Did you know that April is Adenomyosis awareness month?
I was diagnosed with this disease in August 2014, on the same day that I was also diagnosed with endometriosis. It really wasn’t my greatest day- but it did explain rather a lot. Like many people I had never even heard of adenomyosis before, so I was very taken aback to find out that I have it. Adeno-what?! When I wanted to learn more about this mystery illness that had been wrecking havoc on my insides, a quick internet search revealed (rather depressingly) that adenomyosis a) is the lesser understood evil cousin of endometriosis (and that is certainly saying something!), and b) is a leading cause of hysterectomy.
This hysterectomy factoid really bothered me from the start. It may be some form of Stockholm Syndrome, but I am really attached to all my lady parts and am not keen to loose them. However, reading about the experiences of other women with the disease on internet forums made me feel like having a hysterectomy is an inevitable part of my future. They describe the disease growing stronger until it takes over your life. Now don’t get me wrong, I want all women to feel empowered to make the choices that are right for them, and if a hysterectomy is going to relieve suffering then that’s great. But for a long time I lived in a state of panic, like my uterus is a ticking time-bomb waiting to explode. I tell myself that those joining support forums or having hysterectomies are those who have been worse affected by the disease, and may not be representative of the majority of women with adenomyosis.
I’ve gotten bored of living in fear and feeling that I have no control over what is happening to my body. I have written this post to answer some of the questions I am frequently asked about my experiences with adenomyosis, to try and figure out what may be waiting for me in the future, and to help raise awareness for this often debilitating much overlooked disease.
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a benign chronic disease where the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows into the muscle layer of the uterus (myometrium). This can happen diffusely throughout the uterus-appearing as little specks, or can lead to the formation of larger growths called adenomyomas.
What does adenomyosis feel like?
Having endometriosis in addition to adenomyosis, I used to find it difficult to determine precisely which symptoms were caused by each disease. Since having my endometriosis surgically excised I believe I now have a much clearer understanding of the effects that adenomyosis has on my body. It’s important to note though that each person experiences of disease is unique- how adenomyosis affects me may be completely different for somebody else.
For me, adenomyosis feels like a red hot poker is being slowly stabbed into my uterus over and over again. This used to only happen during my period, but now it strikes any time in my cycle. It’s basically uterus Armageddon. The disease also leads to a dull but intense aching sensation which radiates to my lower back and thighs. Like many women with the disease I also experience heavy periods with the presence of many clots, some of which are very large. I once had a clot the size of an egg- it was horrifying. I’ve tracked my periods since puberty and they have certainly become progressively heavier and more painful over the years.
A myriad of other symptoms have also been associated with adenomyosis. I have certainly experienced many of them to greater of lesser degrees, such as fatigue, aching joints, bloating, and a general feeling of malaise. Adenomyosis can also compromise bowel and bladder function, lead to anemia (from the prolonged heavy bleeding), and has been tentatively linked to depression. It’s effect on fertility is currently unclear as there has been little research on the subject, and the work that has been done is often confounded by the women also having a diagnosis of endometriosis. However, the general feeling appears to be that adenomyosis can negatively impact upon fertility outcomes, we just aren’t clear precisely why or how this is.
Over time adenomyosis can also cause the uterus to grow, and it can become extremely enlarged. This leads to severe abdominal swelling, making the it appear as though the woman is pregnant. I’ve had strangers ask me if I’m pregnant. It’s really upsetting, especially if you’re worrying about your fertility anyway.
Yeah..pretty much this.
Who gets adenomyosis?
If you read any published source on this disease it is likely to tell you that it primarily affects women in their late thirties and forties who have had multiple children. However, evidence is increasingly emerging that younger women can be affected by the disease, even young teenagers. Explore any online forum for adenomyosis and there are many women in their early twenties affected. I’m affected, I was diagnosed at 26 at it had clearly been going on inside me for quite a while.
It is likely that this age bias in the scientific literature stems from the fact diagnosis often relies on hysterectomy, and that women in their forties who have completed child bearing are more likely to take this option/ or be granted permission to take this option by their doctors.
My take home message here is that anybody with a uterus could have adenomyosis. If you have concerns about this based on your symptoms speak to your GP and request a referral to a gynecologist.
How is adenomyosis diagnosed?
I was initially diagnosed with adenomyosis during a laparoscopy in August 2014. After I woke from the anesthetic, my surgeon spent a long time detailing the numerous organs my endometriosis had damaged, and then ended her soliloquy with ”and you have a lumpy uterus”. No further explanation was provided and the term ‘adenomyosis’ itself was not mentioned, which really annoys me.
Fast forward six months and I am mid way through a trans-vaginal ultrasound at an endometriosis specialist center when the doctor says ”…and you have adenomyosis”. She said this so casually, like it was nothing. I’d pretty much worked this out from my own research following the whole ”lumpy uterus” comment, but it was still a huge blow and I cried my eyes out totally melodramatically for the rest of the day.
