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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 05-22-2006, 06:45 PM (1 of 24)
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Looks as though I may end up medicated into menopause. I am scared. I am only in my mid/late 30's, and I have no idea what medicated menopause is. Will it be just like normal menopause? I love this forum - every last one of the threads. I hope you don't mind me poking my head in for some advice.
You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
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User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257 
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From: Longblades
Date: 05-22-2006, 08:29 PM (2 of 24)
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I was medicated into menopause though I was older than you, 46. I was on Lupron Depot, 3.75 mg injections once a month for seven years till my ObGyn determined that natural menopause had been reached. It was heavenly to be free of the pain, fatigue and heavy bleeding I had been experiencing and I did not have PID or Endo., just really bad perimenopause. I was on very low dose HRT the whole time. It was probably the best seven years of my life. If you are going to be on the same thing and want more details just let me know and I am happy to tell you more. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 05-23-2006, 07:25 AM (3 of 24)
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I have been under an extremely intense amount of pain, and I am not a happy camper. Providing they do not find a tumor or growth during the ultrasound, it looks as though this is where I will be headed. Thanks for sharing your story - it made me feel much better 
You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
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User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
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From: MaryW
Date: 05-23-2006, 08:29 AM (4 of 24)
Butterfly, you are more than welcome to poke into any forum you wish. That's what we are here for. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 05-23-2006, 01:25 PM (5 of 24)
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I appreciate that. As I haven't given any real insight to my health issues inthe other areas of the forum, I thought it may be best to put it out here - where I could get advice from those that may know this health issue better than I. Doctor's tend to use too many words, that no one understands. Of course, being who I am, I come home and look them up on the web. Which is not always such a good idea, lol. Sometimes, too much information, is as bad as not enough. I really had no idea what it meant to be medicated into menopause - but longblades surely helped. Thanks! Robin You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
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User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 05-25-2006, 09:23 PM (6 of 24)
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The woman who cuts my hair went the hystrectomy route. She says she's never felt better. She's lost 35 lbs since the surgery. She has more energy, her memory is better. (she said she was in terrible pain all the time, heavy bleeding, etc.) She looks like a million bucks and she was back to work in 3 wks..... I think if I'd have went that route when I was in my 20's, I'd feel better too...but I didn't and now I'm paying for it. (overweight, pain, bleeding like theres no tomorrow, etc...) 
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 05-25-2006, 10:12 PM (7 of 24)
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My hair dresser also had a hysterectomy not too long ago. She's had the same problems for about 15 years now and put off doing anything about it and finally she did. She says she just wishes she had been smart enough to have had it done 15 years ago instead of spending all those years in misery every month. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 05-26-2006, 07:16 AM (8 of 24)
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Yes, I can definitely say I am in pain. Three out for four weeks a month. During my cycle I can't walk - and if I have to gto to work, I walk around crying from the pain. I take an average of 12 aleve on those days - but they don't even begin to take the edge off the pain. I finally got a script from the GYN. I also have hemorraging problems. So I know what these women felt like. My Mother has exactly the same problems - I seem to follow her genetics closely (cept she can hear just fine, lol). Today I go for my ultrasound - the GYN felt a mass around my cervix (in addition to the endo found) and we need to rule out a tumor before we go the medications or hysterectomy route. Thanks for all the good news and stories, I've really felt much better about the whole thing after talking with some of you. All I could think of was a friend of mine that had ovarian cancer when she was 34, and after chemo she had to have a hysterectomy. I can remember how hard it was for her. I remember taking care of her. I didn't want to feel like that. She also has MS, so maybe all the steriods from treatment of the MS was a player in that, I don't know. But I will put on a happy face, and sew! Blessings to all, Robin You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
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User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
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From: plrlegal
Date: 05-27-2006, 02:19 AM (9 of 24)
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Butterfly they do amazing things with medicine and surgical procedures these days. Chin up girl and think positive. Things are probably going to turn out great for you. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 05-28-2006, 09:43 AM (10 of 24)
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Thanks. To all of you. I know that everyone here has helped me tremendously in support. Please know that each and every one of you, on every thread in this forum (thanks Mary) change peoples lives for the better everyday. I've had my ultrasound - no tumor or growths! However, I do have a very tipped pelvis, down and to the right (it was really weird to hear that - I've had two kids, and no one ever told me!) Step 2 - I see the doctor on June 12 for a follow up , more blood work results, and a decision on the menopause thing. I'm working a way to find the money for the hearing aids - praying that some options will come my way. You are each a blessing, everyday. Robin You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
