ENDOMETRIOSIS AND RECURRENCE RATES

I am in my early forties. 2 years ago I had a laproscopy for pelvic pressure and bladder and urethral irritation. The ob-gyn found endometriosis and pelvic varicosities and recommended hysterectomy. I asked for laser removal of the endometriosis and he refused because of my age and reluctantly gave me lupron injections for 3 months which did next to nothing. I am having severe pelvic pain most of the time now and saw another OB-GYN who after a pelvic exam says I have endometriosis and adenomyosis, again recommending hysterectomy. He states that laser surgery for endometriosis is only temporary and it will recur. An ultrasound measures my uterus at 9.1 x 5.5 x 6.2 cm at day 21 of my cycle. Is this an enlarged uterus? What are the recurrence rates for endometriosis at your clinic? Do you use a similar technique of Dr. David Redwine of st charles medical center in bend, oregon of near contact laser therapy for endometriosis? I do like the idea of you repairing any problems you find during surgery. It makes sense.

Dear Lauren-
I am unfamiliar with Dr. Redwines specific techniques except to say I have heard of his practice and it appears to be very successful. We also use a contact laser for therapy and recommend that endometriosis be treated twice within a 3-4 month period. Recurrence rates are traditionally very high-this disease is very difficult to irradicate, but if not treated, only continues to spread rapidly. We do not have statistics on our program yet. Most of our patients have been very happy with their long term outcome. Your uterus is enlarged by your description. I would suggest you get some type of therapy as soon as possible.

I am a 37 year old female 3 years post hysterectomy. I am haveing symptoms again ie… constipation,bladder control and bladder pain,back pain and swelling in my legs,and bloating. Is this Nitemare reaccuring.And what can i do?

Dear emcga-
Once again, this is another example of complications post hysterectomy. That procedure is not a “cure all” that everyone thinks it is. I will assume by your posting title that your surgery was due to endometriosis-by having a hysterectomy you prevented further spread of the disease from the uterus however it did nothing to stop the spread of the existing implants in the pelvis. Every month when your hormones change you will have a flair up of the existing disease-this needs to be thoroughly treated with a laser, and probably with several repeat treatments to see any reduction in the symptoms. Go back to see your physicians and ask for help. Good Luck

my name is allison i was 31 when i had my hysterectomy six months ago,i had endometriosis and adenomyosis.the pain is now starting to return but is more controlable due to my takeing a drug called zydol.however i find it very difficult to cope with the monthly weight gain and constent bloating is their any one out there who is copeing with this similar problem

Dear Ally-
I am sorry to hear that you had your uterus removed.
Many women experience more complications after that surgery, than if the disease had been treated and the uterus reconstructed. Although you will not have any further new implants, since the uterus has been removed, your endometriosis will continue to spread unless treated appropriately.
This is a good lesson for all women contemplating a hysterectomy as a “cure” for their problems: do your research carefully,as the outcome may not be what you expect.

I had a total hysterectomy due to severe endometriosis when I was 27 yrs. old. It had shut down one of my kidneys and swelled the other to two times its size. My uterus, ovaries, and tubes were removed. I only had 1 child. I had a miscarriage after I had her. This was devastating to me. I wish I had know of FAS back then. The hormonal change, physical change, and mental change is mind-boggling. Please let me know if you know of any Drs. who precribe natural hormone therapy. It really scares me with all the bad talk about estrogen replacement therapy. I have stopped taking Estratest because of the weight gain. I have started taking Promensil, a natural herb supposed to be for menapause.
Recently, my husband’s aunt was diagnosed with endometriosis. She is in her 60’s. She had no pain, just started bleeding. The doctor told her she had “endometriosis, cancer of the womb.” I know endometriosis is not cancer and tried to talk to her about it, but she was too upset to listen because she thinks she has cancer. They want to do a hysterectomy, after she see an onocologist (sp?). God bless you and your work.

Dear emeraldkr-
Thank you for your posting. Hysterectomy is not often a good thing!!
Many homeopathic pharmacies can refer you directly to someone on your area.Check with them.
Good luck with you aunt….she may not be ready to listen yet, it takes time.