stacybryan76 said:

Loretta, 

Loretta, 

What a lovely post, and so kind. I am sorry you are having to deal with cancer, especially at that stage. My father went to heaven last April (Bladder Cancer and Lymphoma), and we know he ran a good race. I called the nurse and told her I was feeling worse today and they got me in for the ultrasound this coming Tuesday. Thank goodness! I’m the type of person who needs to fix things And quick! I have a standing order for that CT scan with contrast, however it was ordered by my urologist for the upper urinary system (so up to the kidneys, the part he could not see with the scope). I would imagine a CT scan would show the gynelogical system also? Or is it because the urologist didn’t intend to look at the ovaries, etc, then it will be overlooked?

Thank you for your help Loretta. I really appreciate it. I’m prayimy for you!

 

They focus the CT on the requested organs

If you want them to look at your ovaries, make sure that it is noted in the CT request.

CT Scan

A CT scan should show everything. Abrub might be thinking of an MRI, which is very specific. I was diagnosed via a CT scan, which was far more definitive than an ultrasound.  I would opt for the CT with contrast.  If you are concerned about the radiation, which is a valid concern, since BRCA positive patients are more suceptible to it, you can take the homeopathic 'radium bromatum' for a few days to help your body eliminate the radiation.  Also, don't sleep with your kids, pets or spouse the night after your scan, as you carry the radiation.  I would also request a CA-125 blood test.  It is the marker for ovarian cancer.  Other conditions can elevate this marker, but it would offer another clue.  If they suspect cancer, at all, you need to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist.  This is the type of surgeon who needs to do surgery if cancer is supected.  Other surgeons, including gynecologists, don't have the necessary expertise.  I have had much better results, when dealing with things doctors can't diagnose, buy seeing a naturopath.  It sounds as if you have a lot going on, including inflammation, based on your high CRP.  Naturopaths and functional medicine doctors focus on resolving the issues at the cause, rather than prescribing drugs.  Something to consider if your doctors are still stumped after all the tests.  I hope this turns out not to be cancer.  Good luck.

abrub said:

CTs are done by body region

in general, I've had the "triple" - chest, abdomen, pelvis, but my last ones were just abdomen/pelvis.  So if the area isn't part of the focuse, the CT might not cover it.

Stacy ~ It's Tuesday! Touch base w/us when U know something

OK Stacy - Today's the day.  Let us know what the plans are going forward.

Love & prayers,

Loretta

Stacy~Asked Dr. Google re Adenomyosis~I didn't like what he said

Dear Stacy ~

Have read a bit about "Adenomyosis" now that you posted this finding.  There is too much I would like to say about what I am reading.  And based on what I'm learning, it appears that this is not something minor.  But it is very late here on the East Coast.  And I thought I would check the site one more time before going to bed.  And that's when I saw your post.  Because of the lateness of the hour, I will not begin to pen you a long letter tonight, but tomorrow Lord willing, I will answer in more detail.  If this were my diagnosis, I would not write this off as "something I could live with."  Have read a bit about it tonight, and if it were me, and given the pain you've endured thus far, a hysterectomy would be my choice.  And that would mean, "take everything out!"  I don't think you're planning to have any more children based on what you've shared with us.  IF IT WERE ME, I would not leave anything to chance.  I know this isn't your first choice....BUT!  And lastly, can you find a gynecologic oncologist to take over your treatments?  

But for now, I'm too tired to read as much as I would like, so stay tuned.  

Concerned~

Loretta

Stacy~Hope U have begun 2C the light @ the end of the tunnel

Hello again Stacy –

First let me say you are wise to have the hysterectomy, and the sooner, the better.  I’ve included a link from the Mayo Clinic.  Actually it says:  “The only way to confirm adenomyosis is to examine the uterus after hysterectomy. However, pelvic imaging such as ultrasound and MRI can detect signs of it.”   And to answer your question, for diseases affecting the female reproductive organs, a gynecologic oncologist is more qualified than an oncologist that treats cancers in general.  So yes, especially since you’re still actually in the “exploratory” stage, who knows what else might be found.  We pray that the problem will be cured by having a hysterectomy.  Incidentally, if you are having difficulty knowing how to find a particular gynecologic oncologist in your area, why not call the best hospitals in your area, and tell them you need a recommendation.  Ask them whom they would recommend.  The USNews Health Report does a grand job of breaking down qualifications of doctors—what their specialty is—and how well they rank compared to others in that same field.  You have suffered for so long now that I would only want to be treated by a “gynecologic oncologist.” 

Here is a link that might start you on your way to finding a good doctor:https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area

And on another note--You said, “…They ask who my doc is because my appendix was the size of a chicken breast and it had ruptured! By the grace of God it walked off and all the poison didn’t get to my organs, but the nurse said I nearly died and I had a 105 temp for two days, in the hospital for IV antibiotics for a week. No food, no water, just an IV. I was hallucinating and it was awful. I have a scar from my pelvic area up past my belly button plus an appendectomy scar. I didn’t sue, i didn’t even confront the doctor! So that taught me to listen to my body, but there is still a disconnect there! and they sent my appendix to UW med school for research. I’d like to check what they ever found!...”

In going back over our conversations I note that in your comments about your “ruptured appendix”, seems you haven’t heard from University of Washington Medical School for research.  I do believe there is a “disconnect” that needs a “connection.”   Not that you need to be frightened any more than you already are, but a ruptured appendix could have had dire consequences and you should have received a full report.  If this were me, I would still contact them and ask for a copy of the results.  It certainly should be a part of your personal medical record.

I keep a record of all my doctor’s visits and what they find since my diagnosis of cancer.  Moreover, it comes in handy when I go to a new doctor and they hand me 4 pages of questions and I’m supposed to answer every one of them right off the top of my head.  Seemingly they want to know everything except perhaps the name of my great grandmother.  But on second thought, if she had a history of cancer, they would want to know that as well.  So I would pursue that just to be able to “fill in the blanks” of all the things that you have endured so far.  Also I ask for copies of my scans and medical reports each time I go to see a physician.  When I have a PET/CT scan, I ask for a copy of the disc as well as the completed report when it is read and interpreted by a qualified physician.

So Stacy, the bottom line as I see it would be for you to have a complete hysterectomy.  If I were you, I would NOT leave the ovaries.  Better to deal with some hot flashes if necessary, than to deal with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer, as I am doing.  At age 36, I was experiencing heavy bleeding and painful periods.  My gynecologist said, “If you’re not going to have more children, you could have a hysterectomy.”  Well, that was fine with me.  Only then, there were no “laparoscopic” hysterectomies.  I had some major incisions and a 6-week recovery period.  And to make matters worse, at that time “no smoking” had not been instituted in hospitals.  I was in a semi-private room, and the patient next to me smoked and so did many of the visitors she had.  The smoke bothered me and caused me to COUGH which was painful for my incisions.  Why didn’t I have enough sense to ask to be moved to another room?  I’ve learned to speak up for myself more as the years have “rushed by.”  I am now 79. 

But Stacy, doctors didn’t know back then what they now have come to believe.  Today it is felt that ovarian cancer actually begins in the fallopian tubes.  So when my gynecologist removed my uterus and left the tubes and ovaries intact, he nor I thought anything of it.  But now I WARN all women contemplating a hysterectomy (if they’re through child-bearing) to have it all removed.  Also I didn’t know that one can have Ovarian Cancer even AFTER their ovaries have been removed.  I do now.  So I would strongly suggest that you leave nothing to chance. 

Moreover, I would want a well-qualified surgeon to perform the laparoscopic hysterectomy.  You will have a much quicker recovery.  So do your homework Stacy.  Ask your surgeon how much recovery time will be required, and what you are allowed to do during that time frame.  I wish you well.  Now it seems your next duty is to find a well-qualified gyn/onc in your area that performs the laparoscopic procedure.  It will be great to feel good again.  You’ve been in pain long enough. 

