Does anybody here have Endometriosis?
489621
Why have a test when there are only 2 options for getting rid of it. According to my doctor there's a shot I could take but that could throw me into early menopause. Option 2 is a hysterectomy which is unacceptable to me (and you!)\nI'm afraid if you have it, dear, you'll just have to live with it. I hope yours isn't as painful as mine. Don't worry though. There are many different reactions to Endometriosis.\nMy aunt has it too but she has no pain and she was able to bear three children! The best thing you can do is to keep your body at its peak of health with a great diet and consistent exercise. If you do have pain like I do, then try some prescription Ibuprofen, hot baths and those large heat patches from the drugstore. Also, wearing a pad instead of a tampon for the first couple of days really eases my symptoms. Good luck sweetie.
606835
EndoKnow is one of the many websites owned and operated by Takeda Abbott Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Lupron.  Their sole intention of offering EndoKnow and its sister sites is to get patient's private info and then spam them with ads about how great Lupron is (which it isn't).  It is a direct-to-consumer marketing tactic and should be avoided at all costs.\n\nFor free, current and accurate info on the disease, offered with no hidden agenda other than to support and educate patients, visit the Endometriosis Research Center @ www.endocenter.org.  Their literature states:\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\nSymptoms include chronic or intermittent pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation is not normal!), infertility, miscarriage(s), ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, dyspareunia (pain associated with intercourse), nausea / vomiting / abdominal cramping, diarrhea / constipation (particularly with menses), painful bowel movements, painful or burning urination, urinary frequency, retention, or urgency; fatigue, chronic pain, allergies and immune system-related illnesses are also commonly reported complaints of women who have Endo. It is quite possible to have some, all, or none of these symptoms. Endo symptoms are varied and often nonspecific, so they can easily masquerade as several other conditions, including adenomyosis ("Endometriosis Interna"), appendicitis, ovarian cysts, bowel obstructions, colon cancer, diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, fibroid tumors, gonorrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cancer, and PID.\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\nResearch has shown that genetics, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to environmental toxins like Dioxin may all 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 cap
192313
not me personally, but I have taken care of many patients with it. You may need to adjust your medications if it is recurring. See your doc.
947003
If you only have pain around the time of your period you shouldn't need an ultrasound.  Now if you have pain at other times ie. around ovulation, you might have cysts on your ovaries that an ultrasound would show.  I had severe endometriosis with very severe periods.  The ultrasound showed fluid in my abdomen and then at different times the ultrasounds would show cysts on my ovaries but not always.  You can give the pills a try for a few months and see if that helps.  If it doesn't then request the ultrasound.  Just my two cents.
731225
Have you been checked for endometriosis? Try bringing this up with your doctor, or look it up online to see if the symptoms match first. I think that endometriosis can, but not always will, cause irregular periods.
615796
is a common medical condition where the tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium, from endo, "inside", and metra, "womb") is found outside of the uterus, typically affecting other organs in the pelvis. The condition can lead to serious health problems, primarily pain and infertility. Endometriosis primarily develops in women of the reproductive age.\n\nThe definitive treatment for endometriosis is a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and surrounding tissue) and bilateral salpingoophorectomy (removal of the uterine tubes and ovaries).  So no it doesn't occur after a hysterectomy.
