Question:
I have severe endometriosis (dysfunctional uterine bleeding). It's back with a
vengeance, after I had it surgically removed 2 years ago this month (just as
the doctors predicted). Now they say my only hope (if I ever want relief from
the pain) is a radical hysterectomy (everything goes: uterus, ovaries, tubes,
cervix). After the surgery, they put you on estrogen replacement therapy so you
don't wind up with osteoporosis or heart disease, among other horrors.
-- I DONT WANT TO HAVE TO DO THIS --
I already have terrible, debilitating PMS. I now understand that the hormone
replacement therapies often cause PMS-like symptoms. I have been looking at
other ng's (one for endo, another for menopause, which is where I will be after
the surgery -- menopausal, that is). Most of the women who have had
hysterectomies (for whatever reason) and the subsequent hormonal replacement
therapy seem to be no better or even *worse* than they were before. Many of
them sound so hopeless. They say things like, "well, my life is over."
Nearly 10 years ago (I was 24) I was diagnosed with massive, bilateral ovarian
cysts (10 centimeters each). The docs wanted to
do a hysterectomy then. I decided to try the macrobiotic cancer diet instead.
Low and behold, the ovaries shrunk back to normal. I found it difficult if not
impossible to stay on the cancer diet, however, and gradually slipped back to
my old "junk-food vegetarian" ways.
I'm ready to try it again. I'm older now; have more discipline and certainly
this time greater motivation (it's real serious: the endo is wrapping around my
intestines -- sorry so graphic). What I need to know is this: I am not wealthy,
and I recall that a macrobiotic diet called for all kinds of expensive goodies.
Further, I have ZERO energy
-- and I do mean nada, zip, zilch. I can't fathom myself toiling away in the
kitchen for any length of time, stirring my adzuki beans. Any suggestions how
follow this diet on a budget -- and how to keep it (really, really) simple, so
I don't collapse on the kitchen floor?
Anything you feel inclined to say to me -- really, any advice at all, even if
it's a non-macrobiotic suggestion -- would be untellably appreciated. T-minus
14 days to my surgery date. Someone please help me DEFINITIVELY talk myself out
of this. No cancer is (thus far) indicated. I'm in constant unrelieved pain and
my emotions are -- well, I'm nearly nuts.
Answer:
Before your 14 days pass , you can read the book " YOUR OWN PERFECT MEDICINE
" . You can find part of it on-line . I guess you might find it in a GOOD
book store . The author had went through a lot of the same thing as you .
She found an answer that cured it. Without surgery.
Endometriosis is a condition caused by mislocation and overgrowth of uterine
endometrial tissue and attachment of this tissue to other organs. It's
normal tissue growing in abnormal places.
Common Causes: Excess levels of estrogen, deficient progesterone, hormone
imbalance thatcauses abnormal biochemical processes in the edometrium;
sexually transmitted chlamydia, cervical dysplasia or vaginal warts;
magnesium deficiency; hypoglycemia; EFA deficiency and prostaglandin
imbalance; X-ray consequences; high fat diet with too much caffeine and
alcohol.
I'm treating two women currently for both endo and fibroids. They have
changed their diets to mostly fresh foods. One of them has detoxed using a
fasting method. The other one plans to detox, but hasn't yet. They are both
using wild yam cream with DHEA and these herbs....
Dong Quai Root, Blessed Thistle, Siberian Ginseng, Squaw Vine, Cramp Bark,
Black Cohosh, Ginger Root, Red Raspberry, Dandelion, and Nettles. One is
using Evening Primrose Oil, the other Flax Seed Oil. I also have them use
ginger compresses or baths for cramping and pain when needed.
Both of them had been put on birth control pills, one had also been on
depo-provera. One has also had D&C's. One has three children, the other has
none. None of these things had worked for either of them. The one with the
three children has been recommended for a hysterectomy, and is scheduled to
see another doctor for a second opinion, but is currently pain free. The
other one has already gone through all the doctors and currently isn't
seeing one, but she is also pain free right now.
Try calling the endometriosis hotline for more information...(800) 992-ENDO
There is also a Dr. Redwine who has some very interesting theories regarding
endometriosis. He has done follow-up studies on the type of surgery he
performs, which show approximately 75% of his patients experience complete
relief of symptoms, 20% an improvement in symptoms so that they are only in
minimal pain. Only 5%report no relief whatsoever. You might want to contact
his for information on his procedure, even though it includes a surgery. You
can obtain information on Dr. Redwine and his approach at this address...
Endometriosis Treatment Program
St. Charles Medical Center
2500 NE Neff Road
Bend, OR. 97701-6015
(503) 382-4321
I also have a letter from a woman who was under Dr. Redwine's care, if you
are interested in seeing her experiences with him.
