I heard a OBGYN specialist say that you have to be 250 lbs. or less to receive a laproscopy procedure.  I find that hard to believe since that is the ONLY way to diagnose Endometriosis.  I want to know if it is true.
126864
In women who are overweight, and even more so in those who are obese, every aspect of laparoscopy becomes more difficult and potentially more risky. \n\nPlacement of laparoscopic instruments becomes much more difficult and often requires special techniques. Bleeding from abdominal wall vessels may be more common because these vessels become difficult to locate. Many intra-abdominal procedures become increasingly difficult because of a restricted operative field secondary to retroperitoneal fat deposits in the pelvic sidewalls and increased bowel excursion into the operative field. \n\nThis second problem is probably related to increased volume of bowel, decreased elevation of a heavier anterior abdominal wall by the pneumoperitoneum, and the inability to place many patients who are obese in steep Trendelenburg position because of ventilation considerations. \n\nWeight loss prior to elective surgery in patients who are overweight or obese would be ideal. Unfortunately, significant weight loss may take years and, more often than not, is impossible. A more realistic approach is to inform the patient of the increased risk associated with obesity and to limit the extent of advanced laparoscopic procedures that are attempted in patients who are obese. Although no certain weight exists at which laparoscopy is contraindicated, many surgeons hesitate to perform all but the simplest laparoscopic procedures in patients weighing more than 136 kg (300 lb).\n\n~ Gynecologic Laparoscopy, Weight Limits
225554
You are lucky thy gave you that option.\nWith my endometriosis thy told me i had\nto have a total hysterectomy at the age\nof 25 years old. But anyways it will deaden\nthe nerves so you will not have so much\npain or no pain at all depending on your\nbody. best of wishes and good luck.
344445
Most insurance companies won't cover surgery for varicose veins for cosmetic purposes.\n\nAs to a "weight requirement", I doubt it. A lot of our varicose vein patients are overweight. However, a surgeon may feel, in a particular patient's case, that weght loss should come first.\n\nThe type of surgery depends on 2 things : \n1) the patient's anatomy. Veins that are too "curvy" are often inappropriate for laser/radio frequency ablation.\n2) the equipment available at a particular hospital
23155
They see the surgery as a pre-existing condition. Meaning (they think) she is going to have to keep having problems with the endometriosis and they're going to have to keep paying. If health insurance companies can save money and backstab the little guy, they do. Sorry. Save money to pay cash for doctor's appt.s also, if you cant get health insurance for her and she does get sick my advice (and what alot of people do) is to go to the Emergency room. They don't make you pay up front and will also work out a payment plan with you. Hope this helps. Give it some time and they might not see it as a pre-exsiting condition as long as she doesn't have anymore problems with it.
248982
First off, I'm sorry you had to deal with adeno. It's an exquisitely painful disorder.  I'm not sure why they did a myomectomy on you, however...?  There are no research data or peer-reviewed studies indicating that myomectomy (traditionally performed for fibroids) is helpful in adenomyosis - the diagnosis AND the cure is typically only possible with a hysterectomy...\n\nThat notwithstanding, it's not unusual to gain a couple lbs. while recuperating from surgery.  While I assume you had a laparoscopy, it's minimally invasive, but still surgery nonetheless.  30 lbs. in the space of 6 months is not *that* much, but talk to your doc to make sure there is no other underlying cause and if it really continues to bother you, ask about the proper nutition regimen to help you lose the lbs.   Good luck and painfree wishes to you.
52163
I've never heard of it being a problem as long as you aren't becoming anemic or bleeding too much. I would set up an appointment with your gyno just to be sure if you are worried.
458272
I have suffered with endo for years. I have found no pain reliever to eleviate the pain. I also tried acupunture which didn't help. Motrin can help a little but not enough. If your pain is that severe, then consider the surgery. I had the surgery but I only had one month of relief before it came back. After I have my baby, I plan on having both of my ovaries removed to help with the pain as my doctor recommends. Good Luck with your pain management.
188767
There is nowhere for the blood to go, hence the continued accumulation of debris, blood and scar tissue.  As this continues over time, the lesions and implants usually become larger and more painful with each cycle.  Endometriosis can wreak havoc, causing anatomical problems by distoring or twisting organs, causing debilitating pain during any time of the cycle, causing infertility and so much more.  It is imperative to obtain treatment by a true expert, someone who can EXCISE the disease from all locations and not just vaporize or ablate it.  See www.centerforendo.com and www.endometriosistreatment.org for more info on excision as the effective treatment for Endo.
666027
I had endometriosis (sp?) - and had a hysterectomy (I chose to) -- it caused me to have very heavy periods with bad cramps.  This could be the problem - it's very common - and it can be treated without a hysterectomy so don't let me scare you.  I was done having babies and all.
