A Very Long Journey....

I am almost 36 years old, have 5 biological children (all delivered by natural childbirth), and have had 20 years of cycle (ovulation and menstrual) problems... the past 10 have been practically unbearable (unless I was pregnant-lol)



I have been on 4 different birth control pills the last 1 1/2 years to try to get it all under control. And just last week I had a colposcopy (due to a abnormal pap) and also a endometrial biopsy. I am currently waiting for the results, and I can tell you for me the waiting is AWFUL!



When I met the Dr. who did my colpo, we discussed options for me and what would benefit me the most.


1-do nothing and continue as I am. Severe bleeding and clotting with every period, even on bcp's. A lot of back pain and severe cramping as well...dr told me that i've "flunked" the hormone route



2. hysterectomy-removal of my uterus. Which would require a lot of $ and significant recovery time. Would solve my bleeding problems for sure. Dr. said NO to taking out ovaries at this point since i'm so young and at this point they are to beneficial for my body so I have to respect that she knows what she's talking about....So for me this really isn't the best option at this time of my life.



3. Endometrial Ablation- in my case the burning of the uterine lining to help decrease bleeding. I have no idea if it will help with the severe uterine cramping and I know it won't help with the ovulation pain..but it costs a lot less $ and the recovery time is very reasonable. Chances are that I will still have a monthly period but they will be significantly lighter. (at least that is they way it's supposed to be-lol)
We will also discuss the posibility of them checking out my ovaries to see if anything is wrong with them. The last u/s I had a few months ago, the tech was unable to see them clearly.

So for now option # 3 seems like the best option for me at this point and time in my life....

Now if only I knew the results of my biopsies because that may (or may not) change everything!
Have I mentioned that Waiting is Awful? lol