Today is Day 22 on the Loestrin24Fe and I'm lightly spotting. Hmmm.
I've read many other women having difficulty with spotting while on this low doasage BCP.
I've made it a point to take it every night at the same time (within half an hour).
I have had a few tinges here and there, but no major pangs or pains.
I'm a bit disappointed. At least I don't have the pain.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tender breasts
Noticed my breasts have been tender. The kind of tender shortly before starting my period.
I'm not supposed to have a period. Why are my breasts so tender?
I'm not supposed to have a period. Why are my breasts so tender?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Funky taste from Loestrin24Fe?
Yeah! I've been feeling pretty darn well since I started the Loestrin24Fe 20 days ago.
I am relieved.
I've had a few pangs here and there, but nothing like before. I can't remember when I've gone 20 straight days without major pain. Oh yes, I can....the year after my laparoscopy when I was taking continuous BCPs.
So, about that funky taste.....I have noticed an occasional funky taste in my mouth ever since I started taking the Loestrin24Fe. Could this be a side effect? It's nothing serious. I don't like the taste but it's not so offensive that I run for the mouthwash either.
The taste comes like how when your sinuses drain and you get the taste in your mouth. (sorry if that was a little gross)
I even started taking some Echinacea/Goldenseal because I thought maybe I was getting a sinus infection. I am not congested, but I have had sinus infections that are towards the back of the sinuses, not near the nasal cavity.
Anyway, I notice the funky taste about once a day, sometimes every other day.
Anyone ever experience this?
I am relieved.
I've had a few pangs here and there, but nothing like before. I can't remember when I've gone 20 straight days without major pain. Oh yes, I can....the year after my laparoscopy when I was taking continuous BCPs.
So, about that funky taste.....I have noticed an occasional funky taste in my mouth ever since I started taking the Loestrin24Fe. Could this be a side effect? It's nothing serious. I don't like the taste but it's not so offensive that I run for the mouthwash either.
The taste comes like how when your sinuses drain and you get the taste in your mouth. (sorry if that was a little gross)
I even started taking some Echinacea/Goldenseal because I thought maybe I was getting a sinus infection. I am not congested, but I have had sinus infections that are towards the back of the sinuses, not near the nasal cavity.
Anyway, I notice the funky taste about once a day, sometimes every other day.
Anyone ever experience this?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
A good day
Hooray! Another good day.
I went to a festival today. I was a bit apprehensive in going as I never seem to know when pain may creep up on me and spoil my plans. Other than my hobbling around because of my pinkie toe injury, I was fine.
I had a good day. Yippee!
Side note on the pinkie toe: the topical anesthetic has been great and The Great Mender Chinese tea pills seem to have been doing their thing. Even though my foot is still very bruised looking, the swelling has come way down and I am able to walk (hobble) not limp. I picked up another bottle of the tea pills today. I want the bruising to dissipate.
I went to a festival today. I was a bit apprehensive in going as I never seem to know when pain may creep up on me and spoil my plans. Other than my hobbling around because of my pinkie toe injury, I was fine.
I had a good day. Yippee!
Side note on the pinkie toe: the topical anesthetic has been great and The Great Mender Chinese tea pills seem to have been doing their thing. Even though my foot is still very bruised looking, the swelling has come way down and I am able to walk (hobble) not limp. I picked up another bottle of the tea pills today. I want the bruising to dissipate.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Mild pain even with Loestrin24Fe
Still another few good days for me. I'm glad and relieved.
Still taking the Loestrin24Fe every night. No problems just yet.
Today, just after I woke up and again later this afternoon, I had that low pain in the center of my belly. It's just above my uterus and it's the same area where in the past I have experienced extreme pain. I didn't need to lay down, but it was definitely in between very uncomfortable and mildly painful. I took a couple of ibuprofen in the late afternoon and in an hour it had subsided.
I'm on the low dosage BCP so what could've caused that? Was it not endo, but something else? or was it endo and this is a window into what my future holds? I suppose I could live with this sort of discomfort if that is what the Loestrin24Fe is doing for me.
I am curious and leery.
Still taking the Loestrin24Fe every night. No problems just yet.
Today, just after I woke up and again later this afternoon, I had that low pain in the center of my belly. It's just above my uterus and it's the same area where in the past I have experienced extreme pain. I didn't need to lay down, but it was definitely in between very uncomfortable and mildly painful. I took a couple of ibuprofen in the late afternoon and in an hour it had subsided.
I'm on the low dosage BCP so what could've caused that? Was it not endo, but something else? or was it endo and this is a window into what my future holds? I suppose I could live with this sort of discomfort if that is what the Loestrin24Fe is doing for me.
I am curious and leery.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A different kind of pain
Endo has been good lately. Hooray!
I have taken Loestrin24Fe for 12 days. No weird side effects. No abdominal pain.
But, my pain level has been pretty high the past 48 hours....why? Because I banged my pinky toe against a box two days ago and OH MY GOD! The PAIN!