A historical reason why adenomyosis has been difficult to overlook is that is required examination of the uterus post-hysterectomy for a definitive diagnosis to be made. However, progress with scanning technologies, particularly MRI, means that adenomyosis is increasingly being diagnosed without the need for hysterectomy, and can be accurately distinguished from similar conditions such as fibroids or leiomyoma.
Obligatory ridiculous stock photo of a woman with period pain. She isn’t swearing and crying?!
Is there a cure?
A hysterectomy will cure adenomyosis. Since it only affects the tissue within the uterus, removing this organ solves the problem.
It’s clearly great that we do technically have a cure, unlike endometriosis which has none. However, hysterectomy clearly isn’t ideal and a better solution is required which doesn’t take such a huge physical toll on the body or cause infertility. I am still hoping to have children soon, so ripping out my uterus really isn’t an option right now. Since I can’t use hormones (such as the pill or mirena coil) which can be used to help manage adenomyosis, I am effectively forced live with symptoms for the foreseeable future.
Getting worse each month.
Image credit: The Wondering Womb
What other treatment options are available?
Before taking the plunge and opting for a hysterectomy, there are alternatives you can try- that’s the good news. The bad news is most have limited success rates and lack rigorous scientific evaluation. Unfortunately, these techniques are also rarely recommend for women who still wish to conceive in the future, as they risk causing damage to the uterus. I have very briefly summarized some of the most commonly used options below. For more information check out the links here and here.
Endometrial ablation: A procedure that destroys or removes the uterus lining (the endometrium). This prevents any further bleeding (or bleeding is reduced to light spotting) in the hope of preventing further progression of adenomyosis over time. This procedure is offered to women seeking to avoid hysterectomy, but is clearly not an option for women seeking to preserve their fertility.
Myometrial/ adenomyoma excision: If the location of the adenomyosis can be determined through scanning on MRI or ultrasound etc, then it is possible for the diseased tissue to be surgically cut out (excised). This technique is only possible if the adenomyosis has not spread to a high proportion of the uterus. Due to difficulties with defining the margins of the adenomyosis the success rate of this procedure is currently estimated to be less than 50%.
Myometrial electrocoagulation: This procedure has the ability to shrink adenomyosis deposits within the myometrium. It is carried out during a laparoscopic surgery, and using electrical current in the form of heat to destroy the adenomyosis deposits. However, this procedure is deemed less effective overall than excision owing to the fact that it is difficult to determine when the current has completed it’s work, risking diseased tissue being left behind.
Magenetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound: This is similar to myometrial electrocoagulation, using heat to destroy adenomyosis tissue. However, it has the additional advantage of being more greatly focused so that less damaged occurs to healthy surrounding tissue. However, this treatment approach is fairly new for use with people who have adenomyosis, and further research is required to ascertain its full impact.
What treatments have I tried?
I was taking the oral contraceptive pill for 8 of the last 10 years. It certainly helped to suppress many of my symptoms, although the disease was still spreading inside of me. I am not currently taking any medication or undergoing treatment as I am trying to conceive. As a consequence I often worry that my adenomyosis is getting worse with each period.
Why are you so annoyed about this?
On a personal level I am so and upset that I have to battle with another disease (on top on my endometriosis, chronic fatigue, and depression) to contend with. It just seems so unfair, but I know that’s how life is sometimes, so I’m trying to deal with it as best I can. As with my endometriosis, I am constantly frustrated that nobody has heard of adenomyosis- which basically means you get zero sympathy. Not that I really care about sympathy, but feeling understood and supported makes such a difference to living well with any chronic condition.
The lack of awareness has a more significant and darker impact than on just myself and is so damaging to women everywhere; it means there is limited research funding, no charity to advocate for us (at least this is so in the UK), and treatment options that come with extreme side effects and/or impact on the body. When you Google adenomyosis, speak to your GP about it, or delve into the research literature you basically get this response:
The unanswered questions about this disease are fundamental and numerous.
This simply isn’t good enough. I even had to explain to my GP what adenomyosis is! I mentioned to a fellow endo sister that I have it and she replied with the perfect and sensitive comment: ”I am so sorry.” Not ”What’s that?” or ”I think my cousins sisters aunts daughter had that!”, or a <silence, blank expression>. Her response actually took me by surprise, and I realised it’s because I have never really received any compassion since my diagnosis, nor given any to myself. Most of my family and friends can’t even pronounce adenomyosis. Seriously- if you want to support your loved ones and at least appear interested LEARN TO PRONOUNCE THEIR DISEASE please people!
We deserve so much better than this state of affairs. There are so many of us fighting adenomyosis on a daily basis in relative silence. We will continue to do so, and if I am brutally honest at times it’s pretty difficult to hope that things will be better for us any time soon. April is Adenomyosis awareness month, and I am finally ready to start speaking up. Are you?
Where can I find out more?
These resources have all proved useful to me for researching about this condition.
Review article by Taran, Stweart, & Brucker (2013)
Endopeadia
The Endo Patients Survival Guide
Adenomyosis Advice Association
Adenomyosis Fighters
So that’s my adenomyosis story. It isn’t pretty, and I’m not sure if a happy ending is on the horizon. Maybe a hysterectomy will be a part of my future, but maybe it won’t. Until then, I plan to keep fighting and making the decisions that are best for my body and mental wellbeing. I would love to hear about your experiences and thoughts on this disease. What symptoms do you have? What treatments have you tried? And, what have you accomplished in spite of this disease?
Love,
Claire
xx
The Endo The World? 
Nice thorough post! Good read.
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Good read and I definitely can relate.
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A hysterectomy at the age of 34 was the treatment for me after dealing with the disease semi/not at all successfully for about 18 years. Endo was progressive for me. I had Stage 1 as a teen, and worked into Stage 4 in my 30’s. *late bloomer that I am* ha. 🙂
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Hi.
Thanks for your getting in touch. How has post-hysterectomy life been? Have you seen a dramatic reduction in symptoms? Does your endo still play up? How about fatigue?
Wishing you well. Please do keep in touch.
Claire
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I think life took adjusting to post-op, but not terrible. No endo symptoms AT ALL though. I have had hormone issues because HRT became an issue for me. It was the “right”-est of the bad choices laid before me. I do feel like I’m enjoying my life more.
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Hey,
Thanks for your comment. Am pleased things are working our for your overall- I totally understand that there are no easy answers when it comes to these diseases. You made a courageous decision in your best interests, and I applaud that. I know I might make the exact same decision in the future- I guess I will know when the time is right.
Do take care of yourself, and keep in touch.
Best wishes with everything,
Claire
x
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I was diagnosed with Adenomyosis at 25 yrs old after coming off the pill, and endo a couple of years later. I had laser treatment for endo which worked a treat but have been stuck with Adeno ever since. Roll on 13 yrs later and my condition has gradually worsened… clots the size of the palm of my hand, a couple blood transfusions per year due to the heaviness and no luck on getting pregnant (been trying for the past 6 years). I don’t know what the answer is, I got really depressed over it 3 years ago so took Zoladex to give my body a much needed break. I loved it… no pain during sex and no periods… the only thing I had was hot flushes which I happily accepted over the nightmare i endured with Adeno. Obviously you can’t stay on that hormone so after a year it returned… with avengence! I am still trying to get pregnant but now age and the disease is against me and I am in counselling as I try to accept that I may never be a mother. It is an awful disease and because it isn’t noticeable people are unaware of the nightmare you go through month to month. I have to plan my whole life around my periods. There is no light.
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Hi Mikki,
Thank you for getting in touch and sharing your experiences with this awful disease. I am so sorry to hear what you have been going through- it’s so cruel and unfair. We just have to manage as best we can don’t we, although you are so right when you say that most people just don’t understand. I am pleased to hear that you are having counseling- that is very proactive of you. I found it very useful in the past, and so I really hope it’s beneficial for you too. Wishing you so much love and luck for the future, and will keep all my fingers crossed for you on the fertility issues.
Take care and please do keep in touch.
Claire
x
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I feel pretty much the same. Adenomyosis is awful! I am starting fertility treatments but my feeling at this point with advanced endo & adeno is that I will need a surrogate which we cannot afford. Ugggggg.
I feel your pain.
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Thank you for posting this – I was “diagnosed” with adenomyosis just a month ago by a specialist after years of suffering. I noticed you didn’t mention presacral neurectomy if a woman wants to maintain fertility. If done by a skilled surgeon with a low-complication rate, it can help relieve pain. http://www.centerforendometriosiscare.com/presacral-neurectomy/
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Hi Linda,
Thanks for getting in touch. So sorry to hear you’ve been diagnosed with adenomyosis too- it really sucks. Thanks for the information on presacral neurectomy- it’s really interesting to read about. I only reviewed treatments which were referenced in the review article I linked to, but I might add this into my post after doing a bit more research.
Take care of yourself, and please do keep me posted on how you’re getting on.
Best wishes,
Claire
x
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Thank you for all of this information. I am 45, and was diagnosed with adenoids after three children at the age of 37. I was given several of the options you discussed, but hysterectomy was the only guaranteed cure. I like keeping my body parts and am determined to lean on the truth of Isaiah 53:5. I will receive the healing that was already provided for me- just have to repeatedly replace negative, self-centered thoughts with the truth that the price for deliverance from this disease and all others was already paid and by the stripes of Jesus Christ I am healed! The enemy wants to destroy us,a bait God made provision for and promises victory in every area of our lives. Blessings and healing to you all- and if you are interested, check out this site at AWMI.net, choose audio teachings and God Wants You Well….awesome, free teaching for God’s children.
Deanna
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Thanks Deanna,
Good luck on your journey towards health.
Best wishes,
Claire
x
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Thank you so much for sharing your story! It was amazing to hear someone else articulate how I feel. That understands. How are things going for you now?
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Hi Aubri,
Thanks for your message. I am pleased you found my post helpful- but sorry you’ve been going through these things too. I’m very much the same really, struggling on best I can. My pain isn’t **too bad** most of the time but my fatigue is. I’d love to hear more about your experiences with the disease.
Take care of yourself and please do keep in touch.
