I was diagnosed with endometriosis and have vaginal scarring. What should i do if I think I can't afford medical assistance?

While Endometriosis itself is generally a benign condition, there are many risks involved with leaving the disease untreated, ranging from ectopic pregnancy (which can be fatal) to a ruptured endometrioma (which can be excruciatingly painful). Though there is no cure for the disease, there are several treatments which can help alleviate the symptoms. Such treatments range from over the counter remedies to prescription medications to surgical intervention.

We realize that it is often difficult for women with this disease to obtain adequate care for various reasons. Given that you are already diagnosed but are not able to have surgery during which the bulk of the disease can be eradicated, there are several options you might wish to consider, including:

Oral contraceptives - these can be obtained at local health clinics such as Planned Parenthood for little or no charge. The physician on staff there will help you find the right brand and dosage for your personal needs.

Natural Progesterone Cream - can be obtained over the counter in most pharmacies.

Clinical Trials - can offer access to groundbreaking therapies, free of charge, in exchange for your participation. To locate a trial near you, check out http://www.centerwatch.com.

The major GnRH agonist makers offer access to patient assistance programs, if you wish to take a therapy like Lupron. You can call one company, TAP, at 800-830-1015 and ask for the "Lupron Compassionate Program."

If you find that you have debilitating symptoms, sharp pain or other disturbing events happening, go immediately to your local emergency room. You cannot be refused treatment based on your ability to pay.

You may also wish to see a local gynecologist, at least for one visit, and ask about sliding scale fees for the office visit. Once you get there, ask the doctor about any patient assistance programs s/he is aware of.

There is an article here which might also offer some ideas: http://www.hcgresources.com/insurance.htm

Other ways to deal with the disease include diet restrictions (no red meat or dairy), alternative therapies like herbs and supplements (talk to a local health store representative), and of course, over the counter painkillers like Percogesic, Tylenol for Women, Advil or Aleve, etc. You may also want to try a Thermacare patch, which is available for under $15 from any local pharmacy.

It is important to point out that any of the aforementioned measures are simply relieving at best, not curative. Definitely seek the counsel of a qualified OBGYN at your earliest convenience to discuss alternative measures. Teaching hospitals also often offer significantly discounted rates on surgical procedures, so that might also be something to look into further.




	"Helpful Insight about Endometriosis" By Heather C. Guidone Director of Operations Endometriosis Research Center (contributor writer to Very Private.com) I was diagnosed with endometriosis and have vaginal scarring. What should i do if I think I can't afford medical assistance? While Endometriosis itself is generally a benign condition, there are many risks involved with leaving the disease untreated, ranging from ectopic pregnancy (which can be fatal) to a ruptured endometrioma (which can be excruciatingly painful). Though there is no cure for the disease, there are several treatments which can help alleviate the symptoms. Such treatments range from over the counter remedies to prescription medications to surgical intervention. We realize that it is often difficult for women with this disease to obtain adequate care for various reasons. Given that you are already diagnosed but are not able to have surgery during which the bulk of the disease can be eradicated, there are several options you might wish to consider, including: Oral contraceptives - these can be obtained at local health clinics such as Planned Parenthood for little or no charge. The physician on staff there will help you find the right brand and dosage for your personal needs. Natural Progesterone Cream - can be obtained over the counter in most pharmacies. Clinical Trials - can offer access to groundbreaking therapies, free of charge, in exchange for your participation. To locate a trial near you, check out http://www.centerwatch.com. The major GnRH agonist makers offer access to patient assistance programs, if you wish to take a therapy like Lupron. You can call one company, TAP, at 800-830-1015 and ask for the "Lupron Compassionate Program." If you find that you have debilitating symptoms, sharp pain or other disturbing events happening, go immediately to your local emergency room. You cannot be refused treatment based on your ability to pay. You may also wish to see a local gynecologist, at least for one visit, and ask about sliding scale fees for the office visit. Once you get there, ask the doctor about any patient assistance programs s/he is aware of. There is an article here which might also offer some ideas: http://www.hcgresources.com/insurance.htm Other ways to deal with the disease include diet restrictions (no red meat or dairy), alternative therapies like herbs and supplements (talk to a local health store representative), and of course, over the counter painkillers like Percogesic, Tylenol for Women, Advil or Aleve, etc. You may also want to try a Thermacare patch, which is available for under $15 from any local pharmacy. It is important to point out that any of the aforementioned measures are simply relieving at best, not curative. Definitely seek the counsel of a qualified OBGYN at your earliest convenience to discuss alternative measures. Teaching hospitals also often offer significantly discounted rates on surgical procedures, so that might also be something to look into further. Other helpful links: http://www.modestneeds.org/ http://www.needymeds.com/ http://www.freemedicineprogram.com/ Good luck and please, do not hesitate to contact us again anytime. We are here to help any way we can! Heather C. Guidone Director of Operations Member, Executive Board of Directors Endometriosis Research Center a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, tax-deductible organization Direct Email: EndoFL3@aol.com Internet: http://www.endocenter.org Copyright 2003 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved. Thank you for your trust.

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