After I hit it, my pinky toe was sticking out, not hugging the next toe like usual. I probably didn't break it, but rather tore some ligaments or tendons. That doesn't make it hurt any less.
When I hit that box, I went down, to the ground, from the pain. You know, the kind of pain when you can taste blood in your mouth? Now, THAT'S pain!
Fortunately, I already had an appt with my acupuncturist the next morning, so when I hobbled in, he took a look. He doesn't think it's broken.
He treated it and I could hardly feel the needles go in. It was strangely numb at the surface. The pain was inside. When he heated the needles, my toe gently moved back into the normal position!
AMAZING!
He prescribed me some Chinese herbs to help the healing and a topical anesthetic.
I am still swollen and hobble in pain, but not nearly as much as the morning before my appt.
I love my acupuncturist!
And, my Endo has been calm.
I have taken Loestrin24Fe for 12 days. No weird side effects. No abdominal pain.
But, my pain level has been pretty high the past 48 hours....why? Because I banged my pinky toe against a box two days ago and OH MY GOD! The PAIN!
After I hit it, my pinky toe was sticking out, not hugging the next toe like usual. I probably didn't break it, but rather tore some ligaments or tendons. That doesn't make it hurt any less.
When I hit that box, I went down, to the ground, from the pain. You know, the kind of pain when you can taste blood in your mouth? Now, THAT'S pain!
Fortunately, I already had an appt with my acupuncturist the next morning, so when I hobbled in, he took a look. He doesn't think it's broken.
He treated it and I could hardly feel the needles go in. It was strangely numb at the surface. The pain was inside. When he heated the needles, my toe gently moved back into the normal position!
AMAZING!
He prescribed me some Chinese herbs to help the healing and a topical anesthetic.
I am still swollen and hobble in pain, but not nearly as much as the morning before my appt.
I love my acupuncturist!
And, my Endo has been calm.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A couple more good days :-)
Lucky me!
Friday was a pretty good day. So was Saturday. Today was also pretty good, not perfect, but pretty good.
I checked my calendar to see if anything would easily explain the mild pain I had today.
I started my period on teh 5th so today is 10 days later.
For about 2 hours this afternoon I had painful twinges on my right side (ovary?). On a pain scale of 1-10 it was a 3 to a 4. Fortunately when it hit a 4 it only laster for a minute or so.
What was that? Ovulation? It shouldn't be. I've been taking Loestrin24Fe 9 days.
At least it only lasted a couple of hours and not the entire day.
It was another grateful day.
Friday was a pretty good day. So was Saturday. Today was also pretty good, not perfect, but pretty good.
I checked my calendar to see if anything would easily explain the mild pain I had today.
I started my period on teh 5th so today is 10 days later.
For about 2 hours this afternoon I had painful twinges on my right side (ovary?). On a pain scale of 1-10 it was a 3 to a 4. Fortunately when it hit a 4 it only laster for a minute or so.
What was that? Ovulation? It shouldn't be. I've been taking Loestrin24Fe 9 days.
At least it only lasted a couple of hours and not the entire day.
It was another grateful day.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Today was a GOOD day :-)
I am thankful for today. I was mostly pain-free and am going to bed without pain.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Follow Up: Intestinal Pain
I survived the day. By late morning I was feeling much better. Oddly, by nightfall, minor cramping began again. I forgo a normal dinner. It's hard to eat when you feel like your intestines are angry at you.
Just now, I came across this excellent link regarding Intestinal Endometriosis (it's not IBS). I have mentioned Dr. David Redwine in Bend, OR before and sure enough, here's another article: http://www.endo-resolved.com/intestinal_endometriosis.html
While I am hopeful about taking the Loestrin24Fe continuously, my instinct tells me I may be heading to Bend, OR in the not-too-distant future.
Just now, I came across this excellent link regarding Intestinal Endometriosis (it's not IBS). I have mentioned Dr. David Redwine in Bend, OR before and sure enough, here's another article: http://www.endo-resolved.com/intestinal_endometriosis.html
While I am hopeful about taking the Loestrin24Fe continuously, my instinct tells me I may be heading to Bend, OR in the not-too-distant future.
Painful gas
OK, I said it.
This is not a topic I speak of comfortably, nor is it comfortable.
This morning I am still experiencing sharp, pain in my abdomen. I'm pretty sure it's gas as some has worked it way through. Much is still inside and it's painful. I look bloated. I feel drained. Barely touching my belly is tender. The pain started yesterday afternoon around 2:30pm just after I ate a sandwich. I wasn't feeling 100% before I ate, but after I ate, things quicky became worse. By bedtime I was curled up in a fetal position.
This is a huge problem with Endo. Is this painful symptom related to Endo? Is it IBS? Is it just something I ate? Did I not eat enough fiber? Did I eat too much fiber? Is it undigested sugars? or it is simply Endo?
