Forum Discussion

Sandy_J's avatar
Sandy_J
Member
10 years ago

where do the side effects end??

I have had severe side effects from the Arimidex treatment that I've been on for 9 months. This week has thrown me a curve ball with being diagnosed with a severe posterior prolapse or 'Rectocele' my GP suggested the lack of estrogen that has already made intercourse impossible has now made my vagina wall weak and my bowel is intruding. This is uncomfortable but made extremely painful compounded by my dryness and soreness that already existed.

it was suggested that Anterior (bladder), is the most common prolapse. I'm interested to find out what treatment was recommended as it's been suggested I will require surgery!!

Has anyone experienced prolapse caused my lack of hormone??

Sandy

side-effects
  • Sandy_J's avatar
    Sandy_J
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Bep,

    Thanks for the feedback re surgery.  I see the Gyne tomorrow so hopefully I will have more idea of plan of action.  after having about 10 hours of general anaesthetic within 12 weeks I'm not keen to go down the path of surgery, however I don't want to be like this either.  maybe exercise for a while and see what results I get...  either way really sick of side effects!!

    Sandy

  • Sandy_J's avatar
    Sandy_J
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks it gives me hope that exercise can help relieve the situation.  I note you went off Tamoxifen... I'm not prepared to play Russian roulette and go off the Arimidex though so i'll see how things go.  thanks for yoiur feedback

  • Sandy_J's avatar
    Sandy_J
    Member
    10 years ago

    my team have referred me to a Gyne, and I managed to get an appointment due to cancellation tomorrow, so I'll wait to see what happened from there. Thanks for your feedback

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sandy,don't get me started!! After being on Tamoxifen for 4 years,I experienced so many side effects. Hot flushes,dry skin, lack of sleep,thinning hair were the least of my problems.My mild diverticular bowel problem became severe,I developed a fatty liver and elevated liver enzymes and my cervix and uterus prolapsed down.I had none of these problems before Tamoxifen.So I stopped this drug and persevered with pelvic floor exercises. After a year,it's much improved so won't be putting my hand up for a hysterectomy just yet.My blood test is now normal,my skin is soft and my libido is back.yay!

  • Beppie's avatar
    Beppie
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sandy

    i had this too and had 2 prolapses. Cream is the way to go, non oily lubricant you can buy over the counter or one recommended by a your dr.  I had surgery - what a major mistake to do! It was extremely painful and I couldn't literally sit for 2 weeks. Reintroduced intercourse 6 weeks later was dreadful and even with a lubricat hurt. Took lots of time and perserverance to get full penetration. After 7 months it prolapsed again. The surgeon told me there was no guarantee it'd work or last - that's the odds for surgery. If I'd known that upfront I'd never have had it done. I wouldn't recommend surgery at all. If the cream works use it as it takes care of dryness hence no pain. Good luck . Bep xx

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    10 years ago

    I've had a prolapse like this since my 1st of 3 and it worsened after menopause for a while. I have found the dryness is much worse when the prolapse is down . But I must say my body seemed to adjust eventually. I would speak with the oncologist and be referred to a gynecologist...you may be able to use a hormone vaginal cream which will just help the skin there  but not raise your levels too much. Worth finding out. PS...I've had my prolapse for 20 years, if you can sort the dryness you might not require surgery. Kath