endometriosis and CF

fondreflections

New member
Joy,

Do you remember the Stage of your endometriosis? There are four stages. The fourth stage is the worst.

Here are my random thoughts on your situation...

I'm thinking that you had maybe Stage 1 or 2 endo when you conceived your daughter. That is why you were able to become pregnant without even trying. During pregnancy, endo 'shrinks' because your body is suppressing the same hormones that induce monthly periods. Without monthly periods, endo 'shrinks'. However once the birth of a baby, the endo starts 'growing' again and sometimes at a more alarming rate.

I don't know what your grade of endo is now, but I would get a lap. A lap 'removes' the endo. Sometimes if doctors can't remove it all, you end up on Lupron or birth control pills afterwards for a few months anyway. However, you have a much higher rate of success for a much longer time frame.

If you have Stage 3 or 4 endo (for example), 'shrinking' the endo would not be enough. Even if you have Stage 2 endo, it may be located in a very bad place. Thus, a lap is the best route to take to restore fertility.

I have waited 3 years for this lap!!! Mind you, I have increased possible complications which led to me putting it off. Plus, no doctor really wanted to touch me. But I 'wasted' 3 years!!! I'm not really familiar with IUDs, but I'm guessing you started TTC in January or February. So waiting until August is reasonable. After that point, you have to decide.

Like you and I both know, if you take Lupron or the pill, you have to wait for quite awhile. Then, what if you can't get pregnant? You'll feel like you wasted time...I know that feeling all to well. Then, you will most likely end up with a lap anyway. I would most likely try until August and then get a lap rather than just start medication. That's just my take on it. I wouldn't want to lose more time.

With an IUD, do you still get periods??? I have no idea. Do IUDs suppress the 'growth' of endo? If so, maybe TTC until August will work. If not, you may have a problem. That is something I would surely ask you doctor. <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 

fondreflections

New member
Joy,

Do you remember the Stage of your endometriosis? There are four stages. The fourth stage is the worst.

Here are my random thoughts on your situation...

I'm thinking that you had maybe Stage 1 or 2 endo when you conceived your daughter. That is why you were able to become pregnant without even trying. During pregnancy, endo 'shrinks' because your body is suppressing the same hormones that induce monthly periods. Without monthly periods, endo 'shrinks'. However once the birth of a baby, the endo starts 'growing' again and sometimes at a more alarming rate.

I don't know what your grade of endo is now, but I would get a lap. A lap 'removes' the endo. Sometimes if doctors can't remove it all, you end up on Lupron or birth control pills afterwards for a few months anyway. However, you have a much higher rate of success for a much longer time frame.

If you have Stage 3 or 4 endo (for example), 'shrinking' the endo would not be enough. Even if you have Stage 2 endo, it may be located in a very bad place. Thus, a lap is the best route to take to restore fertility.

I have waited 3 years for this lap!!! Mind you, I have increased possible complications which led to me putting it off. Plus, no doctor really wanted to touch me. But I 'wasted' 3 years!!! I'm not really familiar with IUDs, but I'm guessing you started TTC in January or February. So waiting until August is reasonable. After that point, you have to decide.

Like you and I both know, if you take Lupron or the pill, you have to wait for quite awhile. Then, what if you can't get pregnant? You'll feel like you wasted time...I know that feeling all to well. Then, you will most likely end up with a lap anyway. I would most likely try until August and then get a lap rather than just start medication. That's just my take on it. I wouldn't want to lose more time.

With an IUD, do you still get periods??? I have no idea. Do IUDs suppress the 'growth' of endo? If so, maybe TTC until August will work. If not, you may have a problem. That is something I would surely ask you doctor. <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 

fondreflections

New member
Joy,

Do you remember the Stage of your endometriosis? There are four stages. The fourth stage is the worst.

Here are my random thoughts on your situation...

