Guys (gals),
I take Fosamax if anyone has any questions (for osteopenia). Have been on it for about 7 years. I also took Evista for 5 years which caused horrible hot flashes!!
Cheryl

Lecia, Jo, Cheryl, & everyone -

Ok, I need to ask this - Have you guys always suffered from endometriosis or is that something that can come on suddenly? Is it genetic? I know I am the nursing student here and should know this, but my OB/GYN rotation starts next semester! :)

Hey Jen,
I don't know that I have this and the only way to make a positive diagnosis is through laproscopic exploratory surgery. I don't know if it is genetic. The symptoms can come on suddenly and worsen as the endometrial lining starts to grow where it shouldn't and there can be a worsening of symptoms with the cycle too. My SIL had this and controlled it first by taking Depo and then needed to be "cleaned out" (I don't know the medical term for this) so it wouldn't interfere with fertility. It can often come back even though it is treated and if it is severe enough removal of the uterus may be warranted. Are you looking forward to your ob/gyn rotation? That would be my favorite for sure!

Endometriosis is very common - but some things can make it more likely. For example women with tilted uterus have more incidence than others. It is not "one time deal" - it develops over time . It can be present without any symptoms or it can cause substantial , sometimes debilitating pain in different parts of lower abdominal region , most often pelvic area. It starts developing when some endometrial tissue escapes from uterus through fallopian tubes out into the abdominal cavity and than that tissue attaches itself on various parts or organs (or not). When it attaches it continues to behave same as normal endometrial tissue in the uterus - it grows during the cycle and than bleeds during menstruation. One can clearly see in what way than it can make ones' life miserable in many ways. It can be ONLY diagnosed with certainty by doing laparoscopic investigation. So, if your Gyn tells you that you might or might not have it- it means nothing without laparoscopic exam ! So, even though, for example , my CRS told me that it is "not likely" that endo. can effect my colon that low - it is only her assumption, and means nothing without laparoscope going in and "seeing it".
Hope I gave you some insight : ) !!!

Thanks for all the info everyone! I was just curious about it, however I am fine in that area for now. I have been told I have a tilted uterus. I used to get extreamly bad cramps during menstration when I was like 20, but then I got married and went on the pill and the pains never came back. I got off the pill prior to getting pregnant with my son, and no abdominal pain!
Fiss & Leica - Are you guys going to have the laparoscopy?
Yes Lecia, I am so excited for my OB/GYN rotation! Thanks for asking. I have really been looking forward to it. However, I have heard it is a very hard course. Wish me luck! Next semester starts Aug 4th! BTW - Your avatar is awsome! I want to learn photoshop!

I had endo also which went away (I guess) at menopause. Causes very bad cramps and pain!!

Lecia, you are thought of and loved :tinky:
and missed when you aren't around! I pray they can get a grip on your problem tommorrow and begin unravelling the enigma that is your butt and other pain. You mean so much to us all and we're all on the edge of our waiting room chairs wanting to hear word that your days of pain and setbacks are coming to an end. Let's hope someone will forget about thier lunchbreak or next patient tomorrow and tell themselves they are going to really apply themselves to your healing.
Hope you are feeling better today!

Thank you for those kind words, Kim. (or Kimmy boy as Fiss would say!)

I hope we won't have to wait long.

Yes - best of luck our mermaid queen :lilmer: !!!! Without you our sea world
looks so lonely , without hope or direction . We all need you here in many ways because without you we all hide in our big clams of despair waiting for your gentle "knock" to wake us up and push us forward, toward friendlier waters of hope :dove: .
May all sea fairies follow you tomorrow and make sure that you find answers , help and ultimate healing :fairyflower: .
Oceans of love sending your way,
Your Fissy :arwen: XOXOOOOOOOOoooooo....

Thank you Fissy. You have been such a stawalt supporter of us and I pray that all the good vibes and thoughts you send out to others is multiplied to you.