415569
The pain and consequences of Endo can be far reaching and exact a potentially devastating toll on the patient, ranging from debilitating pain to anatomical disortions to infertility, but it doesn't have to be that way.  Painful intercourse is a hallmark symptom of Endo, but not all women experience it.  If you have Endo of the cul-de-sac, which is one of the top 10 locations for the disease to implant, chances are likely you will experience it, however.  But first - you need to get diagnosed and effectively treated before you worry about what might be.  Endo can only be definitively diagnosed by surgery, usually the laparoscopy.  Don't worry - there is help out there and you are definitely not alone.  There is a very effective treatment that does exist which can be incredibly helpful - and it isn't hysterectomy. That is an old wive's tale, right up there with "Endo is a disease of white career women" and "pregnancy cures it." None of that is true. Endo produces its own estrogen-synthesizing enzyme known as Aromatase, which allows it to self-sustain after hysterectomy. The treatment is to remove *all disease,* not organs. Unfortunately, most doctors are quick to perform superficial surgeries like ablation, vaporization and cauterization, which leaves extensive disease behind. Most doctors will also not a.) recognize all disease in all colors and locations and b.) be able to treat complicated forms of the disease such as that located on the bowel, bladders, ligaments, etc. Therefore, it leads to repeat, ineffective surgeries that offer very temporary relief at best. Combine lack of treatment with a 9 year delay in diagnosis and doctors telling the patient "it's in their head" and it can become rather complicated and painful. Other doctors like to prescribe Lupron as if it were candy and tell their patients it is a cure - also not true. What Endo patients need to do is get help from a TRUE Endo specialist - someone who meticulously EXCISES all disease from all locations. Excision is the gold standard of treatment, conferring an up to 85% long term success rate, increase in fertility, and helps the patient regain her painfree quality of life. Only advanced laparoscopic endoscopists with highly skilled techniques can perform excision and such specialists are few and far between, but they do exist. Get help right away from someone who knows what they are doing and it will drastically improve the situation altogether. Start at the top with a specialist - get diagnosed and effectively treated right away.  Don't go the surgery and medication merry-go-round, suffering needlessly for years. See the links below for help. Good luck to you and remember you're not alone.
364793
My mother, sister, and grandmother all have something called endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition, usually resulting in pain and dysmenorrhea, that is characterized by the abnormal occurrence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus.\n\nIt's not a pleasent thing, and can make periods a lot worse. if your wife is only getting bad paid during her menstrual period then I'd doubt she'd have that... But it actually isn't unusual for women to have bad paid. not all women do have it, but it is common. they can have it sometimes too. they don't nessisarily have it all the time, it's just a joy of being a woman!\n\nIt might be a good idea to talk to a doctor though. just to check if you are that worried about it. even if they don't find something wrong with her, they can proscribe good pain killers and things like that.
366740
There is no definitive cure for Endometriosis - not surgery (including hysterectomy), not medications, not "pregnancy" (as is still mistakenly believed by some), not alternative therapies.  Anyone who tells you different is uninformed or simply trying to scam you.  That is not to say that there are not effective treatments, such as laparoscopic excision (see www.centerforendo.com) and other therapies which many women and girls obtain long-lasting relief from.  \n\nIn terms of Ayurvedic Medicine, those with Endo who practice Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Acupuncture state that the treatment should involve the incorporation of dietary measures, herbal therapeutics, and yoga.  Marma massage may also be helpful.\n\nAyurveda treats the disease by achieving balance of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether). Each person has a particular dosha (constitutional make-up), which in part determines what disease they may be predisposed to, if any. An Ayurvedic physician will be able to take a detailed case history and determine the specific Ayurvedic remedies to work with in terms of your Endo in order to remedy the imbalances.\n\nFor more info, please see http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/Endometriosis.htm.
451053
I am married to a man who has one. It is sad.... e mail me and we can talk more lol\n\n\ncamsmomma2003@pldi.net
208016
I have a friend with endometriosis and I think she does yoga and things of the like.  But I don't think it has cured or reduced the severity of it.
80897
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrial stroma and glands, which should only be located inside the uterus) is found elsewhere in the body. \n\nEndometriosis lesions can be found anywhere in the pelvic cavity: on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and on the pelvic sidewall. Other common sites include the uterosacral ligaments, the cul-de-sac, the Pouch of Douglas, and in the rectal-vaginal septum.\n\nIn addition, it can be found in caecarian-section scars, laparoscopy or laparotomy scars, and on the bladder, bowel, intestines, colon, appendix, and rectum. \n\nIn rare cases, endometriosis has been found inside the vagina, inside the bladder, on the skin, even in the lung, spine, and brain. \n\nThe most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. The pain often correlates to the menstrual cycle, but a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain that doesn’t correlate to her cycle. For many women, the pain of endometriosis is so severe and debilitating that it impacts their lives in significant ways. \n\nEndometriosis can also cause scar tissue and adhesions to develop that can distort a woman’s internal anatomy. In advanced stages, internal organs may fuse together, causing a condition known as a "frozen pelvis." \n\nIt is estimated that 30-40% of women with endometriosis are infertile. \n\nIf you or someone you care about has endometriosis, it is important to research the disease as much as possible. Many myths and misconceptions about endometriosis still persist, even in medical literature. For many women, management of this disease may be a long-term process. Therefore, it is important to educate yourself, take the time to find a good doctor, and join a support group.