I'm thinking that you had maybe Stage 1 or 2 endo when you conceived your daughter. That is why you were able to become pregnant without even trying. During pregnancy, endo 'shrinks' because your body is suppressing the same hormones that induce monthly periods. Without monthly periods, endo 'shrinks'. However once the birth of a baby, the endo starts 'growing' again and sometimes at a more alarming rate.

I don't know what your grade of endo is now, but I would get a lap. A lap 'removes' the endo. Sometimes if doctors can't remove it all, you end up on Lupron or birth control pills afterwards for a few months anyway. However, you have a much higher rate of success for a much longer time frame.

If you have Stage 3 or 4 endo (for example), 'shrinking' the endo would not be enough. Even if you have Stage 2 endo, it may be located in a very bad place. Thus, a lap is the best route to take to restore fertility.

I have waited 3 years for this lap!!! Mind you, I have increased possible complications which led to me putting it off. Plus, no doctor really wanted to touch me. But I 'wasted' 3 years!!! I'm not really familiar with IUDs, but I'm guessing you started TTC in January or February. So waiting until August is reasonable. After that point, you have to decide.

Like you and I both know, if you take Lupron or the pill, you have to wait for quite awhile. Then, what if you can't get pregnant? You'll feel like you wasted time...I know that feeling all to well. Then, you will most likely end up with a lap anyway. I would most likely try until August and then get a lap rather than just start medication. That's just my take on it. I wouldn't want to lose more time.

With an IUD, do you still get periods??? I have no idea. Do IUDs suppress the 'growth' of endo? If so, maybe TTC until August will work. If not, you may have a problem. That is something I would surely ask you doctor. <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 

fondreflections

New member
Joy,

Do you remember the Stage of your endometriosis? There are four stages. The fourth stage is the worst.

Here are my random thoughts on your situation...

I'm thinking that you had maybe Stage 1 or 2 endo when you conceived your daughter. That is why you were able to become pregnant without even trying. During pregnancy, endo 'shrinks' because your body is suppressing the same hormones that induce monthly periods. Without monthly periods, endo 'shrinks'. However once the birth of a baby, the endo starts 'growing' again and sometimes at a more alarming rate.

I don't know what your grade of endo is now, but I would get a lap. A lap 'removes' the endo. Sometimes if doctors can't remove it all, you end up on Lupron or birth control pills afterwards for a few months anyway. However, you have a much higher rate of success for a much longer time frame.

If you have Stage 3 or 4 endo (for example), 'shrinking' the endo would not be enough. Even if you have Stage 2 endo, it may be located in a very bad place. Thus, a lap is the best route to take to restore fertility.

I have waited 3 years for this lap!!! Mind you, I have increased possible complications which led to me putting it off. Plus, no doctor really wanted to touch me. But I 'wasted' 3 years!!! I'm not really familiar with IUDs, but I'm guessing you started TTC in January or February. So waiting until August is reasonable. After that point, you have to decide.

Like you and I both know, if you take Lupron or the pill, you have to wait for quite awhile. Then, what if you can't get pregnant? You'll feel like you wasted time...I know that feeling all to well. Then, you will most likely end up with a lap anyway. I would most likely try until August and then get a lap rather than just start medication. That's just my take on it. I wouldn't want to lose more time.

With an IUD, do you still get periods??? I have no idea. Do IUDs suppress the 'growth' of endo? If so, maybe TTC until August will work. If not, you may have a problem. That is something I would surely ask you doctor. <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 

