Treatment after Zoladex/Prostrap

[Hfm89]

I’m due to go back to the consultant next week and I’m just wondering what your experiences were a) coming off Zoladex/prostrap and b) what treatment options are next. For context I have been on the injections for 11 months now, and HRT for the past 5 months. I know everyone’s experiences have been different but for me it has been the only thing that has helped with pain and I have found it life changing. As much as the relief from pain has been incredible, I think I’ve reached my limit with the side effects. I have put on around 2 stone since starting HRT and some days my joints are so sore and creaky walking up the stairs is hard work! I’m petrified of my periods and pain and bleeding returning, but I’m not sure what options will be next. In my head it’s a hysterectomy but I am 34 so often get told it’s too soon. Is anyone else in the same boat or have you been through this recently?

[Endolemon]

Hello!

Everybody is in a different situation, so to discuss all options with your consultant is the best solution.

I am 46 and waiting for hysterectomy and bowel resection . I had Prostap for 3 months and pain came back 5 months after last injection and was much worse .

I am trying to get now another 3 months injections.

I had Mirena and pills before but they didn’t help me.

So my consultant recommended an operation. The waiting time is enormous. The sooner you sign the consent form ,the better. 💛

[Thomasct in reply to Endolemon]

Hi I’m in the same position have you been told how long the waiting this is? I’ve been waiting 14months so far

[Endolemon in reply to Thomasct]

I signed a consent form in April 23 and when I called to a register last month ,she said up to 12 months if you are lucky. I live in Staffordshire. What area do you live in?

I really want to do it faster .I live by myself and my condition is getting worse every month.

Was thinking take a private consultation with my consultant and ask for a transfer to an urgent waiting list.

Or some people recommended to write your MP for help.

Also my colleague said there is some private hospitals which might take you for free. I want to try all the possibilities 💛

[Hfm89 in reply to Endolemon]

Hello all, thank you for your replies! I have been told that I can have a hysterectomy but need to get my bmi down to 30 before I can be added to the list. Annoying that’s it’s the treatment that’s made me out the weight on! My consultant said the wait was only 4-5months and this is at a university hospitals of birmingham but from what I read from everyone else I’m not sure this is the case. I’m due to go back in 6 months time to see how me weight is. I’m in another group on Facebook and one of the ladies on there was told she had to get her bmi down to 40 before she will be listed for her hysterectomy so part of me feels it’s a bit of a delay tactic…

[JulesUK]

I was on zoladex twice. The first time was six months the second was two years with HRT this would have been when I was in my late thirties. My symptoms returned and I had the Mirena coil which really did change my life, though I appreciate it doesn’t work for everyone. Im 51 now and two years ago I suddenly started to have terrible cracking/crunching in my knees and horrendous headaches and neck pain which is now pretty much continuous. I wonder if this is due to having had two previous temporary menopause and then the actual menopause but I doubt the doctors will ever confirm this given that if it’s the case then I should have been warned. Have you tried the coil?

[Hfm89 in reply to JulesUK]

Thank you so much for replying - I never got a notification of your response! I have tried the coil before, I actually have one I’m still now! The first 2 I had completely stopped my periods and most of the pain. I paid to have a 3rd coil put I privately but unfortunately it didn’t stop my periods or help with the pain at all this time round. After giving it about 12 months of hoping it would ‘settle in’ I then started Zoladex. I did have my appt with the consultant who has agreed that a hysterectomy would be the next step for me, however I can’t be added to the list until I get my bmi down to 30, ie lose the 2 stones I’ve put in while being on these injections. I was told I can stay ok the injections for another year but I know I just won’t be able to if I don’t stop them. I’m really grateful that I have finally been listened to and the consultant has agreed I can have a hysterectomy but knowing how long the wait times are it also feels a very long way off too