QuestionI have had severe Left side abdominal pain for 6+ months. I had a laparoscopy to removes cyts (there were none found, but did have some that already ruptured) @ this point the Dr discovered my uterus is covered w/varicose veins--- What can I do about this? Dr is suggesting partial hysterectomy(uterus only) or 1st trying Lupron to stop any activity to see if hystererctomy will work--- I have been reading up on Lupron and it dosen't sound good. And I don't want to go thru another surgery with out knowing if this will take care of it. My Dr hasn't had too many cases like this. Please advise
AnswerHi Chris :)
I have heard of this before. Usually though, where there is veracose veins on the uterus, its usually associated with endometreosis, Pelvic congestion, and or Uternine fibroids. All 3 of these, are painful conditions, and are often assosiated with the veracose vein issue.
Lupron, is a highly successful drug. Its given by injection, or in a patch form. Its usually given every 3-4 months. Some doctors, will allow their patients to inject themselves at home.
It very well could control your issues that you are dealing with right now. It might do nothing as well.
You wont know till you try it. You could try it for 6 months and see if your symtpoms ease up. If they do, then you might perhaps save yourself the issue of surgery. If it doesnt help, then I agree with your doctor. Removal of the uterus is probably the best bet, for you.
Lupron is a category X drug. Meaning basically there is no serious known side affects from the drug. Ofcourse, there is always risk of allergic reaction, but that goes with anything we take.
Just keep in mind, that Lupron will be an ongoing thing for sometime. There is no cure for veriose veins. But, it can be controlled with medication. Just know, that you will have to be doing this every 3 or 4 months, getting shots to control this, thats if indeed it does work. So it is a short solution, to a long term problem if its effective.
I would definately give it a shot. Worst case scenario, is that it doesnt work, and then you consider a partial hysterectomy. Either or, you will eventually be rid of this problem.
Keep in mind as well, that doctors are now preforming a new procedure, where the uterus can now be removed vaginally. Different circumstances, will tell if a woman can have this procedure done. Not all can do it, and have to have the uterus removed the old traditional way.
This new procedure, is alot less painful, and is now done without use of a general anesthesia. Epidurals, or spinals are given. The recovery time, is still about 8 weeks, but not nearly as painful as the typical surgical procedure when the uterus is removed from the abdomen. So its definatly something to discuss with your doctor.
Also, Keep in mind that Lurpon also contains benzyl alchohol in it, so if you have allergies to alhohol, this is definately something to discuss before even thinking about taking this drug.
Again, I think you should give the Lupron a chance. If it doesnt work, then opt of the hysterectomy. Just know, regardless there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and eventually you will be free of all this discomfort.
Hope this answers your question, and if there is anything more I can help you with, please dont hesitate to write back.
Thanks for writing :)
Kristy-