More than a decade ago, I sought answers for my gassiness and bloating pain. My GP tried several different prescriptions, none of which worked. He ran a number of tests that resulted in, "There absolutely nothing wrong. Everything is normal." I then sought help from my OB/GYN who refered me to a gastrointestinal specialist. I endured invasive and uncomfortable tests only to be told once again, "There absolutely nothing wrong. Everything is normal." Etched in my memory is when laying on the table upon finishing my Upper G.I. Barium Test the Radiologist snipped, "Why are you here? There's nothing wrong with you. Everything is normal." I was so taken aback. I tried to explain my pain and he just shrugged it off. What's worse is that just as I arrived home, I experienced the worst diarhea ever. I had to call my boss and embarrassingly explain how a non-invasive 3 hour test resulted in uncontrolable diarhea. Yes, Endo is not only physically painful, but it is also emotionally painful.
Footnotes:
Upper G.I. Barium Test (aka Upper G.I. Series), "A test done in an office or in a hospital radiology department. Performed while sitting or standing up, your heart, lungs, and abdomen are examined with a fluoroscope (a type of x-ray that projects images onto a monitor).
To begin the test, you drink 16 - 20 oz. of a chalky milkshake (barium mixture).
The passage of the barium through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine is monitored on the fluoroscope. Pictures are taken with you in a variety of positions. The test usually takes around three hours. However, in some cases, it may take up to 6 hours to complete.")
Colonoscopy, "A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the entire length of the colon (approximately five feet) for abnormalities. This procedure is done by inserting a thin, flexible tube into the anus and advancing it slowing into the rectum and colon. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia."
This is not a topic I speak of comfortably, nor is it comfortable.
This morning I am still experiencing sharp, pain in my abdomen. I'm pretty sure it's gas as some has worked it way through. Much is still inside and it's painful. I look bloated. I feel drained. Barely touching my belly is tender. The pain started yesterday afternoon around 2:30pm just after I ate a sandwich. I wasn't feeling 100% before I ate, but after I ate, things quicky became worse. By bedtime I was curled up in a fetal position.
This is a huge problem with Endo. Is this painful symptom related to Endo? Is it IBS? Is it just something I ate? Did I not eat enough fiber? Did I eat too much fiber? Is it undigested sugars? or it is simply Endo?
More than a decade ago, I sought answers for my gassiness and bloating pain. My GP tried several different prescriptions, none of which worked. He ran a number of tests that resulted in, "There absolutely nothing wrong. Everything is normal." I then sought help from my OB/GYN who refered me to a gastrointestinal specialist. I endured invasive and uncomfortable tests only to be told once again, "There absolutely nothing wrong. Everything is normal." Etched in my memory is when laying on the table upon finishing my Upper G.I. Barium Test the Radiologist snipped, "Why are you here? There's nothing wrong with you. Everything is normal." I was so taken aback. I tried to explain my pain and he just shrugged it off. What's worse is that just as I arrived home, I experienced the worst diarhea ever. I had to call my boss and embarrassingly explain how a non-invasive 3 hour test resulted in uncontrolable diarhea. Yes, Endo is not only physically painful, but it is also emotionally painful.
Footnotes:
Upper G.I. Barium Test (aka Upper G.I. Series), "A test done in an office or in a hospital radiology department. Performed while sitting or standing up, your heart, lungs, and abdomen are examined with a fluoroscope (a type of x-ray that projects images onto a monitor).
To begin the test, you drink 16 - 20 oz. of a chalky milkshake (barium mixture).
The passage of the barium through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine is monitored on the fluoroscope. Pictures are taken with you in a variety of positions. The test usually takes around three hours. However, in some cases, it may take up to 6 hours to complete.")
Colonoscopy, "A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the entire length of the colon (approximately five feet) for abnormalities. This procedure is done by inserting a thin, flexible tube into the anus and advancing it slowing into the rectum and colon. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia."
Monday, February 9, 2009
Day 3 on Loestrin24Fe
So far so good!
I am a bit relieved to not have had any crazy or outrageous side effects so far.
I know it's only been 3 full days that the BCP has been in my system, but after all my crazy episodes of pain, cramps, gassiness, bloating and general feeling of crappiness, I was a bit apprehensive after reading so many women who report disturbing side effects.
I started taking the Loestrin24Fe the day after I started my period. Yeah, I know "they say" to start BCPs the Sunday after your period, but I couldn't find any information out there explaining a medical reason as to why. Since I am supposed to take it continuously, what's the difference?
My period was super-crazy-heavy Day 1, 2 and 3. I even took an iron supplement yesterday. I was feeling a bid drained even though the pain had subsided. I can't believe how many tampons I go through the first few days of my period. I feel like I can't even leave the house! I wore three different pairs of pants on Day 2. Not fun. I get so depressed when I leak through. I know it's not my fault, nor can I control it, but I really get depressed when it happens. I also missed going swimming last weekend. That really bums me out. I never going swimming the first few days as that's akin to being "shark bait." Thanks, but no thanks!
Today is Day 5 and the bleeding is minimal and I'm not feeling depressed. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
So, now I guess I just have to wait and see what happens.
Will the Loestrin24Fe do crazy things to me or mess me up? Or will it become my miracle drug?
I'll probably know in a week. Usually a week or so after my period, I get some pretty bad pains (ovulation?) so since I'm on this BCP, perhaps I won't? that's the theory anyway.
I watched the first Lady, Michelle Obama, this morning as she addressed the Dept of Interior. While I listened to her graciousness and poise, I wondered if she suffered from endometriosis. I bet if she did, she would make it a huge priority in supporting a health care policy.
I wish I could help myself and then help others. No one should have to live through this kind of pain and disruption from normalcy. No one.
I am a bit relieved to not have had any crazy or outrageous side effects so far.
I know it's only been 3 full days that the BCP has been in my system, but after all my crazy episodes of pain, cramps, gassiness, bloating and general feeling of crappiness, I was a bit apprehensive after reading so many women who report disturbing side effects.
I started taking the Loestrin24Fe the day after I started my period. Yeah, I know "they say" to start BCPs the Sunday after your period, but I couldn't find any information out there explaining a medical reason as to why. Since I am supposed to take it continuously, what's the difference?
My period was super-crazy-heavy Day 1, 2 and 3. I even took an iron supplement yesterday. I was feeling a bid drained even though the pain had subsided. I can't believe how many tampons I go through the first few days of my period. I feel like I can't even leave the house! I wore three different pairs of pants on Day 2. Not fun. I get so depressed when I leak through. I know it's not my fault, nor can I control it, but I really get depressed when it happens. I also missed going swimming last weekend. That really bums me out. I never going swimming the first few days as that's akin to being "shark bait." Thanks, but no thanks!
Today is Day 5 and the bleeding is minimal and I'm not feeling depressed. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
So, now I guess I just have to wait and see what happens.
Will the Loestrin24Fe do crazy things to me or mess me up? Or will it become my miracle drug?
I'll probably know in a week. Usually a week or so after my period, I get some pretty bad pains (ovulation?) so since I'm on this BCP, perhaps I won't? that's the theory anyway.
I watched the first Lady, Michelle Obama, this morning as she addressed the Dept of Interior. While I listened to her graciousness and poise, I wondered if she suffered from endometriosis. I bet if she did, she would make it a huge priority in supporting a health care policy.
I wish I could help myself and then help others. No one should have to live through this kind of pain and disruption from normalcy. No one.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
I took my 1st Loestrin24Fe
It was late last night and I was feeling pretty crappy, or should I say "crampy."
I took my first dosage of the Loestrin24Fe. I am a bit leary of it, but then I have been feeling pretty badly on and off for several months now...so what's the difference? Right?
I hope I'm right.
I slept hard and when I woke up this morning I was mildly cramping and my uterus and bowels were gurgling. Ugh!
I made a pot of tea and tried to get some computer work done. By 1oam I was laying down again. The cramps were sooo strong! Then I took an Ibuprofen 800mg. When I sat up for more than a few minutes the strong cramps would begin again. It's been a painful day.
I got off the couch to do a bit of work (billing = $$ so I have a hard time staying away from my computer). Now that I'm done, it's back to the couch.
I noticed I'm not very hungry today. I wasn't very hungry yesterday either. I had some chocolate in the evening but only to satisfy a sweet tooth, not because I was that hungry. I did notice I'm drinking a lot of water. That is always good for the system.
Today I drank my pot of Earl Grey and am having a Yoplait. I feel tired and wonder if my not eating is my lack of energy to prepare a meal.
That reminds me, I need to take another Tablespoon of the Tang Kwei Gin. I'm supposed to take 3 Tablespoons/day.
Maybe I'll watch a movie and see if I'm up for making dinner afterwards.
I took my first dosage of the Loestrin24Fe. I am a bit leary of it, but then I have been feeling pretty badly on and off for several months now...so what's the difference? Right?
I hope I'm right.
I slept hard and when I woke up this morning I was mildly cramping and my uterus and bowels were gurgling. Ugh!
I made a pot of tea and tried to get some computer work done. By 1oam I was laying down again. The cramps were sooo strong! Then I took an Ibuprofen 800mg. When I sat up for more than a few minutes the strong cramps would begin again. It's been a painful day.
I got off the couch to do a bit of work (billing = $$ so I have a hard time staying away from my computer). Now that I'm done, it's back to the couch.
I noticed I'm not very hungry today. I wasn't very hungry yesterday either. I had some chocolate in the evening but only to satisfy a sweet tooth, not because I was that hungry. I did notice I'm drinking a lot of water. That is always good for the system.
Today I drank my pot of Earl Grey and am having a Yoplait. I feel tired and wonder if my not eating is my lack of energy to prepare a meal.
That reminds me, I need to take another Tablespoon of the Tang Kwei Gin. I'm supposed to take 3 Tablespoons/day.
