WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for October, 1999: Re: 1 year post-op hysterectomy and still feeling blah

Re: 1 year post-op hysterectomy and still feeling blah

From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 8 Oct 1999 09:57:07 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Re: need to know .........."
Previous message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Blood pocket in stretch mark"
In reply to: Camille: "1 year post-op hysterectomy and still feeling blah"
Next in thread: Camille: "Thank you for your response"
Reply: Camille: "Thank you for your response"

At Fri, 8 Oct 1999, Camille wrote: >
>I am 37 years old and had a tah with the removal of ovary and tube last
>September. I was on estrogen for 3 months after surgery until my fsh
>levels were normal. I have never regretted the surgery because I am
>finally pain free. I had extensive adenomyosis.

It's not clear whether you had one or both ovaries removed. I'm presuming one from the fact that you were on estrogen for 3 onths only. My questions here are twofold - #1 why was an ovaary removed for adenomyosis, an abnormality of the uterus? and #2 why were you placed on estrogen if an ovary was left in place?

>My only problem is
>that this year has just been an emotional rollercoaster. I still have
>fatigue.

Major surgery can do this to some. In addition, some women, from psychological studies, have been shown to attach great personal importance with the uterus (don't start flaming just yet - I didn't write the paper - I'm just trying to report it) in that these psychologists were able to predict who was going to have emotional problems after a hysterectomy from a questionnaire completed before the hysterectomy. This is quite understandable and itis always a possibility that this is part of it. Another possibility is underlying depression in anyone which can become "unmasked" after a major stress such as major surgery.

>I now have been diagnosed with vulvodinia and am on estrogen
>cream twice a day.

Vulvodynia is real but the causes are confusing at best and disputed at the very least. New onset vulvodynia makes me wonder if the fatigue, depression and stress are interconnected.

>I am a bit depressed I guess because I can't seem to
>fight the fatigue.

Has anyone considered Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (understanding that depression can cause these symptoms too)?

>I am also noticing some hair loss

Thyroid disease can cause hair loss and be confused with depression. Get this checked out too.

>and when I asked the NP at the
>gynecologists office she said I dont know get a work up from your
>primary.

Forgive me, y'all but - Where the heck are the doctors in all this? Many NPs are phenomenal (our own OBGYN.net Patti Tessler, if you've read her stuff, is just terrific and her answers are both thorough and correct) but before referring out to the primary, why not see if the gynecologist has anything to say?

>I am not satisfied with her opinions lately.
>Any input would be greatly appreciated. Would natural progesterone
>cream help me in anyway.

A blood level of progesterone would help determine that. In the alternative medicine literature, there is a question as to whether or not these progesterone creams actually get absorbed and do any good. They base these studies on blood levels before and after therapy for periods of time. We are all hoping for a good, absorbable progesterone cream and, at present there is an estrogen/progesterone patch for menopausal patients which is absorbed. When people use progesterone cream, is it actual response from the hormone or placebo response (not to be taken lightly, by the way).

>I do not really want to go on any anti depressants because I dont tolerate pills well.
>Thank you
>Camille

Good luck in your quest.

--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
Great Neck, New York

**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only
and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options
and/or interventions.

**Private emails cannot be entertained due to time constraints,
consequently no private emails will receive a response.

**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

Next message: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Re: need to know .........."
Previous message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Blood pocket in stretch mark"
In reply to: Camille: "1 year post-op hysterectomy and still feeling blah"
Next in thread: Camille: "Thank you for your response"
Reply: Camille: "Thank you for your response"

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: