My name is Melinda, I am 27 years old. I have been fighting with endometriosis for over 2 years now. I have three laproscopy's and a partial hysterectomy. Tomorrow at 12 noon I will be having my ovaries removed. I am not so scared about the surgery it's self, as I am about the after care issues. I know that I will be going through menopause, and that is what scares me more than anything!
Like I have already mentioned, I am only 27 years old. I have a wonderful family with 3 little girls and a loving husband.
Does anyone have any information that may help me get over my issues with going through menopause at such a young age? That is what scares me more than anything, is that I am so young. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. I am curious about medications for menopause. I have read that even that even with the ovaries removed that the endometrosis can still come back. Does anyone know any truth to that?
Thank you all for listening.
Melinda
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment8 Comments
Black Cohosh and Flax Oil Seed will help you.
October 22, 2008 - 3:08pmThis Comment
Melinda,
I am 29yrs old and have had endometriosis since about 22yrs old. I every period seem to get worse and worse and I had a DNC. At first it helped it for awhile, but then I went back to the extreme cycles. I began researching nutrition and how it works with the body. And I found an excellent nutritional supplement that has helped my body do what it was designed to do and that is heal and regulate itself.
People may be skeptical because something as simple as proper nutrition can help, but as a society we are pursaded that meds are the answer. Well, I got all my friends and family going on this nutrition and have seen the results with my own eyes and that includes menopause.
I will say a prayer for you and wish you a quick recovery. And I hope you do look at nutrition before hormone shots and meds. If you would like more info on the research I found or just need to talk to someone who understands, please feel free to email me.
Take Care,
Cheryl Biernacki
May 29, 2008 - 10:47pmThis Comment
You might want to check out this site where you can get a free e-book of women's hysterectomy stories.
They also have live online discussions and info on hysterectomy recovery:
http://www.hystersisters.com/
I hope you have plenty of help at home and that friends/family are pitching in with your girls, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. One of the hardest things is asking for help and letting others step in and take over with things. Be easy on yourself!
Warmly,
Kristin
Kristin Davis
May 28, 2008 - 1:15pmhttp://ppdsurvivor.blogspot.com
This Comment
Melinda -- I am so sorry that you have to go through this at such a young age. I am sure that you have heard this before, but you are lucky that you already were able to have your little girls before all of this happened.
I have a friend who had a hysterectomy at a young age as well. In her case, she was always feeling off and she didn't know why. She actually had great care at Mayo and seemed to be doing well afterward (she moved to another state about 6 months later & we wound up loosing touch with our busy lives). I think the biggest challenge she faced was dealing with the emotional issues that go along with having a hysterectomy at her age. She has 2 wonderful children & a great husband, but I think it is important to make sure you have the emotional support after this as well. If you want resources in your area, please let us know and we will look into this for you.
May 28, 2008 - 9:47amThis Comment
Melinda:
It appears by all of the posts above in response to your questions that you have definitely reached out to the right place. Kudos to you and your courage to take steps to get well and having for intellect to know the importance of good after care.
Additionally I'm sure there are many women out there who are in your situation and can learn from experience.
I will be watching for more posts from you to let us know how you are doing.
May 28, 2008 - 9:01amThis Comment
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Melinda. We're thinking of you today and wish you a strong recovery.
And to answer a question, yes, according to a representative from the Endometriosis Association, a research and support organization in Milwaukee, Wis., endometriosis can resurface after the ovaries are removed because the condition isn't limited to a woman's reproductive system. They clarify that the condition rarely affects the rest of a woman's body.
And although your doctor would be the best resource for your specific case, if you would like more information about endometriosis, you can find some great information from the following organizations:
National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662;
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/; and
Endometriosis Research Center at (800) 239-7280, http://www.endocenter.org/;
With regard to early menopause and what to expect, you may want to check out this free online guidebook published by the The North American Menopause Society ...
http://www.menopause.org/edumaterials/earlyguidebook/emgtoc.aspx
Another good resource on premature menopause is womenshealth.org which seems to have an endless amount of information that may inform your experiences and help alleviate your fears.
Please let us know what else we can do Melinda.
May 28, 2008 - 7:30amThis Comment
Dear Melinda,
Thank for taking the step to SHARE with us. As you will see, SHARING is the quickest step towards recovery.
I know it's not easy to talk about fears with people you don't know and I commend you for your courage and strength.
Fortunately you came to the right web site. EmpowHer has dozens of interview clips on this subject which will be going live very soon, so you'll be able to hear America's brightest women's hormone experts discuss the very subject you're concerned about.
On a personal note, I too will be having surgery soon (my heart) and I'll have you in my prayers all day Wednesday. Just return the favor when it's my turn...ok?
And when you're back on-line, please update all of us at EmpowHer so we know how you're feeling.
When I SHARED my heart symptoms with my support group here at EmpowHer, I instantly felt better and I'm sure we can help you the same way.
I'll look forward to hearing great news from you.
To your health!
-Todd
May 27, 2008 - 11:47pmThis Comment
Dear Melinda,
Help is on its way.
Let me and the EmpowHer team do some research for you.
Please try not to be scared. Easier said then done.... I'm sure.
I have been where you are, Melinda. This is why I started EmpowHer.com and we will get through this together. A big part of the healing process is knowing that someone has been where you are. And that you are not alone!
I know there are things you can do to help ease the onset of menopause after surgery.
Has you doctor recommended any HRT treatment for you after tomorrows surgery?
Here's some things to think about.
I'd like to send you the book that helped me the most. It was written by a doctor in Tucson. You should go to her site www. herplace. com. She's got some great audio shows that you'll find very helpful. This would be a great place to start.
Where do you live? The reason I ask is I'd like to try to get a referral for a doctor you can see after your surgery if your doctor isn't treating you or discussing your options.
You are young and I know that can make it more of a struggle. And then there are other women that don't have any trouble after surgery. Everyone is so different.
We need to help you find a great hormone specialist.
Please know that we will do everything we can too help you. Part of what we do is to give you resources and others who are going or have gone through your situation.
We want you to have all your options and then you get to make the choice of treatment.
Our thoughts are with you tomorrow. We'll check on the endo question. I have heard the same thing. But, I'd want to make sure its truly the case.
Try to get some rest and don't overdue when you get home. Your family needs you!
Please keep me posted. And we'll find you some resources.
Again, if you could give me your mailing address. We'll get the book out tomorrow. Its a gift from me to you.
Best in health,
Michelle
May 27, 2008 - 11:06pmThis Comment