Please send me Healing thoughts!

Oh Leslie, I do so, so feel for you. The pain, discomfort, worry and distress you are going through is almost too much to bear alone (well, almost alone).

I thought it was only our own NHS that treated patients so badly. Autrialian hospitals are always held up as a shining example here of how things should be. You need to be strong and INSIST the medics offer you all possible alternatives. However, you might have to face up to the fact that a hysterectomy is the only way to alleviate your symptoms.

I can fully sympathize about the childlessness. I had an ectopic pregnancy just over 2 years ago that nearly killed me and resulted in surgery that meant the chance of conception was slim-to-non-existent. What really borught home to me the distinction between us 'mere mortals' and others, was that the Duchess of Wessex (Prince Edward's wife) had the same problem about 6 months after me.

On the news they were going on about what counselling she was going to receive to help her come to terms with what happened etc etc etc. All I got was a scabby leaflet telling what stomach exercises to do to make sure I strengthened the stomach muscles sufficiently after surgery.

All this goes to say that you must jump into the driving seat and take control of what is happening to you. Don't take anything you're told for granted and research every possible option. Be sure the decision you take is the right one for you.

Lots of love and thoughts of support coming to you. Take care.

Hi Guys

I am overwhelmed at your support and kindness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Well I went to the Doctor. I walked in, he asked me how I was and I looked at him and burst into tears. Well I guess although it was embarrassing it did get his attention. I told him how angry I was! I said I felt I had been put on the TO HARD shelf, and that I didn't feel either he or the Gyno was doing what was necessary to help me fix this problem. I also asked him if it was him bleeding heavily for nearly 5 months from his you know what and, he was told to do some research and get back to the doc etc and then wait nearly a month after doing that would he be happy with the way things were going. He said definitely not!!! Hoorah!

He was very supportive of my complaints and agreed with everything I said. He also said he would get in touch with the Gyno and get things moving. We will see what comes of it! They will probably put me into hospital over night and give me the progesterone and then monitor me for any signs of an impending attack. They have the information needed on how to stop one (which I found) if needed.

So I guess it's a case of one step at a time, and trying the progesterone first. I had another blood test done to check FSH and iron levels as he said I was to pale and also the lines on my palms were almost white showing some amenia. I have been taking a few iron tablets and eating more red meat (Now I know why I have been craving it so much) so will get the results of that by Thursday.
I have taken some pain killers and feel a bit better at the moment. Just want this nightmare to be over.

Thank you for sharing all the things you guys have had to go through as well. So many of us here have either gone or are going through the same kind of things. It breaks my heart and I wish that I could make you all feel better too. There are so many woman in the world all going through this that it is very worrying.

I have taken all the advise on board and am starting to put things into perspective a little better.

Again thank you! I was in a very dark place this morning (It has been building up for a while) and without your support and love and advise and kindness I couldn't have gotten as far as I have today! Your strength has helped so much.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Honey - you know I am here for you! Everyone has given great advice. The only thing I can add is a hot water bottle may help ease the pain.
I know how much you want to be a mom, but your health has to come 1st. You are an amazing woman and you will get thru this and be a better person for making it thru this. If you have to have a hysterectomy then you know that it doesn't make you any less of a woman. Keep strong and email me anytime!

Bundy, honey, there are worse things than NOT having kids. And, trust me, a hysterctomy DOESN'T make you less of a woman. I've still got my ovaries and at almost 45 with a wonderful, gentle man, WOW!

Its good that you're, finally, getting some proper attention, from a doctor. Even, today, too many doctors tend to dismiss "women's problems". Not to be sexist but, I've usually had better luck with a female gyno. More empathy, at least. Also, exams are less uncomfortable - smaller hands.

Keep fighting, for good treatment and I hope that you get relief.

Leslie, I am preying that this is the beginning of your road to recovery.

You know, sometimes letting the doctor know how you are really feeling is what actually gets results. Tears are good. We tend to walk into a doctor's office and most of the time, we want to be tough and try to portray that we can handle anything. Showing your tears jsut proved that, no, you can't do this anymore and that yes, you desperately need him to make decisions. He's seen the true you now. And now, give him the chance to prove he can help. I know that this has dragged on forever but, perhaps, in your last appointments, he got the impression that the situation was not as bad as it really is. (not sure how your last appointments went though so this is only a thought). I'm just guessing that maybe in the last few times, he got the impression that you were willing to try different options first.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Oh Bundy....how horrible for you.

I am not an expert by any means when it comes to the human body. But, I have had many illnesses that have affected my family. There are some horrible doctors out there and some really amazing ones. Unfortunately it is up to the patient many times to weed through the bad ones till they get one competant enough.

If you have a complaint with a doctor speak up. If you don't think you are being heard, get a referral to another doctor. Make yourself loud and clear when you have concerns. Never let them tell you to go away and do your own research!

I guess for many generations it's been the norm to "trust" what the medical community tells you and go on your merry way. Well, this generation is no longer seeing the doctor's word as God and starting to fight for their own rights. Always listen to your gut and make your concerns their number one priority. It can be difficult, but it's your future and health we're talking about.

Hopefully your doctor will now give you some alternatives. You mentioned before about seeing a Naturopath. Did you just go to one or many? Again, there are good ones and bad ones out there and you might find they have the answer.