fondreflections

New member
Joy,
<br />
<br />Do you remember the Stage of your endometriosis? There are four stages. The fourth stage is the worst.
<br />
<br />Here are my random thoughts on your situation...
<br />
<br />I'm thinking that you had maybe Stage 1 or 2 endo when you conceived your daughter. That is why you were able to become pregnant without even trying. During pregnancy, endo 'shrinks' because your body is suppressing the same hormones that induce monthly periods. Without monthly periods, endo 'shrinks'. However once the birth of a baby, the endo starts 'growing' again and sometimes at a more alarming rate.
<br />
<br />I don't know what your grade of endo is now, but I would get a lap. A lap 'removes' the endo. Sometimes if doctors can't remove it all, you end up on Lupron or birth control pills afterwards for a few months anyway. However, you have a much higher rate of success for a much longer time frame.
<br />
<br />If you have Stage 3 or 4 endo (for example), 'shrinking' the endo would not be enough. Even if you have Stage 2 endo, it may be located in a very bad place. Thus, a lap is the best route to take to restore fertility.
<br />
<br />I have waited 3 years for this lap!!! Mind you, I have increased possible complications which led to me putting it off. Plus, no doctor really wanted to touch me. But I 'wasted' 3 years!!! I'm not really familiar with IUDs, but I'm guessing you started TTC in January or February. So waiting until August is reasonable. After that point, you have to decide.
<br />
<br />Like you and I both know, if you take Lupron or the pill, you have to wait for quite awhile. Then, what if you can't get pregnant? You'll feel like you wasted time...I know that feeling all to well. Then, you will most likely end up with a lap anyway. I would most likely try until August and then get a lap rather than just start medication. That's just my take on it. I wouldn't want to lose more time.
<br />
<br />With an IUD, do you still get periods??? I have no idea. Do IUDs suppress the 'growth' of endo? If so, maybe TTC until August will work. If not, you may have a problem. That is something I would surely ask you doctor. <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 

GrimmsWifey

New member
The IUD I had was the Mirena. It is horomonal. I had pain from the cyst but I did not even remotely experience the pain I have now until after I had it taken out. It was good for 5 years. I only had it a year to the date about. My first cyst showed up 2 months after I had it placed. I dont know the stage Im in. The doctor I saw was not too keen on doing the lap because he said even if he went in and did it, there's a chance they won't see it, even if it's there. With my daughter I was on the patch and had 3 weeks of hardcore ivs, sinus surgery, and a deployment coming up lol. They think that because I had all those ivs and surgery it knocked it out and thats why I got so pregnant so easily and I was healthy. Mind you I had been on the patch for about 2.5 years when I got pregnant. If I could of went back on it I would of.
 

GrimmsWifey

New member
The IUD I had was the Mirena. It is horomonal. I had pain from the cyst but I did not even remotely experience the pain I have now until after I had it taken out. It was good for 5 years. I only had it a year to the date about. My first cyst showed up 2 months after I had it placed. I dont know the stage Im in. The doctor I saw was not too keen on doing the lap because he said even if he went in and did it, there's a chance they won't see it, even if it's there. With my daughter I was on the patch and had 3 weeks of hardcore ivs, sinus surgery, and a deployment coming up lol. They think that because I had all those ivs and surgery it knocked it out and thats why I got so pregnant so easily and I was healthy. Mind you I had been on the patch for about 2.5 years when I got pregnant. If I could of went back on it I would of.
 

GrimmsWifey

New member
The IUD I had was the Mirena. It is horomonal. I had pain from the cyst but I did not even remotely experience the pain I have now until after I had it taken out. It was good for 5 years. I only had it a year to the date about. My first cyst showed up 2 months after I had it placed. I dont know the stage Im in. The doctor I saw was not too keen on doing the lap because he said even if he went in and did it, there's a chance they won't see it, even if it's there. With my daughter I was on the patch and had 3 weeks of hardcore ivs, sinus surgery, and a deployment coming up lol. They think that because I had all those ivs and surgery it knocked it out and thats why I got so pregnant so easily and I was healthy. Mind you I had been on the patch for about 2.5 years when I got pregnant. If I could of went back on it I would of.
 

