Finally being listened to... Now hormone injections?

[cabbage12]

Hi everyone

You have probably seen my multiple posts over the years asking for advice on dealing with pain, getting diagnosed, coping at appointments and experience with the pill.

Finally after 3 years and many fobbed off hospital appointment, I went to see a new Gynecologist on Tuesday and had an amazing experience. I heard so mixed reports about so wasn't sure what to expect. But she was really understanding and considerate, compassionate and empathetic of my pain and symptoms over the years and really listened to my concerns about my pain. She mentioned endometriosis as a possibility before I even did (something I had always had to bring up). She was amazed that I could deal with the pain with a smile on my face for my age (20, 21 next week) and with my job (final year student nurse). Apparently I was the "perfect patient" in her words.

I was given 2 options. Go back on Amitriptyline again but at a higher dose to treat the pain or go on hormone injections every 3 months (not sure which one) for the next 6 months to see if stopping my period has an effect on my pain to see if this is the cause of the pain.

I went with the option of the hormone injections. I know this will effectively cause menopause and understand the potential side effects. I have a doctors appointment in 3 weeks to start them and discuss it in more detail. However I don't have a prescription for the Injections which I was just informed I need today by the practice nurse.

What is everyone's experience with hormone injections? As I said I don't know which ones I will be on but should find out soon.

I also have a return appointment for December to see if there is any progress. The relief I have knowing someone believes me and wants to help me is massive. Such a weight off my shoulders.

[Tboag]

Hi, if I was you I would get in contact with a lady on here called Lindle, she is very informative

The injection you are talking about shouldn't be given to you as you are to young the legal age is 23, this also shouldn't be given as a way of diagnosing endo, you should be given a laparoscopy to see where the endo is and then it should be excised,

Did your gyne say you would be on hrt with the injections,??

Xxx

[cabbage12 in reply to Tboag]

No she didn't but she did say that they could give medication to counteract night sweets or hot flushes if need be

[Tboag in reply to cabbage12]

That would be hrt, I'm on zolodez and Estelle but I'm 40 and I've had a hysterectomy and am now awaiting another laparoscopy for the remaining endo, I'm. Now with a bsge specialist centre

You need to go back to gp and ask for a refferal to a specialist centre thats the best way forward, please do not start this Injection xxxx

[Hidden]

I agree with tboag.

Your bone density is not fully developed mate and i personally at your age or even my age 42,wld not take that route.

You need a lap to get this looked at and you will feel much better.

I would never be a guinea pig unless sure of why i was taking it.

At your age,you need to get it excised as soon as possible,to protect your fertility as much as you can.

Its a good thing that you feel listened to,but knowledge is power do some research of your own.

Kind regards

Rose

[Steph78]

I agree with the above comments. You need to request a referrel to a recognised endo treatment centre and have a lap to diagnose endo. I know everyone's experiences are different but In January I had a three month course of decepetyl, one of the hormone injections, and would never have it again. The hot flushes were bearable but the mood swings, anxiety and insomnia were awful. Once it's in you, you can't go back and have to ride out its effects. In fact I found the injection worse than the two endo operations I've had. I'm 6 months down the line and still being effected and my periods have not yet come back. Amatripeline, is an anti depressant, which also helps with pain relief, but again this is only masking the pain by disrupting the pain signals to the brain, not removing any endo which could be causing the pain. I appreciate it's nice to finally meet a professional who is understanding and sympathetic but it doesn't mean she has offered you the most appropriate way forward. You are way too young to be dealing with the menopause, and the other horrible effects of the injection. What you have been offered would only be masking what is there and you need a laparoscopy for the endo to be diagnosed, and then excised/removed to help you and to protect your fertility.

Best wishes to you, xxx