I'm Not Sure What Is Going on with Me... Any Advice?

Hi S.. My prayers and support go out to you. Unfortunately, I wouldn't have much advise to offer you, as I have been going through something quite similar since I was 14. I am now 37 with one child. I either had two regular cycles a month, or one cycle that last between 10-21 days strait. I too had a laparoscopy where they removed a few pollips, but it only provided temporary relief for about a year. I have been poked and prodded by several doctors in my life time, some have too given me the option of BC, others actually performed a DnC. And, have been told that endo wasn't my issue either. It's very VERY difficult to find a physician out there that is willing to examine your full history before suggesting a hysto. But there out there. Please use this as your very last resort. I know you might be terribly frustrated right now, but if you're younger, having the hysto so early could cause you a lot of other problems you may not be ready for. God Speed. Take care.

You sound very uncomfortable with what's being proposed for you. I would get a second and maybe a third opinion before undergoing such serious surgery. Find someone who specializes in premenopause. I go through the Park Nicollet system and they have several specialists in that area. Even if you end up with the same outcome, you'll feel better about your choice if you have more than one opinion.

Hi, S.-

I wondered also (as the other poster said) if it could be fibroids. I had some so large (at age 37) that I would hemorrage with each period. Plus my periods had become fairly unpredictable. It got so bad that I almost bled to death and ended up needing a blood transfusion. Mine was taken care of with a D&C. Just a thought...

Good luck!
-T.

Definitely get another opinion! I believe that BC is a huge cause of some of the issues you may be having. I too feel I am in pre-menopause. Had a bunch of tests done but nothing showed up so the Dr. just wanted to push the birth control. I refused because I hear too many stories of side affects of bc. When I did use it I had lots of major headaches, pains, etc. I have been off bc for 4 years and feel my body is finally back to normal - even with odd periods! lol It is important to make sure nothing else is going on but to me hysterectomy seems extreme since there is no definite explanation.
Blessings,
L.

Dear S.... I suffered with the same symptoms for over 15 years and it was a great relief to be rid of my uterus and my tubes. My tubes kept getting cysts which caused great pain. There was no known cause for all my discomfort except the Doctors did say that they were wore out and why keep something that is making you feel miserable and that you didn't need anymore. So long as you have had regular pap smears I wouldn't worry about them finding anything. One thing we did discover however was that some of my symptoms are caused by IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) but with daily medication I am know pain free and able to enjoy life once more.

Hi S., I'm going to agree with one of the other posters, I also had an endometrial ablasion done in early December, and haven't had a period since. WONDERFUL!!! Still have some normal PMS symptoms, but no cramping or bleeding. Best thing I could have ever done. I was also told by a different OB/GYN that when I was done having kids I should consider a hysterectomy. If you are unsure about such a major surgery, you should check into the ablasion. They can always do the hysterectomy later if that doesn't work for you. Good luck!!

I would recommend contacting the Pope Paul the VI Institute. You can look it up on line. Dr. Hilgers is known around the world for his work in OBGYN care. The pill and other sorts of birth control only mask the symptoms and this doctor believes in getting to the bottom of the issue and correcting it. He has trained doctors around the world in this sort of care and there may be a doctor near you. If not he is able to review you case records and offer assistance that way. I have used him on several occasions and I can't recommend him enough.

Hi S.
You are describing everything that I had except the bleeding. when I had a fibrod in my uteras and they did a hysterectomy but left my right ovary so I would not be on hormornes for along time I was 26 at the time. It was the BEST thing I have ever done. there is no more pain from my womenly organs and there is no more mood swings. mine was done laprascopicly. But it did take me the full 8 weeks to heal and feel back to normal. If you have more question I would love to talk more. T.

My periods were always very heavy, with severe PMS. I remember lying in bed for the first two days of every period when I was in high school, my legs propped up, wondering if a person could die from the pain. My periods were never stationary in length; that is, they were never every 21 days, or every 24 days, or whatever "normal" is. They were 21 days, 54 days, 33 days, 42 days, 61 days. Some months I'd have two periods, then I'd skip the next month. Since this was the way my periods always were, I thought this was "normal." All the OB/GYN doctors I talked to over the years were never too concerned, as I always had "a period." They just told me to take Ibuprofen and track them.