Maybe I'll watch a movie and see if I'm up for making dinner afterwards.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Loestrin24Fe: Is it Good, Bad, or Worse?
Before taking the Loestrin24Fe I wanted to research it online, check blogs and forums, and read medical websites.
I am finding a plethora of negative posts regarding awful side effects including depression, extreme mood swings, weight gain, break-through bleeding, extended periods, sleep issues and decreased libido.
I have also found a few who say they experienced no side effects or didn't experience side effects until the 3rd month, the 5th month or the 12th month.
Does the benefit outweigh the negative side effects?
I am already overweight by 15 -20 pounds. Gaining weight now would not be a good thing.
When I am heavier, I have back problems and knee pain. Keeping my weight within reason keeps those pains at bay. I do not believe in taking pain medication when weight is the cause of the pain.
To me, you treat the cause of the symptoms, not treat the effect of the cause.
Back to this Loestrin24Fe: I haven't completely decided on whether or not to start taking it tonight*.
I will look on the web a bit more and see if I can find more positive comments about it. It's much more common for people to share something negative than to seeks blogs and forums to share something positive. Personally, I try to do both.
Of course, perhaps the reason there isn't that much positive info is because it's a relatively bad BCP.
* Why not wait until Sunday? Why do the instructions always say to start on "the Sunday after your period"? I searched the web high and low and the best answer I could find after reading through all the different opinions is that women are too dumb to remember what day of the week they started their pill so making the standard a Sunday, which is the first day of the week on a calendar, is the best way to ensure they don't miss a dose. Well, screw that. I'm an intelligent human being and if I decide to start my BCP on a Friday I am confident I will remember to take the proper dose. Besides, my doctor recommended to take the BCP continuously which means it doesn't matter which day I start taking it. Duh!
The PAP and the Ultrasound
Started my period yesterday...AT the OB/GYN! How untimely!
My appt was for 10am. I started to feel a little crampy driving to the office. I just figured it was my damn endo rearing it's ugly head just as I'm to be examined, which isn't the most comfortable experience anyway.
I gave my urine sample and the nurse said it tested positive for urinary tract infection. Now, I've had my fair share of bladder infections and I was not experiencing any of the normal symptoms (frequent urination, pain upon urination, burning sensation, etc.). She said that's what the test showed and then asked if I normally wipe from front to back as if I didn't it can give a false reading. Yes, I wipe from front to back and I also use baby wipes on a regular basis. I'm kind of a clean freak when it comes to my vagina, but I don't go overboard.
Mr. Doctor comes in and says my white blood cell count was high and there is a little blood in my urine. BLOOD in my urine?? I'm thinking, "Ok, no sense to panic. Endo is my problem, not kidney stuff." I told Mr. Doctor that I was surprised at the possibility of an urinary tract infection because I wasn't experiencing any symptoms.
He asked how I was feeling and I told him "not so good."
He said, "Perhaps you are beginning your cycle."
I said, "That would be odd because it's only been 3 weeks and I've been 28-45 days."
He said, "Three weeks is normal, so perhaps."
(When I got home, I rechecked my notes. My last P was 1/19/09, 17 days ago. That is NOT 3 weeks, nor is it normal. Ugh!)
He talks to me about my pain symptoms and tells me that from what I've told him and my previous visits I most likely have endo. He said there are a few options:
- Low dosage BCPs
- Progestin (depoprovera or similar)
- Lupron
- Laparacopy with no guarantees
- Hysterectomy with full guarantee
(I kept much of my opinions to myself and let him talk. I recall the last time I discussed mammogram options with him, he poo-pooed my radiation concerns and wasn't too interested to discuss alternatives like ultrasound or thermography.)
He recommended trying low dosage BCPs first and he would give me a few sample packs to try it. He said I might want to consider progestin, but I balked at that because I have a close friend who had too many side effects from it. I do NOT want to grow hair on my chest or grow a beard. Thanks, but no thanks! He said the laparoscopy is expensive (no insurance) and there are no guarantees because, "Once you have endo you always have endo. It will always come back. Whether you burn it or remove it, it will return." Finally, he said while a hysterectomy will guarantee to stop endo, he didn't recommend it and would only consider it as a last option.
Needless to say, I was not overly impressed with Mr. Doctor. After you read Dr. Redwine's numerous articles and papers and his patient's numeorus positive comments, it's hard to listen to Mr. Doctor. Dr. Redwine cures endo by excising it via laparoscopic excision. And, technically that is a cure. I have read online that there are two other doctors who have earned positive reputations when it comes to endo treatment. They are Dr. Cook and Dr. Davis.
So then he starts the exam and SURE ENOUGH I am having my period! Crap! He shows me the clots on the tip of the cotton swab. Nice timing, eh?
He then performs the pelvic ultrasound <no charge, thank you very much :-) > and everything looks normal. He tells me it's not usual to detect endo with an ultrasound unless there are large lesions but it is good to rule out any fibroids or cysts.
