Endometriosis

[Kimi]

Hi everyone. I am new to this site and have been doing the LC way of life since April. Also in April I was diagnosed with endometriosis. My OB/GYN gave me several options for treatment for the monthly mind-numbing pain. All treatment options seemed nearly as bad as the disease. As I said, I started LC living around the same time I got the diagnosis, coincidently, I am also experiencing less pain and now it only lasts one day. Previously, no amount of antiinflamatory pain killers or narcotics could touch the pain. Has anyone else had this experience? Is it a coincidence? My OB/GYN thinks this is all in my head! I can't find any literature about the connection between endo and LC diets. (Other than a small part in Dr. Atkins Health Revolution.) Also, has anyone heard of a connection between infertility and diet? I would love to know of any web sites with this type of info.

[BC]

Kimi, I don't think its all in your mind. Please get a copy of "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" by Christiane Northup, MD. at your bookstore or borrow from your library. There is a wonderful section on the endometriosis/diet connection which is too long to summarize here. Same thing for the connection between diet and some fertility issues.


BC
172/108/108
Zone since 4/98

[This message was edited by BC on 09-15-03 at 09:49 AM.]

[Kimi]

Thanks so much for the tip. I will check it out.

[kusomsen]

Hi Kimi,
we are in the same boat. I also have Endo & the options given by my ob/gyn are horrid. However, I have found, that using progesterone cream helps me a great deal. It helps balance your hormones and can bring relieve. Just make sure, that the cream (or anything else you put on your body for that matter) you use doesn't have any ingredients ending with "paraben" in it, which are xenoestrogens and make Endo worse. I'm not quite sure if the pain is less since I have started lowcarbing - the painkillers I have to use knock me out and I don't wait until I develop too much pain before taking them either. I'm out 1-2 days. Let me know if you have more questions about the progesterone cream or anything else.

LOL


Katrin

[Kimi]

I haven't even heard of that. Is this by prescription? Your OB/GYN recommended it? I will have to check it out. What are you using for pain controll? I also came to realize that cutting out caffeine has helped with the pain too. I am finding that this is all trial and error and none of which is being directed by my doctor - he just wants to give pills. Thanks for the tip.

[kusomsen]

Kimi,

I did a LOT of research on the net on endo. The first time I heard about using progesterone cream was when I was at an Arbonne presentation. I then did more research on it. You may find that many Drs don't know about it, since - like you said - all they want to give you is pills.

I have purchased the cream on e-Bay, but you can also get it at Health Food Stores. I'm currently using "The Original Happy PMS" which is all natural without any preservatives that act like xenoestrogens. There is a book out there by Dr. John Lee that gives a lot of information on these issues. I haven't read it yet, though.

For painkiller I use pretty heavy duty stuff: either Tylenol 3 or Lortab

That stuff really will knock you off your feet, though. Nothing else will touch my pain. My Obgyn gave me a sample of "Bextra" which is designed for cramps and Arthritis. It is supposed to not make you drowsy. I haven't dared taking it for my pains though - I'm too scared that it won't help.

One treatment option my Dr gave me is to get Lupron shots. No way am I going to do those! Too many side effects that also can be permanent (including bone loss). I will get a second opinion of a different Dr a friend recommended to me.

I'll keep you updated.

Never give up! Never surrender!

Katrin

[LADYLIKE]

I've been diagnosed with suspected end (havent had laparoscopy? yet) and since starting lc 3 moths ago I think I have definately got a little better.

This money (at the moment actually) I have still been very tired and taken codeine for the pain but have been able to get up out of bed for most of the day. Previously I would be totally bed ridden for about 3 days.

The codeine seems to work for the pain with me I guess I'm lucky but nothing helps the exaustion.

Goodluck with it.

Toni
188/176/120
"Dogs aren't our whole life but they make our lives whole"