Re: Lupron

[Guest guest]

Carla, I have to applaud you on your effort to inform those of us that did

not know the effects of Lupro Depro. I wish I had known 10 years ago and

also 2 1/2 years ago. If I had not had the sever side effects I would

probably tried it again. I am glad that someone actually has come up to the

plate and let us women know this information.

Thanks again, Libby

lupron

although many of you may have written off this website:

Lupron Victims Network

http://www.lupronvictims.com/fibroids.html

as being " over the top " in terms of being anti-Lupron....you should also

know that the content identified on the above page is all verifiable via

the bibliography cited at the bottom of the page.

the history of the marketing of leuprolide acetate in this nation is one

of tremendous concern to me. Honestly, there are times when I question

ALL of the research surrounding this drug. So many hands have been

slapped for scientific misconduct and so many hundreds of millions of

dollars in fines have been paid....that I have huge issues of " trust "

when it comes to this drug.

I know this drug seems to help some women. but, my questions/concerns

begin with the research/content outlined on the LVN webpage for fibroids

listed above...and expand from there.

I would like to see all women treated ethically and safely in a

physician's attempt at helping them with their symptomatic fibroids.

And I worry a great deal about the long term side effects of ALL

treatment options....known or unknown....

It's important not to go into any given treatment with blinders

on....very important...so that you can proactively and preventively

choose wisely and also know how to recognize and possibly deal with

specific outcomes, should they negatively occur to you.

Be careful out there. The only person with your best interests at

heart...is you. It's not really " we " (as in patient/physician) but

always " you " (the patient) when it comes to owning your choice. No

physician will ever walk a day in your shoes. No physician will ever

take credit for a negative outcome for a treatment option that,

ultimately, " you " chose. But, should something negative occur, you will

stand alone and the " we " of treatment will quickly turn to " you " -- it

was " your " choice, afterall.

Please know that I am not attacking women specifically for using Lupron

-- but, rather, very, very concerned about the widespread use of a drug

for so many off label purposes with little to no disclosure to patients

on this. and, I'm also concerned about the financial cost to ALL of us

for this widespread off label practice.

Truly, be careful out there.

Carla

[Guest guest]

Carla, I have to applaud you on your effort to inform those of us that did

not know the effects of Lupro Depro. I wish I had known 10 years ago and

also 2 1/2 years ago. If I had not had the sever side effects I would

probably tried it again. I am glad that someone actually has come up to the

plate and let us women know this information.

Thanks again, Libby

lupron

although many of you may have written off this website:

Lupron Victims Network

http://www.lupronvictims.com/fibroids.html

as being " over the top " in terms of being anti-Lupron....you should also

know that the content identified on the above page is all verifiable via

the bibliography cited at the bottom of the page.

the history of the marketing of leuprolide acetate in this nation is one

of tremendous concern to me. Honestly, there are times when I question

ALL of the research surrounding this drug. So many hands have been

slapped for scientific misconduct and so many hundreds of millions of

dollars in fines have been paid....that I have huge issues of " trust "

when it comes to this drug.

I know this drug seems to help some women. but, my questions/concerns

begin with the research/content outlined on the LVN webpage for fibroids

listed above...and expand from there.

I would like to see all women treated ethically and safely in a

physician's attempt at helping them with their symptomatic fibroids.

And I worry a great deal about the long term side effects of ALL

treatment options....known or unknown....

It's important not to go into any given treatment with blinders

on....very important...so that you can proactively and preventively

choose wisely and also know how to recognize and possibly deal with

specific outcomes, should they negatively occur to you.

Be careful out there. The only person with your best interests at

heart...is you. It's not really " we " (as in patient/physician) but

always " you " (the patient) when it comes to owning your choice. No

physician will ever walk a day in your shoes. No physician will ever

take credit for a negative outcome for a treatment option that,

ultimately, " you " chose. But, should something negative occur, you will

stand alone and the " we " of treatment will quickly turn to " you " -- it

was " your " choice, afterall.

Please know that I am not attacking women specifically for using Lupron

-- but, rather, very, very concerned about the widespread use of a drug

for so many off label purposes with little to no disclosure to patients

on this. and, I'm also concerned about the financial cost to ALL of us

for this widespread off label practice.

Truly, be careful out there.

