Friday, June 1, 2012

What's wrong with me, Part I: Adenomyoma

Adenomyosis is a condition in which the endometrial tissue in the uterus goes crazy, invading the muscular wall of the uterus. Like its cousin, endometriosis, it causes severe pain with menstruation.

Instead of diffuse adenomyosis all around my uterus, I have an adenomyoma, a focused growth in one, large, painful place at the top of my uterus.

Some women have pain from adenomyosis all the time. I'm relatively lucky; I have mild pain the week before my period, severe pain and vomiting on day one, and mild pain that I control completely with Aleve days 2-3.

It's unclear whether and how such an adenomyoma affects fertility. In endometriosis, the endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing a toxic environment for fertilization and affecting ovarian health. In adenomyosis, the endometrial tissue is more or less where it's supposed to be. Thus, most doctors will tell you that women with adenomyosis might have a higher chance of miscarriage, but that it shouldn't otherwise affect fertility. Anecdotally, I've seen many women on fertility forums get pregnant with adenomyosis.

On the other hand, this paper suggests that some women with adenomyosis have trouble getting pregnant (this article suggests the same). On the fertility forums, not every woman with adenomyosis gets pregnant. It seems self-evident to me that if my 5x7mm polyp could cause implantation difficulties, then surely my enormous adenomyoma could.

I would hazard a guess that since it affects the structure of the uterus itself, fertility depends on the extent of the adenomyomas/adenomyosis, as well as the unpredictable nature of fertility itself. In other words, some women with adenomyomas can get pregnant naturally, others need medical intervention, others will never get pregnant.

Although the above articles present surgery as a treatment for both pain and infertility, my pelvic pain specialist has warned me that surgery carries with it the risk that my uterus will scar closed, ending my chances at carrying a pregnancy to term. His advice last year was to wait, get pregnant, then have the surgery when I'm done with child bearing.

That was April 2011; it has been a year and obviously, I am not pregnant. Every month, the pain, vomiting, and blood loss continue. Every month I fall into despair. Some months, the pain is better than others, but emotionally, the pain gets harder to deal with.

If I continue to not get pregnant, at some point, I will have to gamble: a chance at restored fertility or infertility. All or nothing.



14 comments:

  1. This is very interesting. I've been TTC for 10 cycles. I know that hasn't been that long...but my concern is that in the past, I've fallen pregnant very easily twice in the past. However that was 9 years ago. Since then my periods have shortened and my bleeding has become heavier and has tons of clots. I haven't taken BCP in more than 12 years. As a teen I suffered from severe menstrual cramps. In High School, I started the pill...continued them through college. My first pregnancy was in college when I was lazy with taking the pill and the second was within a year or so of stopping them.

    I initially went to my OB/GYN early in TTC process because of the heaviness of my periods (I figured a script for iron pills would be good since I've had a history of anemia). We talked about fibroids since I'm Black and I have two aunts that have them. I went in for an ultrasound and there where no fibroids. But there was a huge (like 5cm) cyst on the side of my cervix. My doctor was pretty sure it was benign, but ordered an MRI just to be sure. That's when he diagnosed the adenomyosis...although I never saw the images, my guess is that it is diffuse since there is thickening on the anterior and posterior of the junctional zone of the uterus. He also said that I most likely have endometriosis as well since the two go together. The ultrasound showed only functional ovarian cysts...but my right ovary was very close to my uterus (the ultrasound tech wasn't even sure what she was looking at...had to call a doctor in).

    My OB/GYN ordered OPKs...although I knew that I ovulate because I had been temping and I get EWCM just fine. He said the next step is Clomid...but I really worry about that. My short cycles and adenomyosis probably mean I'm estrogen dominant. My BMI is 28 as well (so I could stand to lose a few pounds). So I took it upon myself to make an appointment with an R/E...to get another opinion. My first appointment is in a week.

