WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for April, 1997: Re: ovarian cysts&more

Re: ovarian cysts&more

From: Susan (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 30 Apr 1997 12:16:21 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Pamela: "ovarian cysts&more"

At Wed, 30 Apr 1997, Pamela wrote: >
>I am looking for some answers to some problems I have encountered with
>my Doctor. Three years ago, I had 3 ovarian cysts rupture at seperate
>times! My doctor put me on Depo Provera to suppress ovulation! I have
>had no other cysts but the Depo Provera shot caused me to constanly
>bleed for 2 and a half years, non-stop! My doctor then put me on hormone
>replacement therapy, I didn't stop bleeding so she then she did a D&C
>procedure! I still continued to bleed so she then put me on the Depot
>Lupron shot once a month for 6 months! Of course I had hot flashes, but
>the bleeding did stop. My last shot of Lupron was taken on July 4, 1996
>and I have not had a period since! I went for an appointment last month
>and my doctor did a vaginal ultrasound. She told me that my ovaries
>were not functioning and my uterus looked post-menopausal! I am only 24
>years old and was wondring if anyone could give me any insight as to
>what is going on? I am living in Japan and only have access to a
>military hospital. I am tired of feeling like a guinea pig and would
>like to know if there are any helpful words as to what my problem is?
>Thank-You very much! I feel this is a lifesaver for me to be able to get
>some answers, finally!
>
>--
>Pamela Marie Irons
>

Dear Pamela,

First, please refer to my message RE: Lupron posted to this forum yesterday. Secondly, I am currently in the military as well and know how frustrating the medical system can be. But here's some things to try and/or think about:

You ALWAYS have the right to a second opinion, and are not required to submit to any treatments you don't want to have. THe military is no exception to this rule. It may not be without difficulty to obtain a second opinion, but you are entitled to it. Tell the doctor you want a second opinion. These are powerful words, and s/he would be negligent and foolish not to accomodate your request.

The unfortunate part of using GnRH agonists at this point in time is that there is no long history of using this drug from which to asses the risks of use. As I stated in my other message referrenced above, Lupron Depot is only approved by the FDA for use pre-surgically for women who are anemic due to fibroids. THe use of this drug in your case may have been inappropriate based on these guidelines. What we don't know about these drugs is the long term effects on ovarian function after the treatment is stopped. These are potentially dangerous drugs that should be used very conservatively. your doctor used the drug for the maximum time allowed under law, which is very risky. Most studies show that the desired clinical results can be obtained within 3 months use, and a 6 month trial is often unnecessary. It is possible that the shock of lengthy treatment with Lupron was more than your ovaries could take and you are now suffering from premature ovarian failure.

If this is so, you may want to ask for a referral to an endocrinologist, as hormones and such are their specialty. It is also still possible that your ovaries will recover with time. Right now, you need to consider taking estrogen to maintain your bone density and prevent cardiovascular disease. An endocrinologist can help with this also.

If you do not have access to another military hospital for your second opinion, it may be possible to see a civilian provider in order to obtain a second, objective opinion. If you cannot obtain assistance through the OB/GYN clinic, contact the Patient Affairs Representative and/or Health Benefits Advisor in the hospital. You can alos do this military style, and ask to consult with the chief of the clinic (Senior Doctor) and go from there.

Do not allow yourself to be a victim of this socialized medicine environment. You have rights and should never be used as a "guinea pig" without your full understanding of the risks and benefits, as well as your consent.

Good luck to you, and get yourself some help!

--
Susan Boyles

Next message: Susan: "Re: pelvic examination (not a pap test)"
Previous message: Evelyn: "Menstrual Cramps without a period"
In reply to: Pamela: "ovarian cysts&more"

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