Long term injections backed with HRT

[aabb]

I have been on injections nearly a year now backed with HRT. My Gyno said I could do this for 4-7years. I worry about this, the long term effects and how my body will be when I need to come off them. Has anyone else been in this position?

Arab

[Impatient]

What drug is it - some have maximum 6 months some are for longer use, but the best thing to do is get the name of the drug and have a look for the patient information advice leaflet which will be online and will tell you what is the maximum recommended time to tke them.

It is still better to have surgery to get rid of endo where possible, but that is not something anyone can afford to get done easily if you are not living in places like the UK with a health service.

Reply with the drug name and we can give you better advice on this.

You are certainly wise to question what your doctor is suggesting and ask about it.

[aabb]

Thanks for getting back to me. Yes most are for 6months only, a local GP can't prescribe the injections longer than that but a Gyno can if he thinks it's needed. I have had endo for 10ish years, I have had endo removed before successfully but last year when I went to get laser treatment my Gyno couldn't do it, he said it was too dangerous where it was, the sac of Douglas, so he suggested injections long term but only if I take HRT. Don't have much choice now. It is called decapeptyl (triptorelin).

Aabb

[JulesUK]

I was on zoladex for two and a half years with HRT, I know not everyone on here is a fan but it helped me and I could have stayed on for much longer I just decided to give my body a break, the dreaded periods returned after about six months and I had no issues with long term side effects.

[aabb in reply to JulesUK]

Thank you, its good0 to know you didn't have any side affects. What about your pain, did that come back?

Aabb

[Hidden]

I have been on Lupron Depot for 2.5 years now due to my endo catamenial pneumothorax (endo on my lung) with a little bit of add back of estrogen. I haven't had a pneumothorax since I've been on the Lupron however, I am living with the horrendous side effects and they are many. I am grateful that it has kept me out of the hospital for the last 2.5 years but I am concerned that if I don't stop soon, I will be going to the hospital with a different situation. Ask all questions, make sure you get your answers and do ALL your homework. I read that Lupron causes bone loss and told my Gyne about my concerns he just shrugged and nodded. I went to my GP and asked for a bone density test only to find out I have Osteopenia (beginning of Osteo). You have to look after yourself. Good luck!

[Margrethe1st in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I just replied to a general thread on catamenial pneumothorax with my case history. I am in your exact same position, dealing with Lupron side effects, wondering how long to continue on the Lupron. Osteopenia, too. Docs are leaving the decision to me as there is no protocol. I would welcome your thoughts.

[Hidden in reply to Margrethe1st]

Hello

Well sorry to say but, I have no thoughts to be honest. I am at a stage where I am just lost, tired and ready to give up. I have gotten so fed up with all the side effects that I actually stop taking all medicine (I do NOT recommend). I have been medicine free for 3 months and have just finished one period. The chest pain was there but managed to stay hospital free. My everyday cramps have not returned yet (thank goodness) and am feeling somewhat "normal" and it feels great... scary but great. I am now just living one day at a time, not sure what to do or when to start what and not wanting to go back to the medicine world.

I would love to keep in touch with someone else that knows what I am going through. Please keep in touch, we can bounce ideas or experiences off each other.

jen

[aabb]

Thank you for your advice. I think I will do more research.

Aabb