Thank goodness I was an excellent period tracker.

My health turned very funny in Feb 2008 and I became very sick. My doctor had no idea what was wrong with me, or what to do with me. Not having answers to my myriad of health problems was one thing; then my periods became wacky (I had just turned 40). Naturally, I assumed I was in pre(peri)menopause and that the weirdness was related to that. My periods became very short and close--19 days, 20 days, 21 days, 18 days, and very, very heavy, with clotting (even in the toilet), as well as short--2.5, 3, 3.5 days--when my periods always, ALWAYS, were 8 days long. I already knew I had a weird period, but then I knew something was really wrong.

Before this happened the end of March/beginning of April, my doctor of 10 years had kicked me out of the clinic and told me to find someone else who could help me with my problem(s), as he had no idea how to help me (in other words, all my lab tests came back normal, so as far as he was concerned, I was "as healthy as a horse" and, therefore, must be a hypochondriac for even insisting something was still "wrong.").

Thankfully, my new primary doctor and OB/GYN took me seriously. The GYN took a whole bunch of tests and discovered my endometrial lining was 14 mm thick (normal is <5 mm)--which is cause for alarm, as cancer likes thick linings. Thank God, my biopsy came back negative for hyperplasia or endometrial cancer. I went ahead and had a NovaSure Ablation done. No hysterectomy, I never have to worry about a period again, no PMS (well, maybe a twinge every now and then), and no more pain! My GYN also did a laparoscopy check and found all my female organs ok, with no fibroids, polyps, Endometriosis, cysts, etc., etc. (I insisted on the lapo, since my mom and sister both have Endometriosis and I wanted to know yes/no if I had it).

If you're concerned about going through a hysterectomy, I would ask about the NovaSure Ablation. I have all my female organs, so I will naturally go through menopause. That was my biggest concern; I did, however, tell my GYN that, if she got in there for the NovaSure and "discovered" something wherein she needed to take out something that I wanted her to "take care of the problem;" I didn't want cancer. Since June 2008, I have felt great.<g>

One more thing; I started seeing an alternative doctor, a M.D. who specializes in Integration Medicine, in August 2008, as many of the problems from earlier in the year still weren't being addressed. She had me take a heavy metals and a nutrient elements test, and I discovered that I not only had heavy metal toxicities, but also was deficient in quite a few nutritional elements that my body needs. Since I've started supplementing and getting my body strong in those deficient areas, I've noticed a big difference in how I feel, and pains that I had that were unrelated to my female problems have since gone away. I also did some food testing and discovered I have a whole slew of food allergies (24 foods). It's another avenue you might want to explore.

If you are having any doubts AT ALL about having a hysterectomy--especially if it will be a complete one--I urge you to do as much self-educating as you can and revisit your doctor and discuss other options. If your doctor isn't open to this, then see another doctor for a second opinion. Going through menopause isn't a barrel of monkeys any way you look at it; having it thrust upon you, or having to rely on artificial means to control it, isn't a barrel of fun, either. Get as many options and info as you can.

Good luck!

I dont think I have had as bad of issues as you have had, but the abdominal and lower back pain, heavy and unpredictable bleeding yes. im just wondering how is your overall health? I saw an alternative health practitioner and he did some bloodwork and found that among some things, my kidneys were not at optimal functioning because of moderate/poor eating habits, low vitamin/mineral levels overall. I would like to assume that you are in great health, but sometimes simple tests like that can be overlooked by general practioners he had me start by changing my dietary habits and some normal over the counter vitamins necessary to balance out the imbalances in my bodys needs. Within two days, my back pain subsided and a week the abdominal pain too. The mestrual cycle took a little longer, but I read a book on premenopausal symptoms and it suggests that normal hormone levels actually start dropping off at age 35 and starting on vitamin supplements to help balance them out without all the side effects of adding hormones is the best way to battle actual menopause at that early stage before it happens. I have since been using a product called EstroSense. I started taking it only about a month and a half ago, during my last cycle when it snuck up on me a week ahead of "schedule", and I couldnt deal with the pain, mood swings and extra low energy, I felt better in two days from all those things. and my bleeding actually lightened up some. I am looking forward to see if it helps me even further with predictability. I hope that maybe someting like this could help you. It sounds to me like you are hesitant about having to go through the surgery, and rightfully so, especially at such a young age, with no difinitive diagnosis. I know I wouldnt want to do it. I hope this helps you in some way.

