Re: In need of support
From: Angie (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed Jan 20 10:51:03 1999
Holly -
My doctor is a OB/GYN, and is only using the laparascopy to "look and see
what's going on..." He says he may possibly do a laparotomy, but doubts it,
and wants to try hormone injections or pills, which I am not thrilled with.
What sort of things should I know BEFORE my surgery on Thursday (1/28.)
Angie
-----Original Message-----
From: Holly <anonymous@obgyn.net>
To: Multiple recipients of list <anonymous@obgyn.net>
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 1999 11:12 AM
Subject: Re: In need of support
>Hi Angie,
>
>Welcome to the group. I joined recently too. I'm 26, married, without
>children. I had my first laparoscopy in Dec. 98. Before that I also had
>other tests (flexible sigmoidoscopy, urology tests, and ultrasounds, and
>pelvic exams) to try to explain my pain. It was a real relief to finally
>have a name for my pain
>once the lap was done. Like you, I'm also worried about fertility. I
>take comfort in knowing that many of the women on this list have had
>children, even after their diagnosis of endo. I hope that makes you feel
>better too. It might be harder to get pregnant, but there is still hope.
>Your doctors will be able to see where the endo is growing, what organs
>it's on, etc.
>Some key things to check on are:
>- is your surgeon experienced with endometriosis?
>- does he/she plan to remove all of the endo during the surgery?
>Apparently some doctors don't remove it, but just look at it and then
>treat it with hormonal therapies, etc. This is not a good plan.
>
>I would suggest that you get the Endometriosis Sourcebook and read the
>chapter on surgical techniques. It discusses the various ways to remove
>endo with excision, laser, current, etc. It also has a great chapter on
>what questions you should ask your prospective surgeon. You can get it
>from the Endometriosis Association, if you are a member. Their web
>address is: http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
>
>If you don't have time to become a member and order the book, you can buy
>it at good bookstores; I got my copy at Barnes and Noble. The Endo Assn.
>has two great books, The Endometriosis Sourcebook and Overcoming
>Endometriosis. I recommend them both.
>
>Best of luck. I hope your surgery goes well. Do you have a supportive
>husband? It will be good if he can pamper you after the surgery.
>
>Holly
>
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