Carla

[Guest guest]

Carla, I have to applaud you on your effort to inform those of us that did

not know the effects of Lupro Depro. I wish I had known 10 years ago and

also 2 1/2 years ago. If I had not had the sever side effects I would

probably tried it again. I am glad that someone actually has come up to the

plate and let us women know this information.

Thanks again, Libby

lupron

although many of you may have written off this website:

Lupron Victims Network

http://www.lupronvictims.com/fibroids.html

as being " over the top " in terms of being anti-Lupron....you should also

know that the content identified on the above page is all verifiable via

the bibliography cited at the bottom of the page.

the history of the marketing of leuprolide acetate in this nation is one

of tremendous concern to me. Honestly, there are times when I question

ALL of the research surrounding this drug. So many hands have been

slapped for scientific misconduct and so many hundreds of millions of

dollars in fines have been paid....that I have huge issues of " trust "

when it comes to this drug.

I know this drug seems to help some women. but, my questions/concerns

begin with the research/content outlined on the LVN webpage for fibroids

listed above...and expand from there.

I would like to see all women treated ethically and safely in a

physician's attempt at helping them with their symptomatic fibroids.

And I worry a great deal about the long term side effects of ALL

treatment options....known or unknown....

It's important not to go into any given treatment with blinders

on....very important...so that you can proactively and preventively

choose wisely and also know how to recognize and possibly deal with

specific outcomes, should they negatively occur to you.

Be careful out there. The only person with your best interests at

heart...is you. It's not really " we " (as in patient/physician) but

always " you " (the patient) when it comes to owning your choice. No

physician will ever walk a day in your shoes. No physician will ever

take credit for a negative outcome for a treatment option that,

ultimately, " you " chose. But, should something negative occur, you will

stand alone and the " we " of treatment will quickly turn to " you " -- it

was " your " choice, afterall.

Please know that I am not attacking women specifically for using Lupron

-- but, rather, very, very concerned about the widespread use of a drug

for so many off label purposes with little to no disclosure to patients

on this. and, I'm also concerned about the financial cost to ALL of us

for this widespread off label practice.

Truly, be careful out there.

Carla

[Guest guest]

> However, one month of Lupron along with iron therapy resolved my

> anemia, yet my doctor wants me to continue taking it if I'm going to

> have surgery. (Presumably to shrink fibroid and reduce blood flow to

> the tumor).

This sentence above was sent to me privately so I won't reveal who it

came from, however, I do think my response should get posted to the

group so am opting to do that on this one.

While this patient did opt to discontinue Lupron use after her anemia

was under control, on a case like the one above where continued Lupron

therapy is recommended and accepted, how will the the doc's office

submit it to insurance for coverage and payout for each subsequent

shot? From what I understand from talking to insurance providers, if it

isn't approved by the FDA for " shrinking fibroids " or " reducing

operative bleeding " (which it isn't), then the drug isn't paid for by

insurance providers. If it's not covered by Medicare due to lack of FDA

approval....that means that it shouldn't be covered by any insurance

provider in the nation....yet, it routinely is paid for by insurance

providers according to many, many women who've received the in-office

injections for off label uses.

I spoke to a medical review rep at my insurance provider's office this

morning...and was told that because it is an expensive drug, insurance

providers do ask to see chart notes for verification of need....and that

if the chart notes don't match the approved uses of the drug...it isn't

approved. so, if docs are gaining coverage for their patients on

off-label uses for this drug....what does that mean they are charting

and submitting to insurance providers?

oh, and while you are mulling over this question...also consider that

whatever a physician charts and submits to your insurance provider

becomes a permanent record that follows you around just like a bad

credit report that you just can't correct or shake off.... and the

information is openly shared among insurance providers when you, quite

possibly, may need to apply for new insurance in the future....there's

even a reporting service that manages this information -- much like the

3 major credit reporting agencies manage your credit history

information. it's one of the primary reasons that I advocate never,

ever letting your insurance lapse...not even between jobs...pick up that

Cobra if you have to and do whatever it takes to keep yourself covered.

any lapse in coverage leaves you wide open to the possibility of

permanent exclusionary riders based on your prior medical history....

women have contacted me for help who couldn't get reasonable coverage

after undergoing a myomectomy or hysterectomy. they were deemed high

medical risks with potential for long term medical needs and possible

future surgery -- between ongoing HRT needs and possible prolapse repair

at some point in the future, hysterectomy patients have it rough in

trying to find " reasonable " coverage if they allow a lapse. permanent

exclusionary riders are actually quite common for those women seeking

private/independent coverage. others have contacted me who couldn't get

reasonable coverage after a diagnosis of fibroids. just a diagnosis.