Claire
x
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What a refreshing read! I had a TCRE in Jan 15 for ridiculously heavy periods, clots, cramping etc. As part of my discharge letter from my consultant, there was mention of Adenomyosis with a bulky uterus. My op was a success in the respect of my periods disappeared for 13 months, but I was lucky enough to have completed my family after multiple miscarriages. My symptoms are getting worse, the back and hip pain is getting to me, and I now have erratic bleeding and spotting all the time.
I’m holding off on the hysterectomy too, but for fear of the unknown rather than to lose the chance of children. I wish you all the patience and strength with trying to conceive, I am sure my miscarriages were at least partly due to Adenomyosis, but two out of seven stayed the course. I did take a baby aspirin in my last pregnancy as this can prevent teeny blood clots. I’ve no idea if it helped in reality, but it might be worth looking into.
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Hi Fiona,
Thanks for your comment. I am really pleased that you enjoyed my post. I was interested to hear a bit about your story with adenomyosis and am sorry to hear about how much you’re suffering with it. Such a horrible disease. Thanks for the well wishes and tips too. Take care of yourself, and please do keep in touch.
Claire
x
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I’ve adenomyosis for many years and each period cycle turns into nightmare. The feeling is being stabbed many times over and over again.
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I feel that all the time too! I’ve decided that’s enough of this and now made the decision to get a hesterectomy.
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I read this article and cried. Having been diagnosed already, it’s feels like no one understands what I’m going through… I read this post and was just relieved by someone sharing an extremely simular story- thank you.
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Hi Emma,
Thanks for getting in touch. I am glad you liked my article, although I am sorry to hear about what you’ve been going through. I know how tough it is- it’s such a cruel disease and having nobody else understand or know what it is makes it even harder. Look after yourself. You can contact me any time on endomyworld@gmail.com if you want to talk.
Take care,
Claire
x
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Claire
I am crying reading your text. I feel the same. Almost no compassion or understanding from people
Thanks for sharing
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Hi Renata,
Thanks for your message. So sorry to hear that we have this shared experience- I know how tough it is. People just don’t ‘get it’, and managing without empathy and support is so much harder. I’m here if you ever want/ need to talk. You can drop me an email any time at: endomyworld@gmail.com
Take care of yourself.
Claire
x
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Hi I’ve just read all these posts and bawling my eyes out.I too was just diagnosed with adenomyosis and going in for a hystoroscopy this week as I also have a thickened lining and fibroids.My surgeon suggested a Mirena for the heavy periods which I thought I would give a miss but having the worst period of my life right now I’ve decided to have it inserted whilst I’m in surgery.My period is gushing out with huge clots.I am changing pads all day and through the night.I am severely depressed and can’t imagine it getting any worse.I too have read about hysterectomy as the only cure but am so scared but wonder if this is my only chance of some normality long term.It is hard to explain to friends and family and really affects Day to day life.I also have pain in one leg and sore back too but it’s the excessive bleeding that is the scariest for me.I can’t imagine bleeding like this for the next two weeks.Hopefully the mirena will regulate my periods.Fingers crossed 🙏🙏🙏
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Hi Kathy,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I am so sorry to hear what you’ve been going through- I know it’s really tough and isolating.
I hope that you find the Mirena coil helps- lots of women find that it does.
If you ever want to talk some more you can contact me on: endomyworld@gmail.com
Take care,
Claire
xx
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Age 31, after 2 children even walking was excruciting.
The pain had built and built over yrs.
80% adenomiosis when they removed my womb.
Yrs of sending me home on morphine!! Saying it was ibs..
Hyterectomy cured it gave me a sex life and a normal life again x
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Hi Amanda,
Thanks for getting in touch and sharing some of your story with this awful disease. Really pleased to hear that the hysterectomy has given you relief.
Take care.
