husband (of less than a year) is so frustrated
>>with that. It hurts so bad to have sex and then I bleed for a week
>>afterwords.
>>
>>Is anyone else in constant pain? I have to take pain pills just to get
>>relief, but I can't work while taking them because all I want to do is
>>sleep. I can't have a bowel movement without pain in my abdominal area
>>and lower back. I have seen a GI doctor and he is the one who suspected
>>Endo. I am just at a loss right now. I am so tired of going to doctors
>>and having tests done and there seems to be no end to it all.
>>
>>Please tell me I am not going crazy!
>
>--
>Shannon C.
>
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