Endometriosis Treatment

The real treatment started with an injection called Zoladex 3.6mg and initially I thought it was injected at my arm but I was like omgg to know it was injected at my belly. (NOOOOO!! No choice but I had to do it) I was relieved after the injection was done as the pain was not that bad as I expected. (thanks to my doctor, his skill was really good and I guessed his age was around 68-70.)

Zoladex contains goserelin acetate that prevents the production of certain types of hormones in the body. It is used to treat prostate or breast cancers which are sensitive to hormones. It took me quite a long time to take the injection at the pharmacy department as the injection was costly. I was given with Zoladex every 28 days for 3 months (no period for 3 months).There was time when I walked slower than old grandma especially on the first day of treatment due to the needle punching pain from injection site. I also encountered other side effects such as hot flushes, increase sweating, breast enlargement, vaginal dryness, nausea, mood swings, injection site problems. (p.s: I couldn’t believe that I have menopause symptoms at the age of 25+ haha! So please be nice to your mom as she is having hard time alone that no one understands)

So I started Zoladex treatment in March. In April 2015, I had my second treatment and the result for my first injection was alright. (4+cm-5cm) I encountered severe stabbing pain for twice in March and April that I was not able to get out of bed and my life saver was painkiller (PONSTAN). I realized that there were certain food that made these stabbing pain that I assumed such as soymilk, miso soup, natto, milk, cakes. (you know how much I love soymilk and cakes!) In May 2015, I had my third also my last injection and the result for my second injection was alright (4+cm-5cm). It was quite disappointing that my second injection was not working but I didn’t give up on hope. So I went for third jab. In June 2015, the cyst was found to be smaller and flattened (3+cm if not mistaken) and I was blessed and so happy for my perseverance (Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest)

My period came back and doctor suggested me to undergo oral medication named Duphaston due to my condition was much stable. I started the medication on 26^th of July (stated in my pill reminder) and it was vital to take two tablets a day for 3 months continuously without missing dose. (I had to follow up every month). FYI Duphaston is a synthetic progesterone, used to treat a variety of conditions that are the result of a lack of progesterone including menstrual disorders and endometriosis, transgender hormone therapy and others. (No period again!) The side effects I encountered were nausea, bloating, hot flush and dizziness. It was important not to miss the dose so I installed an app called pill reminder on my phone. I set alarm at 10am and 7pm everyday on phone to remind me but I didn't follow that way (prefer using memory from my brain tissues and cells) 

(Zoladex 3.6mg)

(Largest syringe that I eva seen!) (image taken from instagram)

(Zoladex implat was inserted into the skin of upper stomach) (image taken from instagram)

(my second injection was not working but I didn’t give up on hope)

(HAHA!! That was ME!!) (image taken from instagram)

(Result for my third and last injection was good! yayy!!)

(undergo oral medication treatment named Duphaston, 3 boxes for one month supply) 

(That was my pill reminder on phone reminding me not to miss dose everyday)

(I changed my diet for not consuming foods like chicken and pork, soybean, milk, cold drinks, egg and I had become a pescetarian)  

From the journey, I.......

• Look into endo diet foods to omit like wheat base foods, red meats, dairy, soy foods, additives, refined sugars, preservatives, fried food, alcohol, convenience foods, gluten foods and so many while doctor will say “ You can eat anything you like!”
• Used to ask myself “ why me?!” when I suffered from stabbing pain or side effects from injections and pills but the best thing I can tell is (1.get pain killer or try to bear with the pain 2. Be positive and tough times don’t last 3.if you lived through this horror, then you can take the next thing that comes along)
• Realize that is not easy to deal with when having a partner or family member who suffers from sickness. (Sometimes end up having to cancel plans due to pain, cope with the stress like what to cook for dinner, and many more)
• Finds that endometriosis MAY be auto-immune disease (immune system attacks the body’s own tissues) so is vital to choose the right supplement
• Had negative comments on the hormone treatments that they would mess up my hormone system and suggested me to try alternative ways like using supplement, yoga, tai-chi, herbal medicine and at the same time quit from work.
• Wanted to say to endo monster “ You changed my life and you helped me to stay strong!”
• Again and again, truly appreciate the positive encouragements, love, warm support from my family members, boyfriend and friends.

Have a nice day :)

Love,

Jer