QuestionI've been currently diagnosed with "severe endometriosis" about 2 months ago. During November of 2007 I came down with severe abdominal pain and it never seemed to go away. In December I consulted a Doctor, which after 3 pap's with 3 different doctors, advised an ultra sound. The results was a blood-filled cyst about 7cm x 7cm x 11cm on my left ovary. To my dismay non of the 3 doctors detected this mass during my exam. Due to some discrepancies within the cyst they scheduled my surgery as soon as possible. During the surgery, they had removed the mass including a large number small cysts surrounding the cystic mass. They removed my left ovary, my right ovary was untouched by endometrium and is in good condition.
I am recently married (Sept. of 2007). And due to the severity in the endometriosis, my OB/GYN had strongly suggested us to start our family as soon as possible. She also said that I may become infertile with in a year or so. To a young married couple (6 mo.!!), both 24 years of age, this is scary news. My husband and I are not ready to have children, my husband especially does not want children now, in the future yes (5 or so years). We are both students and do not have the finances, time, and stability to raise a family right now. Though I fear that if we don't, we'll never have the chance to have our own children. My question, to an individual who has experience in this matter, what is the reproductive out look for young women in my condition? If I want children is it a 'do or die' mentality (i.e. have a child now or never have a child)?
My current symptoms are fatigue, mild pain during little activity (sitting & short walks) & higher pain when active (walking/biking/yoga/running/swimming), and headaches. I am lost on what I should do, and what my options are. I am currently taking seasonique, is this a good medication, is there something else I should be taking to aid in my future out look on fertility? I do not have the finances to preserve my eggs, right now in my life (financially) it would be impossible. Is there any treatments or life style changes I could do to help preserve my fertility?
Please let me know what you think.
AnswerHi Kristi
Well, the important thing about your situation, is that you still have one healthy ovary. And the fact that you are on BC pills, will help your endo immensely. Since endo is a hormone driven disorder, estrogen can help with your endo and slowing it's progression.
And with this good ovary you can certainly conceive, may take alittle longer, but you can. But, as a fellow endo sufferer, the fatigue, pain, headaches and overall drawn feeling that we all have, is unfortunately what comes along with endo. I am now 51 years old and I am still menstruating heavily (guess I am grateful for the estrogen) but I still feel lousy like I did in my 20's. I now take an anti inflammatory prescription called Anaprox. I take it mainly during my period when the pain is most intense. I can also take it, when I feel uncomfortable with pre period symptoms. But it contains no hormones. I just came of a 6 year stretch of migraines, which I am sure came from my fluctuation of hormones and endo. But the Anaprox decreases the swelling of the endometrium wall, allowing better blood flow and in turn less cramping. They work well and are inexpensive.
I would stick with the BC pills and monitor the endo over the next couple of months/years. If your endo gets worse internally, then you may want to start that family. Because of the severity of your condition, timing will be everything.
I wish you a world of happiness in your quest to have children...thank you for writing.
Martha