regardless of symptoms, age, etc. there are a LOT of reasons to choose

medical care wisely and pay close attention to what is getting charted

and submitted to your insurance provider. and even more reasons to

never allow a lapse in coverage.

carla

[Guest guest]

> However, one month of Lupron along with iron therapy resolved my

> anemia, yet my doctor wants me to continue taking it if I'm going to

> have surgery. (Presumably to shrink fibroid and reduce blood flow to

> the tumor).

This sentence above was sent to me privately so I won't reveal who it

came from, however, I do think my response should get posted to the

group so am opting to do that on this one.

While this patient did opt to discontinue Lupron use after her anemia

was under control, on a case like the one above where continued Lupron

therapy is recommended and accepted, how will the the doc's office

submit it to insurance for coverage and payout for each subsequent

shot? From what I understand from talking to insurance providers, if it

isn't approved by the FDA for " shrinking fibroids " or " reducing

operative bleeding " (which it isn't), then the drug isn't paid for by

insurance providers. If it's not covered by Medicare due to lack of FDA

approval....that means that it shouldn't be covered by any insurance

provider in the nation....yet, it routinely is paid for by insurance

providers according to many, many women who've received the in-office

injections for off label uses.

I spoke to a medical review rep at my insurance provider's office this

morning...and was told that because it is an expensive drug, insurance

providers do ask to see chart notes for verification of need....and that

if the chart notes don't match the approved uses of the drug...it isn't

approved. so, if docs are gaining coverage for their patients on

off-label uses for this drug....what does that mean they are charting

and submitting to insurance providers?

oh, and while you are mulling over this question...also consider that

whatever a physician charts and submits to your insurance provider

becomes a permanent record that follows you around just like a bad

credit report that you just can't correct or shake off.... and the

information is openly shared among insurance providers when you, quite

possibly, may need to apply for new insurance in the future....there's

even a reporting service that manages this information -- much like the

3 major credit reporting agencies manage your credit history

information. it's one of the primary reasons that I advocate never,

ever letting your insurance lapse...not even between jobs...pick up that

Cobra if you have to and do whatever it takes to keep yourself covered.

any lapse in coverage leaves you wide open to the possibility of

permanent exclusionary riders based on your prior medical history....

women have contacted me for help who couldn't get reasonable coverage

after undergoing a myomectomy or hysterectomy. they were deemed high

medical risks with potential for long term medical needs and possible

future surgery -- between ongoing HRT needs and possible prolapse repair

at some point in the future, hysterectomy patients have it rough in

trying to find " reasonable " coverage if they allow a lapse. permanent

exclusionary riders are actually quite common for those women seeking

private/independent coverage. others have contacted me who couldn't get

reasonable coverage after a diagnosis of fibroids. just a diagnosis.

regardless of symptoms, age, etc. there are a LOT of reasons to choose

medical care wisely and pay close attention to what is getting charted

and submitted to your insurance provider. and even more reasons to

never allow a lapse in coverage.

carla

[Guest guest]

> However, one month of Lupron along with iron therapy resolved my

> anemia, yet my doctor wants me to continue taking it if I'm going to

> have surgery. (Presumably to shrink fibroid and reduce blood flow to

> the tumor).

This sentence above was sent to me privately so I won't reveal who it

came from, however, I do think my response should get posted to the

group so am opting to do that on this one.

While this patient did opt to discontinue Lupron use after her anemia

was under control, on a case like the one above where continued Lupron

therapy is recommended and accepted, how will the the doc's office

submit it to insurance for coverage and payout for each subsequent

shot? From what I understand from talking to insurance providers, if it

isn't approved by the FDA for " shrinking fibroids " or " reducing

operative bleeding " (which it isn't), then the drug isn't paid for by

insurance providers. If it's not covered by Medicare due to lack of FDA

approval....that means that it shouldn't be covered by any insurance

provider in the nation....yet, it routinely is paid for by insurance

providers according to many, many women who've received the in-office

injections for off label uses.