My suggestion is a bit different from any so far. Have you been checked for a bleeding disorder? VonWillebrand's in particular. The test is simple, just a couple of tubes of blood sent off to a lab capable of looking at the composition of your blood. It takes 1-2 weeks to get your results in.

After three kids, and super heavy periods (1 pad & tampon combo every 1hr-1 1/2 hr) & my obgyn was clueless. My 7 year old needed to have her tonsils out and HER bloodwork showed an abnorality in her clotting abilities. It as my daughter's PEDIATRITIAN that advised ME to get tested once she heard of my period problems. Because of that PEDIATRITIAN, she solved a health issue that plagued my entire family - including my grandmother, my mother, many cousins and my sisters!

Von Willebrand's is a clotting disorder that the medical community thought was rare, but actually mild cases are more common that many think. Mild cases are rarely diagnosed, and usually one diagnosis will lead a family to look at their tree and find that many of their members have the gene. Symptoms vary, but most women with this disease will complain of heavy or multiple periods. In my family, the period issue would get worse as we mature.

Google VonWillebrand's disease for more information.

Good luck!

Hi S.,
I had a hysterectomy done when I was 33 because of constant bleeding. It was like turning on the water faucet and it would go for weeks - then stop - only to start up the next week and go for weeks again! They tried several things with me, even a D&C but nothing stopped the bleeding.

I finally had the hysterectomy, they did it vaginally so no cutting into my tummy. I stayed in the hospital for 6 days (this was like 20 yrs ago) ... back then they kept you in the hospital so not sure how long you would stay in now. But anyway, I had immediate relief.

Just remember that when you have your hysterectomy, even though you are young, you will still go through menapause, having hot flashes etc. I went on Premarin for 5 yrs and everything was just fine. I've never been happier!

Blessings for a successful operation!
D.

Hi S.,

You sound very unsure about the surgery. My advice to you would be to postpone it while you explore other options. There is no such thing as "routine" surgery. Last year, a family friend's sister died after complications from a "routine" hysterectomy. She was healthy, in her 40s, and was herself a nurse. And my mother regrets her own hysterectomy. I'm not saying that hysterectomies are categorically "bad". As others have mentioned, it was the answer to their problems. But, if you are unsure, you should not proceed.

Another person mentioned Integrative Medicine, and I would also recommend that to you. Find a hospital that has an Integrative Medicine department, or see a Naturopathic Doctor on your own. As for your pain, chiropractic care and accupuncture are effective "painkillers", while you deal with the underlying health issues that are causing the pain.

I would get off the hormal birth control. It's not helping--from what you describe, it's makings worse.

Research an herb called "Vitex". It is also called "Chaste Tree Berry". It a powerful herb that regulates menstruation. It does have some contraindications, so do your own research.

I take Evening Primrose Oil capsules daily. It has regulated my period (after having a baby) and pretty much eliminated my PMS symptoms. I don't get cramps any more.

Medical care is a very personal decision. Don't feel rushed into anything, and listen to your gut. Good luck.

Have you had any internal ultrasounds? Do you have any fibroids that you know of? This was my trouble. I was alittle older so they said the fibroids would shrink as time passed because of the estrogen lessening for me. But this didn't happen. The pain was worse when I got up in the morning and sometimes lasted into the day. I had regular cycles but during very heavy long periods, was then enimic so that didn't help, soo tired. Finally I told my GYN to do a biopsy. She said ok, even though everything seemed to be within normal range(???) She was surprised and I saddened to find that I had endometrial cancer(uterine cancer). Caught early - thank goodness that I insisted on the biopsy. Of course hysterectomy was the only way to go, had everything removed and exploritory as well. Not fun being thrown right into memopause, it's the worst. Efexor (an antidepressant)helped with the hot flashes alot. I couldn't take any hormones because I had breast cancer a year earlier(not related at all-go figure). Doing well now 3 years later!!!

WISH YOU WELL!!!