Love & prayers,

Loretta

(Peritoneal Carcinomatosis/Ovarian Cancer Stage IV) Blessed to still be living 5 years later.)

__________________________________________________________________ 

 Allow me first to correct a web address that I have listed previously.  I gave the illustration of how the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN said that the vast number of patients who came to them for a SECOND opinion had indeed been diagnosed wrongly.  The correct link for that info is here:  Note – This reference link has been changed.  I checked it on June 26, 2018 to be certain it was still in the same place and it is NOT.  So here is the new link for necessity of SECOND opinions.  I kept the wording from the original text that I first read, but the info is now reworded a bit and given a "new address."  

 1.   https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-researchers-demonstrate-value-of-second-opinions/

• ____By Elizabeth Zimmermann

Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrate value of second opinions

April 4, 2017

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Many patients come to Mayo Clinic for a second opinion or diagnosis confirmation before treatment for a complex condition. In a new study, Mayo Clinic reports that as many as 88 percent of those patients go home with a new or refined diagnosis – changing their care plan and potentially their lives.  Conversely, only 12 percent receive confirmation that the original diagnosis was complete and correct.

These findings were published online today in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. The research team was led by James Naessens, Sc.D., a health care policy researcher at Mayo Clinic.

Why get a second opinion

When people are sick, they look to their doctor to find solutions. However, physicians don’t always have the answers. Often, because of the unusual nature of the symptoms or complexity of the condition, the physician will recommend a second opinion. Other times, the patient will ask for one.

This second opinion could lead to quicker access to lifesaving treatment or stopping unnecessary treatments. And a second opinion may reduce stress in a patient’s extended family, when they learn the new diagnosis does not carry dire genetic implications. These scenarios can result from diagnostic error.

Odds are good the diagnosis will be adjusted

To determine the extent of diagnostic error, the researchers examined the records of 286 patients referred from primary care providers to Mayo Clinic’s General Internal Medicine Division in Rochester over a two-year period (Jan. 1, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2010). This group of referrals was previously studied for a related topic. It consisted of all patients referred by nurse practitioners and physician assistants, along with an equal number of randomly selected physician referrals.

The team compared the referring diagnosis to the final diagnosis to determine the level of consistency between the two and, thus, the level of diagnostic error. In only 12 percent of the cases was the diagnosis confirmed.

In 21 percent of the cases, the diagnosis was completely changed; and 66 percent of patients received a refined or redefined diagnosis. There were no significant differences between provider types.

“Effective and efficient treatment depends on the right diagnosis,” says Dr. Naessens. “Knowing that more than 1 out of every 5 referral patients may be completely [and] incorrectly diagnosed is troubling ─ not only because of the safety risks for these patients prior to correct diagnosis, but also because of the patients we assume are not being referred at all.”

Risks of cost containment

To manage costs in a health care environment with ever-increasing costs, health insurers often limit access to care outside their network, effectively limiting referrals. Further, primary care providers may be more confident in their diagnostic expertise than warranted in a particular case, or patients may lack the knowledge or assertiveness to request a referral.

“This may prevent identification of diagnostic error, and could lead treatment delays, complications leading to more costly treatments, or even patient harm or death,” says Dr. Naessens. “We want to encourage second opinions when the provider is not certain.”

The National Academy of Medicine cites diagnostic error as an important component in determining the quality of health care in its new publication, Improving Diagnosis in Health Care:

Despite the pervasiveness of diagnostic errors and the risk for serious patient harm, diagnostic errors have been largely unappreciated within the quality and patient safety movements in health care. Without a dedicated focus on improving diagnosis, these errors will likely worsen as the delivery of health care and the diagnostic process continue to increase in complexity.

“Referrals to advanced specialty care for undifferentiated problems are an essential component of patient care,” Dr. Naessens says. “Without adequate resources to handle undifferentiated diagnoses, a potential unintended consequence is misdiagnosis, resulting in treatment delays and complications, and leading to more costly treatments.”