I spoke to a medical review rep at my insurance provider's office this

morning...and was told that because it is an expensive drug, insurance

providers do ask to see chart notes for verification of need....and that

if the chart notes don't match the approved uses of the drug...it isn't

approved. so, if docs are gaining coverage for their patients on

off-label uses for this drug....what does that mean they are charting

and submitting to insurance providers?

oh, and while you are mulling over this question...also consider that

whatever a physician charts and submits to your insurance provider

becomes a permanent record that follows you around just like a bad

credit report that you just can't correct or shake off.... and the

information is openly shared among insurance providers when you, quite

possibly, may need to apply for new insurance in the future....there's

even a reporting service that manages this information -- much like the

3 major credit reporting agencies manage your credit history

information. it's one of the primary reasons that I advocate never,

ever letting your insurance lapse...not even between jobs...pick up that

Cobra if you have to and do whatever it takes to keep yourself covered.

any lapse in coverage leaves you wide open to the possibility of

permanent exclusionary riders based on your prior medical history....

women have contacted me for help who couldn't get reasonable coverage

after undergoing a myomectomy or hysterectomy. they were deemed high

medical risks with potential for long term medical needs and possible

future surgery -- between ongoing HRT needs and possible prolapse repair

at some point in the future, hysterectomy patients have it rough in

trying to find " reasonable " coverage if they allow a lapse. permanent

exclusionary riders are actually quite common for those women seeking

private/independent coverage. others have contacted me who couldn't get

reasonable coverage after a diagnosis of fibroids. just a diagnosis.

regardless of symptoms, age, etc. there are a LOT of reasons to choose

medical care wisely and pay close attention to what is getting charted

and submitted to your insurance provider. and even more reasons to

never allow a lapse in coverage.

carla

[Guest guest]

> > *****However, one month of Lupron along with iron therapy

resolved my

> > anemia, yet my doctor wants me to continue taking it if I'm going

to

> > have surgery. (Presumably to shrink fibroid and reduce blood flow

to

> > the tumor).

>

> This sentence above was sent to me privately so I won't reveal who

it

> came from, however, I do think my response should get posted to the

> group so am opting to do that on this one.******

Carla, and ladies of this board,

I inadvertently sent this through e-mail, but it was my post that

Carla is referring to above. I just thought it was noteworthy to

mention two things about this exchange with my doctor:

1. The pharmacy who sent the Lupron to my doctor called me at home,

not once, but twice to verify that I knew that he was prescribing it

for me, and that I knew I was the intended recipient. At the time,

I thought it was an extremely odd thing to do. Now that I know more

about Lupron, I realize it was a cover their %$# sort of thing to

do, because it is a rather dangerous drug, in my opinion.

2. Carla's comment about your medical record following you around

like a bad credit report struck a chord with me. It clearly states

in my sonogram report that I have been suffering excessive bleeding

and pain for months( I haven't, just a month or two), that a

hysterectomy is indicated and was discussed with the patient( if you

consider what we had a discussion), patient agrees with the

hysterectomy treatment option. Well, I NEVER SAID ANY OF THAT!!!!

At the time, I may have said that the bleeding was getting out of

hand, and I probably just sat there in mute shock over they

word " hysterectomy, " but does that constitute agreement???? In

addition to that, I had a very hard time getting the nurses to let me

read my own sonogram report. Does that tell you that they sometimes

use a lot of latitude in reporting what you tell them? Ay Caramba!

At this point, I feel that doctors can manipulate pretty much

anything you say. I shudder to think what would happen if my

insurance company held me to that report, refusing to authorize any

other treatment, just because I supposedly agreed with the doctor

during our " discussion " of hysterectomy.

Thank you Carla, for bringing up this point. Now I'm really mad.....

[Guest guest]

> > *****However, one month of Lupron along with iron therapy

resolved my

> > anemia, yet my doctor wants me to continue taking it if I'm going

to

> > have surgery. (Presumably to shrink fibroid and reduce blood flow

to

> > the tumor).

>

> This sentence above was sent to me privately so I won't reveal who

it

> came from, however, I do think my response should get posted to the

> group so am opting to do that on this one.******

Carla, and ladies of this board,

I inadvertently sent this through e-mail, but it was my post that

Carla is referring to above. I just thought it was noteworthy to

mention two things about this exchange with my doctor:

1. The pharmacy who sent the Lupron to my doctor called me at home,

not once, but twice to verify that I knew that he was prescribing it

for me, and that I knew I was the intended recipient. At the time,

I thought it was an extremely odd thing to do. Now that I know more

about Lupron, I realize it was a cover their %$# sort of thing to

do, because it is a rather dangerous drug, in my opinion.