He gives me 3 boxes of Loestrin24Fe and tells me to start taking the white pills on Sunday and take one every day and when I get to the brown pills throw them away and take a while pill from the next pack. He wants me on continuous BCPs to keep from having a period, which is supposed to stop the endo symptoms.
He cheerfully tells me to hang in there and that he can almost guarantee that after a month or two, I will feel 100% better and have forgotten about the previous pains.
Hmmm....
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Love my acupuncturist!
I had my acupuncture appointment yesterday afternoon.
I always feel so much better after acupuncture.
Not only is he good at acupuncture, he is an expert on Chinese herbs and he is caring and easy to talk with.
I am thankful I found him and he is a vital component of my health care.
He currently has me taking Tang Kwei Gin (Dang Gui Gin) 3x/day. It is a blood tonic to tonify Chi (Qi) and Blood and is especially helpful for anemia and fatigue.
He reminded me to take Xiao Yao Wan (Free & Easy Wanderer) a week to week and a half before my next period or when I have an episode like last Friday night. It will help ease pre-mentrual blood stagnation and blockage (aka cramps and bloating). I can't believe I forgot about those pills. Duh.
I always feel so much better after acupuncture.
Not only is he good at acupuncture, he is an expert on Chinese herbs and he is caring and easy to talk with.
I am thankful I found him and he is a vital component of my health care.
He currently has me taking Tang Kwei Gin (Dang Gui Gin) 3x/day. It is a blood tonic to tonify Chi (Qi) and Blood and is especially helpful for anemia and fatigue.
He reminded me to take Xiao Yao Wan (Free & Easy Wanderer) a week to week and a half before my next period or when I have an episode like last Friday night. It will help ease pre-mentrual blood stagnation and blockage (aka cramps and bloating). I can't believe I forgot about those pills. Duh.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Records copy/forwarding
The doctor's office, where my old laparoscopy records are located, called this afternoon.
The girl was very nice and apologized for having to notify me that since my records are so old (2002) they will need to collect a $25 fee to retrieve them from storage.
Of course, I was expecting this as I haven't seen the doctor since late 2002 and she knew I was moving out of the country the next month.
I gave her my credit card number and she said she was filling out the requisition form right away. She also said that they would like to send my records copy to me instead of Dr. Redwine because medical records are usually destroyed after 10 yrs and if I have them, then I can make a copy to give to the doctor and ensure my only copy is not destroyed.
I think that is a good policy.
I should receive my records within 2 weeks.
The girl was very nice and apologized for having to notify me that since my records are so old (2002) they will need to collect a $25 fee to retrieve them from storage.
Of course, I was expecting this as I haven't seen the doctor since late 2002 and she knew I was moving out of the country the next month.
I gave her my credit card number and she said she was filling out the requisition form right away. She also said that they would like to send my records copy to me instead of Dr. Redwine because medical records are usually destroyed after 10 yrs and if I have them, then I can make a copy to give to the doctor and ensure my only copy is not destroyed.
I think that is a good policy.
I should receive my records within 2 weeks.
Monday, February 2, 2009
My To-Do List
This morning I called Dr. David B. Redwine in Bend, OR. I spoke with Alayna and asked which records would be most helpful as I was going to make an appt for my 'annual' pap with my local OB/GYN. She said that the pap wouldn't really be helpful regarding the records review process for endo, but the chart notes for my pelvic exam would be, especially if I experience any pain during the exam. The ultrasound wouldn't be helpful in regard to endo, but would be as far as ruling out cysts or tumors or ?. Any previous records of pelvic exams will be helpful and the operating report from my lap in 2002 and the pathology report (if there is one). She was very nice and I felt comfortable speaking with her.
I called my local OB/GYN and made my appt for Thursday. I will have my pap and also an ultrasound. They didn't even give me a hard time for requesting it. I was surprised. My previous experiences with Western Medicine are pretty consistent with the doctor's office not wanting to combine appts or take my word because they want to see me first, then decide (usually another appt...maybe that's an insurance thing?). I was relieved that my phone call wasn't met with resistance. The pap is ~$50-$80 plus $28 lab fee and the ultrasound is ~$130. It will be an expensive day for me, but worth it (I hope).
I called my acupuncturist and made an appt for Wednesday afternoon.
I also called my previous OB/GYN who did the laparoscopy in 2002 to let them know I needed to request a copy of my records and make sure I was following their guidelines. I faxed the completed form that I got from Dr. Redwine's website (http://www.endometriosissurgeon.com/ )this afternoon. It might cost up to $25 depending on how much information needs to be copied. They said that if there isn't much to copy/forward that they usually don't charge for records forwarding. I thought that was a pretty cool policy.
Today, I accomplished a lot and my pain was minimal. I did feel a couple of strange sensations in my uterus this afternoon. Also, I had to urinate this afternoon while sitting at my desk and noticed that the longer I waited, the uterine sensation became stronger. That reminded me of all the times I've had to urinate but was unable to get to a restroom and how the pain in my lower abdomen gets really strong until I can get to a restroom. SIDE NOTE: I miss living in Mexico where I could pee almost anytime, whenever I needed, wherever I needed. (Pulling off the side of a road and peeing has it's advantages!)
