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Re: Frustrated
From: Caroline (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed Nov 18 12:17:26 1998
Danielle,
My heart really goes out to you. When I was first told I had endo at 24, my
gyn told me I should get pregnant immediately because later I would
probably not be able to. Since then I have found that as long as you have
at least one open tube and you are producing mature eggs (for this the
hormones must be working OK), you can be pregnant. The suggestion to
harvest eggs is probably as a safeguard in case you get tubal damage, so
you can later go through IVF.
The reason for surgical intervention with endo is that as it progresses it
causes scar tissue to build up which can damage and fuse together organs.
This doesn't always happen so please don't be scared, but you do need to
know so you aren't tempted to assume it will go away. The drug treatments
work on the premise that if menstruation is stopped the endo will not get
worse and may get better. Some people in the group have found improvements
with these drugs, but many have not. My personal view is that an
experienced surgeon is the best option.
Is there any way they can let you have a consultation with the surgeon who
would do the surgery through the clinic. If he/she has experience (ask for
success stories which you can check out) with endo you may be able to go
through the clinic if you are then comfortable with the Dr.
I will keep you in my prayers,
Caroline
At 03:48 PM 11/16/98 -0600, you wrote:
>I don't know what to do. Came from the doctor today. She wants me to
>have surgery to see if that will relieve some pain if she "cleans up"
>inside. SHe also mentioned doing a complete hysterectomy if I wanted
>(she's opposed to it.) She wants me to see a reproductive
>endocrinologist to get my eggs harvested. has anybody did this? do you
>know the cost? I'm working with out insurance.
>
>If I have the lap I'm looking at $2,000 or more in hospital costs and
>anywhere from $750 to $15,000 for the doctor's fee depending on what she
>does. And yes that last fiqure is correct.
>
>I'm 25 years old. I just started a part-time job at a bookstore here
>for Christmas, which means no benefits, which means minimum wage $5.50
>an hour. I took it since I've been out of work so long and with the
>hope that something better would come along.
>
>After the surgery she wants me and my boyfriend to start to try and have
>children. I haven't even told him. He's not ready for children right
>now, and neither am I. I can't support a child on what I make, and
>frankly, he's still a kid himself (he'd rather spend money on the
>computer or his car, than buy decent clothes or pay a bill or
>something). I love him, but right now, I don't think would be the right
>time. Plus, I don't want to pressure him or anything, having children
>is a big decision, not one to be taken lightly, or to be done because it
>might relieve my pain.
>
>Anyway, it's out of the question right now, I'm on danocrine. Which is
>expensive when you don't have insurance. Thank GOD for my mom who helps
>with that. If GOD blesses me with a child after I stop the danocrine,
>then I will accept it, until then whatever happens happens.
>
>Sorry for the rambling, that visit just extremely depressed me. I'm 25
>years old, I should not have to be thinking about having a complete
>hysterectomy or harvesting my eggs, or that if I don't get pregnant
>within the next two years I may not be able to.
>
>If I go with the state medical insurance I can have the surgery, but
>with some doctor from a clinic not with the doctor I trust. I don't
>know if I want to do that or not.
>
>Why is surgery the only answer for endometriosis? Why is it my only
>option to relieve the constant pain and aches (for a little while at
>least)? Why haven't they come up with a new medicine, drug or something
>to help make this easier? Why is the only relief I get is when I am
>sleep or doped up with pain meds?
>
>A heating pad and hot water (for drinking to ease my stomach cramps)
>have become my best friend.
>
>Just more of my ramblings.
>
>Thanks
>
>Danielle
>
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