This is topic Any females with Lyme also dealt with endometriosis? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by Messa (Member # 38065) on :
 
What was your experience? I know the only real way to diagnose is by laparscopy surgery. I'm not sure I'm strong to handle a surgery.
 
Posted by desertwind (Member # 25256) on :
 
Yes and yes. I had 2 lap.'s and laser to get rid of the endo.....
 
Posted by Messa (Member # 38065) on :
 
What were your symptoms? My dr said he would do a laparscopy. How tough is this surgery on the body? I am very weak and sick.
 
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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Find a LL ND (naturopathic physician) first to see what kinds of other things might be explored.

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/2/13964

How to find an ILADS-educated LL:

N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor);

L.Ac. (Acupuncturist);

D.Ay. (Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine);

D.O.M. (Doctor of Oriental Medicine);

Integrative / Holistic M.D., etc. (Be aware that those in this category can have various levels of formal herbal &/or nutritional education, perhaps even just a short course. Do ask first.)
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Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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My rationale: if you need a laparscopy (which can be a good tool to "see" but, yes, it can be hard on your body in this state) . . . the ND can help prepare you.

Even if dx with this, a ND would be your best bet with what could help. If the ND thinks you need more surgery to address, then you'd be better prepared.

Surgery may be prevented, though.

The perfect fit would be a ND who is both LL and also specializes in women's issues. Some NDs do specialize in gynecological issues. I'm not sure you will find a ND who is both LL and gyn. But, because lyme changes so much about a body and all NDs have some gyn training, I'd start with a LL ND. If they think you need to see a ND / gyn, they will refer you on.

And, with any good ND, if you need any diagnositic or other surgery, they are not going to ignore that. They are realists and most have good working relationships with some gyn doctors / surgeons.

A laparscopy, though, is not as tough on the body as other surgeries. I've had 3 laparscopies - before I'd gotten very ill.

But, with lyme, even going to the dentist for a simple cleaning can cause a months' long setback. There are so many variables.

I hope you can find a good ND, better yet one who is both LL and gyn.

In the meantime, Google:

Tori Hudson, ND

and read all you can from her. She has a book on women's issues. She is a ND with a speciaty in gynecology. Not LL but knows about it, to some degree. It is not part of any of her writings, though much of her information is still excellent place to begin while you wait for the next appointment.

Also:

Be sure to discuss this with your LLMD. Since endometrioisis is very common with lyme, they may know more than you think about this. With lyme treatment, you may find some relief.

If you need laparscopy surgery, or any other surgery, your LLMD is best to guide you regarding the possible use of both

steroids &

epinephrine.

Both are often used during surgeries. Epinephrine in many of the numbing and knock-out agents. Steroids used to reduce swelling.

Both can cause trouble for those with lyme. LLMD advice prior is essential.

But then you also have issue of chemical sensitivies, any sensory issues (light, sound), other considerations where you'd need special care so as not to overwhelm your body.

With any of the drugs during surgery, there can be a risk to liver and kidneys (as well as with OTC products they may suggest afterward. Acetaminophen can damage liver and whole body as it blocks glutathione. Iburprofen can be very hard on the kidneys).

So, with any Rx or OTC, liver & kidney support is required. But, prior to and obviously during surgery, that's tricky at best.

A LL ND (who is more educated about the liver and lyme) is best to guide you.

The matter of adrenal dysfunction, autonomic dysfunction - and how any event can stress - can also be helped by a LL ND.
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Posted by Messa (Member # 38065) on :
 
Well I really don't have the money to go to all these different drs but ill look into these suggestions. Thank you very much!
 
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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See if your insurance may cover a ND or L.Ac. Some do, for pain. Once in for pain, they can teach us a great deal, even if not directly LL.

The Tori Hudson women's book is likely at your library.

Take care.
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[ 02-05-2013, 04:09 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
 
Posted by trimom (Member # 25843) on :
 
They can treat based on symptoms.

I have had 4 Laproscopys, recovery was okay. Shoulder pain from gas they use to inflate me was worse. They may do things differently now.
 
Posted by Jamers (Member # 28016) on :
 
Messa,
I have been living with endometriosis for 15 years. I had laproscopy at about age 17 and of course I still have issues. So after researching, I've come to the conclusion that I have endo because my immune system is weak. I believe I've had some type of infection (lyme, coinfections, parasites) since I was young.

So my question to you is...Is endo pain new for you since getting lyme symptoms or have you always had this?

For the first time EVER I have had a couple zero pain months since treating for lyme and co. This is all an assumption but my instinct tells me that if I get rid of whatever is keeping my immune system suppressed I will also be rid of endo.
 
Posted by Messa (Member # 38065) on :
 
Thanks guys! Jammers, I can remember having pain every once in a while during my early twenties. It only happened when I excercised hard. I was a ballet dancer so it was high cardio.

I learned that feeling and when I felt it the slightest I would just stop until the pain eased up. I just thought it was muscles.

Before I had my son I had a test done where they put dye in your Fallopian tubes and uterus. The test made me cramp and the dr said that was normal. The results were normal.

My exam was normal when I saw my ob a couple of months ago.

I don't know what endo feels like but can anyone describe it?
 
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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"pain every once in a while" when you were in your twenties (which I assume was a few years ago?) . . .

"when I felt it the slightest I would just stop until the pain eased up"

that does not sound like the kind of pain that comes with endometriosis, which can be excruciating and will not let up.


Why, oh, why, then has a laproscopy been suggested if

imaging tests done (a few years ago?) "dye in your Fallopian tubes and uterus" . . "normal"

You wondered about cramping during the dye test, that is normal, from the introduction of dye into your body, just during the test.

and your "exam was normal when I saw my ob a couple of months ago."?

Seems no history of it, nor the typical symptoms.


http://www.endometriosisassn.org/endo.html

Endometriosis Association

What is Endometriosis?
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Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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Continuing because it seems something is missing. You must have posted this for some reason. Is something being lost in translation - or assumed but not mentioned?

You need not get specific or list all symptoms but if you are having ANY gynecogical symptoms that a REGULAR gyn. can't figure out, lyme result in various gyn. issues.

Consult with your LLMD as lyme can complicate gyn matters, too. If you would need speciality care, your LLMD might best know which gyn. in your area that could help.
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