The researchers identified costs associated with second opinions, and Dr. Naessens notes, “Total diagnostic costs for cases resulting in a different final diagnosis were significantly higher than those for confirmed or refined diagnoses, but the alternative could be deadly.”

He says that he and his team are pleased by the National Academy of Medicine’s call for dedicated federal funding for improved diagnostic processes and error reduction. They also plan further research on diagnostic errors and hope to identify ways to improve the process.

Dr. Naessens leads quality and safety research initiatives within the Office of Health Care Practice and Policy in the Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery. He is also the scientific director for the Florida team within the center…”

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2.    https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/misdiagnosis-millions-of-patients-are-being-treated-for-the-wrong-conditions/

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3.     https://study.com/articles/Gynecologic_Oncologist_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html

“Gynecologic Oncologist: Job Description, Duties and Requirements…

Gynecologic oncologists are physicians with specialized knowledge to diagnose and treat cancer of the female reproductive system. Working in this field requires significant education and specialized training.

Essential Information

Gynecologic oncologists evaluate and treat cancer found in the female reproductive system. They can perform surgery, prescribe therapy and are responsible for related medical procedures. Gynecologic oncologists require eight years of education and training beyond a bachelor's degree and must earn a license to practice. Board certification is also available in the specialty.

Required Education	Prerequisite college courses (2-4 years)  Medical school (4 years)  Obstetrics & gynecology residency (4 years)  Gynecologic oncology fellowship (3-4 years)
Licensure & Certification	Board certification available  State medical license required
Projected Job Growth (2014-2024)	14% (for all types of physicians and surgeons)*
Median Salary (2016)	$243,317 (for all oncologists)**

Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **Payscale.com

Job Description for a Gynecologic Oncologist

Gynecologic oncologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in female reproductive organs. They're trained in a variety of diagnostic techniques and management procedures, such as surgery on reproductive organs, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. They can also perform medical procedures on non-reproductive organs affected by gynecologic cancer treatment such as the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.

Many oncology professionals work in private practices or clinics, but make regular rounds to their patients who are confined to hospitals. They can also teach in medical schools or perform research.

Duties of a Gynecologic Oncologist

Gynecologic oncologists perform physical evaluations and collect detailed medical histories. In addition to medical duties, they educate patients and their families on various forms of cancer, possible progression and treatment options. Diagnostic techniques that can be employed include staining, tissue sampling procedures and medical imaging.

After identifying normal cells, benign conditions and malignancies, gynecologic oncologists develop a plan for treatment and therapy. Therapy options might include treatment of the related effects of cancer, like shock or renal failure. They could also incorporate nutritional aspects and blood transfusions into a treatment plan. They typically manage nurses and administrative workers, maintain medical records and refer patients to other medical specialists as necessary.

Requirements to Become a Gynecologic Oncologist

Education Requirements

Like other physicians, gynecologic oncologists must complete up to eight years of combined undergraduate and medical school education. They can earn either a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. After graduation, they must complete a 4-year general residency in obstetrics and gynecology. Following residency, they could continue their residency or seek a fellowship opportunity in general oncology or gynecologic oncology, which generally take 3-4 years. In total, following high school, gynecologic oncologists have completed about 15 years of education…”

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4.     https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adenomyosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369138

“Adenomyosis

• Symptoms & causes
• Diagnosis & treatment
• Doctors & departments

Overview

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis (ad-uh-no-my-O-sis) occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. The displaced tissue continues to act normally — thickening, breaking down and bleeding — during each menstrual cycle. An enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods can result.

The cause of adenomyosis remains unknown, but the disease usually resolves after menopause. For women who have severe discomfort from adenomyosis, hormonal treatments can help. Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) cures adenomyosis.

