Lupron Roller Coaster

My second official "Party in the OR" went off without a hitch on October 1, 2007. My doctor was surprised at how much of the endometriosis had returned in the less than one year since my previous surgery with her, but she "got a lot of it" and also "left some behind because it was too close to the ureter." At the end of the procedure, she injected me with a medication called Lupron. 

What I would come to find out in late 2017 was that Lupron was originally designed as a chemotherapy drug and approved for the treatment of prostate cancer in 1985... that it went on to be approved by the FDA in 1990 for the treatment of endometriosis, and in 1995 for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The drug works by reducing the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) produced in the body. In women, these hormones are responsible for ovulation and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. For those who are currently menstruating, Lupron puts them into a drug-induced menopause. At the time, despite not knowing any of this information or even understanding how it would work, the thought of no longer having a period was delightful... but there was a catch. "You can only use it for 6 months," my doctor informed me in the midst of semi-casual office banter one day. "It's too dangerous beyond that." To normal people, this statement alone may have shot up some red flags, but in the name of pressing on and living a pain free life, this red-headed soldier put up her blinders and kept on plodding.

My doctor scheduled me for my second injection of Lupron for 3 months later which fell on New Year's Day so, I kicked off 2008 with another giant needle in the "Rear Endo" on January 2 when the office reopened. During that visit, we talked about how I was beginning to have some night sweats and a few infrequent but tolerable hot flashes. She sent me home with a prescription for a hormone add back pill called norethindrone which I could fill and use "if any of the menopausal symptoms became intolerable." 

About two weeks after my second injection, I woke up with a horrific headache. Perhaps the most skull gripping one I had ever experienced in my years to date. I did everything I could to get it under control, but spent the majority of three days in a dark room with compresses on my head and eyes trying to manage it before I broke down and went to the ER desperate to get on top of the pain. Two more medical visits - including one to an ENT specialist - happened before someone realized that the headaches were a side effect of the Lupron. I was prescribed Elavil, an anti-depressant that had been found to successfully prevent migraines when taken daily. I was also given Imitrex for when I got a migraine and was told to begin the norethindrone as my hot flashes and night sweats began to increase following my second Lupron dose. Large sunglasses became the norm and I wore them indoors and out to help with the light sensitivity that would set me up for a two day migraine.

About a month following my second Lupron injection, I sat down on my couch and jumped back up quickly as I felt something sharp jab me in the hip and leg. I searched the couch for the offending pen or utensil... to no avail. The pain didn't stop. Every time I sat or moved, I felt like I was being stabbed in one joint or the other. A referral to an orthopedic led to a cortisone injection in each hip as well as a standing 3 times per week date with the local physical therapist.

About 6 weeks following my second Lupron injection, I was standing at my stove making lunch for my daughters when I began sobbing... for no apparent reason. My oldest (12) came over to find out what was wrong and I quickly lashed out irrationally, "Leave me ALONE!" My husband swooped in from the wings and hugged her close as he pulled her out of the room explaining that I wasn't quite myself. I felt horrible and nasty. 

About 2 months following my second Lupron injection, I began having heart palpitations and shortness of breath that I could not explain. I had to wear a halter monitor for 4 days to monitor my heart rhythms. Further testing indicated that I had hyperthyroidism. I was prescribed Tapazole.

About 10 weeks following my second Lupron injection, I started to experience chronic abdominal pain once again. My doctor prescribed me hydrocodone to help with breakthrough pain. 

I looked at the calendar and saw that my 6 month post-operative appointment was less than two weeks away and I could not be more ready! I was now taking norethindrone, Imitrex, Tapazole, Elavil, calcium, vitamin D, and hydrocodone as needed for pain, attending PT 3 times a week, and having trouble just walking to the bathroom. 

I got to my 6 month post-operative appointment and collapsed in the waiting room chair - relieved that my Lupron nightmare was about to begin its upswing. I made it through 6 months and it hadn't helped. I was a hot mess, but at least I knew. Lupron didn't help me. 

I got into the examination room and got into my exam gown and the doctor came in with the nurse. The nurse pulled out the all-too-familiar needle and I felt myself go pale. "Ready for your Lupron injection?" she asked.

"I thought I could only use it safely for 6 months," I implored. 

"Yes, all of the doses need to be administered within 6 months. Today is 6 months and your final injection has been ordered, special delivered next day air and already billed to your insurance," they explained as I sobbed at the prospect of another three months on the Lupron Roller Coaster. In essence, they guilted me into accepting that final injection that day and of course, in blind obedience, I did.