Dr. Stoll,
I was disappointed in looking at the articles and subjects already discussed that there was no information about endometriosis. First of all, let me tell you that I'm working with Beth Loiselle in Lexington, Kentucky to try to improve my health. I learned of you from the Whole Foods Cookbook that you and Beth collaborated on.
I am an enimga to the medical community. Around the age of 34 I started developing terrible IBS symptoms. I had strange joint aches and anxiety attacks. My periods became debilitating and I felt bad most of the time. My allergies became unbearable and I developed asthma. I knew something was terribly wrong, but tests showed nothing. I saw allergists, wholistic medical experts, internists, gastrointesinoligsts, etc.
After several years of this I was back in my internist's office complaining of pain and heavy bleeding with periods when he discovered a lump that turned out to be pappillary carcinoma of the thyroid.
I thought "Eureka! This is the cause of all my problems."
I had a thyroidectomy in 1996, but had a difficult time finding the right level of synthroid to take to make me feel good. After about a year, I finally found the right dose. But my periods seemed to get worse. One morning I woke up and found that I had started my period. My abdomen swelled and the pain in my left side was so bad I thought my husband was going to have to take me to the ER. I was finally able to get control of the pain by using hot baths and lots of advil. About this time I also developed fibromyalgia which was also incredibly painful.
To make a long story short, I finally convinced my internist to let me see a gynecologist (although he told me I was too old to have endometriosis - I was 37 at the time). The gynecologist immediately suspected endo which was confirmed by laproscopy. I was treated by laser and had adhesions all the way around my bowels, an endometrioma in my left ovary, and endo in many other places including on my bladder. He told me I would need a hysterectomy.
I was very upset to hear I needed major surgery again so soon after the thyroid cancer treatment so sought two more opinions. One was Dr. Wheeler in Lexington, Kentucky, and the other was Dr. Hager. Dr. Wheeler suggested TAH/BSO and wasn't open to natural hormone treatment afterwards so I sought a third opinion from Dr. Hager. He thought he could do a TVH/BSO and was open to letting me try natural hormones if I wanted to. Neither doctor would agree to let me keep my good ovary. Well, I just couldn't bring myself to have more surgery so decided to seek out all info I could about alternative medicine/diet.
I've been working with Beth Loiselle for several weeks now and she's taken me off all glutens, dairy, partially hydrogenated fats, fruits, sugar, etc. It has helped IMMENSELY with the IBS symptoms. I've lost 10 lbs. which I've been trying to lose since I had the thyroidectomy and with the allergy shots and laser treatment for endo, the pain with my periods has decreased dramatically. I do, however, still feel endo on my left side and was told that the doctor couldn't get it all from inside my left ovary.
My questions to you are: Will the endo keep growing or can diet keep it in check? I've noticed since I started eating this way that my back is not hurting as much and that I'm feeling better, but I worry that endometriosis might be like cancer and spread silently, threatening my organs. I don't know how long I should play around with alternative medicine/diet. However, I'm terrified of how a hysterectomy will affect all aspects of my body, especially intimacy with my husband.
Have you ever seen anyone cured of endometriosis through diet? Do you think all my symptoms are tied together? (I do, although it's hard to find someone who'll treat me that way). My mother and sister both have had endo. My mother also has fibromyalgia and mitral valve prolapse so I know there's a genetic component to all these illnesses.
Any thoughts you have would be appreciated. Beth told me to write you. I included doctor's names because I know you've practiced in this area and might be able to advise me on whether Dr. Wheeler or Dr. Hager has the best approach...
Sorry this is so long. It's just hard to get it all into one paragraph!
Sincerely,
Sheri
Follow Ups:
Re: endometriosis (Conventional Medicine Should be Ashamed!)
Posted by Walt Stoll on February 27, 1999 at 12:19:55:
In Reply to: endometriosis posted by Sheri Wood on February 26, 1999 at 21:54:02:
Dear Sheri,
First of all, I suggest you put a note on the BB with my son' Bill's, name in the title to have him help you find the discussions about endometriosis. Save me some typing.
Next: ALL of the things you have listed in this note are caused by the same basic mechanisms. You do not have a dozen different diseases!!!! Dealing with those mechanisms will see all of your problems clear up at about the same time. The medical monopoly has been having a field day with you treating all the "tips of the iceberg". Of course, that is where the money is. They should be ashamed!
You need to read a copy of my book (available at the co-op in Lexington) and then, if that makes sense to you, get a copy of Dr Pelletier's classic "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer" (most recent edition). This book was written about you!
THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
Since I learned to look for the causes of endometriosis, I never failed to resolve it IF the person was willing to learn about LGS and get rid of the complicating C-RS. Before that, I used all the treatments but NEVER "cured" a case.
As you get well, I hope you will share your experiences with the BB so others will not have to go through what you have. ALL of this was unnecessary.
Give Beth a hug for me will you?
Walt
Follow Ups:
Re: endometriosis (Conventional Medicine Should be Ashamed!)
Posted by Sheri on February 27, 1999 at 12:58:54:
In Reply to: Re: endometriosis (Conventional Medicine Should be Ashamed!) posted by Walt Stoll on February 27, 1999 at 12:19:55:
Thanks for your suggestions. I will definitley get the two books you mentioned. I'm willing to try just about anything- doesn't seem like I have much to lose, except all my reproductive organs!
I'll be sure and tell Beth you said hi.
Sheri