Endometriosis After Hysterectomy: Understanding Post-Surgery Treatment

Question
After years of dealing with pain and trying many therapies for my endo I recently had a hysterectomy with oopherectomy (one ovary was removed three years ago because of endo). Unfortunately, the Dr. found endo growths on my diaphragm and could not remove them during the surgery. She mentioned using Lupron to treat the remaining growths. Will this kill the remaining growths? What would the benefits be since I don't have my ovaries?

Thank you for your time,
Beth

Answer
Hi Beth,

Thanks fot writing. A common myth and thought is that a Hysterectomy cures all aspects of Endo and that is widely known that it does not now. Years ago it was thought to be true until Endo started "popping up" in places other than the reproductive area. For instance, I have Endo growing in my right leg. If I had a hysterectomy it would not help the Endo in my leg. The pain may subside some from the lack of Estrogen, but it is still there. Many women have hysts and two or three years later are in great pain again.

Now, onto the Lupron part of your question. Lupron is a hormone that puts you into a "fake menopause". It is given in the form of an injection. When I first took Lupron it was 1 shot a month for six months and was very expensive as my insurance did not cover the cost of it. Lupron can help but after the "affects" of the Lupron wears off, many women are in pain again. Some women will go a year or two without pain and others will begin having pain again much faster. Lupron has a lot of side affects so if you decide to go this route please do a lot of research on the drug and make an informed descion.

There are a few doctors in the US who are getting great results with Excsion Surgery for Endo. The specialists in Georgia have only a 10% recurrance rate returning pain after surgery. Many women are raving about these doctors. They actually go in and "cut" the Endo out...all the way down to the root. Laser surgery can not come anywhere near the success rate of excsion surgery. If interested visit www.centerforendo.com. The doctors down there are very nice, will talk to you on the phone, answer any questions you have...in general they are just great people. Exscion surgery is the closest we have to a "cure" for this miserable disease.

I hope I was able to answer your questions and if you have any others please feel free to write to me again.

Sincerely,

Angie