2. Carla's comment about your medical record following you around

like a bad credit report struck a chord with me. It clearly states

in my sonogram report that I have been suffering excessive bleeding

and pain for months( I haven't, just a month or two), that a

hysterectomy is indicated and was discussed with the patient( if you

consider what we had a discussion), patient agrees with the

hysterectomy treatment option. Well, I NEVER SAID ANY OF THAT!!!!

At the time, I may have said that the bleeding was getting out of

hand, and I probably just sat there in mute shock over they

word " hysterectomy, " but does that constitute agreement???? In

addition to that, I had a very hard time getting the nurses to let me

read my own sonogram report. Does that tell you that they sometimes

use a lot of latitude in reporting what you tell them? Ay Caramba!

At this point, I feel that doctors can manipulate pretty much

anything you say. I shudder to think what would happen if my

insurance company held me to that report, refusing to authorize any

other treatment, just because I supposedly agreed with the doctor

during our " discussion " of hysterectomy.

Thank you Carla, for bringing up this point. Now I'm really mad.....

[Guest guest]

>

>

> Lupron is used by docs for a whole lot of reasons that have NOT

been proven to be the case of efficacy

> whatsoever in the medical literature nor proven to the FDA that it

is worth the trade off in risks for

> women to take it for those reasons.

>

> During surgery, doctors have other, APPROVED drugs they can use to

inject into the area to cut down on

> bleeding. They do NOT need a patient to suffer through Lupron crap

before the surgery.

>

> Now, for women choosing a myomectomy and needing something to help

them get pre-operative anemia under

> control, okay. That's a reasonable ON LABEL use of the drug.

Worth the risk for most women who are

> at that stage of anemia, from what I understand via communication

coming directly from the vast

> majority of them.

Yes, that is a reasonable on label use of the drug, but how many

doctors recommend that their patients try iron pills alone first to

treat anemia? Even the Lupron brochures in the doctors' offices

suggest this. I was able to bring my hemoglobin up from 7.6 to over

12 in 2 months using iron pills, as recommended by a doctor. My

blood counts have been normal now for a year and a half, and I now

take iron only during my periods. Still, several doctors have tried

to get me to go on Lupron, to " shrink the fibroid and make an easier

surgery, " to " stop your periods, " and to possibly have a

hysteroscopic myomectomy. None of these doctors told me this was

an " OFF LABEL " use of the drug, although the Lupron brochure in their

offices states that Lupron is for treating anemia prior to surgery.

Most of these doctors did not inform me of Lupron's side effects

until I asked. Even then, most of them mentioned just hot flashes.

One doctor didn't even explain to me that Lupron was a temporary

measure - he talked as if Lupron was an option separate from

surgery. Another doctor told me " in addition to hot flashes, you may

have insomnia, and memory loss caused by not getting enough sleep. "

I finally found a doctor who did a quick office hysteroscopy which

ruled out hysteroscopic myomectomy even if I was to go on Lupron.

All these other doctors put me through numerous tests and recommended

Lupron, and it would have been for nothing. This doctor uses Lupron

only when a patient is markedly anemic. Wow! A doctor that actually

complies with the FDA's approved use of Lupron.

Therese

[Guest guest]

terrigeri wrote:

> only when a patient is markedly anemic. Wow! A doctor that actually

> complies with the FDA's approved use of Lupron.

One reason I was pretty happy with my new doctor is that

he saves Lupron to use only in case of severe anemia. He

explained that he didn't like the fact that it sometimes made

tumors harder to see/remove--much like the article stated

that was posted earlier. I'm so relieved he doesn't want

to use it with me. My other doctor, the one that delivered

my son, was ready to start it right away. Yuck!

Dee

[Guest guest]

terrigeri wrote:

> only when a patient is markedly anemic. Wow! A doctor that actually

> complies with the FDA's approved use of Lupron.

One reason I was pretty happy with my new doctor is that

he saves Lupron to use only in case of severe anemia. He

explained that he didn't like the fact that it sometimes made

tumors harder to see/remove--much like the article stated

that was posted earlier. I'm so relieved he doesn't want

to use it with me. My other doctor, the one that delivered

my son, was ready to start it right away. Yuck!

