Endometriosis and hysterectomy with complications

by Wendy
(Auckland, New Zealand)

Dear Wray, I desperately need some advice. I have just turned 40 and have suffered with endometriosis since I was 14. I had 3 miscarriages in early 20's, but was fortunate to carry 2 further pregnancies, my first son born prematurely at 34 weeks and my second on his due date.

I have had 7 laparascopic interventions to remove endometrial cysts and adhesions and I have been on and off a variety of contraceptive pills and have had 2 Progesterone IUD's. The IUD helped hugely for the first 4 years and then I had it replaced... the second was always problematic and I began to suffer continuous discharge and spotting. I was advised to have a hysterectomy as I was suffering terrible cramps, bleeding and PMT symptoms. I had a LapAssistedVaginalHysterectomy last June. I awoke in the recovery room with the most dreadful and uncontrollable pain the source of which was diagnosed 3 weeks later following a second surgery - I had a systemic infection, a twisted fallopian tube stuck in the vault, an enlarged cystic left ovary and a dissected pelvic nerve.

I was in hospital for a month and was put onto Methadone to control the pain. It didn't work and was an evil drug to withdraw from. I have mostly recovered from that but now I am suffering terribly with endo worse than before, weight gain, bloating, mood swings, swollen, tender, lumpy breasts and I just wish I could get out of my own way. I tried some progesterone oil after researching the internet and coming to the conclusion that I was progesterone deficient especially after they had removed my implant - but I received it without any information on dosage and I couldn't find it on the internet either.

That is how I came across your website and I ordered NatPro and began to use it. Initially I couldn't tell where I was in my cycle but I have it worked out now. I still have my ovaries so I've gone with the recomendation of using the cream in the second half of my cycle, but I can't work out how much to use. I seem unable to shift the water retention or the weight that I have stacked on since the surgery. I have had my thyroid checked and it is normal. I have the most massive and tender breasts ( I am now a DD cup and used to be a B!). From day 14 onwards I'm just shitty all the time - I feel sorry for my family who endure my unprovoked rages and tears. My memory is shocking and I have become so clumsy, my skin on my face seems more lined and it is thinner than it was prior to the hysterectomy. I did your progesterone deficiency test and scored in the 50's. I have researched eat right for my blood type and adopted it as much as possible - it is sometimes difficult as I travel regularly in my job and am under alot of stress. I know you recommend to increase the dose under stress but from what to what? Please can you help me get the dose right? I am using approximately 1 teaspoon a day from day 14-28 and about 1/2 a fingernail amount from day 1-14 as I am terrified to stop altogether. I desperately want my life and my body back - I don't even recognise myself anymore.