Claire
x
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Hi Claire, thanks for sharing your story! and I know exactly what you are talking about and have experienced the added joys of uterin polyps and small fibroids anD variots kinds of ovarian cycts. I have another possible hope for you all. http://www.progesteronetherapy.com and look up adenomyosis…one lady said hers cleared up! This is not a sales testimony website…it is a normal mom who struggled and started this therapy herself under a Dr. And on her own time started helping and connecting others. She did die of a non hormone related cancer-I believe of the esophagus and I didn’t read the whole story but just as FYI and dont be overly startled….she was older and we all eventually have that journey and hopefully it will not be cancer. But here’s my short but very hopeful story with progesterone treatment so far. I have adenomyosis and probably endo(have had polyps removed and have 3 small fibroid and 3 different kinds of ovarian cysts now as well) My choices given are hysterectomy of course or Mirena. I asked for the least invasive, least side effect possible route and while my Dr. Didn’t seemed convinced it would help she said I could try progesterone and not even have to worry if I got pregnant- not that were trying…and I loath the day I ever decided to go with birth control as I belive my 8 months on it furthered many many female and digestive health struggles I’ve had since choosing that option after I got married for birth control purposes. I looked into Mirena and said No thank you as it is not a natural progesterone, only works for about 50 percent of women over a possible year stretch to find out, I imagine it would come out as I give birth to clots every month, AND I just know I would feel it. I can’t use a tampon or a cup without discomfort…yes using properly…I’m 40. I just started doing bioidentical progesterone therapy myself and am only 3 weeks in, but have so far had amazing and hopeful results! The first night I used 400 MG(read about proper dosing and how too little or not natural forms can only exastrabate symptoms) And for the first time in years and years I had no back pain and slept like a log. The pain relief and the relief of anxiety was IMMEDIATE for me!!! I didn’t even realize how “up tight” I was! It was only 1 week prior to my period and I understand the picture with the comment” what? NO tears??” It can cause even the most brave of us, and for me those praying and relying on God’s strenght to help me through, but to feel the impending doom and the “Oh God how am I going to do this again please help me” feelings!! I’m amazed to tell you that I was able to walk around and not have to be hunched over or crawl to the bathroom. I felt calm, slept well, had more energy than normal and didnt have the extreme mood swings or the horrible stabbing pains pre-period or during pains from sneezing or moving wrong, didnt use a heating pad, and only ended up taking one pain tablet because I was having irritating not debilitating pain and I had a lot to do that made me not want to have to sit down. My pain is normally bed ridden scared to get up to go to the bathroom pain for several days and presciption Celebrex only touches on the pain but doesn’t end it. Other pain meds either make me throw up or hurt my stomach worse than the adenomyosis pain…so I’m pretty scared to take them. Any way, I’ve struggled since 15, had two kids and two miscarriages…also have MTHFR gene defect causing me to not properly process folic acid to the useful methlefolate form, am perimenopausal for probably 10 years and had a C section with my second which seemed to be the last straw for my uterous as everything progressively got worse over the last 6 years and I am 40 last month. I also do my best to eat organic, avoid inflammatory foods such as sugar, especially high fructose… take Vit D, Magnesium, K and try to get Selinium and health oils and fats and be as active as I can. As well as I have done colon and liver cleanses. All of these things including avoiding chemicals in cleaning and skin/health care products have helped but the bioidentical organic progesterone so far seems for me to be the missing key. I’m normally very energetic between periods though this has been dwindling over the last 10 years and and athletic and ran cross country in college though my uterus would often hurt while running and I always Prayed I wouldn’t start at a “bad”time. This website has thousands of pages of information and diet and nutrition go hand in hand with progesterone therapy, but for me this is all worth –and proving to be worth the shot, money, effort, and time. Check it out sweet ladies…read a research…ask your Dr. But honestly don’t only take only their advice and you may be teaching them as they are human and have worked so hard and are appreciated but don’t know everything. I hope and pray this helps you!! I always think, well if worse comes to worse I can trade the evil I know for the unknowns of how I will react to hysterctomy and what side effects I will have to endure which helps me be patient as I try to figure this out without going to the extreme. Every month before this month for a while now I have laid in bed and researched hysterectomy especially and Mirena ect.. and if I could have been wheeled in for an emergency procedure I undoubtedly would have, so I get the desperation!!! I am expecting that this therapy will take time…Caster Oil packs are also supposed to help break up and draw stuff out which i hope to incorporate soon and cane be googled. Hang in there and know your not alone!! I will try to post an update in 6 months on how this all goes for me!
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Hi Julie,
You’re welcome. Thanks for getting in touch. Please do keep me posted on how you’re getting on!
Best wishes,
Claire
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WAIT.
I’m cured of my Adenomyosis.
Yes, you read that right. I’m a 32 year old married woman. I was diagnosed with poly cystic ovarian disease about five years ago and Adenomyosis in October 2016, after an extremely stressful phase. The scans showed an enlarged uterus and clear signs of A.sys. After consulting many gynaecologists, I’d given up all hopes of being cured. Tried the pill for six months (didn’t work too well for me). The heavy bleeding and clots and pain and nausea continued along with my debilitating health condition that only got worse with time. Not just that, the blood loss led to anemia and that with the PCOS made more than 70% of my hair fall out in one year. Oral iron supplements gave me constipation and caused a bad fissure, so a fissurectomy surgery happened too.
And then the magic happened. I started Ayurveda medicines. For those of you who haven’t heard of this, it is an ancient Indian system of treatment which combines healthy eating and medication derived from natural sources. They believe that our body types are different and no one medicine will work for everyone
. After following this medication along with yoga and meditation for around 8 months, I’m VERY relieved ( I have tears in my eyes even while typing this) to know that my Adenomyosis and uterus enlargement doesn’t exist anymore.
My dear sisters, I feel your pain. I can understand how lives are getting affected by this horrible condition. I’m sincerely suggesting you all access this system of medicine because I’ve seen and experienced the results first hand! Please believe that the cure for any condition is in your own hands. This takes tremendous and consistent efforts, but all worth it, isn’t it?