Symptoms

Sometimes, adenomyosis causes no signs or symptoms or only mild discomfort. However, adenomyosis can cause:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Severe cramping or sharp, knifelike pelvic pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
• Chronic pelvic pain

Your uterus might get bigger. Although you might not know if your uterus is enlarged, you may notice that your lower abdomen feels tender or causes pelvic pressure.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may suspect adenomyosis based on:

• Signs and symptoms
• A pelvic exam that reveals an enlarged, tender uterus
• Ultrasound imaging of the uterus
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the uterus

In some instances, your doctor might collect a sample of uterine tissue for testing (endometrial biopsy) to verify that your abnormal uterine bleeding isn't associated with another serious condition. But an endometrial biopsy won't help your doctor confirm a diagnosis of adenomyosis.

The only way to confirm adenomyosis is to examine the uterus after hysterectomy. However, pelvic imaging such as ultrasound and MRI can detect signs of it.

Other uterine diseases can cause signs and symptoms similar to adenomyosis, making adenomyosis difficult to diagnose. Conditions include fibroid tumors (leiomyomas), uterine cells growing outside the uterus (endometriosis) and growths in the uterine lining (endometrial polyps).

Your doctor might conclude that you have adenomyosis only after ruling out other possible causes for your signs and symptoms.

Treatment

Adenomyosis often goes away after menopause, so treatment might depend on how close you are to that stage of life.

Treatment options for adenomyosis include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs. Your doctor might recommend anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to control the pain. By starting an anti-inflammatory medicine one to two days before your period begins and taking it during your period, you can reduce menstrual blood flow and help relieve pain.
• Hormone medications. Combined estrogen-progestin birth control pills or hormone-containing patches or vaginal rings might lessen heavy bleeding and pain associated with adenomyosis. Progestin-only contraception, such as an intrauterine device, or continuous-use birth control pills often lead to amenorrhea — the absence of your menstrual periods — which might provide some relief.
• Hysterectomy. If your pain is severe and no other treatments have worked, your doctor might suggest surgery to remove your uterus. Removing your ovaries isn't necessary to control adenomyosis…”
• ____________________________________________________________________ 

5.     https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321296.php

What to know about adenomyosis

Last reviewed Fri 23 March 2018

Reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C

1.                 Overview

 2.                 Symptoms

 3.                 Causes

 4.                 Risk factors

 5.                 Treatment

6.                 Adenomyosis vs. endometriosis

 7.                 Pregnancy

 8.                 Diagnosis

 9.                 Seeing a doctor

 10.            Outlook

Adenomyosis is a condition where the cells of the uterine lining grow into the muscular wall of the uterus.

Adenomyosis is similar to endometriosis and can cause similar symptoms or no symptoms at all.

Adenomyosis is a relatively widespread condition. The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK estimate that 1 in 10 women have adenomyosis and that it is most common in women aged 40 to 50.

This article gives an overview of adenomyosis, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, complications, and treatment.

What is adenomyosis?

 Adenomyosis may cause similar symptoms to endometriosis.

Adenomyosis is a condition where the cells that usually grow outward into the uterus lining instead grow inward into the uterus muscle.

During a woman's menstrual cycle, these "trapped" cells become stimulated, which can make menstrual cramps and bleeding more severe than usual.

The symptoms of adenomyosis vary throughout the menstrual cycle because of rising and falling levels of estrogen, which affect the shedding of the uterus lining.

Symptoms usually go away or improve after menopause, when a woman's estrogen levels naturally decrease…

Risk factors

 Multiple pregnancies may increase the risk of adenomyosis.

Some risk factors that may result in adenomyosis include:

• Age. Though this condition can affect women of any age, most women diagnosed with adenomyosis are in their 40s and 50s.
• Pregnancy. A high percentage of women with adenomyosis have had multiple pregnancies.
• Uterine surgery. Having previous surgery on the uterus, including cesarean delivery, significantly raises the risk of adenomyosis.

Treatment

Without treatment, adenomyosis may remain the same or symptoms can get worse.

