WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for April, 1998: Re: What is it going to take for the MD's to entertain the notion that PTLS may possibly be a real syndrome?

Re: What is it going to take for the MD's to entertain the notion that PTLS may possibly be a real syndrome?

From: Kelly Shanahan, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 30 Apr 1998 20:03:52 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Cheryl: "What is it going to take for the MD's to entertain the notion that PTLS may possibly be a real syndrome?"

Wow, I'm been away from the forum for a week or so (too tired to type!) and it seems like I've missed some big, heated stuff.

I can't speak for all doctors, but I tell my patients (in the informed consent discussion that I do in hte office before any and all surgeries) that about 10% of women have post-tubal ligation syndrome. I describe it as a 10% chance of periods being crampier, heavier, irregular, as well as increased PMS-type symptoms.

Most of the time, measures that help PMS in other situations help PMS here -- B complex vitamin, calcium-magnesium-zinc supplements, St john's Wort, evening primrose oil. Inverted yoga postures like head and shoulder stands seem to help with some of the pelvic achiness that some of my patients report, as do meds like motrin or advil. Some women will go on the pill to regualte irregular cycles; sometimes progesterone from midcycle on can help with this too.

I agree, Cheryl, that there can be a potential problem after a tubal, and women need to be aware of the possibility. Nine out of ten women have no problems, but that doesn't mean we should belittle the one of ten that do -- we should try to find solutions. I don't think I've ever suggested a hysterectomy for the problems some women experience post-tubal, but I know for sure women have asked me for a hyster.

It sounds to me like you need to find another doctor who is more willing to spend the time with you to find a solution that works for you.

Good luck.

-- Kelly Shanahan, MD

At Wed, 29 Apr 1998, Cheryl wrote: > >Okay, I have gotten several responses to my posting about PTLS. If so >many women have the same symptoms post-tubal, why not admit it is a real >problem and find ways to help us other than a hysterectomy or birth >control? I am only thirty-two years old. Women my age don't normally >get hysterectomies. That is supposed to happen when we are past our >child-bearing years, or so I thought. >I have not been able to successfully take any form of birth control I >have tried in the past. I got my tubes tied so I would NOT have to take >the pill. It is redundant. I do not intend to begin to take it now or >at any future time. I have the right to choose not to. So, my only >other alternatives are to live with it or have a hysterectomy. Or so >the one MD said that responded. Wow, what a choice. This MD does not >have to live through what I and many other women have to live through >from month to month. It is easy for him to say that. Sorry if I ruffle >a few feathers with that. >This is a sore subject with me. My ob-gyn NEVER made any mention of >this kind of complications post-tubal. Given this kind of information I >never would have had this procedure performed. Just because PTLS is not >recognized by the medical community that is no reason for women not to >be told about the possibility of the same kinds of symptoms I and MANY >other women experience post-tubal. >Here is a question for the MD's. Of the total number of women that have >had tubals, how many experience the same kind of symptoms described by >those of us that suffer from PTLS? sorry, I believe completely that it >exists. I experience these symptoms month after month after month. > Any feedback is welcomed! Thanks!! > >-- >Cheryl M. Rock >

--
Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
S. Lake Tahoe, CA

note: Opinions here are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your own physician. It cannot take the place of a face to face consultation and examination.
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Next message: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: POST: period 9 dpo"
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In reply to: Cheryl: "What is it going to take for the MD's to entertain the notion that PTLS may possibly be a real syndrome?"

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