Zoladex Injections

[Evangelinie]

Hi everyone,

I’ve just had my final Zoladex injection (6th), had all the side effects that go with it especially the hot flushes!! My gynae told me after this course of injections I’d be symptom free however this is not the case as of yet. I was wondering if anyone who has finished the course of injections could give me an insight as to what the next step is when there has been no improvement from the Zoladex.

Thank you!

[HollyMaria]

I have been on the zoladex injections about 3 times now. Such a shame it’s only a short term solution because of the bone deficiency side effect. But after you finish the course of injections it shouldn’t wear off straight away as it is meant to stay in your system for atleast another 6 weeks or something? But if that isn’t the case for you I would speak to your gp about getting some pain relief and look into having the endometriosis lazered away, providing you want to risk further adhesions.

[Evangelinie in reply to HollyMaria]

Hi HollyMaria, thanks so much for taking the time to reply! It’s so crazy because there isn’t one route that all GPs take etc so I just feel a bit confused as to what to expect next!

I had a diagnostic lap in October in which my gynae ended up excising some of my endo and then was put on Zoladex from December until May. I currently take mefenamic acid or codeine for my pain but it doesn’t seem to be as effective anymore. I feel like the Zoladex worked for the first few months however it seems to be wearing off almost. So bizarre, I guess I’m expecting to be given some kind of pain management plan next. X

[HollyMaria in reply to Evangelinie]

Hey

I feel like the gp and consultants, they’re all going to come up with every solution possible before they suggest operating unless they have to... the problem with medication is that it does become immune and will eventually wear off. It’s so frustrating to only be given short term solutions- zoladex is the best thing anyone could have in my opinion. Everything is put to sleep and you can get on with life! It’s true what you said, pain management is more than likely the next option for you... just be aware of what takes the edge off your pain and be prepared for when it’s happening!

Hope you come up with a better solution x

[KGDI]

Hi, I’ve had zoladex for 8 months. Are you having add back therapy along with the injections?

I had add back therapy with zoladex which didn’t really improve my pain etc. But I stopped taking the add-back although I know this increases my risk of osteoporosis because the density of the bones are reduced because of the drug. I managed my diet and workout regime to reduce the symptoms and risk of osteoporosis thereby taking full advantage of zoladex. Also, I found the monthly injections to be of no real use so took the 3 monthly which made a huge difference. Ofcourse, that meant, all the menopausal symptoms especially hot flushes were quite bad. The way I saw this was, my pain episodes have reduced and bleeding has stopped because it’s drying out my uterus, so enduring the menopausal symptoms are something I’m willing to put up with and also control with a specific diet and activity schedule. Also, I’ve also been a runner for many years and this has definitely helped me manage stage 4 endo in a holistic way. In fact, having had endo for 25 years and only diagnosed about a decade ago, I can safely say that running and diet plays a huge role in controlling the nasty side effects of endometriosis and any other potential conditions like adenomyosis and pain syndrome.