193348
I work as a surgical tech and we do MANY laparoscopic cases daily.  Half of the cases we do are done completely laparascopic or laparoscopic-assisted.  It is by far the fastest recovery of any invasive (i.e. surgical) procedure and your wife will be on her feet in no time.  It is the procedure I would choose if I were in your wife's situation.\n\nThe incision sites are not even an inch long and she'll probably have only two or three.  Most doctors inject local anesthetic to relieve pain and discomfort and by the time it wears off, she'll be well enough to control pain with an OTC pain reliever.  \n\nThough there are risks with any kind of anesthesia and surgery, the chances of something happening are slim, especially if your wife has good general health.  I know most people are scared of surgery.  Please know from one who has been in the field for awhile it is quite safe and your wife will have an excellent team working for her health and safety.  Talk to your doctor about your concerns, they can address specifics.  Please email me if you have any questions.
321114
To remove a cyst it's always outpatient unless there are complications. Recently they have had great success with using laperoscopy to remove them. It is when they make two very small incisions and insert a laserguided scalple and camera to preform the surgery instead of having to make a huge incision and open you up. If you have a choice do it this way! \n\nIt is common to have alot of pain when you have an ovarian cyst. I personally did not but I was told I was an odd case. If you don't have the surgery you run the risk of the cyst rupturing and dying of internal bleeding so it is a good idea to have it removed when they get that big. Even if they don't cause pain. Make sure that when you consent to the surgery that you do not sign anything that gives them the right to take out your whole ovary if they think it's necessary. People have different opinions on what makes it necessary, your doctor is not always going to do what you would have wanted. Make sure you give yourself the choice.\n\nIt's a simple proceedure, complication is unlikely and you should be fine when it's over. Good luck and be well. :)
249751
An endometrial biopsy feels like really really bad cramping/pinching, but it is different for each woman.  I used to assist with these procedures and some women would scream and cry while others wouldn't even flinch. I think it all depends how much "equipment" the Ob-Gyn needs to use to get a decent biopsy sample.  Sometimes they must use a tenaculum or a dilator in addition to the pipette used for collecting the sample.  You may also bleed a little bit after this procedure.
333351
Go to the Doc's and ask about "Endometriosis" (I hope I spelled it right) LOL.... But it's sounds like that's what you have! Nothing horrible but basically it means you have a "tipped" uterus. I have 4 kids but it took me almost 3 yrs to get pregnant with my first one!My period's are real bad and I have cramps like you wouldn't believe too. So go to the Doc's and ask him about this! You'll be ok, I promise!! And this one website is good to www.webmd.com i love it!!!! Let me know!! Good luck!!!
346057
Hi!  Onset of my Grave's began at 15 but was asymptomatic (to the doctors) until age 22, when I demanded a blood test (I thought I was dying).  You see, I weighed 85 lbs. on my high school graduation day and looked anorexic.  Grave's had developed when I first menstruated, so I never had a steady period.  That, my weight, and my althleticism led the docs to think I was just slow to develop or too athletic for regular menstruation.  \n\nAnyway, upon a blood tests they found massive Grave's, gave me the meds, and all went well.  I went into remission about 1 year after the diagnosis at age 23.  I grew an inch taller and developed breasts (what a wonderful concept) that year as well.  I finally developed fat cells, long awaited, at age 25 and looked a healthy weight from then onward.\n\nYes, you can have children, but please wait until you are in remission from the Grave's.  You really don't want to be playing with Grave's when you are pregnany, since that's an additional factor which must be considered.\n\nMy advice is be patient with the whole process.  They have to first determine the best treatments ... I say treatments because for me it was PTU, which turned out not to work, to tapazol, which did work.  Had that not worked, we would have got to the subpartial thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine procedure.  You'll have monthly blood tests, enough to know your phlebotomist by name each time.  \n\nNo, it's not common to develop Grave's at your age.  I'd never met anyone (until I just talked to you) who had developed it like me.  BUT ... I have to tell you, be very thankful it has been found!  I went through 7 years of thinking I was going crazy, stupid doctor-prescribed weight gain diets, being forbidden from any exercise whatsoever (I'd lose too much weight), and unexplained emergency room visits for malnutrition (and I ate like a horse).  So, knowing what it is is half the battle.  Now you just have to figure out how you'll manage the next year being patient.  You will get better ... you're not "cured" but you can go into remission.  \n\nI went into remission at age 23, had monthly blood tests for a while (still in remission), then graduated to six months (still in remission) then went to yearly (still in remission).  About 8 years later, my doctor didn't want to do the blood test, since he said I was fine.  I insisted, since I have an abiding fear of Grave's, and it's a good thing I did. I now have Hashimoto's, the exact opposite of Grave's.  I am hypo and take replacement thyroid hormone.\n\nAccording to the research I did on Grave's, the docs aren't sure where the Grave's antibody comes from, but it looks like thyroid disorders can run in families, which was my case (I have 4 maternal aunts and my mother with thyroid issues).  