GrimmsWifey

New member
The IUD I had was the Mirena. It is horomonal. I had pain from the cyst but I did not even remotely experience the pain I have now until after I had it taken out. It was good for 5 years. I only had it a year to the date about. My first cyst showed up 2 months after I had it placed. I dont know the stage Im in. The doctor I saw was not too keen on doing the lap because he said even if he went in and did it, there's a chance they won't see it, even if it's there. With my daughter I was on the patch and had 3 weeks of hardcore ivs, sinus surgery, and a deployment coming up lol. They think that because I had all those ivs and surgery it knocked it out and thats why I got so pregnant so easily and I was healthy. Mind you I had been on the patch for about 2.5 years when I got pregnant. If I could of went back on it I would of.
 

GrimmsWifey

New member
The IUD I had was the Mirena. It is horomonal. I had pain from the cyst but I did not even remotely experience the pain I have now until after I had it taken out. It was good for 5 years. I only had it a year to the date about. My first cyst showed up 2 months after I had it placed. I dont know the stage Im in. The doctor I saw was not too keen on doing the lap because he said even if he went in and did it, there's a chance they won't see it, even if it's there. With my daughter I was on the patch and had 3 weeks of hardcore ivs, sinus surgery, and a deployment coming up lol. They think that because I had all those ivs and surgery it knocked it out and thats why I got so pregnant so easily and I was healthy. Mind you I had been on the patch for about 2.5 years when I got pregnant. If I could of went back on it I would of.
 

fondreflections

New member
Joy,

Hmmmm....Well, your doctor must think you have mild endo which may not prevent you from becoming pregnant.

However, you do have cysts which are sometimes endo-related. I have always had left ovarian cysts. This is the first time I didn't, that I can recall. They were classified as 'possible endometriomas'.

I understand your confusion. I would be too right now. Is it possible for you to get a second opinion elsewhere? I'm not saying to completely switch doctors, but maybe it would be a good idea?

I don't know if you know this or not, but Lupron costs about $600.00 a shot! Many insurance companies DO NOT pay for it because it's too expensive. I believe you get the shots once a month too! That is something you really want to take into account.

For me, I'm having the lap. If I need to be on something afterwards, I'm choosing the birth control pill, which should be enough after the lap. I would only need it for maybe 3 months. I'd rather pay $40.00 for a 3-month supply than $1,800.00 for 3 months of Lupron, unless my insurance will pay for it. I'll know soon enough...One thing I almost forgot...MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL NOT PAY FOR LUPRON <b>UNLESS</b> A LAP HAS BEEN DONE TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS!!!

Also, about 50% of insurance companies don't pay for laps either. They only pay a portion of them. The average cost of a lap is about $12,000. Thankfully, my Capital Blue Cross PPO pays for it 100% after the deductable has been met. I'm one of the lucky ones.

Look into those costs for yourself. I'd hate to see you sign up for either one and get stuck with a large bill!

I think getting a second opinion would be a good idea, just to see what he/she says. I wouldn't go to the same practice either. Trying until August isn't a bad idea. You have only been trying since February. After August is where things should probably pick up, which is why I suggest a second opinion. I do think that a lap would be a good idea after August. I'm not sure if one now is needed yet... <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 

fondreflections

New member
Joy,

Hmmmm....Well, your doctor must think you have mild endo which may not prevent you from becoming pregnant.

However, you do have cysts which are sometimes endo-related. I have always had left ovarian cysts. This is the first time I didn't, that I can recall. They were classified as 'possible endometriomas'.

I understand your confusion. I would be too right now. Is it possible for you to get a second opinion elsewhere? I'm not saying to completely switch doctors, but maybe it would be a good idea?

I don't know if you know this or not, but Lupron costs about $600.00 a shot! Many insurance companies DO NOT pay for it because it's too expensive. I believe you get the shots once a month too! That is something you really want to take into account.

For me, I'm having the lap. If I need to be on something afterwards, I'm choosing the birth control pill, which should be enough after the lap. I would only need it for maybe 3 months. I'd rather pay $40.00 for a 3-month supply than $1,800.00 for 3 months of Lupron, unless my insurance will pay for it. I'll know soon enough...One thing I almost forgot...MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL NOT PAY FOR LUPRON <b>UNLESS</b> A LAP HAS BEEN DONE TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS!!!