My friend has been battling her body in a similiar way. She bleeds maybe 20 days out of each month and her body is severly allergic to many medicines. So I do have some understanding of what you go through.

As others have stated, do not just throw the idea away about a hysterectomy. For many people it has been a life saver, even at a young age. Educate yourself (as I know you will) and make the best decision for your life. Don't do it if 2 doctors tell you. See 6 doctors and then make up your mind.

Sending all positive thoughts for some medical advice that will help you through this.

And I complain about my once a month visit!

Nakita and I are sending only our warmest hugs your way!

Leslie,

I am glad you got his attention at last! I hope they can figure this out and even you up a bit. I know how distressing a hysterectomy is- I had a total one at the age of 21. But I also know that it meant leaving behind those god-awful cramps, bleeding and other female problems I was having. No, I could not have my own children- but today I have remarried a wonderful man, have 5 step kids and 15 step-grandchildren and enough love to go around for all of them!

Keep your chin up and your resolve strong- sounds like you are finally finding a way our of your nightmare!

Hugs ((((((((()))))))))))

Leslie, I am glad you're feeling better and that at last your doctor might start getting things to move. Doctors do sometines need that gentle push and nudge

One thing I have learned in the past couple of years is to always do my own research on the net when it comes to medical problems (human or feline). My husband has been ill for some time now with a yet undiagnosed liver problem (complicated by a viral infection). We are both now quite the experts on liver problems we feel that we can talk to the doctors in the same level - honestly, many of them, even the so called experts, don't know much off the top of their head - not when it comes to the more rare and complicated stuff. There are excellent websites on the net for every kind of disease - I would just go to websites that describe all sorts of gyno problems and start there. Look for everything that has your symptoms and then explore those possibilities. Try to contact women who have has the various medical problems you suspect you may possibly have - many of them have set up websites about their conditions and you can contact them by email. You can get help in understanding your lab tests as well.

In my view, sometimes you just need to play doctor as no one else is going to do that for you. With hubby's condition we ended up contradicting one of the doctors' diagnosis (and were later backed up by the real liver experts) and asked for tons of important tests that most doctors don't even know about. We have see the top hepatologists in the country and it was very interesting to discuss it all with them.

I'll be sending you good vibes from this side of the planet as well! Stay strong sister!

oh honey,
i am sending all my healing thoughts and prayers your way. try to keep your chin up!
if you ever need to talk, i will be here for you!
i have never had a problem like yours but i can relate to being in a "dark place"!
take care of you!!! i care!

Dearest Leslie

I'm so sorry you are going thru all this! Sending many warm hugs that you feel better soon, and keep up after those docs to listen to you.

Perhaps the next step is to ask for a referral to a University clinic where the docs are trained in the most up to date procedures? In the US when the family docs cannot find a solution, it's time to try the University docs.

Take care,
Maui (fellow Russian Blue mommy)

Bundy, I hate to see you start at step one, but doctors sometimes have a brotherhood, and hate to contradict each other. See what the new specialist says first. Then, if you hear the same old, same old, tell him you've been there, done that.

Or--go to another city and different medical center. Make sure you have your records from the other doctors. I hate to suggest that your health could suffer because of an unspoken "law," but we know this happens--even with policemen and - heaven forbid!!- politicians.

My prayers are with you. Lots of prayers from lots of people. Have faith.

Someone once told me to try Vegemite?!?!
It's suppost to cure everything



Get better sweetie!

Lheezzza, I reserve the right to torture Leslie with vegemite digs! Heaven help her if she tries that!

Bundy, I am so sorry to hear about this. Sending my best thoughts and hugs to you.

I am glad your Doctor has finally paid some attention to you, and I really hope they can give you some answers.


Marie

Bundy, you poor thing you must be miserable! My Mom has been a registered nurse for over 20 yrs. Most of her expirence is in Gyn and Ob. She may know or can ask a doctor friend if there is anything to help you. I don't know how good health care is Down Under, maybe someone here might be able to help you. Anyway, if you can PM me with everything that's going on and what you can and can't take we may be able to narrow it down. Have you ever tried Black Cohosh? This is the only natural herb that helps with female hormone balance. In fact I saw it in the newspaper today that out of all the alternative medicines used it was the only one that worked. It may help with mood swings. I sure hope you feel better!

I am glad you finally got the doctors attention!!! Please keep us posted ion what he finds out, and if and when you will be going into the hospital...my thoughts are with you!!!

Originally posted by Jeanie G.
Lheezzza, I reserve the right to torture Leslie with vegemite digs!

Heaven help her if she tries that!

Click to expand...

(slapping my hand) bad girl!!!!

Sticky Mess.....!!!!

I hope you don't think this is too forward of me, but I am so concerned about you. I did a search on the web and am including links to medical info. I apologize if this is redundant to what you have already researched, but I just wanted to help in some way.

Take care.

Menorrhagia Diagnosis & Treatment

Treatment Decisions (Medscape requires registration; registration is free)

Managing Menorrhagia (also Medscape)

Leslie, I'm very, very late on this thread, and I know NOTHING that could help you. I do want to send my positive energy to you, and lots and lots of HUGS!!!!! No matter what the problem is, physical, mental, spiritual, you can always come and vent or cry or scream here. We are here for you, no matter what.

Leslie,

I was so sorry to hear of your pain and the hurting you suffer from. You will be in my prayers. Blessings to you.

Patty