I hope tomorrow is another relatively pain-free day.
I called my local OB/GYN and made my appt for Thursday. I will have my pap and also an ultrasound. They didn't even give me a hard time for requesting it. I was surprised. My previous experiences with Western Medicine are pretty consistent with the doctor's office not wanting to combine appts or take my word because they want to see me first, then decide (usually another appt...maybe that's an insurance thing?). I was relieved that my phone call wasn't met with resistance. The pap is ~$50-$80 plus $28 lab fee and the ultrasound is ~$130. It will be an expensive day for me, but worth it (I hope).
I called my acupuncturist and made an appt for Wednesday afternoon.
I also called my previous OB/GYN who did the laparoscopy in 2002 to let them know I needed to request a copy of my records and make sure I was following their guidelines. I faxed the completed form that I got from Dr. Redwine's website (http://www.endometriosissurgeon.com/ )this afternoon. It might cost up to $25 depending on how much information needs to be copied. They said that if there isn't much to copy/forward that they usually don't charge for records forwarding. I thought that was a pretty cool policy.
Today, I accomplished a lot and my pain was minimal. I did feel a couple of strange sensations in my uterus this afternoon. Also, I had to urinate this afternoon while sitting at my desk and noticed that the longer I waited, the uterine sensation became stronger. That reminded me of all the times I've had to urinate but was unable to get to a restroom and how the pain in my lower abdomen gets really strong until I can get to a restroom. SIDE NOTE: I miss living in Mexico where I could pee almost anytime, whenever I needed, wherever I needed. (Pulling off the side of a road and peeing has it's advantages!)
I hope tomorrow is another relatively pain-free day.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Endo and Me
Aloha,
I am 42 yrs old and live in Hawaii. I have endometriosis and it negatively affects the quality of my life.
I am pretty certain my endo is back, and with vengeance.
I had laparoscopy in 2002 (when I was 36) and at my doctor's recommendation took continuous BCPs for 12 months after my surgery. I went off the BCP's to allow myself one period and then started taking BCPs normally. After another year, I stopped taking BCPs altogether. Today, I wish I never stopped them.
Last Thursday and Friday I experienced many levels of pain, culminating last night at a party. I had to come home. I thought I would faint the pain was so intense.
Tomorrow (today is Sunday), I will call the OB/GYN office for an appointment for my annual pap and also request an ultrasound.
I am having trouble facing my denial that it came back and what I have to face now going forward. After all the drugs, invasive tests and pain I endured prior to being properly diagnosed the first time, I am extremely emotional about heading down this path once again.
I no longer have a 'job' (I'm self-employed) and haven't had insurance since 2003.
I can't afford insurance, but I am not a big fan of insurance companies anyway.
The symptoms started up about a year after stopping the BCPs. Each month got a bit more painful. One summer evening July 2007, we went to a Bon Festival temple service. I was already feeling some pain. While sitting in the temple, the pain shot from a Level 6 to a 12 (10 being highest) and I could barely get up to leave. I somehow made it to the car and lay down in the back. We drove home and within 20 minutes the pain was subsiding. The next day I searched the internet for possible answers.
What I found was really frustrating. First, that it was probably my endo returning. Second, that laparoscopy was the generally acceptable method of treatment. Third, the never ending reminder that I have no health insurance and will have to pay for whatever I decide.
At that time I had some savings, now I do not.
I looked into alternative therapies and came across discussions about using acupuncture as a treatment method. I had recently completed treatments for my lower back (L4-L5, L5-S1) and am grateful to my acupuncturist for his healing. I called him and set an appt. Because some of my symptoms emulated prolapse, he started treating for for that. He adjusted my treatments as necessary and by 2008 I was near symptom free!
I weaned off treatments down to once per month and then stopped last Sept. I would have continued, but the economy was already slowing down and money was getting tight. My savings was gone, but my back is no longer inhibiting me from exercise and being active.
After a couple of months of no treatments, my pain symptoms returned and have gotten stronger and stronger.
My current searches on the internet reveal 1,000s more resources and information than I found back in 2002. I am finding the recommended treatments for endometriosis are laparoscopic excision, hormonal drugs, pain meds and alternative options like acupuncture, homeopathy, nutritional modification and immune therapy.
I discussed these options with my acupuncturist. I told him my fear of hormone therapy, not having all my organs, invasive surgery, etc. He said that hormone therapy is not an absolute and many women don't take hormones after hysterectomy or menopause. He said the body can adjust, naturally. Since I do not want to become pregnant and I should be menopausal within 10 yrs anyway, he suggested that if I do have serious endo or worse, some kind of growth, that I might want to consider a hysterectomy. He also suggested I get an ultrasound when I have my pap. He wants to rule out the possibility of a tumor or any other type of growth. When I had an ultrasound in 2002, it showed possible endometriosis.
