It's been a long time

I'm a bad blogger.  But, I wanted to come on and post an update for anyone still following my story (I keep writing in hopes that my journey will help someone else!).

I had Mirena inserted about 3 weeks ago.  So far, nothing really to report.  Maybe some increased anxiety, but, that could just be my subconscious  ;)  The procedure itself was easy.  Some mild cramping afterwards.  I slept most of the day since I self medicated with a few Xanax, so, good day overall  ;)

Still had a migraine this month (not that Mirena is supposed to help, but, I was hoping).  Actually, it was a little different in my postdrome symptoms (muscle weakness in my right arm). Coincidence? Hard to say.

I spotted for about a week after insertion.  That really isn't abnormal from my normal spotting-the reason I put it in because I was spotting/bleeding ALL.THE.TIME.  I'm giving myself 6 months to see if this can make a difference.  I've started my "spot with wiping" phase that usually comes about now.  I'm anxious to see how that all plays out.

I know the Mirena won't help with my PMDD symptoms.  That, I'm hoping, I can deal with in other ways (upping escitalopram, acupuncture, exercise).

So, that's me!!!  We'll see how this new adventure goes.  I was very sad to finally make this decision.  I feel like, at this point in my life, with this in place, we are done.  No more "trying" (like that was getting us anywhere).  But, at the same token, it's kind of nice not to be freaking out with every single symptom thinking that I'm pregnant.  Always, every month, it was the same song and dance.  I can tell you this, I definitely won't miss that.

Here's to new adventures!

Almost 3 months post op

Life isn't as grand as I imagined it would be before I had my last lap.  Not that things are bad per say. I just was expecting more.  That's what you get for having expectations.  HA!  After hearing from the MD though, I can see why I'm still having issues.  The nausea, he suspects, is from the build up of free fluid in my abdomen.  You know, the bleeding that occurs every months outside our uterus.  Ugh.  Barf!  Not much he could do about that except to clean up what was there when he was.

So, there's that.  The nausea IS about 75% better.  I'll take that.  Not trying to be whiny, I was just in my mind wishing for more.

My periods are still whacked out too.  I was hoping that was the cyst.  Guess not.  Bleeding/spotting still for 2 weeks/month.  I should get stock in pads and panty liners!  And the migraines.  BOO THE MIGRAINES.  I think that has to do with aging?  So says the literature  ;)

I've decided for no treatment.  We'll see how that works out for me.  Still in the back of my mind hoping to get pregnant again.  Not the IVF way though.  The monthly cycle of ups and downs with this wish are getting old too.  Too daunting.  Husband and I have decided by August...no baby, then, I'll consider some treatment and we'll stop trying.  My son will be 4 by then.  I'll be 35.  Not that either are a magical number.  Just need to have it for our mental sanity.

In the meantime, just really loving the life I have an enjoying everything we have.  Super grateful for our son.  He really just turns up everyday, every mood.  Even when he's being 3.  ;)  There's still reason to celebrate.

Depo Provera?

Talk to me about it.  Anyone?

This is what my surgeon is suggesting IF I want to try and suppress the endo for a while.

It's 2015...

Since my last post, I got a referral to a GYN Oncologist, who was able to see me MUCH sooner than the Pelvic Health Center (that appt wasn't scheduled until MARCH!).  Thankfully I work at a cancer center.  I didn't know, but some of the surgeons in our GYN clinic take on endometriosis patients, and other, surgically challenging cases.  After reviewing my paperwork I was seen in early December and am tomorrow 3 weeks post-op.

First of all, let me say that it was BY FAR the BEST laparoscopy I've ever had.  When/if I need another, he's my guy!  He's a big shot, and, I can see why!  He knows his stuff!!!  I had little to no (yes, I said NO) pain afterwards (aside from the damned CO2 pain!!!).

I was slated for a 3 hour procedure but from what I know it was less than 1.5 hours.  When he first went in, he described to my husband "An extreme amount of blood and fluid" in my abdomen.  Awesome.  I'm assuming he cleaned that up (???)-Post op appt is tomorrow  ;)  My adhesions weren't as bad as he expected.  He removed my endometrioma, the adhesions he could see (a few on my colon), and called it a day.  He said he really was tempted to do a hysterectomy, but, knew it would have to be a total and was hesitant because of my age.  I would be ok with a partial at this point, but, I definitely need these (asshole) hormones around for a little while.  I've been through medically induced menopause before.  No THANK YOU!!!!  The world is not ready for that.  ;)

So, tomorrow is my post op appointment.  Not really sure there will be much to say.  I've got my list of questions.  We all know I have three options-get pregnant (because that's sooooo easy), IUD (b.c of my migraines, that's my only option as far as BC goes) or hysterectomy (see above).  So, here we go again with the waiting game.  Waiting game on how long will it be before I can't take it again or some growth has me back in the OR.  One can hope it'll be another 5 years.  By then I'll be 40, closer to menopause, and maybe more apt for total?  Who knows.

EFF you endo.  EFF you.