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Suchitra,
your comment was written almost a year ago.. I hope you are doing well. I was recently diagnosed with adenomyosis. I’ve suffered for many years, and false diagnosis of fibroid tumors. I”m 54 now and contemplating hysterectomy. However, with all the research I’ve done about the side effects and irreversible suffering that can accompany castration and hysterectomy I am trying to make it to menopause. I bleed so heavily that I have been to the emergency room numerous times. The pain is so unbearable that I can’t get out of bed and spend days in a darkened room suffering, crying, and hoping it will end soon. my heart and emotions make it impossible to accept the idea that I need a hysterectomy, but in the middle of suffering, severe anemia, hemorrhaging, and excruciating pain no one can understand why I haven’t made that decision yet. Anyone reading this do your research. I have, as far as what having a hysterectomy can do to you. You may trade all these horrible symptoms for ones just as bad. Suchitra, Thank you for bringing this information to our attention. I will begin researching ayurvedic remedies.. I am doing my best to hold out for menopause which is the natural cure.
Thank you Claire for beginning the dialogue, sharing your story and being brave. I wonder too how you are doing. I hope you are finding answers, I hope you are staying strong and holding out against hysterectomy. I have an idea how you feel. I am older that you, I have 3 grown children, and still I can not fathom parting with my organs, even with all the pain and suffering. Many women report that losing their reproductive organs changed who they were, they lost the person they once knew themselves to be. they mourned that which made them a Woman… and that is just a small but significant part of all of this.
Kara
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Hi Claire,
I was diagnosed about half a year ago and completely understand what you’re talking about! For me, I feel full constantly, even if I’m hungry but it means I can’t eat a lot or I snack as the smaller portions are easier to digest. I have a heavy swollen belly which gets worse if I eat and I get frequent stomach cramps and hip pain. When you talk about chronic fatigue, I wondered if you had been test for a thyroid problem as well? Endometriosis and thyroid problems often go hand in hand (it has been the case for me).
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Hi Helen,
Thank you for getting in touch. Really sorry to hear about what you’ve been going through. Hope you’re looking after yourself.
Yes I have been tested for thyroid function fairly recently- it’s a good tip, thank you! I find a combination of pacing and diet help me manage the fatigue the best.
Take care and keep in touch.
Best wishes,
Claire
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Claire, I really do appreciate you taking the time out to put this master piece together. I myself was just diagnosed with adenomyosis. All my friends and family just like yours are still trying to learn the word. They honestly thought I made the word up since I’m a nurse by trade. It is such a shame that we are not able to find information on this disease anywere because we suffer in silence. I am so sorry that you are in this position at such a young age. I Do hope that you’re able to conceive at least after that you may choose the option of removing you uterus as I will. I am not so fond of the idea myself but after I conceive and deliver then I will think of that option. May peace and blessings follow you, I will keep you in my prayers as I will pray for myself as well.
Syreeta.
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Reblogged this on My Words, My Pains, My Art and commented:
This WordPress article is superb! Please read if you’re in a similar situation to Claire and I. I thank you Claire for writing a ‘Real’ insight into what it’s like to live with this debilitating disease.
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Hi it’s Mikki here, I posted on this site May 23, 2016. Unfortunately I am still struggling with this illness. I have tried progesterone creams, mirena coil (my large clots ejected them the 3 times I had it inserted.. not a pretty sight!), zoladex (which works but isn’t a long term solution) and a whole host of herbs and acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies. None of them worked.. I got some relief with the Chinese herbs the acupuncturist prescribed me, however since their main purpose was to eject the content of the womb and stop build up, I was always nervous since we were still trying to conceive and had 2 unsuccessful IVF attempts. I am 40 this year, my womb has enlarged to my belly button now and has the gestation size of someone 20wks pregnant (if only!!). I still don’t want a hysterectomy and I’m still hoping to conceive so I feel like there’s very little I can do other than take each day at a time. Exercise does help a little.. when I do it.. as does diet (i.e. no refined carbs, sugar).. when I stick to it! And no alcohol makes a huge difference for me. I started spotting last week on cycle day 19 and thought really?? How can this be fair when I’ve already been suffering with a 10 day period for the past 15 years since coming off the pill and discovering I have this awful disease at 25yrs old. It is a constant battle and I can feel myself slipping back into a depression 😦
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I am a 36 years old and am now 8 weeks post laproscopic hysterectomy. I have three kids and only realised I have a serious problem after my last daughter was born 6 years ago. I had my tubes tied and therefore no longer needed to take the birth control pills I was on for 19 years. My heavy painful bleeding started soon after. It continued to get worse. I live in a small town and seen various doctors and specialists who could not give me q diagnosis but all recommended more birth control pills or hysterectomy. I refused because I no longer wanted to poison my body with further meds and a hysterectomy seemed a bit extreme. I was diagnosed with severe anaemia and starting taking an iron supplement due to low energy levels and mood swings. My GP referred me to another specialist in another city because he was concerned about the blood loss and the long term impact on my body because of my iron levels. The specialist did and internal exam and based on the size of my uterus and symptoms, suspected that I had adenomyosis. She went through the different options and treatments which she explained had a small success rate and the only cure was hysterectomy. She aso inforned me that menopause cures the desease. I was still years away from menooause. I decided that I was done feeling exhausted and feeling like my life was slipping away. I needed to end my suffering and decided to have the hysterectomy. I had my uterus removed and kept both ovaries. The laproscopic surgery was minimally invasive and the healing process seemed almost to good to be true. Lab results showed that I had an advanced level of adenomyosis. I am now completely healed from my surgery. I feel so much happier and more energetic than I have felt in years. I can’t believe I survived the suffering of this disease for 6 years. Hysterectomy certainly has very negative side affects but I have been blessed with a positive outcome and plan to enjoy every minute of every new day. Good luck to all of you going through this. It has been the hardest journey of my life.
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Hello all. I was just recently diagnosed with adenomyosis and pcos. I am 40 have been suffering with bad menstrual cycles for about 15 years. About 5 years ago, things started getting worse. I went to several doctors who told me I was being dramatic because I was getting my periods every month and my hormone levels were normal. One told me I had fibroids but another said the ultrasound didn’t show this. Every single one said I had a boggy uterus but blamed it one me having large babies. My youngest was 11 pounds. This is when the issues started. After he was born, I had my tubes tied so I didn’t have to take birth control. I had been taking birth control since I was 15 for heavy periods and only stopped to have a baby and then right back on. I finally found a doctor this year that re did all of the tests and told me what was wrong with me. After doing research, I realized there isn’t a lot of answers or help for this disease. I am opting to have a complete hysterectomy, uterus, tubes, ovaries. As I also have pcos, I feel like this is the best. I am a lucky one and had children, but the sad part is, my daughter is only 19 and there’s a good chance she also has these diseases and possibly more. Her dads sister has endo. We are waiting on the results from the doctor. She may never have children. I feel so terrible for her and for all of you who are trying.
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I was diagnosed with Adenomyosis 2 weeks ago. I’m 44 and have not had a period since 2015 due to a endometrial ablation (Novasure) great right, that was until the pains started last year. The pain is like giving birth sometimes. It seems the medical field really doesn’t know much about this disease. My uterus is huge, the doctor couldn’t even get a sample during an exam because it hurt so bad. Sometimes you can’t tell if it’s cramps or gas, it affects your bladder and bowels and let’s not talk about sex. That hurts too. I go back to the doctor at the end of the month to discuss coping with pain until I complete menopause or hysterectomy. I was giving Toradol to help with the pain but it just dulls it a little so I just try and bare it. They also gave me Keflex to help with inflammation of my boggy uterus, it still feels the same. Sometimes I think my family thinks I’m just complaining for no reason. ADENOMYOSIS is real, I hope all of us get some real answers and relief soon.
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Hello Angela,
You have described the pain I feel. Like giving birth. What horrible pain. Did you proceed with the hysterectomy or have you decided to wait?
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Hello I’m finally relieved to find out that this disease is now popular. I have suffered from Adenomyosis since 2009. What’s unique for me is that I had the ablation first then the Adenomyosis creeped in later. I learned that I only experience pain during my monthly which doesn’t really happen because they zapped the lining. This horrible disease creeps in and paralyzes me for days. No one understands me when I tell them, they say ooh you got cramps. This is not menstrual cramps. This is worst than delivering a child and did I mention my stomach is swollen and sore. Hysterectomy is not an option for me because I can bleed and clot and it will take me out. So I deal with it but I wish I had better alternatives besides pain meds.
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A lot of people have said Adenomyosis is not a life-threatening condition, but it can cause severe discomfort. I have decided to write this testimony with the sincere hope that it will enable you and your loved ones to get on the right path of living a meaningful life with the right balance of independence and freedom without surgery, I believe sharing my thoughts and experience about Ronnie’s product will be helpful and Enlighting for many of you that you are not alone I have suffered from Adenomyosis for 8 years and had a hysterectomy, having Adenomyosis was not easy for me, My digestion was slow I was hospitalized several times our healthcare system/surgery failed me and other medication, after the surgery I took acv. I’ve taken multivitamins, herbal teas, shepards purse, Fertilpills and Folic acid, but the fertilpills bloat up my stomach and not in a way that it has gas and other things I don’t remember the names. My story changed after a family friend directed me to Dr Ronnie in late 2016 but just after a month of using this herbal medicine, the rapid improvement in my health got me marvelled.. I thank Dr Ronnie for his support all through these years. If you are a women suffering with adenomyosis and experiencing heavy periods or severe uterine cramping and want to avoid surgery and keep your uterus, contact him; ( ronniemd70@gmail.com).
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Hello i have adenomyosis .its very difficult for me tolorate my pain. I feel l am alone and sometimes i like to die for sever pain in my bowel. I dont like hystrocony. I like to have baby as a mother. Unfourtunatly it doesnt occur. Thank you for your good iformation. Excuse me my enghlish is not well
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Thank you for being brave about standing in the truth about your story. Compassion is so important. It’s a painful disease. The back pain is incredible. Your story helped me to understand what I am feeling.
Wishing you all the best!
