About Lori Jean Watkins Expertise I can answer many questions about Endo and Surgeries(I have had eight and a total hysterectomy), medicinal treatments(Danazol, Synarel, Lupron, etc.) I am also the Support Group Leader in Missouri. My brother had Cystic Fibrosis so, I am used to hospitals and I am very familiar with Medical Terminology.
Experience I have had 5 laparoscopies and 3 Laparotomies for Endo. All of which left me to have a Total Hysterectomy in 1994. I am now 37 years old and I am still having symptoms.
Organizations The Endometriosis Association, The Adhesion Support Group
Publications Poetry.com
Education/Credentials Graduated High School in 1985, Attended some College for clerk typist, and attended Nursing School for one Semester.
Follow-Ups to Answer from Expert Lori Jean Watkins
Crystal wrote at 2008-07-12 00:57:45
I'm facing the try GnRH drug first then having the hysterectomy, yes the op is a big step, more so for a fibro sufferer (if you are weather affected in your fibro symptoms, then for any planned op try to have it done at your fittest, lower symptoms, ie best time of the year, summer warmth for many they are more able to get up and about, important for having the op, check hystersisters website on fibromyalgia for info to give your gynae, if you have to go the hysterectomy route.
I have very severe fibromyalgia and as GnRH has caused fibromyalgia to develop in non sufferers, my concern is: what's it likely to do in those already with fibro, as it causes aches and pains in muscles and joints and other menopausal symptoms, all of which I suffer badly myself, so why do i want to double up on symptoms and risk making me bed bound and still having to face the hysterectomy in a less than fit state! I've decided for the op and miss the drugs trial, as it seems too much of a risk to me. my family and friends all agree with me, as I have been having bad period cramps, pains,14 day long average and flooding since a young teen, I'm nearer 40 now and just been fobbed off over the years, with short term fixes and many that have worsened the problems including month long periods.
I now finally been told I have a bent back uterus, so glad I never was the very maternal type desperate to have children, cause it seems I coudn't but deep down knew that, so believe this is why I didn't allow myself to get too close and maternal over other peoples babies and told people I wasn't going to have children even as a child I used to say none can't, only to get told, well no your too young now, but later you will.
Anyway you are younger than myself and maybe have more maternal feelings than I did, so might be worth asking for some eggs to be frozen, so you got that option at a later date. Fibro can be passed on, but doesn't always mean it will or that they will get it if it is, something to discuss with family/partner and maybe a fibro specialist.
with endo if they do go for a hysterectomy, some people still have problems if they don't get it all, depends on how bad it is to start with and what parts are affected, I know of someone with ME/CFS and undx'd FMS, having had a hysterectomy due to endo, with as her surgeon put it 'as if someone had just poured a large tub of glue inside her, she had everything removed and has improved with her ME/CFS/FMS somewhat too. although it is suggested if your cervix isn't affected, for those with fibromyalgia to ask if they can keep it if they wish to have a sex life after, as the scarring caused by its removal can cause pain on intercourse and fibro as you know increases pain sensations we get, although its not a hard and fast rule your'll get pain from the scarring, if you can keep the cervix, those with fibro that have report better sex lives in general than those that due to cancers had to have there's removed.
wishing you the best of luck in whatever treatment form you decide to go for.
crystal
