So after having a more thorough and better place do a sonogram, my doctor and I found out that the huge cyst on my left ovary is most likely an endometrioma. It also looks like it might not be ONE huge cyst, but two sitting very close together on the ovary.
Anyway, if it is an endometrioma, that means I have endometriosis. Which... isn't really a surprise to me because I do have EXTREME!!!!! menstrual pain and cramps every single month that really stop me in my tracks. All I can do for the next few days is apply tons of heat, OD on pain meds, writh and cry from the pain because the pain meds don't always help like they should.
My question is for those who have endometriosis... what have you done for treatment? I was going to happily take birth control just to stop my periods as that would be a blessing not to have to deal with them at all... but I know it's not the 'healthiest' choice... (but then again, I've been extremely healthy for years and looks where it's gotten me?!?!? Only more trouble...)
I don't know a whole lot of treatments for endometriosis that do a lot of good from what I've been reading.
Are there any natural routes for endometriosis?
And for those who DO take birth control - how has it affected you? No problems?
I'd love to just stop having a period for a while, but don't think there are any 'natural routes' that can do that.
I should also mention I am having laparoscopic surgery to remove the cyst in two weeks; August 17.
Posted by coffee71 (Member # 17467) on :
Sorry to hear that you have endometriosis and totally feel your pain because I have had it for past 10 years. Pain can be horrid.
I was diagnosed in 2001 and had surgery to remove big cyst from left ovary.
Initially I was on birth control pill but did not lasted long because of severe bloating and mood changes that was caused by pill.
After the surgery doctor wanted me to do Lupron- I did not want this medication because what it does is to put woman into early menopause.
My endometriosis had been quiet for almost 9 years until my hell with Lyme started.
What is interesting to me is that during my Rifampin herxes I felt a pain in uterus big time.
Since January 2011 it has gotten worse so I saw gyn for this problem and the recommended therapy is the same -pill, surgery and lupron.
It looks like nothing has changed in endometriosis therapy in past 10 years.
If it comes to the worst and I can not deal with the pain any more I am going for surgery without the pill and lupron.
Wish you all the best.
Posted by penguingirl (Member # 28688) on :
Hi there - I feel your pain! I suffer from endometriosis (diagnosed 2002) and had lapascorpy surgery to remove the cysts. They were mostly on my pelvic bone area.
My remedy that has worked for me is continuous birth control pills. Meaning no periods - do 3 weeks and go to the next pack. I have been doing this since Nov 2002. It works for me - no periods and minimal pain. It took a good year or two to get settled in (with the pain) but now it is hardly noticeable.
I did have an ovarian cyst that ruptured maybe a few months after I had the surgery - doubt it was related - anyway THAT was the WORST pain in my history. Seriously thought I was going to die - had a high fever, threw up, diahrrea - could not move - was shaking, barely made it to the ER. They did the CA-125 test and that was fine. The pain just went away on its own - it was just a bunch of fluid in my ovaries.
Anyway now I am slightly worried because my dr told me I can't take the brand of BC pills I am on (been on it forever) with Rifampin. I don't know what is exactly does - but they were like get on a another brand. So I am sitting by my phone waiting for my ob/gyn to call me back. Grr. I would rather stop the rifampin than worry about bleeding/pain again.
Anyway some people will prob say continous is not safe but it actually evens out your hormone levels in a line instead of having it go up and down during the month. My ob/gyn has no issues with long-term usage.
Posted by penguingirl (Member # 28688) on :
Lupron is scary!
Oh - acupunture therapy helps too - but not economical.
Posted by IckyTicky (Member # 21466) on :
Glad to hear that your worries are eased up.
My endometriosis spread very quickly. I went from "just a few spots" in Spring 2003 (I was told this when I had my tubes tied) to having to have a complete hysterectomy almost 4 years later when I was 29.
Personally BC pills didn't help me at all, plus it can't be healthy for your body to 1) put synthetic hormones in your system 2) mess with your cycles.
My daughter has severe menstrual cramping and ovarian pain and she just started those tea pills that someone recommended on your other post. So far... it's actually working!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I stayed on BC pills for YEARS because I could not bear the thought of going back to the pain. I think the only downside was that the BC pills probably made me get candida which I am still battling.
I ended up having endometrial surgery when I had to have a hysterectomy due to the endo and fibroid tumors.
I know of no natural methods to get endometriosis under control. Good luck with your surgery!! Posted by disturbedme (Member # 12346) on :
Icky - you say it's working for your daughter, but is it helping just with the pain only?
I'm concerned about a way to stop the period so the flow doesn't flow backwards and into the body instead of out like it's supposed to. Not sure if there's a way to stop that unless you stop the period completely.
Posted by Jamers (Member # 28016) on :
I've had endometreosis for 13 years. I finally took Birth control pills for the first time 2 years ago and it brought out all of my lyme symptoms full blown. I only had very minor neck issues prior to taking the pills. So for me, they wreaked havoc on my body and caused lyme and co. to take over. I also found out I have a gene that can cause my blood to clot faster than usual and I cannot take any birth control pills anymore.
I was taking naproxen (NSAID) at the onset of cramps and it helped tremendously. However...since treating Babesia and Lyme and now onto Bart, my cramps are way better!!! The best in a long time. When I first got extremely ill with lyme they were the worst ever and I literally thought I couldn't live with it anymore.
My theory is this from what I've researched: Endometriosis is the tissue lining your uterus that grows outside of it. Your IMMUNE SYSTEM cleans these up in a healthy individual (every woman has this happen). Some women report feeling better after cutting out dairy or wheat gluten because they are somehow sensitive to these items and when removed their immune system can focus on other things besides attacking wheat and dairy.
Many notice improvement with diet also, by eliminating foods that contribute to inflammation like meat, dairy, and wheat. Check out www.endo-resolved.com for helpful tips.
My best advice is to help your immune system function. Stress and diet are major players. I know that my worst endometriosis symptoms come when Im under a lot of stress or not eating well.
Good Luck to You!
Posted by disturbedme (Member # 12346) on :
Jamers, I have watched my diet for several years. I have been ultra healthy and very aware of what I put in my body... and has done me no good, unfortunately.
Like I've told my husband; my life is ironic. I've been extremely healthy, watched my diet, exercised, lived life green, etc., etc., etc. and still I have crazy health issues. If it's not one thing, it's another.
I am gluten free and have been for a few years. I have been dairy free for nearly 10 years.
Oh yes, my immune system is wacky and not very good, so it would make sense that it isn't cleaning up the endo. But changing my diet and watching the way I lived has not helped my immune system. At least not that I can see.
Posted by scorpiogirl (Member # 31907) on :
I would highly recommend acupuncture! Find a good Doctor it truly does help!! And it's safe w/ no side effects!!
Posted by disturbedme (Member # 12346) on :
Anyone have any answers/ideas/experience with this?
Thanks!
Posted by Pam08 (Member # 19203) on :
I have read that systemic enzymes can help but I have no personal experience with any of this so I can't vouch for it.
Just thought I would throw that out there since I had read that before.
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