Dee

[Guest guest]

terrigeri wrote:

> only when a patient is markedly anemic. Wow! A doctor that actually

> complies with the FDA's approved use of Lupron.

One reason I was pretty happy with my new doctor is that

he saves Lupron to use only in case of severe anemia. He

explained that he didn't like the fact that it sometimes made

tumors harder to see/remove--much like the article stated

that was posted earlier. I'm so relieved he doesn't want

to use it with me. My other doctor, the one that delivered

my son, was ready to start it right away. Yuck!

Dee

[Guest guest]

--- Hi Group,

After reading today's posts. Iwonder why the heck my

DR. put me on Lupron, which I just started. My anemia

is controlled by my iron pills. The tumor in my

uterus he wants to remove is about 4cm perdunculated.

I have many others but this one he believes is causing

the heavy bleeding. I wonder if I should ask him if

he could do the surgury with me just finishing this

one dose of Lupron. When I went for the surgury

consultation he gave me the impression it would make

the surgury easier and less blood loss. What would you

guys do. Why do Dr.'s recommend this for other

reasons other than anemia. I don't get it.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

What kind of surgery is your doctor planning? If he

is planning on a hysteroscopic myo, then 4 cm may be a

bit too big to remove that way.

--- gina craig wrote:

>

> --- Hi Group,

> After reading today's posts. Iwonder why the heck

> my

> DR. put me on Lupron, which I just started. My

> anemia

> is controlled by my iron pills. The tumor in my

> uterus he wants to remove is about 4cm

> perdunculated.

> I have many others but this one he believes is

> causing

> the heavy bleeding. I wonder if I should ask him if

> he could do the surgury with me just finishing this

> one dose of Lupron. When I went for the surgury

> consultation he gave me the impression it would make

> the surgury easier and less blood loss. What would

> you

> guys do. Why do Dr.'s recommend this for other

> reasons other than anemia. I don't get it.

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Your story sounds familiar.... it sounds like I have the exact same

thing as you do. As I understand it, removal of fibroids

hysteroscopically is a tricky undertaking. One doctor may be

comfortable doing it on a 5 cm fibroid without Lupron, where another

may have difficulty with a 3 cm even AFTER Lupron. I think it

relates mainly to the location of the fibroid (as in, on which wall

it is attached, and how skilled the doctor is in general.) Perhaps

your doctor would feel more comfortable doing it after 3 months of

Lupron, because he hasn't had good luck with larger fibroids. My

doctor told me the same thing, so I am getting another doctor. He

said, and I quote , " It's a bit like moving a pile of dirt with a

spoon - slow and tedious. " I felt that if he was going to make me go

through three months of hot flashes and other nastiness, he probably

wasn't the best guy for the job in the first place. I had one shot

already, nearly five weeks ago, and I am not bleeding anymore at

all. But, I still have hot flashes daily - and nightly - and I

cannot wait for those to go away! So, I opted to stop the Lupron

therapy and see another doctor. Hopefully, it was the right

decision, but I won't know until the next doctor examines me. I can

tell you that the Lupron has shrunk my fibroid to the point that I

don't even know it is there anymore. No bloating, no bladder

pressure, no pain and no bleeding at all. I wish it would last, but

I know it won't. By the way, take calcium, iron and a good

multivitamin while you are on the Lupron, it has really helped me

feel healthier in spite of the hot flashes. I have also had chronic

insomnia ever since my daughter was born eight years ago, and I do

believe all the extra vitamins and minerals I am taking are helping

with that too!!!

Judy

>

> --- Hi Group,

> After reading today's posts. Iwonder why the heck my

> DR. put me on Lupron, which I just started. My anemia

> is controlled by my iron pills. The tumor in my

> uterus he wants to remove is about 4cm perdunculated.

> I have many others but this one he believes is causing

> the heavy bleeding. I wonder if I should ask him if

> he could do the surgury with me just finishing this

> one dose of Lupron. When I went for the surgury

> consultation he gave me the impression it would make

> the surgury easier and less blood loss. What would you

> guys do. Why do Dr.'s recommend this for other

> reasons other than anemia. I don't get it.