Treatment is not necessary if a woman has no symptoms, is not trying to get pregnant, or is nearing menopause, which is when most women find relief from their symptoms.

However, there are many different treatment options available to women with this condition:

• Anti-inflammatory medications. Medications such as ibuprofen can reduce pain and discomfort.
• Hormonal medications. Some hormonal treatments, such as oral contraceptive pills, progestin IUD's, or injection (Depo-Provera), can help lessen the symptoms.
• Injectable medications. These medications can induce false or temporary menopause. These are only used in the short-term and are not suitable for long-term use.
• Uterine artery embolization. This involves placing a tube in a major artery in the groin and injecting small particles into the area affected by adenomyosis. This stops the blood supply reaching the affected area, which will shrink the adenomyosis and reduce symptoms.
• Hysterectomy. The only definitive treatment for adenomyosis is complete removal of the uterus. It is not a good option for women who may still want to become pregnant…”
• __________________________________________________________ 

Other uterine diseases can cause signs and symptoms similar to adenomyosis, making adenomyosis difficult to diagnose. Conditions include fibroid tumors (leiomyomas), uterine cells growing outside the uterus (endometriosis) and growths in the uterine lining (endometrial polyps).

Your doctor might conclude that you have adenomyosis only after ruling out other possible causes for your signs and symptoms.

Treatment

Adenomyosis often goes away after menopause, so treatment might depend on how close you are to that stage of life.

Treatment options for adenomyosis include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs. Your doctor might recommend anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to control the pain. By starting an anti-inflammatory medicine one to two days before your period begins and taking it during your period, you can reduce menstrual blood flow and help relieve pain.
• Hormone medications. Combined estrogen-progestin birth control pills or hormone-containing patches or vaginal rings might lessen heavy bleeding and pain associated with adenomyosis. Progestin-only contraception, such as an intrauterine device, or continuous-use birth control pills often lead to amenorrhea — the absence of your menstrual periods — which might provide some relief.
• Hysterectomy. If your pain is severe and no other treatments have worked, your doctor might suggest surgery to remove your uterus. Removing your ovaries isn't necessary to control adenomyosis.

________________________________________________ 

6.     https://healthery.com/health/adenomyosis/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0NPj5vv82wIVBQaGCh19QgVIEAAYBiAAEgL16vD_BwE

 “…Adenomyosis Causes

While doctors know what adenomyosis is, they don’t know what causes it. Studies have been done in the past on the disease.

There are several theories that have emerged as result of those studies:

• One theory is some women are born with extra endometrial tissue in the uterine wall. At some point in adulthood, it grows until it punctures the uterine wall.
• Another theory is that adenomyosis is caused by the invasive growth of abnormal tissue from cells that pushes into the uterine wall.
• A third theory blames stem cells in the uterine wall for the condition.
• A fourth suggests adenomyosis occurs because of inflammation in the uterus after childbirth that creates the right conditions for a puncture.

Also thanks to previous studies, medical professionals have an idea of who could be at risk of developing it. Most of those diagnosed are middle-aged women who have given birth to children or had surgery performed on their uterus at some point in the past. Some studies state that women as young as 30 years old are at risk if they have children…”

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7.     https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149109.php?iacp

“What's to know about endometriosis?

Last updated Thu 4 January 2018

By Lori Smith BSN MSN CRNP

Reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

1.                 What is endometriosis?

 2.                 Symptoms

 3.                 Treatment

 4.                 Diagnosis

 5.                 Diet

 6.                 Causes

 7.                 Risk factors

Endometriosis is an incurable but manageable gynecological condition.

It occurs when endometrial implants, comprised of tissue normally found within the uterus, are present in other areas of the body.

As the tissue continues to thicken, break down, respond to menstrual cycle hormones, and bleed during the menstrual cycle, endometriosis forms deep inside the body.

Scar tissue and adhesions form, and this can cause organ fusion and anatomical changes.

Endometriosis is thought to affect around 11 percent of women in the United States aged between 15 and 44 years.

Fast facts on endometriosis

Here are some key points about endometriosis. More information is in the main article.

• Endometriosis affects between 6 and 10 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide.
• The condition appears to be present in a developing fetus, but estrogen levels during puberty are thought to trigger the symptoms.
• Symptoms are generally present during the reproductive years.
• Most women go undiagnosed, and in the U.S. it can take around 10 years to receive a diagnosis.
• Allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer are linked to women and families with endometriosis.

What is endometriosis?

 Endometriosis sees the endometrial implant tissue, normally found, in the uterus build up in other parts of the body.

Endometrial tissue consists of gland, blood cells, and connective tissue. It normally grows in the uterus, to prepare the lining of the womb for ovulation.

Endometrial implants are buildups of endometrial tissue that grow in locations outside the uterus.

When they grow outside the uterus, this is called endometriosis.

They can develop anywhere in the body, but they usually occur in the pelvic area.

They may affect:

• the ovaries
• the fallopian tubes
• the peritoneum
• the lymph nodes

Normally, this tissue is expelled during menstruation, but displaced tissue cannot do this.

This leads to physical symptoms, such as pain. As the lesions grow larger, they can affect bodily functions. For example, the fallopian tubes may be blocked.

The pain and other symptoms can affect different areas of life, including the ability to work, medical care costs, and difficulty maintaining relationships.

Symptoms

 Endometriosis can lead to painful cramps in the pelvis.

Other medical conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can mimic the symptoms of endometriosis.

Symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Severe menstrual cramps, unrelieved with NSAIDS
• Long-term lower-back and pelvic pain
• Periods lasting longer than 7 days
• Heavy menstrual bleeding where the pad or tampon needs changing every 1 to 2 hours
• Bowel and urinary problems including pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating
• Bloody stool or urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Pain during intercourse
• Spotting or bleeding between periods

Pain is the most common indication of endometriosis, but the severity of the pain does not always correlate with the extent of the disease.

Pain often resolves following menopause, when the body stops producing estrogen production. However, if hormone therapy is used during menopause, symptoms may persist.

Pregnancy may provide temporary relief from symptoms.

Complications

Complications include:

• Infertility, which can affect 50 percent of those with the condition.
• increased risk of developing ovarian cancer or endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma
• ovarian cysts
• inflammation
• scar tissue and adhesion development
• intestinal and bladder complications

It is important to see a health care provider about symptoms, to avoid future complications…”

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8.     https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321296.php#endometriosis

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9.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqZ-IcjVBHw

Lee Health

Published on Jan 12, 2012 – a short informative video about the advantages of laparoscopic hysterectomies -

“It used to be when a woman needed a hysterectomy she could expect full abdominal surgery with a long recovery time. Dr. Melissa Lee uses less invasive methods that can cut the patients downtime in half. ..”

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10.            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zprVf7hETcw

This is a 17:49 minute video of a l Robot-Assisted Hysterectomy Procedure

being performed.  By now I can look at all of them without saying, “Oh my—oh me—ugghh, etc”.  I find them so interesting.  This doctor is pointing out all the different parts in our reproductive system.  It is well worth the time to watch.  Incidentally, he mentions the “Peritoneum”.  I was first diagnosed with “Peritoneal Carcinomatosis”.  I had multiple tumors floating around in the Peritoneal fluid in my abdominal cavity.  When I had a SECOND opinion, it was revealed that the cancer was also in my ovaries.  But I hope nothing like that will be part of your diagnosis.

Bon Secours St. Francis Health System - Published on Dec 15, 2015 -

Learn more about the advantages of robot-assisted surgery from gynecological surgeons Edward Heidtman, MD, and David Godwin, MD of the Bon Secours Medical Group. Dr. Heidtman will perform a robot-assisted hysterectomy and provide commentary during the procedure, while Dr. Godwin will explain how the da Vinci Surgical System is operated.

_______________________________End of references________________________