Can stress inflame endo, even whilst on Prostap..? 🤔

[MandaBunny]

Hi ladies..

It's been a while since I posted anything, which is a good thing really, as since I've been on Prostap, I've had next to no symptoms.

However, I see the surgeon on the 30th of this month, with regards to an hysterectomy. Now whether that will transpire, given COVID-19, is anyone's guess. And by that, I mean both the surgery AND the appointment.

This is also when my 6 month course of Prostap is completed. I have been told, that I just can't have any more after that. Although, I have since became aware that, this is not the case.

Now I work in a highly stressful environment - particularly now - as I'm an ITU nurse.

I've really been struggling of late though; pain has really flared up - particularly in the ovary area and lower back (all of my symptoms are on the right side). Also shooting pains up my rectum. Whilst I rest, they subside.

Today, I could hardly walk.

Now I have to concerns to express/questions to put to you..

Could I possibly demand additional Prostap, given that I work in the NHS and just cannot go off sick (which I will have to now - speaking to GP tomorrow), to tide me over until the hysterectomy? Is 6 months THE limit??

What if my Surgery appointment is cancelled? Could the GP prescribe it instead?

Finally.. why is my pain flaring up like this? Could this be stress related (& I'm under a lot right now as I've recently split from my partner of 7 years - and moved house)? It's settled now I'm chilling on my bed, typing this!

I just want to mention; I have not been formally diagnosed. Had a laparoscopy (general gynea 🙄) in 2017, which was "negative", although adhesions were found. Noone can explain why I have them. However, now under an endo specialist, who is convinced that i do have endo.

Would really appreciate any previous experiences or advice from you lovely girls. 😘

[Tinkerbell16]

I would ask for your medication to be continued in these circumstances. Good luck. Thank you for your amazing work. X

[Strawberry117]

Hi, first of all thank you for all that you're doing for the NHS. I don't have Endo and my heart goes out to all the ladies who suffer from it. However, I had obtrusive fibroids, one of which entered my uterus and caused me very heavy bleeding and clots making me severely anaemic. I too had a series of Prostrap. I only needed 3 to shrink them for my hysterectomy, but as my op was cancelled twice I had many more months of it. Sadly it made me feel rough so was glad to come off it, but the nurse at the GP surgery told me it wouldn't harm me having more injections and some ladies had them long term of 12 months. I had approx 6 months then had my hysterectomy this January. I should have my follow up appointment at the end of this month with the surgeon but they are cancelling all non urgent appointments and surgery...once back to normal though do keep asking for a date, I was messed around so much. Especially as you are working which is stressful in itself...demand is a strong word! But point out that your surgery will be on hold for a while, then there will be a backlog and ask for reasons why you can't continue. If the reasons don't sound reasonable ask for a second opinion. I was told I had to continue until I had my op and they would continue to give it to me to stop my periods and shrink them for keyhole surgery. Best of luck x

[hltz]

As already said - thank you for the wonderful work you already do for others day in day out. It’s time no that the same was done for you and you put yourself first. I had my prostap injection given by my GP. My consultant wrote to my GP to say this needed to be given to me. I had it on repeat prescription so I would order the prescription go and pick it up then make an appointment at the GP for them to give it to me. Obviously there are concerns if you do this long term but with the current circumstances I’m sure this is something that with additional supplements can be managed. I really hope that you get sorted and more than anything that your pain subsides. If you need to be off work then that is what you must do - put yourself first. In answer to your main question - stress definitely does have a huge effect on pain, from my experience. When I was stressed at work I was unable to think properly due to the endo pain and this then became more stressful and was just a vicious cycle. Do what you can to alleviate your stress (easier said than done) Does your boss know your current circumstances- can any alterations be made at work for you also? If you have the right person at work who is understanding this can also make the world of differences. Good luck xx