Need advice on danazol

[litloak]

I am scheduled to have a laparoscomy on June 29th to have a look around to see what's causing my severe menstral pain. I've got my bet on endometriosis. (besides, I've already had one doctor diagnose it as such) I've been looking it up on the web and it looks as though danazol is what is used to treat this for about 6 months after the laparoscomy. At first I thought it would be pretty cool to be doing "near gear" since I've not crossed over to the dark side yet, but the more I read the more I'm not too sure about this. "Rapid weight gain, fatigue, dizziness..." Not things a route driver needs in her life! I was especially disappointed with the weight gain aspect of it. Sounds like it's a water retention thing.
Anyone have any words of wisdom on this subject? Sure would be appreciated.

 

[cockdezl]

Danazol used to be the primary drug for Endo, but newer LH suppressing drugs such as Lupron are becoming the drugs of choice. The weight gain associated with danazol may be partially water retention (I cannot find information concerning aromatization on this drug), but it is mainly due to its anabolic properties.

Lupron is used as chemical castration to reduce hormone levels to near nothing after the operation. I think that I would prefer to have at least male hormones, rather than no hormones, but then again I am a man.

 

[litloak]

Hey, thanks for the info. I think I agree with you, SOME hormones are better than none. I'll keep this in mind after the operation and see what the doc says. Thanks.

 

[litloak]

The time is getting quite near and I'm getting to be quite nervous about the post-op drugs the doc might suggest. If she does insist on lupron or some other "castration" type drugs, would something like Yohimbe be an option since I really don't want to be "hormone free" and estrogen really should be repressed at that time? She doesn't seem receptive to others' ideas so I have a feeling if I push for the danazol it would be like beating a dead horse. (dang!)

 

[BigEasy]

I'm not an MD. Before I stick my neck out of my shell on this, I would like to know what your childbirth (if any) history is? Also, do you want to birth a child, think you might under the proper circumstances, blah blah?

What courses of treatment have you already been through? Diagnostics like sonogram, CT scan, MRI?


BE

 

[cockdezl]

LITLOAK, yohimbe will not do anything for hormones. There is no reason why you have to stick with your present Doctor after your surgery. If you don't like the way you feel on Lupron, you can find another MD who will listen to your problems. Remember, they work for you.

 

[litloak]

Thanks for the replies, folks. The "Dr working for me" is something I need to keep in the front of my mind. I keep thinking, "Well, they went to school for so long, etc...," but then they go and say something to blow me off like, "It's probably just gas," that wakes me up. I'll see how it goes. Thanks for the support.

 

[Duck]

endo info

Well, IMO, the best tx this side of a hysterectomy is a laproscopic laser surgery with continuous low-estrogen/no-estrogen/or a progest. BC to follow;the laser keeps the pain down for 2-3 years average, the BC's will stop the cycles from occuring and prevent the ovaries from putting out much estrogen which inhibits the growth of more endo in your pelvic cavity. Least side effects IMO.

BTW I am an Endo Victum myself and I've tried it ALL! 15 year Endo Allstar! LOL Anyways I am a survivor and I hope this info is helpful to ya. Best of luck.

 

[Torchy]

On the other side, my lap only worked for 7 mos. after surgery. I was given no hormones at all. No BC, no danazol, nothing. I was told due to the high natural test and the evil estrogen, it would make me crazy.

Now, it came back full circle. The only thing that helped was me going back to lifting and a small prop cycle. I have *used* in the past and felt wonderful. I went back to a small cycle of prop to see what it would do.

I was getting the period every 14 days. Now, I am 10 days late. The man has a vasectomy so there's no worry to why I might be late.

I suppose this may, or IS, associated with the test. It is nice to be back lifting without the doubling over effect.

 

[ATrollFromTheFatBoard]

Ladies,

Run, don't walk, to the bookstore and get the "Endometriosis Sourcebook." Lots and lots of good info in one place, and easy to read.

All of these treatments are murky and confusing. This is all up to date information.

I have just been reading about low-dose treatment with danazol, same benefits, much fewer side effects. But sad to say, with this disease, the patient often needs to know more than the doctor.

There is also a national endometriosis association. They may be able to help you sort out information and help you find the right doctor.