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View Full Version : Lupron and add back therapy?


GriffsMommy
11-17-2007, 05:49 AM
Okay, so yesterday I got the write up on my first appointment with my new pelvic pain specialist last week. They wrote up everything from the visit and sent a copy to my PCP, my GYN and myself. In the report it mentions that we had talked about Lupron for my endo and that I would tell them what my decision was when I came back for my follow up appointment the Monday after Thanksgiving.

I had endo diagnoised when it grew through my bladder and they had to remove the mass in 2003. I had a lap in 2005 to remove a large ovarian cyst and the operative report showed they didn't see any endo but did remove alot of adhesions. When the IC really started up I started have really really painful periods that were worse than I had ever had before. Dr. E thinks that the reason my periods are so painful is because the endo is responding to my period and my bladder is flaring from the endo.

He told me that his office has had great success with Lupron with the add back therapy to reduce the side effects. He only does the 1 month injection so if the side effects are horrible then you're only stuck with them for that one month.

I have read that some people that tried Lupron had a horrible time with their bladder and that worries me but I figure I'm already miserable anyway and maybe it will help. I would love to hear some experiences of Lupron with the add back therapy of hormones which I know I will do because my mother has osteoprosis really really badly for someone who's not even 60 yet and I don't want to risk the bone loss.

He did say that if the Lupron didn't work that we might do surgery in the furture weather that be another lap or a hysto. He said he would never do any kind of surgery now because it would just throw my bladder into a tizzy.

I think I've decided to at least try it for one month but I want to know I'm not going to be on the ground doubled over in pain from it or the side effects really aren't that bad. Ugh, I hate having to make decisions like this.

Berkshire Road
11-17-2007, 06:32 PM
I think you should put your trust in Dr. Echenberg. He really takes each individual's case seriously; what he's giving you is not the same as what he started me out with. Because we're different. You have been so miserable for so long -- I'd say take a chance. Of course it's only a personal opinion.

Bessie
11-17-2007, 06:41 PM
Christine,
I had Lupron injections many years ago for endometriosis. I do think they helped but I remember having some major hot flashes but the doctor gave me something to help with the hot flashes. I agree with Carolyn about the doctor. I saw him on an interview before and he seems pretty awesome. I wish I lived up that way because I would see him too. Good Luck and let us know how it goes o.k.?
Love,
Laura

GriffsMommy
11-18-2007, 01:05 AM
Thanks for the advice Carolyn and Laura. I do trust Dr. Echenberg and yes Laura he is pretty awesome. I am just so worried about the side effects and that it will make me feel worse instead of better. I guess I'll talk to him about it at my next appointment. It's covered in full by my insurance as long as the dr provides proff of medical nessicity. As long as he says if the side effects are too bad that he will agree for us to stop it, I'll give it a go. I feel so crappy this morning, my back and pelvis are killing me as well as my hip so I really should try anything that has the potential to make me better.

Babs RN
11-18-2007, 04:13 AM
Chris,
I did Lupron with add back and had really good resuls. Call me and "I'll give you the whole skinny."

Hugs,
Barb:smile tee

dancemomof2
11-18-2007, 06:44 AM
I did them also and had great result while on them but wicked side effects also. GOod luck, sounds like your in the right hands.

GriffsMommy
11-18-2007, 08:18 AM
Thanks for the info Barb and Leslie. Barb I'll give you a call later, I have to do an instill as I'm totally miserable right now.

Bessie
11-18-2007, 11:55 AM
Christine,
What is add back therapy?
Thanks,
Laura

GriffsMommy
11-18-2007, 01:08 PM
Well Lupron puts you into chemical menopause and the add back therapy gives you some of the hormones back so the hot flashes and bone loss aren't as bad. It's enough to help with the side effects but apprently not enough to counteract the effect of the Lupron.

Bessie
11-18-2007, 05:51 PM
Christine,
O.K. well that makes sense. I guess that is kind of what they did with me. I did have some major hot flashes but like I said they gave me some medicine to help with them. I can't remember what medicine it was but I think it was something with belladonna in it? Anyway, if you decide to do it I wish you well and hope it helps you get some relief. I know you have been really suffering. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers :pray::pray::pray: