Endometriosis

Re: Endometriosis

• piccolina09 member

  August 2009

  Hi sorry for your diagnosis, I know how devastated you feel. I too have stage IV but I am currently pregnant from my third IVF attempt. After my surgery, I headed right to IVF and had two failed cycles, then I went on Lupron Depot (this is the drug your doc is talking about) for 2 months, did IVF again and got pregnant.

  Often the route that most docs will take is to advise patients to head to IVF b/c it is the route with the greatest percentage of success. The drug will not clear up remaining endo---but it will stop new scar tissue/adhesions from growing. I would go on the drug for at least 3 months then head to IVF for the best chance of conception. If that is not an option for you, you could definitely try IUI.

  The drug has some side effects as it puts you into menopause for as long as you take it. I experienced hot flashes and weight gain. Others reported headaches as well. You need to take a calcium vitamin when you're on it and ask your doc about add-back therapy to help with the side effects.

  I know heading to IVF is a HUGE decision, but to be completely honest with you, not to scare you- I have seen few stage IV endo patients get pregnant without IVF.

  Another good but controversial thing about Lupron Depot is that some docs believe LD helps women express the beta-3 integrin needed for implantation, think of it as the sticky substance needed for an embie to stay.  Best of luck to you, if you have any more questions you can send me a private message. This board is a wonderful resource.

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• waitingforbaby#2

  August 2009

  I don't have any advice but wanted to let you know you are not alone. I was just recently diagnosed with stage IV and have been in a fog ever since. You are not alone. DH and I have struggled with the decision of which path to take next. My RE did not put me on any meds after surgery. ((hugs))
  

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• schoolsoutbride

  August 2009

  I have stage 1-2 Endo and just had a failed IVF.  I'm going to ask about Lupron and Beta 3 integrin before we do anything further.
  

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• ML4106

  August 2009

  Thanks for the help.  What is IVF and IUI?  She told me I would have to be on Lupron for 6 months, but I would love if it was less.  I  never took birth control because I didn't want my hormones controlled by medicine, now I'm always going to have to be on it, how ironic.

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• ML4106

  August 2009

  Thanks for your kind words.  What is RE?

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• waitingforbaby#2

  August 2009

  ML4106:

  Thanks for your kind words.  What is RE?

  RE= Reproductive endocrinologist. (ie: the man who will hopefully get me pregnant)
  

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