Zoladex for heavy, painful periods

[rosesinmygarden]

I've been suffering with very painful and heavy periods for about 2 years. They have got worse and worse.

I've tried tranexamic acid, norethisterone and I have a mirena coil.

I also had two huge fibroids removed last autumn and had a uterine ablation at the same time.

None of this has stopped the problem. I'm still bleeding heavily for up to 3 weeks every month (cycle is 26 days) and I'm in a lot of pain for several days each month. Think writhing on the floor, unable to speak and can't get away from it type pain. On the worst days, painkillers do nothing and I'm unable to work or function properly.

My private surgeon has recommended a hysterectomy. I can't afford to pay for it privately and the NHS won't give me one due to covid and cost.

Last night was just awful and I had a GP phone appt today.

My GP has referred me as an emergency for Zoladex injections. My immediate thought was of relief, that something might actually get done and allow me my life back. However, I've now read up on this and it seems it's a temporary solution and then all the symptoms just come back once you've had your allowed course of injections which come with side effects of course.

I'm really confused as to what the point of this is. Are they just fobbing me off from the treatment I actually need? Or do I just accept that the injections will relieve my symptoms for a few months and enjoy the break before I'm once more in an almost constant cycle of bleeding and horrendous pain again.

Has anyone had zoladex for this reason? Was it a stop gap or did the effects last?

I had Zoladex for 9 months (6 months is normal) and loved it other than the needle (I’m phobic of needles). Maybe you could try it for the time allowed to allow the NHS to get back on track to get the hysterectomy

I think you're probably right, in that I should give it a go. I think I'm just fed up of being given treatment that doesn't work and made to feel like I'm complaining about something that I keep getting told most women cope with.

I don't believe what I'm experiencing is normal or that I should just put up with it because I'm female and I don't feel I've been treated successfully. It's debilitating and it's affecting my every day life.

Can I ask about your experience please?

What was the reason for having zoladex?

What side effects did you have?

And, most importantly ... what happened when you stopped it?

I have however, been told that even if I was allowed a hysterectomy, I would be waiting 3 years plus.

OMG this sounds horrendous, I can't believe the NHS won't consider you for a hysterectomy! Afraid I can't advise on the injection (it's one of the few things I haven't tried) but you have my every sympathy

I think I'll have to jump through the hoops of trying everything else before they'll consider it.

I wish I had a spare £10k because I would book in and have it done privately tomorrow.

I think I'm just frustrated that it would solve the problem but because of money and red tape, I'm being denied it. Even the Dr admitted that it will probably be the solution down the line.
They know I need it but would rather use cheaper, so far ineffective, treatments to delay having to spend the money on me.

Feeling a little bit better today and hoping to hear soon about the zoladex injections.

Thanks for the positive thoughts ladies x