EndometriosisZONE.org

The Endometriosis Coping Zone

Ellen T Johnson
Editor

March 2003

The Coping Zone was created by the Endometriosis Zone to meet the informational needs of support groups and patients around the globe. Written by women for women, these articles provide an opportunity to share what’s worked for us and what might be helpful to fellow patients. 

The Coping Zone’s articles may be copied, republished, translated, or redistributed only with prior specific permission. Please submit your request to use any of The Coping Zone’s articles to webmaster@endometriosiszone.org.

• SUPPORT GROUP NEWS
• THIS MONTH'S COPING TOPICS

Support Group News

• The National Endometriosis Society/SHE Trust are jointly arranging an Endometriosis Seminar at the House of Commons, London, April 30, 2003. Additionally, the two groups are staging a lobby during the UK’s National Endometriosis Awareness Day on July 2, 2003 at Westminster. For more information, please contact the NES at nes@endo.org.uk
• The National Endometriosis Society is looking for volunteer tutors in the UK to deliver its successful self-management programme, Beyond Endometriosis. Each tutor will organise and deliver two Beyond Endometriosis courses per year. The courses last six weeks and consist of one 2½ hour session each week. Full training and support are provided by the Society. For more information, contact the Society at ebedford@endo.org.uk to request an information pack by post.
• March is National Endometriosis Month in the US, and the Endometriosis Research Center has implemented an "Adopt a Doctor" campaign. The ERC has developed an informational fact sheet entitled “Make a Difference for Your Patients,” which can be sent to physician(s) of your choice. The fact sheet also includes a Material Request Form for Professionals, including free endometriosis brochures, affordably-priced article reprints, and popular endometriosis books. If you would like to participate in this awareness program, send an email requesting the file to EndoFL3@aol.com (reference "Adopt a Doctor" in your subject header).
• The University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology is conducting an online endometriosis survey entitled Endometriosis: Issues Related to Identity, Coping with Medical Care. Any woman over the age of 18 who has been diagnosed with endometriosis is invited to participate. The two principal investigators state that “the results of this study…will yield valuable insight into women's experiences with the medical and mental health fields in general, and contribute to improving the quality of mental health services received by women with endometriosis specifically.”
• The Endometriosis Research Center has published a position paper regarding the use of GnRH agonists (such as Lupron®, Synarel®, Prostap®, Enantone®, and Zoladex®) in a pre-diagnostic setting.
• The Endometriosis Research Center has issued an invitation to participate in a data collection survey about menstrual cups. On February 4, 2003, The New York Times featured an article about menstrual cups as an alternative menstrual product. In the article, Dr. Armand P. Lione, an independent toxicologist in Washington, raised safety questions about menstrual cups, saying he thought the cups might raise the risk of endometriosis. As a result of this concern, the ERC will be collaborating on data collection concerning this matter. Although reports from the endometriosis community will not necessarily prove any association between the disease and such products, the ERC is requesting feedback from women who have endometriosis. According to the ERC, “Data collection of this nature will facilitate – and expedite – the necessary clinical studies that need to be implemented. We hope you will join us in this interesting research project by sharing your experiences.” For a copy of the questionnaire, please email the ERC at EndoFL3@aol.com (reference "Menstrual Cup Study" in your email subject).
• Mount Kilimanjaro Climb for Endo Awareness – This extremely important awareness activity is currently in progress--and it's not too late to join!

This Month's Coping Topics

Your Initial Endometriosis Appointment (Questions the Doctor May Ask You) - Get the most out of your first appointment with the gynaecologist by learning what he or she will likely ask you.

Talking with Your Doctor – Strategies for developing a good doctor-patient relationship.

Tips for Dealing with Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Associated with Endometriosis Drug Treatments – A compilation of tips to help patients minimize the possibility of hot flashes and night sweats.

Dear Doctor – One endometriosis patient writes a poignant appeal to her doctor.

Can Dietary Changes Alleviate Endometriosis Symptoms? – Mark Perloe, M.D. interviews nutritionist Dian Mills, Cert. Ed., BA, Dip. ION, MA about this intriguing topic.

Past Coping Zone Topics