Heavy menstral bleeding. What to do?

[Naturelover]

I have what is considered a "mushy uterus" (Love the medical terminology! Don't you!?). Basically, the uterine lining is growing into the uterine wall. This creates the situation for excessive bleeding during the lovely menstrual cycle. There are only two solutions to this problem. Have a hysterectomy or just live with it. I choose to live with it. Once menopause hits, that should solve the problem.

I need to run IV hydration therapy during the night. I have to break infusion several times during the night due to the heavy bleeding. During my menstrual cycle, because I bleed so heavily that I have to change clothes and sheets a couple of times during the night. I have now been putting a pad down to sleep on during the night so no more need to change sheets. I use pads and tampons during the day but still end up leaking on my cloths.

Any one else having this problem or know of a good way to deal with the mess caused by the heavy bleeding?

Thanks.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

are you a candidate for an endometrial ablation? you can't have kids if it's done but what it does it removes the endometrial lining and you don't bleed heavy. Most women either get a very very light period or not one at all. It's an outpatient procedure where the patient is sedated for 45 minutes. I was a candidate for it as I bled very heavy but it was put off 3 x due to health issues. I was all set to have it done this summer but I am now in complete menopause and have no hormonal Crohn's symptoms whatsoever.

Were you checked by your Gyn to make sure there aren't any more underlying conditions that would cause this like endometriosis, PCOS, cancer, etc.?

Definitely talk to your Gyn. Also, if you are anemic due to losing that much blood, ask if you can have an iron infusion. I just had one done last month. It is an IV that takes 1 1/2 hrs. you are premedicated with Benedryl to prevent any reactions (they are very rare) and then you just rest in a recliner. Iron is known to wreak havoc on the gut and cause really bad pain. Most CD patients I've met, go the IV route as the iron lasts more than 8 months in their system.

You are entitled to a 2nd opinion as well if your Gyn can't assist you with your concerns.Check around this site for more information on heavy bleeding. I'm sure other females went through the same thing.

 

[Naturelover]

I was told an ablation wouldn't do the trick since the uterine lining has grown into the uterine wall.

What is PCOS? I was told the only way to check for endometriosis is by exploratory surgery. I'm guessings a pap smear is not the way to check for uterine cancer?

My pcp is keeping a close watch on my labs. Looks like I'm so very close to anemia now. I suspect the next test will show the anemia. Then we'll take it from there. Due to issues with severe constipation and possibly delayed gastric emptiying, I don't want to take iron pills. Can iron infusions be done at home through a home infusion nurse? I have an implanted power port that I use for IV hydration therapy at home.

Thanks again. I appreciate you taking the time to help out.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

PCOS is polysystic ovary syndrome. My mom had stage 1 uterine cancer and she's been in remission/cured for over 25 years now. Seeing as I had a history of female cancer I discussed it with the doctor because I didn't want any more surprises.

It's done in the Gyn's office via a biopsy. They usually tell you to take a pain pill before you come in if you have someone with you but I didn't as mine was a last minute thing where we were talking and the biopsy came up & the MD was like, I can do it now if you'd like. I was like sure. I took something for pain when I got home. It feels like a tugging and I won't lie, hurts for a few seconds but it's worth it to get the correct and most accurate diagnosis. I was negative for it and then the Gyn suggested the ablation for me and I was all for it seeing as I couldn't have kids due to my other health issues. BUT I am in menopause, so no worry about heavy bleeding.

IV iron is usually done at an infusion center so they RNs can monitor you in case something goes wrong. They can use your port though if that's what you've been using for IVS. Depends on your diagnosis, situation, etc. I can't be certain. Ask your MD about it.

If you have cramps in that region, ask about muscle relaxers as it's your uterus contracting. I took Flexeril and that helped on the 1st 2 days of my period. Most muscle relaxers come in generic form but again, ask your MD about it.

 

[DustyKat]

PCOS is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

I hope you don't get offended by what I am about to say as I certainly don't intend it as a judgement on your choices, more just me being curious.

I respect your choice not to have surgery but it seems that it really does affect your quality of life considerably when you are menstruating.
Does it also impact on your bowel issues? I only ask because I have read numerous times on the forum where a hysterectomy has helped immeasurably in reducing symptoms.

As to containing the bleeding. Perhaps you could suss out some of the incontinence aids and see if they would be helpful. One that springs to mind would be what they call mobile pads, they are essentially like the pull ups that are used for children that have bed wetting issues.

Dusty. xxx

 

[Naturelover]

DustyKat, Feel free to ask questions. I don't take it as questioning my judgment. The reason I don't want surgery is because of POP (Pelvic Organ Prolapse). When you remove the uterus, you essentially just took a brick from the wall leaving a hole for other organs to fall into. I currently have POP. I was diagnosed with stage two bladder drop but feel it has now dropped further. I was going to have the surgery to fix it, but then my rsd acted up. I can't have surgery if the rsd is flaring. Now the uterus is slipping a little bit out of position. I've always had constipation issues to the point where I have to wear pants in one, two or more bigger sizes than I would normally wear. I am wondering if the bladder drop is adding to the constipation issue. When I strain, the bladder drops to the opening of the vagina and I have to manually push it back in. I know, TMI!:ywow:

Not many women talk about POP and very few, including doctors, even know about POP. I have a neurourologist. He is considered the best person to do my surgery.

I need a full work up of all organs in the pelvic area. That way when I do have the surgery to treat the POP, hopefully I will only have to have one surgery to fix all. Not a different surgery for each pelvic organ.

Well that's all for my educational blurb on POP. Thanks for asking. Always happy to answer a question.

 

[DustyKat]

Oh my, you certainly have more than your fair share! :hug:

I would hazard a guess and say if the bladder is dropping back into the vagina then it is likely applying pressure to the rectum as well so it may well be a contributing to the constipation issues. That and the uterus.

Dusty. xxx

 

[Naturelover]

I would hazard a guess and say if the bladder is dropping back into the vagina then it is likely applying pressure to the rectum as well so it may well be a contributing to the constipation issues. That and the uterus.
Dusty. xxx

Ya think! LMAO! My uterus is actually dropping forward. Makes no sense to me. Could be worse. So I guess I should just be grateful where I am now.:ybatty:

I cut hubby's hair while attached to my IV line and pole. Heee, heee.

Aren't I awesome! Not only can I have intimacy while attached to an IV and pole, but I can also cut hair! No lie! I'm not kidding! Haaa, haaa, haaaa.......

 

[GutlessWonder86]

I was attached to an IV pole last year. I had IV ampicillin and a wound vacuum for an open wound that needed to heal. Fun times were had by all. lol

 

[GutlessWonder86]

I can relate to the IV and what you are going through sort of. Hang in there my friend.

 

[Naturelover]

Don't worry, I've already tied the knot at the end of my rope and I'm dangling... ha, ha! Oh the vision that gives me. Too much!