    Also I've had an HSG...and all is clear (which is good, but frustrating as well). There seems to be no easy answers as to why I can't conceive. As far as pain, for years after stopping BCP, I wasn't getting menstrual cramps. They started coming back about 5 years ago (probably coincides with the increased bleeding). 2 years ago, before TTC, I would take Advil to take the edge off and that worked fine. My OB/BYN prescribed Naproxen...since you don't have to take it so often. That lightened my periods significantly. However I'm bad about getting prescriptions refilled, so I've been using Naproxen some months and Advil others. Then I found out that these NSAIDs can cause ovulation issues.

    Two cycles ago I started progesterone cream in the 2nd half of the cycle. I usually get bad physical PMS (back ache, cramps, breast soreness). However two cycles ago, the PMS seemed mild to non-existent. I did take one Naproxen pill though...since I didn't know what to expect. This cycle I started B-Complex along with the progesterone. I took no Naproxen, just one little Advil. My bleeding was heavy with lots of clots, but the pain wasn't so bad. So I don't know if it's just coincidence, or the cream and the vitamins are working. I definitely ovulated as well (got a strong positive OPK on CD 9).

    I am thankful that I don't have terrible pain and that the pain I do have is limited to the day before and of my period. However, I feel stuck...in that it is hard for me to ask for treatment with no pain and few symptoms. Just the period pain and some bladder issues (for whatever reason I urinate much more frequently than I used to and can't hold it as well). But I just feel "off"...especially since my cycle has changed so in the last 5 years (I'm 33). Also I'm praying that it is not the adenomyosis that is giving me problems because that is not a condition that is really treatable anyway.

    Best of luck to you in your journey! Thank you so much for blogging about it and putting it out there. It takes a lot of strength...for sure.

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    1. Also, thank you for mentioning the progesterone cream. I've heard it can help with endo. I might try it after my surgery.

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  2. Hi Miss S,
    Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story. I'm really sorry about your struggles. My surgeon was very clear that adenomyosis usually doesn't cause infertility; it's just that in my case, I have one huge adenomyoma that could be causing implantation failure. So if you have diffuse, there's a good possibility that it's not causing your problems. Also, it's great that you know you could get pregnant in the past. Fertility is such a mystery, and I do feel like women who've had pregnancies before know that their bodies once could conceive.

    I have tons of thoughts about your struggles (I feel like I've read every damn thing out there about infertility), but I don't want to offer advice if that's not what you need. So I'll just offer my prayers and solidarity. If you want to hear my non-professional opinion, just say the word! You can also email me.

    Hugs,
    Sarah

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  3. Thanks Sarah! Well I'm curious as to what the RE is going to say; even if it is not immediately helpful. I would welcome the opportunity to have a laproscopy. Surgery doesn't bother me (I had major orthopedic surgery 4 years ago); but hormones do. It's funny...because I never had a bad experience with BCP. It just doesn't seem right to me. I think that natural, long-term regulation is the best. :-)

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    1. I'm in total agreement about hormones; they make me insane.

      Let me know what the RE says!

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  4. Well, here's my update. I did have an appointment with the RE, but when I received their new patient paperwork, a memo was included stating that all appointments and procedures would be billed/coded as 'infertility'; unless subsequent diagnosis proves otherwise. So I checked with my health insurance company, and surprise, surprise, nothing related to infertility is covered. A part of me just wanted to go anyway, and then deal with the annoying payments and bills. However I thought about it and opted to cancel.

    One of my co-workers who was left childless due to endometriosis suggested the doctor that she saw years ago for her laproscopy. He worked for a division of gynecological surgery, so I thought I would give them a try. After a consultation and an exam, the doctor (who was a different doctor in the same practice) was not strongly convinced that I had endometriosis to the extent that I need surgery. She determined this based on my lack of pelvic pain, the movement and feel of my reproductive organs, and the description of my period pain (which for me, is focused towards the base of my spine). She suggested IUI after six months if I still couldn't conceive.

