Undergoing depo lupron for endometriosis

[emmerv]

I like many of you was very hesitant on having this shot.  I’m in the midst of IVF and have undergone two IVF cycles that have failed.  I’m 32 years old and have never been treated for endometriosis although I have complained about painful periods ever since I can remember.  My IVF specialist suggested that I go for another round of IVF, but I suggested that perhaps a test could be done to test my lining.  To my surprise he thought that was a great idea and said that most patients that have endometriosis generally lacked BETA 3 protein, which makes it virtually impossible for the egg to attach to the lining.  Why had I not heard of this before???  You would think this would be a test that is talked about up front!  I am disappointed to say the least that I had to bring this up, but I think now days most patients need to educate themselves so they can take a proactive approach on their health.  The test is called E-Tegrity and is very painful.  The test came back negative and I was indeed lacking this hormone.  That in a way was great to find out, finally an answer to my problems!  I am on day 19 of depo lupron treatment (1 shot a month for two months) and have been doing well thus far.  I do have to say that I am struggling with insomnia, yeast infections, weight gain and restlessness.  My fertility doctor only wants to treat me for 2 months and then undergo another IVF cycle.  I’m worried that this is not enough time to treat the endo.  I want the highest chance possible of becoming pregnant.  My OBGYN said that most treatments go for 6 months.  I’m asking for any help, is two months of treatment two short to treat endometriosis?  

[VegasLisa]

HI ~ I am happy I found this group.  I hope you have had success on your journey.  Because I have a history of endometriosis and have had 2 laparoscopy procedures (each 10 years apart - and the first one the Dr. removed my ovary leaving me with just one).  I was sent for the beta 3 test immediately and had a negative result.  My last lupron shot was November 19th (about 2 months ago).  I have just had my first period since treatment and then my Dr. will be running the Beta 3 test again about a week after I ovulate.  I have 2 frozen embryos waiting for implantation.  

Does anyone know if there is anything I can do to help myself with this procedure?  Any diet?  I have been practicing yoga, getting massage and acupuncture treatments as well.  But, at times I feel helpless and confused.  

I had side effects immediately after my first shot - head aches, hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, joint aches and pains.   At times I feel like I am in someone else's body.

Thanks for sharing and the support - glad we can be here for each other.

What comes next?

[emmerv]

Hi!  I do have a mild case of endo and was always hesitent in having the laparoscopy done, now I wish I hadn't waited.  My fertility doctor does say that IVF does bypass the endo and once I get pregnant hopefully my endo will go away.  The two months of Lupron only treats the Beta 3 difficency, which is the reason I wasn't put on it for longer.  I'm undergoing IVF right now so I hope this will work, God knows I've never wanted anything more.  If not I think that will be my next course of action, to get a laparoscopy and try naturally.  But I can't go there just yet.  Thanks for the prayer, I trully appreicate it.  

[emmerv]

Hi, Thanks for your respone.  Well I finally finsihed the lupron shots, thank goodness it was only for two months.  I spoke to my doctor on why the short term treatment and they basically said that two months is enough to shed the lining and grow a fresh one.  My question then became how will my lining now magically have the Beta 3 protien and they said they won't!  If I get pregnant, we'll know if I had it....kind of unsetteling, but I'm going to trust and believe that I have the protien now.  After my two months, they checked on the lining and it was so thin they could barely see it in the ultrasound...so I'm hoping the Lupron worked! I just had my egg retrieval yesterday and they were able to get 9 folicles, of which 8 were fertilized and now 5 are progressing.  I'll find out tomorrow if it will be a day 3 or day 5 transfer.  I wish you all the luck in getting pregnant and I hope that lupron is the answer to our prayers.  Will keep you posted and would love to hear what happens to you, hopefully it will work for the two of us :)

[Lil1226]

Hi,
I'm very surprised you didn't have a laparoscipy to check for endometriosis after not being successfull in getting pregnant.  Not only because it's the only way to 100% confirm it, but also because they can treat it during the surgery, which normally "fixes" things for a little while.  A lot of women with endo are sucessfull in getting pregnant after having a laparoscopy.  Sadly, endometriosis is to blame for almost half of infertility cases.
I'm also surprised you're only doing it for 2 months???  Usually it's done on a 6 month treatment.  I, too was on Lupron but couldn't last on it for more then month.  My ob/gyn then decided to do the laparoscopy, which of course confirmed the endo.
While on lupron I had horrible heart palpitations, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, etc.  Every bad side effect you can think of, I had it.  
I would assume IVF is extremelly expensive.  And it's sad you had to remind a specialist in fertility to check you for that protein.  I don't know how close you are or how confortable you feel with this dr, but it sounds to me like you need a second opinion.  There's no excuse for him/her not having brought up endometriosis to you before.
Let me know how you make you.  I'll say a prayer

[LDiggity]

I am in the same situation. Doing only 2 months of Lupron Depot after 3 failed IVF cycles (2 chemical fresh cycles and one BFN after FET) . Hope this is the answer to our prayers. How bad is your endo? Mine is only mild. I have had some spotting and night sweats. How about you? Thanks.

[LexS4]

I did the 3 month shot once and had an absolute horrible time, but good luck to you on your experience.   I know that they do not recommend doing the Lupron for more than 6mos, so I'm sure your doc has some very valid reasons to only wanting you to do it for 2 & honestly I would be happy if mine had.  ;)  

Hope everything works out!  I am in month 2 of TTC naturally doc said my tubes and ovaries are fine & I guess in a month or so if we havent conceived, we will move onto more aggressive fertility treatments.  

[emmerv]

The plan is after my two month treatment of Lupron I will under go a fresh round of IVF to TTC.  I just think if I'm doing the shots and I can tolerate them, why not do them for six months to treat the endo?  I guess this is a concern I'll have bring up with my doctor on why the treatment is so short.  

[LexS4]

I am writing to ask about the BETA-3 test you had, as I would never try Lupron again because I had such a terrible experience on it.  I guess I am just wondering what the treatment plan is for you in your attempts to TTC once you are done with your Lupron treatments?