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Your story sounds familiar.... it sounds like I have the exact same

thing as you do. As I understand it, removal of fibroids

hysteroscopically is a tricky undertaking. One doctor may be

comfortable doing it on a 5 cm fibroid without Lupron, where another

may have difficulty with a 3 cm even AFTER Lupron. I think it

relates mainly to the location of the fibroid (as in, on which wall

it is attached, and how skilled the doctor is in general.) Perhaps

your doctor would feel more comfortable doing it after 3 months of

Lupron, because he hasn't had good luck with larger fibroids. My

doctor told me the same thing, so I am getting another doctor. He

said, and I quote , " It's a bit like moving a pile of dirt with a

spoon - slow and tedious. " I felt that if he was going to make me go

through three months of hot flashes and other nastiness, he probably

wasn't the best guy for the job in the first place. I had one shot

already, nearly five weeks ago, and I am not bleeding anymore at

all. But, I still have hot flashes daily - and nightly - and I

cannot wait for those to go away! So, I opted to stop the Lupron

therapy and see another doctor. Hopefully, it was the right

decision, but I won't know until the next doctor examines me. I can

tell you that the Lupron has shrunk my fibroid to the point that I

don't even know it is there anymore. No bloating, no bladder

pressure, no pain and no bleeding at all. I wish it would last, but

I know it won't. By the way, take calcium, iron and a good

multivitamin while you are on the Lupron, it has really helped me

feel healthier in spite of the hot flashes. I have also had chronic

insomnia ever since my daughter was born eight years ago, and I do

believe all the extra vitamins and minerals I am taking are helping

with that too!!!

Judy

>

> --- Hi Group,

> After reading today's posts. Iwonder why the heck my

> DR. put me on Lupron, which I just started. My anemia

> is controlled by my iron pills. The tumor in my

> uterus he wants to remove is about 4cm perdunculated.

> I have many others but this one he believes is causing

> the heavy bleeding. I wonder if I should ask him if

> he could do the surgury with me just finishing this

> one dose of Lupron. When I went for the surgury

> consultation he gave me the impression it would make

> the surgury easier and less blood loss. What would you

> guys do. Why do Dr.'s recommend this for other

> reasons other than anemia. I don't get it.

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

gina are you having a myomectomy? i am scheduled for one on march 28th.

i am on lupron and i like u have had only one shot and i am going to stay on

it.

according to my doctor there will be less blood loss during surgery if i take

the injections and isnt that an important factor to you? it certainly is to

me. also the fibroids will shrink while on lupron making surgery easier, make

sure u are taking calcium supplements to keep your bones strong while on

lupron, my doctor recommended 1200 mg along with 500 D for absorbtion.

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

/Wow, I can't believe you stopped the shots. Good for

you. I like my DR. I saw 3 others, and they all said

they would rather see Dr. MaGrade do the surgury. He

is a high risk specialist for pregnancies so I heard

he is a good surgeon. I feel comfortable with him and

the stress for me to keep going to Dr's. is too much.

All the other ones also recommended Lupron. He will

remove that tumor I mentioned and then he wants me to

wait 2 periods, and if it doesn't help the bleeding I

will go for the UFE. Actually, that was my first

choice but this tumor I have should be removed before

the other Procedure, because I could expel it or have

Post-embo syndrome. I have been taking supplements for

months now and I feel great. I had the Lupron on

tuesday, but so far I feel fine. Just waitng around

now for some side effects. I's supposed to get my

period any day now. So waiting to see if it comes or

I'm lucky and skip them for a while. The fibroids

feel like they are all moving around and kicking

eachother. I've had some discharge, but no blood yet.

I'll let you know. Good Luck finding another Dr.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

/Wow, I can't believe you stopped the shots. Good for

you. I like my DR. I saw 3 others, and they all said

they would rather see Dr. MaGrade do the surgury. He

is a high risk specialist for pregnancies so I heard

he is a good surgeon. I feel comfortable with him and

the stress for me to keep going to Dr's. is too much.

All the other ones also recommended Lupron. He will

remove that tumor I mentioned and then he wants me to

wait 2 periods, and if it doesn't help the bleeding I

will go for the UFE. Actually, that was my first

choice but this tumor I have should be removed before

the other Procedure, because I could expel it or have

Post-embo syndrome. I have been taking supplements for

months now and I feel great. I had the Lupron on

tuesday, but so far I feel fine. Just waitng around

now for some side effects. I's supposed to get my

period any day now. So waiting to see if it comes or

I'm lucky and skip them for a while. The fibroids

feel like they are all moving around and kicking

eachother. I've had some discharge, but no blood yet.