    So I seem to be hitting a brick wall with traditional medicine. AF is due the day before Thanksgiving. This cycle I started a multivitamin and fish oil in addition to the B-Vitamins and progesterone cream. I also placed an order for Exclzyme, enzymes that can break up scar tissue in your body (I figured if it doesn't help my lady parts, then maybe it will help my leg, which was badly scarred in a car accident). After that, I'll try herbal fertility supplements. That's MY six months plan. If all that fails, I'll bend and opt for clomid.

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    1. Hi Miss S., Sorry for taking so long to respond, but I've been recovering from my surgery. So sorry to hear that your insurance doesn't cover IF. It's so unjust and awful. At least it seems that you don't have endo, which means no surgery. (Being in recovery is no fun AT ALL; so traumatic on the body. I wouldn't ever subject myself to this, but in my case, I had no other alternative.)

      Have you read "Making Babies"? I found that book really helpful. Have you considered acupuncture?

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  5. Awww. This is a bit late, but I hope you are feeling better!

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  6. I have been diagnosed with adenomyosis for 10 years. I'm 34yrs old now and have been trying to get pregnant for a year. My condition has also worsened over the years and I am now regularly hospitalised during my menstruation. My specialists also advised I wait until I have children before I undergo any surgery due to the risks involved but I've got to the point my quality of life is so poor; I have pain the week before which escalates for the first 3 days of my period. I also increasingly experience pain during sex. I am now seeking surgery as much as I want to retain my fertility because I can not take it any more. I wish you all the best and hope your condition has improved.

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  7. This information will help those suffering from Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, I was also a victim. I am excited to share this testimony, I was 3 years ago diagnosed of Adenomyosis and complicated Endometriosis. My medical condition was heart broken because it was causing my menstrual cramps,bloating before menstrual periods, lower abdominal pressure which result to heavy periods. I was subjected to different medications by my doctor for treatment such as Coenzyme Q10,ibuprofen, Danazol and many more. Despite my visit to several doctors my health wasn't getting better, all they could say was surgery. At the verge of giving up, I went to the internet to search for a treatment at least. But I found a cure instead. In the internet, I read a testimony of a lady who had Adenomyosis and Fibroid. She shared an e-mail address of the Doctor. Luckily everything seemed to be okay after I took the Herbal Medicine. I wish I could say that’s the end of it because I haven't had any symptoms since then.
    Do not expose yourself to more danger, use a herbal remedy that is safe and effective. If interested contact him: ronniemd70@gmail.com to find out more information and treatment.

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  8. Thank you very much Ronnie, for this wonderful opportunity in sharing my wonderful experience.
    I suffered from severe debilitating pelvic pain for over 9 years. It was thought that I had endometriosis but I had really adenomyosis. It was diagnosed after my hysterectomy. I also had multiple fibroids.
    I have tried a lot of miracle supplements in the past, almost always experiencing some diverse side effect during the procedure. I am glad to say that I experienced no such effects during my stint with zomo product. Since I came across your product. Still, I did truly feel the impact of your wonderful herbal product. I felt a powerful spike in my energy levels during the first month of taken your herbal medicine, and a slight hike in sensitivity during the second month and beyond. I feel that this aspect of the treatment is most important, because a person may also gain a little insight into their overall health, now the pain is gone, also I started to change my diet, I eat more fish and fruits and vegetables. In March, I got another ultrasound and everything is OK now, hope it can help ladies in the same or similar situation. Here is his email: ronniemd70@gmail.com

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  9. I'd like to share my success story with natural remedy: I had advanced adenomyosis was causing me to have the most excruciating pains every month and very heavy bleeding and of course a chronic anemia. The first GYN I saw said the only option was to remove my uterus. At only 24 my left ovary and Fallopian tube was removed due to endometriosis. After 4 years I had adenomyosis and right fallopian tube blocked. Always wanted to conceive but never been pregnant because adenomyosis was grown that I never had dimensions. My period came and was very heavy with clots - lasted 5 days and stop for 2 - came back again medium heavy for another week. I started taking Tranexamic acid for 5 days, Nature's way DIM-plus, four (4) capsules once a day. I also took the Pure Life Essence for Women, also 4 capsules once a day. I mix apple cider vinegar and water and take it twice a day and didn't work, it minimizes flow but comes back again, my Doctor gave me progesterone 200 mg and I kept bleeding...it's took me 3 weeks of bleeding; I looked very pale and felt weak - missed a couple of days at work. The Doctors I see all recommends hysterectomy. You know what stopped the bleeding?? Reading online came across an article about Doctor Ronnie's herbal medication for adenomyosis... I took it twice a day, and bleeding stopped. This is what works for me. I hope it helps someone else. I am 6 months pregnant now expecting my baby soon. You can get more information from him at ronniemd70@gmail.com