Further, there is some indication that the thyroid comes with a shelf life, which is what I think is occuring with me.  With the way it went unchecked for so long (I was almost in thyroid storm, my numbers were so high -- the doc didn't know how I was alive), my thyroid really went into overdrive.  What if it can operate that way for only so long?  Anyway, that's the premise I operate on today, that the Grave's is gone forever and Hashimoto's is here to stay. My endocrinologist told me not to make such absolute statements, but I think the thyroid I have is dying slowly ... I'd much rather this than Grave's since Grave's is so insidious with me.\n\nAnyhow, I am now 38 and that's my story.  I hope it makes you feel a bit better that it can happen to teens.  You also need to be vigilant from now on, telling docs you need that blood test just to be safe, etc.  You WILL go into remission, one way or the other, and there are no real bad effects later on from this, as long as you keep on top of it.  You'll want to continue drinking milk and exercising, since the latest studie
184611
I HAD AND STILL HAVE ENDOMETRIOSIS AFTER MAJOR SURGERY. WHEN I DID WANT TO BECOME PREGNANT- IT TOOK ME A YEAR TO GET PREGNANT.DON'T HAVE SEX ALOT LIKE EVERYDAY THAT DOSEN'T INCREASE YOUR CHANCES. TAKE OVULATION TESTS. HOLD YOUR LEGS UP AFTER SEX SO THAT STUFF (SPERM) WON'T COME BACK OUT.\n\nGO TO CALCULATE MY OVULATION-TYPE IN WHEN YOUR PERIOD WAS AND IT WILL TELL YOU ON WHAT DAY(S) YOU ARE MOST FERTILE. GOOD LUCK!!
271418
If you're not already, you need to see an endocrinologist.  Many regular doctors will try to manage this condition and sometimes they cannot always get a handle on what's going on even though the numbers are within normal range.  What's normal for me may not work for you.  An endocrinologist has way more expertise in this field and will run other tests and try other things.  If you are seeing an endo, find another one.  Good luck.
308301
Sounds like hallmark Endometriosis...\n\nFrom the Endometriosis Research Center @ www.endocenter.org:\n\n"About Endometriosis:\n\nWith Endometriosis, tissue like that which lines the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the womb in other areas of the body. Normally, the endometrium is shed each month through menses; however, with Endometriosis, these implants have no way of leaving the body. The implants still break down and bleed, but result is far different than in women and girls without the disease: internal bleeding, degeneration of blood and tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas, and formation of scar tissue result. In addition, depending on the location of the growths, interference with the normal function of the bowel, bladder, intestines and other areas of the pelvic cavity can occur. Endometriosis has also been found lodged in the skin - and even the brain. \n\nDespite today's age of medical advances, researchers remain unsure as what causes of Endometriosis. There is NO CURE, despite the continued propagation of such myths by the uninformed who still mistakenly believe that hysterectomy, pregnancy and/or menopause can "cure" the disease. Invasive surgery remains the gold standard of diagnosis, and current therapies continue to remain extremely limited, often carrying side effects.\n\nMistakenly minimized as "painful periods," Endometriosis is more than just "killer cramps." It is a leading cause of female infertility, chronic pelvic pain and gynecologic surgery, and accounts for more than half of the 500,000 hysterectomies performed in the US annually. Despite being more prevalent than breast cancer, Endometriosis continues to be treated as an insignificant ailment. Recent studies have even shown an elevated risk of certain cancers and other serious illnesses in those with the disease, as well as malignant changes within the disease itself.\n\nRecent research indicates that genetics, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to environmental toxins like Dioxin may be contributing factors to the development of the disease. Endometriosis knows no racial or socioeconomic barriers, and can affect women ranging from adolescence to post-menopause. The disease can be so painful as to render a woman or teen unable to care for herself or her family, attend work, school, or social functions, or go about her normal routine. It can negatively affect every aspect of a woman's life; from her self-esteem and relationships, to her capacity to bear children, to her ability to be a contributing member of society.\n\nThe disease can currently only be diagnosed through invasive surgery, and the average delay in diagnosis is a staggering 9 years. A patient may seek the counsel of 5 or more physicians before her pain is adequately addressed. Once diagnosed, it is not unusual for a patient to undergo several pelvic surgeries and embark on many different hormonal and medical therapies in an attempt to treat her symptoms. None of the current treatments are entirely effective, and virtually all synthetic therapies carry significantly negative side effects; some lasting far beyond cessation of therapy. The exception to this is excision; see www.centerforendo.com to learn more about excision as the leading treatment.\n\nThough Endometriosis is one of the most prevalent illnesses affecting society today, awareness is sorely lacking and disease research continues to remain significantly under funded. For instance, in fiscal year 2000, the National Institutes of Health planned to spend $16.5 billion on research. Of that funding, only $2.7 million was earmarked for Endometriosis - amounting to approximately $.40/patient. This is in stark contrast to other illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Lupus, which received approximately $105.00 and $30.00 per patient, respectively. American businesses lose millions of dollars each year in lost productivity and work time because of