ENDO Messages for September, 2008: Re: Lupron

Re: Lupron - Is it worth it

From: cmlammert (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue Sep 30 17:28:22 2008

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At Tue, 26 Apr 2005, Jen wrote: >
>Janice,
>
>I'm one of the (few??) lucky ones. Lupron was like a miracle drug for
>me!
>
>I was also 33 when I first started the injections. (I'm at the end of
>my 7th - and last - month now.)
>
>I was scared to death to be on Lupron. I heard the horror stories - the
>side effects, etc. But after a LONG debate I opted to try it to stop
>the pain. So I began with a 1 month shot to see how it would go. I
>then went to 3 month injections.
>
>My doc says my reactions to the Lupron have been very different than
>other patients, though.
>Side effects were:
>Hot flashes (but I used to be cold constantly - so this didn't really
>bother me all that much.)
>Nightsweats (but only the first 2-3 months or so)
>Joint / bone pain (mostly at night - my hips and legs were the worst -
>again only the first 2-3 months or so)
>Strange food cravings - but nothing tasted good. Then loss of appetite
>(again, for the first 2-3 months) But it went back to normal.
>Insomnia (but I've always suffered from that - it just seemed a bit
>worse)
>Really dry skin
>Headaches (this was probably the worst, and longest lasting side effect)
>
>Benefits:
>No periods / No cramps!
>Weight loss
>My hair grew super fast - LOL
>Bladder / bowel problems disappeared (I no longer have to pee every half
>hour!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!)
>HIGH energy - I felt like I was on speed (I was always exhausted before
>Lupron)
>My insomnia changed. Although I have a harder time falling asleep -
>when I finally do I sleep like the dead for 4-5 hours. (I used to wake
>up constantly)
>Although sex is still painful - it is SO MUCH better than it was.
>
>I think overall my mood improved. I still get emotional - but not more
>than I did with PMS. My husband and friends say that they've seen a
>definite positive change in my personality, attitude, etc.
>
>I never did the add back therapy. And the only reason I'm not staying
>on the Lupron longer is $$ (my insurance doesn't cover it) - and wanting
>to see how my body reacts to not being on the Lupron any longer. My doc
>and I are going to see how things go from here. I would have been due
>for another shot a couple of days ago. I am hoping that there is some
>residual benefits - but we'll see. But if things start to go back to
>how they were - I would do the Lupron again.
>
>Like I said in the beginning - I'm one of the lucky ones. I am just SO
>thankful that I didn't let the fear stop me from trying it. I know that
>isn't everyone's experience.
>
>Good luck to you!!

I am glad that Lupron worked for you. It did so for me too, in fact three different times over a course of five years. Once, I had injections for 18 months. I was relatively functional as my pain from endometriosis was minimal during this time. I do want to warn you however to be aware of Osteoperosis. I had two bone scans done to insure that my bones were not weakening during this treatment. Now, several years later, I have significant osteoperosis. I suppose it is a delayed reaction from the side effects of Lupron. I always took calcium supplements and did weight bearing exercises. Please be aware of long term treatments of Lupron injections and treatments. Christi

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