Guest Author - Sheila L McHughes
Difficulty of a teen faced with the suffering from endometriosis can become extreme. Time missed from school and activities as well as time missed from friends may develop into depression. A positive support system is extremely important due to the losses these young girls face. Many times a parent will experience periods of helplessness and great despair. As a mother of a young girl who had severe endo, I had to gain a clear understanding. Kari, at age 16, lived like an invalid and I needed to be her very best advocate. I firmly believe that knowledge will give us the power that we need to make the very best decision concerning the health of our daughters with endometriosis.
Endo is often missed in adolescents due to the typically early-stage of this disease. It usually has a very different appearance when seen through surgery as it may take on the form of clear vesicles or small red polypoid hemorrhagic or petechial lesions, unlike the classic blue, brown, or black lesions seen in adult women.
Symptoms may begin with severe cramping, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, severe headaches, lower back pain with sometimes leg pain. Symptoms can begin at a very young age as it did with myself and my daughter.
Through research over the internet, I did learn of a new positive treatment option with Letrozole. Kari went on to become the youngest female with the greatest severity of endo and begin the Letrozole treatment in February of 2004 to become free of endo for over 6 years presently. I look back over our journey and I know that we have been blessed.
Please research over the internet to learn of benefits of the aromatase inhibitors that are now available. Seek the medical advice of a Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Specialist, most are Endo Specialists.
There is "hope" through this positive treatment and counseling is available to assist the teen and her parents.
Please contact me through our forum for any questions or concerns.