Also, about 50% of insurance companies don't pay for laps either. They only pay a portion of them. The average cost of a lap is about $12,000. Thankfully, my Capital Blue Cross PPO pays for it 100% after the deductable has been met. I'm one of the lucky ones.

Look into those costs for yourself. I'd hate to see you sign up for either one and get stuck with a large bill!

I think getting a second opinion would be a good idea, just to see what he/she says. I wouldn't go to the same practice either. Trying until August isn't a bad idea. You have only been trying since February. After August is where things should probably pick up, which is why I suggest a second opinion. I do think that a lap would be a good idea after August. I'm not sure if one now is needed yet... <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 

fondreflections

New member
Joy,

Hmmmm....Well, your doctor must think you have mild endo which may not prevent you from becoming pregnant.

However, you do have cysts which are sometimes endo-related. I have always had left ovarian cysts. This is the first time I didn't, that I can recall. They were classified as 'possible endometriomas'.

I understand your confusion. I would be too right now. Is it possible for you to get a second opinion elsewhere? I'm not saying to completely switch doctors, but maybe it would be a good idea?

I don't know if you know this or not, but Lupron costs about $600.00 a shot! Many insurance companies DO NOT pay for it because it's too expensive. I believe you get the shots once a month too! That is something you really want to take into account.

For me, I'm having the lap. If I need to be on something afterwards, I'm choosing the birth control pill, which should be enough after the lap. I would only need it for maybe 3 months. I'd rather pay $40.00 for a 3-month supply than $1,800.00 for 3 months of Lupron, unless my insurance will pay for it. I'll know soon enough...One thing I almost forgot...MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL NOT PAY FOR LUPRON <b>UNLESS</b> A LAP HAS BEEN DONE TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS!!!

Also, about 50% of insurance companies don't pay for laps either. They only pay a portion of them. The average cost of a lap is about $12,000. Thankfully, my Capital Blue Cross PPO pays for it 100% after the deductable has been met. I'm one of the lucky ones.

Look into those costs for yourself. I'd hate to see you sign up for either one and get stuck with a large bill!

I think getting a second opinion would be a good idea, just to see what he/she says. I wouldn't go to the same practice either. Trying until August isn't a bad idea. You have only been trying since February. After August is where things should probably pick up, which is why I suggest a second opinion. I do think that a lap would be a good idea after August. I'm not sure if one now is needed yet... <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 

fondreflections

New member
Joy,

Hmmmm....Well, your doctor must think you have mild endo which may not prevent you from becoming pregnant.

However, you do have cysts which are sometimes endo-related. I have always had left ovarian cysts. This is the first time I didn't, that I can recall. They were classified as 'possible endometriomas'.

I understand your confusion. I would be too right now. Is it possible for you to get a second opinion elsewhere? I'm not saying to completely switch doctors, but maybe it would be a good idea?

I don't know if you know this or not, but Lupron costs about $600.00 a shot! Many insurance companies DO NOT pay for it because it's too expensive. I believe you get the shots once a month too! That is something you really want to take into account.

For me, I'm having the lap. If I need to be on something afterwards, I'm choosing the birth control pill, which should be enough after the lap. I would only need it for maybe 3 months. I'd rather pay $40.00 for a 3-month supply than $1,800.00 for 3 months of Lupron, unless my insurance will pay for it. I'll know soon enough...One thing I almost forgot...MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL NOT PAY FOR LUPRON <b>UNLESS</b> A LAP HAS BEEN DONE TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS!!!

Also, about 50% of insurance companies don't pay for laps either. They only pay a portion of them. The average cost of a lap is about $12,000. Thankfully, my Capital Blue Cross PPO pays for it 100% after the deductable has been met. I'm one of the lucky ones.