248580
I have those and fibroid tumors on my uterus. I had one removed the size of an orange because it was interfering with other functions (bowel)\n\nDuring my period it is very, very painful. I have to lie down. Cramping feeling like you are giving birth. I have meds that I take. When I dont have my period I get little cramps every now an again. I go in every 6 months to check up on them.
1059749
A lot of women with Endo have food intolerances and allergies they weren't even aware of.  Wheat and dairy are biggies.  By eliminating them from the diet, many find that in particular their bowel symptoms (so common in Endo) disappear or alleviate significantly.  It is thought that gluten negatively affects the gut flora and membranes in food sensitive people and causes painful inflammation and symptoms.  Sometimes the foods can also set off the body's IgC over-reaction to a perceived "foreign substance," thereby creating pain and symptoms.  Dian Shepperson Mills has done a fantastic book on this, Endometriosis: a Key to Healing Through Nutrition - get it used or at the library; it is WELL worth it and really goes into some indepth explanations and food avoidance recommendations.  You can also join the ERC's listserv online and get suggestions from real women at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/erc - it's free and private (members only).  Good luck!
1009355
I do and it is quite debilitating.\n\n“Fibroid myalgia” or fibromyalgia as it is better known is a common condition characterized by generalized pain and fatigue. This condition has nothing to do with fibroids, but is more a form of rheumatoid athritis.\n\nI regularly see a Chiropractor, Accupuncturist and a Massage Therapist and I take Naproxen and Norflex because the pain is so intense sometimes.   It affects my lower back and my shoulder blades are constantly aggravated.  I am usually in constant pain and stressed out about my back because it affects my daily living. My muscles are always sore and makes me tired and irritable.\n\nI am looking to see a rheumatologist.\n\nOh yeah -- symptoms include migraine headache, decrease in short term memory, cognitive dysfunction, blurred or double vision, hypersensitivity to sound and smells, shortness of breath, chest pains, palpitations, irritable bowel, irritable bladder, painful menses, painful urination, multiple drug allergies, multiple sensitivities to chemicals.
72807
I too have pcos. Luckily i have now had 2 children.\nI recommend you going to a website where i get all my information & is very informative on everything from doctor's to infertility, birth control pills, & treatments. I wish you much luck! And i truly hope that you find all the info you need!
137744
What is Endometriosis?\nEndometriosis is a common and chronic gynecological and immunological disease that can result in pelvic pain. About 2-4% of women and girls of reproductive age and up to 30% of women with infertility have endometriosis. That amounts to approximately 5.5 million women in the United States and Canada.\n\nThe disease occurs when endometrial cells (the cells that line the inside of the uterus) develop outside of their normal location inside the uterus. The misplaced endometrial cells respond to the menstrual cycle in the same way as those lining the uterus. The tissue grows and sheds blood at the time of menses. However, instead of flowing out of body through the vagina, the blood shed by the misplaced cells has no way of leaving the body. The resulting internal bleeding can lead to chronic inflammation and the formation of adhesions and scar tissue.\n\nLocation of Endometriosis\nAreas commonly affected by endometriosis include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the ligaments that support the uterus, the area between the vagina and rectum (cul-de-sac), the outer surface of the uterus and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Endometrial lesions can also be found in the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix and vulva. More rarely the lung and other body tissues can be affected.\n\nThe frequency that endometriosis is found to occur in the pelvic area is:\n\nCul-de-sac - 72% \nUterosacral ligaments - 41% right and 45% left \nBroad ligaments - 43% right and 52% left \nUterus - 16% \nOvaries - 17% right and 17% left \nFallopian tubes 7% right and 9% left \nBladder - 33% \nSigmoid colon - 18%