Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Rethinking this Mirena thing....

Since my last post the pain has continued to increase in frequency as well as intensity and duration. My migraines are still being held at bay (thank goodness for that at least!) but man, the pain is killing me. This is all starting to feel uncomfortably too familiar. It hasn't been 2 years since my lap and here I am again feeling very much like I was months before I had it. I feel myself slipping with regards to energy and how much I have to give to my everyday responsibilities... With work, school, hubby, and church callings I'm beginning to feel much like Bilbo Baggins, "like not enough butter spread over too much bread."

The plan was to get the Mirena next month, but I wonder now if that will even be worth it when my pain (especially with regards to my bladder and bowel movements) has increased this much in just a span of a month and 1/2. I know the Mirena helps with not letting the Endo progress as well as with the bleeding, but will it even touch my other symptoms? Why put myself through a painful insertion and 6 months of crazy bleeding when it may not even help? Does that make sense or am I just panicking?

I think I need to have a good talk with my doc and explore other options. I know this sounds insane, but I want to have another Lap. I figure if we go in and do some more work on those adhesions and endometriomas, perhaps I can have the Mirena placed during the surgery and we can start from a better place... I'm not sure if this is possible or if my doc will even go for it, but I don't really know what else to do/try/think.

On another note, I've taken up yoga and am working on cutting out wheat from my diet. I've increased my flaxseed intake and am thinking of adding fish to my diet. (I was allergic to it most of my childhood and just never learned to like it.) I know this won't make all the pain go away, but at least its a start, right?... I hope?

Tonight is going to be another Lortab night... *sigh*

4 comments:

My Endo Journey said...

It never hurts to talk to your Dr. and bounce ideas off of him. Seems that if they are even thinking surgery in the near future, why not now, and like you said, go ahead and place it during the procedure. Only we know our bodies best. At least let them know what you are thinking. It might make you feel better too if he has a good explanation and you feel more comfy with going forward. Ya know?

So sorry that things are ramping up. Glad to hear about the Yoga and foods. I need to work on the foods thing...it's SO hard!!!!

Tammy said...

I found you a few weeks ago in my search for real live information about this very decision. I've been diagnosed stage IV-V since 2001, had some laps while trying to maintain what little fertility (which was minute, pretty much non-existent when all is said and done) I had, and now I'm just seeking relief. I have considered the idea of the Mirena as you described, having the lap, removing one ovary, releasing adhesions, etc, getting in the best position as possible and then having the device inserted at the same time. All that said I live with such fear that it will just get worse. I'm "living with it" right now, coping, trying to make the most of the blessed life I have in spite of this wretched disease.

Hoping for you in this decision and in all that you want for your family...

I think if anything you need to be completely clear about the result and see what options you have.

What IF? said...

Alex, I'm so sorry you're hurting more now. I don't have any advice to give, but just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and sending you strength with these tough decisions.

Erika said...

I hope that whatever you decide you get some positive results. I hope you have a wonderful doctor that will make the time for you that you need and actually hear what you are saying. Best of luck, I'll be praying you get some relief in the pain as well as the stress of deciding what to do!