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User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
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From: JoanieB
Date: 05-31-2006, 11:53 AM (11 of 24)
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Butterflyrf71: I had a total hysterectomy(ovaries and all) June 16 of last year. I also had to have some bladder repair work. I would highly recommend the surgery to anyone discussing the subject with their MD. I too have lost weight since then. I have a tiny hormone patch (Vivelle Dot) I change twice a week and I keep right on going. My doctor had me be careful of lifting for about 3 months, but that was due to the bladder work and not the hyst. Hope all goes well with you which ever way you and your doctor decide to treat you. JoanieB
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User: JoanieB
Member since: 01-28-2005 Total posts: 68 |
From: bluebirdie
Date: 05-31-2006, 04:14 PM (12 of 24)
I have not heard of medication induced menopause before. This has been very educational. I'm blessed with minor pms symptoms although my husband may think differently  I hope the doctors would find a good solution for your pain. Best of luck! - Robin
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User: bluebirdie
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 139 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 05-31-2006, 08:14 PM (13 of 24)
| I had very bad endo with one ovary the size of a grapefruit and the other was the size of a baseball. I was in constant pain, the Dr's did a complete hysterectomy the day after my 34th birthday ( I am now 52). Other than finding out that I was having a very nasty reation to the pain meds I feel great. I will not do the replacement meds that they want you to take either. I watched to many of my friends and their family memer who did take them develop breast cancer and some died from it. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 06-01-2006, 07:45 AM (14 of 24)
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Thanks for that info. Breast Cancer runs in my family. I've already had a large mass removed form one breast - not cancerous, thankfully, but required reconstruction. The doctors keep an eye on me. The GYN did mention HRT, it took me two weeks to realize it meant Hormone Replacement Therapy (Duh!). I will definitely weigh your comments when we decide which way to go. I may prefer homeopathic methods vs. HRT meds. I am 35, so any advice you can offer would be great, as you were closer to my age at the time of menopause. A lot of my worries are about having this surgery so young. I hear so many horror stories, and lived one with a friend who was 34 when she had ovarian cancer, chemo, and a hysterectomy. I remember the moodiness, hot flashes, etc. I already have all that - I don't want it to get any worse after treatment! And lets not forget the PAIN!!!! I wan't the pain to go away!!! I can't even drive in the car for 45 min without pain in my bottom, back, and legs. I am dreading my next period - when I will be in excrutiating pain for several days. I walk around crying for three days - no pain meds seem to help. You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
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User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
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From: Longblades
Date: 06-02-2006, 04:54 PM (15 of 24)
| A colleague of mine was very caring and helpful when I was considering taking the lupron depot to medicate me into menopause. She had been on it herself for a year before undergoing a hysterectomy at the age of 40. Her problem was depression at PMS time that was so severe she has nasty scars down both her wrists. In her case the medical menopause was a trial to see if stopping her menses also stopped her monthly severe depression. It did but because she did not have a health plan and could not afford to pay for possibly ten or more years of the lupron her ObGyn, (same as mine, she was the one who got me a referral to him) opted to perform a hysterectomy. So her menopause was surgical, not medical, but she is happy as a clam and began her first (hopefully only) marriage shortly after the operation at age 40. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Domestic Goddes
Date: 06-02-2006, 05:03 PM (16 of 24)
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I feel for you - I had a period that lasted more or less two years. Tiring and permanent anaemia. The answer was not hysterctomy - they said I was too young at 30 - but an endometrial ablation. They remove the lining of the womb so that it doesn't grow back as part of your cycle - therefore no bleeding and no cramps! They said the lining would eventually grow back but I wouldn't have to tolerate what I'd been through before. Seven years on I literally get a teeny tiny spot, and still get mild bouts of PMT (PMS your side of the Atlantic). Nothing! Life is wonderful! There is still a possibility I could conceive a child though, and it would apparently grow normally - I didn't think the placenta would be able to "connect" with the wall of the womb if the lining had been taken away, but apparently it can. The downside was the chemically induced menopause I had to have before the operation, where I was told the symptoms would be exaggerated compared to "normal" menopause (so what's a normal menopause??? Isn't everyone different?). Hot flushes (flashes), night sweats and plenty of spots but it only lasted three months then I had the operation. Didn't like the injections much as they went into my tummy, but it was all worth it. |
User: Domestic Goddes
Member since: 01-04-2005 Total posts: 108 |
From: Longblades
Date: 06-02-2006, 07:14 PM (17 of 24)
| Injections in your stomach? That does not sound like a lot of fun. Mine were in my arm and my regular Doc showed my husband how to do it for me, once a month. DH was very good at it though he didn't like doing it as he is phobic about needles. My friend of the scarred wrists did her own, into her thigh, once a month. Guess it depends what you are on though. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 06-03-2006, 07:47 AM (18 of 24)
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No no no no. Please tell me there is a pill now adays! No can do shots!