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Dear Claire,
Thank you for all the info. I have always had extreme periods, long bleeding with clots, extreme cramps that would put me in bed for up to 8 days out of every 30-40 days, I was always irregular since I first got my period at age 12. I 2008, when I was 33, my father passed away and the stress and grief shocked my body and I noticed an immediate increase in uterine pain. 2 years after this, I began having even more intense pain between periods. 5 years later, I began to need opioid pain meds to control the serious pain I was suffering and which was truly debilitating my life. Flash forward another 5 years from this, the pain in my abdomen, back, bowels and bladder had become a 24 hr ordeal. My abdomen was always rock hard and swollen. I had gone to over 10 different gynecologist in 10 years to try to find a diagnosis, I had exploratory surgery to look for endometriosis. The surgeon said they didn’t find anything except some strange “scar tissue” when they cut into my uterus laparoscopically. I also had a colonoscopy just in case it was cancer or something else. The colonoscopy Dr told me there was nothing wrong, I was drug seeking and needed to see a psychiatrist. This was not a new experience. Every single OBGYN Dr told me I was just drug seeking and I needed to see a psychiatrist. I was so frustrated, angry and in constant pain. This is not just constant pain, it was a rolling battle with my now always swollen belly. Orgasms were a 24 hr pain nightmare. Sex always hurt, I would have to take pain meds before sex every time, just to function afterwards. If an extra intense pain episode hit me while I was driving, I was always forced to pull over, before nearly passing out from pain and weeping in my car. It wasn’t until 2018 that I met an incredibly smart and compassionate Dr who finally listened to me and said she would do whatever it took to find out what was going on. She was the one who finally diagnosed me with adenomyosis and I will always be grateful to her for this. I literally cried in her office because I had an answer, and an answer that no other OBGYN had ever even mentioned! She gave me an IUD, which for the next 3 years helped even out my pain a bit. The pain was always there, but the up and down extremes were evened out to basically a lower level of continuous pain. Now 5 years later, the IUD needs to be replaced and my pain episodes have creeped back to being debilitating and extreme. After just spending the last 12 days in bed cold sweating through my sheets daily, and white knuckling through it every day with very little sleep, I have reached my limit and am now going to get a hysterectomy. All of this has taken a huge toll on my mental health as well, I’ve had extreme times of depression as well as panic attacks. I have felt worthless because I could never get pregnant and I love my darling husband mare then anything. He has been my rock. He is loving and compassionate and we have come to terms with just being happy together (and having cat fur babies). Chronic pain takes an enormous toll on mental and emotional health, not just physical. In doing my research into a hysterectomy, I wanted to know my options. I want to keep my cervix and ovaries. Most surgeons immediately want to take everything out. So for any of you at the place I am, do your own research! Make it clear what you want. The cervix is a key place of pleasure for many woman during sex. Also, at 46, I still I want my ovaries, I don’t want to plunge myself head on into immediate menopause and hormone replacement therapy.
So I am clear going into my surgery consultation, knowing exactly what I want for my own health. As woman, we have to do our own research because the pervasive approach to this disease is “take it all out”. That feels like butchery to me, especially since we do have multiple options for what we can keep and how long our recovery time will be. I hope this helps someone else out there searching for answers and considering a hysterectomy. I have often been shamed for what I’ve gone through, told I was crazy, told I was a drug addict, told I was just faking pain to get out of things. But this condition has not only torn down my career, it’s affected my physical and mental health in a huge way. It’s unacceptable that more woman don’t know about this disease and most OBGYNs don’t even know too look for it. I am in therapy for the trauma. I am looking forward to a better quality of life post surgery. I’m also scared of the surgery because my overall health is not what it was. But I have faith that it will all be ok. Good luck ladies.🙏
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Claire,
“It’s basically uterus Armageddon”…. you stole my line! I have been saying this for years. I was just diagnosed today…finally, it explains so much! Thank you for sharing your story! It helps to know we aren’t alone! Good luck- I wish you the best.
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Thank you for this thoughtful post. It inspired me to share my own battle with severe adenomyosis and fibroids. I was diagnosed in my late twenties. I began to have pain and heavy periods that progressed to horrible blood clots and excruciating pain for three days out of the month.
Through IVF I got pregnant twice, but one failed in the early second trimester and the other failed just at the edge of the second. The MRI showed severe damage to my uterus. The adenomyosis was everywhere. It was enlarged from massive fibroids.
They recommended to remove the uterus, but I refused. I wanted to preserve my fertility. Luckily, I live in Japan where they pioneered a method to removed diffuse adenomyosis and fibroids. It is called the Osada Triple Flap method. We even met the doctor who invented the procedure.
He ran tests and then recommended my case to a doctor in Tokyo. They cut from my belly button to almost my pubic bone and then opened my uterus and removed most of the damage. They sutured it back together. I had to stay on drugs to keep me in menopause until the uterus healed.
Eventually I was allowed to go off the drugs and let my cycles returned. It WORKED!
The pain and bleeding are gone. For many months afterwards I wasn’t even sure I was having periods because the bleeding was so slight. I worried I wasn’t even growing a lining, but the doctors saw that I was growing to 5 mm. With estrogen patches I could reach 7.5 mm.
We have yet to see if truly worked on allow my uterus to hold a baby. We are hopeful. However, the pregnancy would be at risk of uterine rupture due to the procedure. There is a 3% chance . That is still better than no chance.
It was a huge success in freeing me of the agony without the loss of my uterus. There is hope now for other ways to fix this disease.
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