Look into those costs for yourself. I'd hate to see you sign up for either one and get stuck with a large bill!

I think getting a second opinion would be a good idea, just to see what he/she says. I wouldn't go to the same practice either. Trying until August isn't a bad idea. You have only been trying since February. After August is where things should probably pick up, which is why I suggest a second opinion. I do think that a lap would be a good idea after August. I'm not sure if one now is needed yet... <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 

fondreflections

New member
Joy,
<br />
<br />Hmmmm....Well, your doctor must think you have mild endo which may not prevent you from becoming pregnant.
<br />
<br />However, you do have cysts which are sometimes endo-related. I have always had left ovarian cysts. This is the first time I didn't, that I can recall. They were classified as 'possible endometriomas'.
<br />
<br />I understand your confusion. I would be too right now. Is it possible for you to get a second opinion elsewhere? I'm not saying to completely switch doctors, but maybe it would be a good idea?
<br />
<br />I don't know if you know this or not, but Lupron costs about $600.00 a shot! Many insurance companies DO NOT pay for it because it's too expensive. I believe you get the shots once a month too! That is something you really want to take into account.
<br />
<br />For me, I'm having the lap. If I need to be on something afterwards, I'm choosing the birth control pill, which should be enough after the lap. I would only need it for maybe 3 months. I'd rather pay $40.00 for a 3-month supply than $1,800.00 for 3 months of Lupron, unless my insurance will pay for it. I'll know soon enough...One thing I almost forgot...MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL NOT PAY FOR LUPRON <b>UNLESS</b> A LAP HAS BEEN DONE TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS!!!
<br />
<br />Also, about 50% of insurance companies don't pay for laps either. They only pay a portion of them. The average cost of a lap is about $12,000. Thankfully, my Capital Blue Cross PPO pays for it 100% after the deductable has been met. I'm one of the lucky ones.
<br />
<br />Look into those costs for yourself. I'd hate to see you sign up for either one and get stuck with a large bill!
<br />
<br />I think getting a second opinion would be a good idea, just to see what he/she says. I wouldn't go to the same practice either. Trying until August isn't a bad idea. You have only been trying since February. After August is where things should probably pick up, which is why I suggest a second opinion. I do think that a lap would be a good idea after August. I'm not sure if one now is needed yet... <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 

Momtana

New member
You might find some helpful information at The Endometriosis Association: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
">http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
</a>This organization has been around for a long time.
I need to learn more about endocrinology and CFRD - any chance the endo is related to hormonal challenges from diabetes? Some researchers believe there is an environmental association with endometriosis.
More challenges than you both need, alas.
 

Momtana

New member
You might find some helpful information at The Endometriosis Association: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
">http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
</a>This organization has been around for a long time.
I need to learn more about endocrinology and CFRD - any chance the endo is related to hormonal challenges from diabetes? Some researchers believe there is an environmental association with endometriosis.
More challenges than you both need, alas.
 

Momtana

New member
You might find some helpful information at The Endometriosis Association: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
">http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
</a>This organization has been around for a long time.
I need to learn more about endocrinology and CFRD - any chance the endo is related to hormonal challenges from diabetes? Some researchers believe there is an environmental association with endometriosis.
More challenges than you both need, alas.
 

Momtana

New member
You might find some helpful information at The Endometriosis Association: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
">http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
</a>This organization has been around for a long time.
I need to learn more about endocrinology and CFRD - any chance the endo is related to hormonal challenges from diabetes? Some researchers believe there is an environmental association with endometriosis.
More challenges than you both need, alas.
 

Momtana

New member
You might find some helpful information at The Endometriosis Association: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
">http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
</a><br />This organization has been around for a long time.
<br />I need to learn more about endocrinology and CFRD - any chance the endo is related to hormonal challenges from diabetes? Some researchers believe there is an environmental association with endometriosis.
<br />More challenges than you both need, alas.
 
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