Hello.
Yes, I have experienced prolonged bleeding on Lupron. I'm bleeding more this month after the Lupron shot than in previous months with a heavy cycle that STOPS after ~ 11 days. I'm going on week 3 of bleeding after Lupron.
NO WOMAN SHOULD BE TOLD TO HAVE A HYSTERECTOMY unless there are no other alternatives for her, and that's rare. I HIGHLY recommend seeking as many opinions as you need to make an informed decision. I am having an abdominal myo in a few weeks. My doctor never utered the "H" word b/c my doctor happens to be a fertility specialist. I didn't know this until I went for my initial consult / visit a few years ago. For that reason, my doctor DOES NOT do annual pap smears or deliver babies and has never discussed the "H" word with me so hysterecotomies may be referred to other doctors, I don't know.
TO DO:
1. Find hospitals that are ranked high in gynecology (U.S. News & World Reports) and/or have a dedicated center for fertility/reproductive medicine
I have found out of pocket expenses to be less when you deal with doctors in hospitals vs private practice. All is generally under one roof (lab, radiology) and hospitals have master agreements with insurers so you should have less of a fight re: outrageous EOBs or doctors that decline to take your insurance but will help you get reimbursed.
2. Find fertility specialists that specialize in fibroids vs an OB/GYN that may do myomectomies as part of a private practice
It doesn't matter if you don't want to have babies, you should want to keep all your organs in tact no matter what. Removal of organs may create another set of problems. Seek to resolve the problem, remove the fibroids, not your reproductive organs whenever possible.
3. Educate yourself
I searched high and low for clean ingredients when it came to iron supplements. I don't have a medicine cabinet in my house (never did, never will) and I don't take meds. I found a USDA certified organic iron pill by Enzymatic Therapy along w/a $3 off coupon. It's least expensive in chain stores like the Vitamin Shoppe ($10 - $3 coupon = $7).
Organic Iron
http://www.enzymatictherapy.com/search.aspx?searchtext=true%20organics&searchMode=AnyWord
$3 coupon
http://www.enzymatictherapy.com/Data/Images/homepage/December2008Coupon.aspx
I shop at my local farmers market and decided to bite the bullet and buy my meats exclusively from farmers after I visited the farms, researched raising livestock (grass fed AND finished meat), meat processing and state regulations, and I'm happy to report, my iron is greatly improved despite heavy periods. It was a huge adjustment, eating several times a day and only eating foods that would increase my iron stores. I REFUSED iron by way of IV b/c I just don't trust drug manufacturers after the previous iron samples I rec'd from my MD was recalled (I told my MD about the recall and thankfully I never filled the script). You should also know, if you're a vegan or vegetarian you MUST eat vitamin C rich foods with iron rich foods. Find all the vit C rich foods and keep them in your house always. I always drink 100% orange juice (fresh squeezed or I buy Florida's Natural since they are a co-op of farmers and only use oranges grown in the USA, not China or Brazil) with my iron pill and when I eat. We can't let one bit of iron escape the digestive process.
Lastly, my anxiety level around this whole situation has decreased since I found resources that clearly explain what's happening to my body. I refer to KidsHealth.org re: anemia and how red blood cells are made and I strongly recommend watching OR Live to see a real myomectomy. Search using keywords "Dr. Comrie Long Island College Hospital myomectomy". You should get the OR Live website and see the link to watch the surgery and Drs. Comrie and Blanchett answer questions throughout. I was so relieved after watching the hour long video. It gave me perspective and I am no longer scared or anxious about what's currently happening or surgery.
I'm thankful that I am a small business owner with flexibility to stay home when needed and the resources to pay my $300 per mo insurance premium. I'm also thankful that the pre-existing condition clause allowed me to have this surgery. Lucky for me the clause says, if you were treated for X condition 6 months prior to purchasing insurance, the condition will not be covered for Y months. I wasn't treated, just diagnosed and it was over a year, so they have to cover my surgery. Check with your state's department of health to see what insurance coverage they offer. If you need to buy additional insurance (be careful about switching) to get surgery covered, do it.
I hope this helps. If you want to talk offline, I'm happy to do so b/c no woman should have to suffer this way.
My email is lawschoolstudent08 at yahoo dot com -- and make the subject line "IVILLAGE DISCUSSION".
All the best to you and your family.