I'll let you know. Good Luck finding another Dr.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

/Wow, I can't believe you stopped the shots. Good for

you. I like my DR. I saw 3 others, and they all said

they would rather see Dr. MaGrade do the surgury. He

is a high risk specialist for pregnancies so I heard

he is a good surgeon. I feel comfortable with him and

the stress for me to keep going to Dr's. is too much.

All the other ones also recommended Lupron. He will

remove that tumor I mentioned and then he wants me to

wait 2 periods, and if it doesn't help the bleeding I

will go for the UFE. Actually, that was my first

choice but this tumor I have should be removed before

the other Procedure, because I could expel it or have

Post-embo syndrome. I have been taking supplements for

months now and I feel great. I had the Lupron on

tuesday, but so far I feel fine. Just waitng around

now for some side effects. I's supposed to get my

period any day now. So waiting to see if it comes or

I'm lucky and skip them for a while. The fibroids

feel like they are all moving around and kicking

eachother. I've had some discharge, but no blood yet.

I'll let you know. Good Luck finding another Dr.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Dorie

I am on my second 6 month round of Lupron ... I only take it because I really

don't seem to have any other options at this time ... I am not a surgery

candidate. Lupron has some unpleasant side effects ... hot flashes, night

sweats, my hair fell out, horrible mood swings and the list goes on ... not

to mention the possible long term effects. If your doctor feels he/she can

remove the fibroid either way and has no preference ... then why take Lupron?

Make the right decision for you -- good luck.

Jana

[Guest guest]

Dorie

I am on my second 6 month round of Lupron ... I only take it because I really

don't seem to have any other options at this time ... I am not a surgery

candidate. Lupron has some unpleasant side effects ... hot flashes, night

sweats, my hair fell out, horrible mood swings and the list goes on ... not

to mention the possible long term effects. If your doctor feels he/she can

remove the fibroid either way and has no preference ... then why take Lupron?

Make the right decision for you -- good luck.

Jana

[Guest guest]

Dorie

I am on my second 6 month round of Lupron ... I only take it because I really

don't seem to have any other options at this time ... I am not a surgery

candidate. Lupron has some unpleasant side effects ... hot flashes, night

sweats, my hair fell out, horrible mood swings and the list goes on ... not

to mention the possible long term effects. If your doctor feels he/she can

remove the fibroid either way and has no preference ... then why take Lupron?

Make the right decision for you -- good luck.

Jana

[Guest guest]

Hi Dorie,

I do NOT have experience with Lupron, first of all, but

I have a myomectomy scheduled for 2 weeks from now.

My doctor did not want to put me on Lupron, and I cheered

very happily at that news. I had read a lot about the side

effects, and I have had *horrible* experiences when placed

on any kind of additional hormonal medication (Lunelle, Ortho

Tricyclin, etc.) The reasons he gave were: 1) unpleasant side

effects, and 2) shrinkage of tumors sometimes makes them

harder to see/dissect for removal (He wanted the clearest

view possible). So he wanted to avoid it (as did I) for the

same reasons you state.

On the other hand, I know it has helped lots of women feel

more comfortable. My approach, though, was to avoid it

at all costs, unless absolutely needed. As has been discussed

here earlier this week, it's actually not approved for shrinking

fibroids, but it's used for that purpose a lot.

Good luck with your decision!

Dee

[Guest guest]

Hi Dorie,

I do NOT have experience with Lupron, first of all, but

I have a myomectomy scheduled for 2 weeks from now.

My doctor did not want to put me on Lupron, and I cheered

very happily at that news. I had read a lot about the side

effects, and I have had *horrible* experiences when placed

on any kind of additional hormonal medication (Lunelle, Ortho

Tricyclin, etc.) The reasons he gave were: 1) unpleasant side

effects, and 2) shrinkage of tumors sometimes makes them

harder to see/dissect for removal (He wanted the clearest

view possible). So he wanted to avoid it (as did I) for the

same reasons you state.

On the other hand, I know it has helped lots of women feel

more comfortable. My approach, though, was to avoid it

at all costs, unless absolutely needed. As has been discussed

here earlier this week, it's actually not approved for shrinking

fibroids, but it's used for that purpose a lot.

Good luck with your decision!

Dee