You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
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User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-03-2006, 02:05 PM (19 of 24)
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This is my experience.. Has been some time ago, you understand.. I had bleeding 3 weeks of four .. Terrible fibroids.. Had a D & C . Six months later they were back, larger than ever. So, I had a partial hysterectomy (uterus only), and with no incision..(thru vagina) .. recovery was quick, and it didn't throw me into early menopause since I still had my ovaries and everything else.. Was the best move I ever made.. I have never regretted it.. I was also having to take iron supplements all the time before the surgery to offset anemia... What a joy not to have to worry about that any more.. Of course I was 40 at the time and had finished having children.. So it was the best move for me..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: stitchmaniac
Date: 06-04-2006, 03:15 PM (20 of 24)
| I had the ablation done in 1994....no drugs before, no shots. I went in the day before and they inserted a tiny ring (?) in to the cervix to get it to dilate for surgery. Very mild cramps and they gave me a mild sedative to take before bed to make sure I got some sleep and not worry all night. What a nice doctor! Absolutely the best thing I have ever done. |
User: stitchmaniac
Member since: 11-05-2002 Total posts: 43 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 06-04-2006, 06:38 PM (21 of 24)
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I just heard about this yesterday - my Sister-In-Law is having this done tomorrow. Seems I also found out today that My Mother, Sister, and I all have an inverted uterus!!!! You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
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User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
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From: Shellymoon
Date: 06-05-2006, 02:15 PM (22 of 24)
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What's an inverted uterus? Does that mean it's turned inside out? I had a hysterectomy (uterus only) when I was 37. I had fibroids the size and shape of fingers growing inside and outside my uterus. I had tried for 9 years to have a second child, but the fibroids stopped that. I was devastated. However, I felt great physically since I don't have the constant menstrual cycle anymore. At the time of my hysterectomy, Viagra had just hit the market. I wonder why medical researchers could come up with that drug, but not a cure for fibroids.....Oh yeah, I forgot, anything that affects a man is 10x worse than any problems we girls have....Sorry, I'm not laughing. Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 06-13-2006, 07:00 AM (23 of 24)
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An inverted uterus is when the uterus tips in the non usual directio, which is up, or not at all. Mine tips down (towards my bottom end, instread of up towards the tummy). Mine also tips to the right. I've found out that this is the reason that I could never wear tampons - they never stay behind the cervix because of the severe tip. Endo makes this worse. The Endo actually pulls on the uterus and continues the downward pull. I saw the doctor yesterday, and my of course my hormone bloodwork was whacked out. I start my first SHOT of Lupron on Thursday. Yes, a shot! Thankfully, it's only one every 12 weeks, and not one a day! The doc warnedme it would be a big one, though (ouch). My only concern is, according to the doc there is almost no side effects with the Lupron, but he doesn't know me and meds, I am very testy with meds. If I take a 12 week shot, and have a side effect, does that mean I'm stuck being sick for 12 weeks! Somebody pray for me - I wanna feel good again - I want energy, happiness, smiles, no pain, and no more freaky periods (week 6 since last one)! Doc also gave me a supplement/drug?? for osterporosis, something called Aygestin. You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
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User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
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From: LauraM62
Date: 06-14-2006, 08:05 AM (24 of 24)
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At the time of my hysterectomy, Viagra had just hit the market. I wonder why medical researchers could come up with that drug, but not a cure for fibroids.....Oh yeah, I forgot, anything that affects a man is 10x worse than any problems we girls have....Sorry, I'm not laughing. You know they do now have a procedure to get rid of these Fibroid Tumors for women. I only know because my MIL worked for a group for a couple of years that was really into teaching the rest of the world about their research and what they learned. At the time they were about the only group doing it in Miami - here is some info on what they do now: Fibroid Tumors (http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/interventional/ufibroid-embol.htm) She said it was wonderful to treat women that thought their only alternative was a hysterectomy, when after this treatment they still could think about children, etc. At the time they scheduled women from all over the US for treatment in the Miami office, plus the doctors lectured all over trying to teach other doctors about the procedure over giving a woman a hysterectomy. Okay ... just sharing a tidbit of info I know
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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