First Prostap Injection

[SarahAnne81]

To anyone reading quick synopsis, had endo from 11, diagnosed at 39 by that time any attempts at fertility have been futile so lm getting my head round not being a Mommy, Meanwhile l saw the gynae clinic at Birmingham UK womens hospital Thursday just gone (Thur 1st Sept) to review my MRI, endo is on my bowel, bladder & has adhered both my ovaries to the back of my uterus, action plan is Prostap injection then in around 3 months a full clean out, can anyone relate? Does anyone have any experience with Prostap? Questions questions.....

[CryBaby91]

Hi Sarah!

Im on Gonapeptyl, which is just a different brand as far as I know. The first month was horrific, i vomitted constantly and the pain was increased for the first few weeks. I stuck with it because they said that it would settle after the second injection. I'm on my third now and it has settled, still experiencing some pain but my painkillers help now (they barely touched it previously). The hot flushes are horrid, but just buy a hand fan and a rechargable desk fan for through the night (saves on a plug in one for your electric bill). Mood swings have been hard, but I have PTSD and depression anyway so this was something i expected. The dizzy spells and headaches are the worst tbh, and my lack of libido. I'm attempting to just remind myself that pain is worse but it is hard lol. It becomes a bit of a trade off, one symptom for another. That's my experience anyway! Xxx

[SarahAnne81 in reply to CryBaby91]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, that really helps xxx Do you mind asking what your treatment plan is following the injections?

[CryBaby91 in reply to SarahAnne81]

No i don't mind at all. I had my lap on the 8th of August, so they did some treatment during that and now the injections are being continued with the aim to reduce the chance of the endo getting out of control again. Original plan is for 6 months, which I'm currently at 3 months in. But im on HRT so they may continue the injections for longer than 6 months. I have a follow up in a few months so I'm guessing my gynae will discuss next steps at that xxx

[SarahAnne81 in reply to CryBaby91]

Thanks for that, HRT is the next thing for me to tackle, l have the prescription & the nurse said since its just my first injection l shouldnt need it yet but just keep it in. How are you getting on with the HRT? xxx

[CryBaby91 in reply to SarahAnne81]

They told me the same, but apparently it takes a few weeks for HRT to work! So if you do put it off for a few weeks just be aware that it could take a while for the HRT to help. Honestly, it hasn't done very much for me. In the first month I was so depressed and just burst into tears constantly, but I'm slightly more balanced now haha! So i guess it has helped a bit with the mood swings. Hot flushes are just as bad, hasn't helped there at all. Dizzy spells are just as bad. Sleep is still really interrupted and the fatigue is crippling some days! Over all I'm not sure how helpful it has been to be honest lol. Xxx

[Purple_Badgers]

Hi! I’m in a similar position- getting my first prostap injection next week, looking to have 6 months of them, then a review. Heading for a hysterectomy including ovaries out, with endo removal, separation of adhesions, possible bowel resection and stoma. No idea when that might be though… Had one unsuccessful round of IVF a couple of years ago & now trying to come to terms with being childless, as I’m 45 and worn out!

Not particularly looking forward to the injections, but anything is worth a try at this point. Might give me a bit of relief if I don’t have periods for a while. Will be very interesting to see how it affects us both!

Really finding it hard to accept that I need more surgery as well. Stuck between a rock and a hard place though, what can you do? 😀

Wishing you the best of luck on your endo journey xxx

[SarahAnne81 in reply to Purple_Badgers]

Wow! What similar situations we are in & thanks so much for taking the time to reply although l hate to hear of anyone in the same spot it does make me feel less of a freak. Can totally relate on the "worn out" comment not just with the fertility aspect but the pain does grind you down too.

I really hope you get some relief and best of luck on your continuing journey xxx

[Bebe294]

hey Sarah

Sorry to hear abt endo getting everywhere💔

I am on triptorelin injections, a similar gnrh drug. I am close to having my 6th in couple days, after the first one I had two bleeding episodes two weeks apart in first month and endo pains exaggerated but after that my period completely stopped, not even spotting. Apparently this is normal functionality of these injections.I had my surgery around 3rd injection cleaning similar areas as you, both ovaries adherent to uterus and sth on bowel, many adhesions in pelvis bein separated ( or removed, still dont know) but need to continue on injections for 9 month. I had spotting after surgery for little while but that was for that and no period and no more spotting since then.I haven’t started the add back therapy yet and am supposed to start them as of my 7th shot.

The gnrh hopefully helps all endo residue to vanish and my uterus wishfully ready for a frozen transfer sometime after I get a green go ahead from hysto sonogram .

The side effect of injections are not good as other said my boldest symptoms are hot flashes specialy 1-2 weeks after the injection are the worst. Also first few months I hD terrible headaches and blurred vision now a days mostly depressed

Still tolerable compared to Lupron depot I had for 3 month 4 yrs ago these are blast!

But having no period and no pain feels very good spe ially the worry free feeling you have control on all your plannings no period monster is gonna ruin the plans.

Though I expect my first period after 9-10 month be horrible specially after the major operations I had on uterus and pelvis.

Hope it helps n you feel better soon