So, here I am. Tired, frustrated, scared, worried, and confused about what to do.
Now it is the end of the day. I am not in pain. Maybe I will swim in the ocean tomorrow, now that I'm feeling better.
Pain/Symptoms
I take liquid calcium with magnesium everyday to help regulate my BMs but even when I'm the most regular, the symptoms remain.
I do not take pain meds, over the counter or otherwise. I try to maintain a drug-free and holistic life.
I do find that laying on my side for 15-30 minutes sometimes relieves the pain, but when I sit up or stand up, the pain comes back within 15 minutes.
I am 42 yrs old and live in Hawaii. I have endometriosis and it negatively affects the quality of my life.
I am pretty certain my endo is back, and with vengeance.
I had laparoscopy in 2002 (when I was 36) and at my doctor's recommendation took continuous BCPs for 12 months after my surgery. I went off the BCP's to allow myself one period and then started taking BCPs normally. After another year, I stopped taking BCPs altogether. Today, I wish I never stopped them.
Last Thursday and Friday I experienced many levels of pain, culminating last night at a party. I had to come home. I thought I would faint the pain was so intense.
Tomorrow (today is Sunday), I will call the OB/GYN office for an appointment for my annual pap and also request an ultrasound.
I am having trouble facing my denial that it came back and what I have to face now going forward. After all the drugs, invasive tests and pain I endured prior to being properly diagnosed the first time, I am extremely emotional about heading down this path once again.
I no longer have a 'job' (I'm self-employed) and haven't had insurance since 2003.
I can't afford insurance, but I am not a big fan of insurance companies anyway.
The symptoms started up about a year after stopping the BCPs. Each month got a bit more painful. One summer evening July 2007, we went to a Bon Festival temple service. I was already feeling some pain. While sitting in the temple, the pain shot from a Level 6 to a 12 (10 being highest) and I could barely get up to leave. I somehow made it to the car and lay down in the back. We drove home and within 20 minutes the pain was subsiding. The next day I searched the internet for possible answers.
What I found was really frustrating. First, that it was probably my endo returning. Second, that laparoscopy was the generally acceptable method of treatment. Third, the never ending reminder that I have no health insurance and will have to pay for whatever I decide.
At that time I had some savings, now I do not.
I looked into alternative therapies and came across discussions about using acupuncture as a treatment method. I had recently completed treatments for my lower back (L4-L5, L5-S1) and am grateful to my acupuncturist for his healing. I called him and set an appt. Because some of my symptoms emulated prolapse, he started treating for for that. He adjusted my treatments as necessary and by 2008 I was near symptom free!
I weaned off treatments down to once per month and then stopped last Sept. I would have continued, but the economy was already slowing down and money was getting tight. My savings was gone, but my back is no longer inhibiting me from exercise and being active.
After a couple of months of no treatments, my pain symptoms returned and have gotten stronger and stronger.
My current searches on the internet reveal 1,000s more resources and information than I found back in 2002. I am finding the recommended treatments for endometriosis are laparoscopic excision, hormonal drugs, pain meds and alternative options like acupuncture, homeopathy, nutritional modification and immune therapy.
I discussed these options with my acupuncturist. I told him my fear of hormone therapy, not having all my organs, invasive surgery, etc. He said that hormone therapy is not an absolute and many women don't take hormones after hysterectomy or menopause. He said the body can adjust, naturally. Since I do not want to become pregnant and I should be menopausal within 10 yrs anyway, he suggested that if I do have serious endo or worse, some kind of growth, that I might want to consider a hysterectomy. He also suggested I get an ultrasound when I have my pap. He wants to rule out the possibility of a tumor or any other type of growth. When I had an ultrasound in 2002, it showed possible endometriosis.
So, here I am. Tired, frustrated, scared, worried, and confused about what to do.
Now it is the end of the day. I am not in pain. Maybe I will swim in the ocean tomorrow, now that I'm feeling better.
Pain/Symptoms
- Heavy, painful pressure in my gut area
- Rumbling and painful gassiness from below my stomach, down through my intestines
- Painful and irregular bowel movements
- Ovarian pain upon sneezing
- Painful gas
- Abdominal pain when I need to urinate, but can't get to a restroom
- Abdominal tenderness
- Headache on the left frontal lobe a day or two before my period
- Occasional sharp dagger-like pain from my rectum, shooting upward into my body
- Shallow breath due to the abdominal pain
- Sharp cramping before and during my period
- Heavy flow during my period
- Irregular cycle (20-45 days)
- Tender scalp before my flow and during ovulation
I take liquid calcium with magnesium everyday to help regulate my BMs but even when I'm the most regular, the symptoms remain.
I do not take pain meds, over the counter or otherwise. I try to maintain a drug-free and holistic life.
I do find that laying on my side for 15-30 minutes sometimes relieves the pain, but when I sit up or stand up, the pain comes back within 15 minutes.
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