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  10. I have suffered from adenomyosis with severe cramps during and after my period. It was very painful and heavy bleeding and severe lower back pain my pain was unbearable to a point of being not able to move and a stabbing like pain on the left of my ovaries. Pain goes away when a clot comes out. But it took a while for the clot to come out. After several meetings with my gynaecologist which she suggested "laparoscopies" but I refused I know what laparoscopies is and how heart aching it can be then she stated that Allopathic treatment will help in pain management but it will not cure the disease. I started treatment with a drug named "endoheal 2 mg". This gave me pain relief but reduced my periods almost to no periods with numerous side effects - spotting and fluctuation in my dates. I was not mentally satisfied to bear the side effects so I came across ''Ayurvedic doctor" who started my treatment with herbs. Though I continued above drug 'endoheal 2 mg'" parallel for nine months for easy pain management. From then I continued taking the treatment. It reduced the size of my lesion but did not reduce it further after few months. And there was no relief in pain during menstruation but my Dr. Advised me to continue it during 3 months without any gap. I had noticed a quick ageing of my skin in the last 2 years. I am a smoker but for some reason I feel my quick ageing has to do with something else because I have been smoking for a long time and it's only recently that I noticed a fast decline of my skin elasticity. After then pain radiates very badly in my left leg, lower left back and left side of my vagina. The pain normally start anytime during 3, 5,6 days, but at time I had to take a painkiller for this also as it irritates whole day. Then pain disappears after fews day. My digestion was slow but Dr. Ronnie's supplements has improved it impossible situations is becoming possible miracles gradually.

    I was lucky to read in the internet about a lady who was cured from Adenomyosis through Herbal Medication. I contacted Ronnie through an email address I got from a testimony shared on the internet. Without further delay I made an order, I switched over to it. I had great breakthrough, that in the first month, I was already testifying of the effective of the Herbal medication. After 3months course of taken the medicine, all symptoms were gone. It has been 1 year and four months since I became free from adenomyosis. Anyone who is not in my position would not understand what I went through, the heart break, the pain and how frustrated I was for 6 odd years. Believe me, it was hell. I am so happy; I never believed I will be this happy again in life. My story is quite lengthy, it might help you too. You may contact Dr. Ronnie to know more via his email on. ronniemd70@gmail.com

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  11. A lot of people have said Adenomyosis is not a life-threatening condition, but it can cause severe discomfort. I have decided to write this testimony with the sincere hope that it will enable you and your loved ones to get on the right path of living a meaningful life with the right balance of independence and freedom without surgery, I believe sharing my thoughts and experience about Ronnie's product will be helpful and Enlighten many of you that you are not alone I have suffered from Adenomyosis for 8 years and had a hysterectomy, having Adenomyosis was not easy for me, My digestion was slow I was hospitalized several times our healthcare system/surgery failed me and other medication, after the surgery I took acv. I've taken multivitamins, herbal teas, shepards purse, Fertilpills and Folic acid, but the fertilpills bloat up my stomach and not in a way that it has gas and other things I don't remember the names. My story changed after a family friend directed me to Dr Ronnie in late 2016 but just after a month of using this herbal medicine, the rapid improvement in my health got me marveled. I thank Dr Ronnie for his support all through these years. If you are a women suffering with adenomyosis and experiencing heavy periods or severe uterine cramping and want to avoid surgery and keep your uterus, contact him; ( ronniemd70@gmail.com).

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