Birth Control, tampons, and other women's stuff. Beware!

[emmieslost]

so i had to go back on birth control because of the migraine study i posted about earlier.  and i decided i hate birth control.  :( 

it was at first very irritating that my medicine man was so anti-hormonal birth control, because i've obviously always been so pro-bc, and i still am.  but after going off it for four months (after 11 years of birth control and nine years of not bleeding at all) and then having to go back to it (yaz) i realize it makes me angry, emotional, feeds my migraines and acne, amongst other things.  :( 

not to mention that it sucks to find out you have a hole in your heart which puts you at a higher risk for a stroke, and then they make you go on medication that they know increases your risk for a damn blood clot.  brilliant, isn't it? 

i never thought i'd feel this way, but i can't wait to get off the pill for good.  :(  i'm much rather take my bbt every morning then take this stupid pill. 

[Minnesota Twins]

[quote author=Mooncalf link=topic=7110.msg1013351#msg1013351 date=1222054842]
Awww only advice I have is that if you can get preggers once, it's a great treatment for endo. Don't worry until you've been trying for 6 months, and even then wait another 6. Hard, I know.
Get a copy of taking control of your fertility and read it a few times before you start trying. And***baby dust*** to you andhubby!
[/quote]

Thanks, I'm sure my husband won't mind trying for a year. 

[emmieslost]

[quote author=Minnesota Twins link=topic=7110.msg1013160#msg1013160 date=1222039514]
I guess this is the best place to post this since it's on my mind. I am on Yaz and love it. But my problems lie with my ovaries. Last December I had a dermoid cyst the size of a golf ball removed from my left ovary and a functional cyst removed from the right ovary. I've been having pain since the surgery, so my doctor decided to do a diagnostic laproscopy on Wednesday. I had adhesions on my large intestines and my uterus. But it turns out the major cause of my pain is endometriosis. My doctor was able to remove most of it, but I am so worried about my fertility because my husband and I are going to start trying in November. I go back for a follow up on Thursday. And I feel like crap sill and one of my incisions is infected. I am not having a good week.  If anyone can give me advice or has experience, I would greatly appreciate it.
[/quote]

good luck to you!  they say ttc after a lap is the best way to go w/ endo.  i hope things work out for you. 

after the baby, i would sugest femara as treatment for your endo.  i took it for years and it did wonders for me.  if you want more info, shoot me a PM.  or just search 'femara' on here, i'm sure you can pull up some of my old posts.  :lol:  it's not a drug you should take when you're trying to concieve, though it's been given to women to use for fertility treatment.  it can cause birth defects.

i'm trying the eastern medicine route to treat my endo now.  thought i had to go back on BC for this study i'm in, i can't wait to get off it! 

good luck.  & luv to mah endo sistahs! 

[Beth-Deth]

My friend is trying to get me to get the procedure done to stop periods, it is the one where they literally put a instrument inside the uterus and expand a "net" and super heat it so it singes the inside, making scar tissue. Sounds gross and like it might smell (ewww burned ute) and be painful.

So far I am not too into the idea.  :lol:  I at least know what I am up against w/ cramps.  :lol:

[turtleande]

[quote author=Beth-Deth link=topic=7110.msg1018561#msg1018561 date=1222439265]
My friend is trying to get me to get the procedure done to stop periods, it is the one where they literally put a instrument inside the uterus and expand a "net" and super heat it so it singes the inside, making scar tissue. Sounds gross and like it might smell (ewww burned ute) and be painful.

So far I am not too into the idea.  :lol:  I at least know what I am up against w/ cramps.  :lol:
[/quote]

OMG what the hell? Do you know what it's called?? I've never heard of anything like that.

I know there is a procedure for permanent birth control where little spring-like things are inserted into your tubes to make scar tissue, thereby blocking them.

[Beth-Deth]

I dunno what its called. I know she seemed awful stoked about it.  :|
all I kept thinking was "man but I HATE burns"

I will go look for this odd procedure....

ETA: I found it. 

WHAT IS AN ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION?
Endometrial ablation is an outpatient surgical procedure used to stop or decrease bleeding from the uterus. The traditional method of performing endometrial ablation uses electrical energy passed into the uterus at the end of a telescope in order to burn and destroy the lining of the uterus The uterus is filled with fluid and the doctor is able to look through the telescope and watch to make sure the entire lining is destroyed. This technique is very effective, but does require special training and skill on the part of the doctor. As a result, many doctors never learned how to perform endometrial ablation and do not offer the procedure to their patients as an alternative to hysterectomy.

Newer methods of ablation have recently been developed that should allow most gynecologists to perform the procedure without involved special training. Some of these devices may even be able to be used in a doctor’s office, avoiding anesthesia and the added costs of a hospital. In addition, neither of the new methods uses fluid to hold the uterus open during surgery and thus avoids the extremely rare chance that extra fluid might get absorbed into the bloodstream and cause complications. One of these methods uses an expandable metal device that is inserted into the uterus like an IUD, Once the device is expanded inside the uterus, a gentle suction pulls the uterine lining close to the instrument and an electrical current burns the lining cells. This procedure only takes 90 seconds and the results have been excellent. Another device circulates hot water inside the uterus to burn the lining cells. This device has been specially engineered to keep the water at a low pressure so that it cannot escape through the tubes. If the device senses a leak it automatically shuts off. Because the water circulates freely throughout the entire uterine cavity, the shape of the cavity will not affect the results. As a result, the device is very effective for women with fibroids, enlarged or abnormally shaped uterine cavities. This procedure takes about 10 minutes and results have been comparable to the other methods. Other devices are in development and, hopefully, endometrial ablation will become more available to women as an alternative to hysterectomy for heavy bleeding.

HOW WELL DOES ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION WORK?
After endometrial ablation, the ovaries continue to make normal amounts of hormone, but without lining cells, bleeding cannot occur. In 50% percent of patients, all the lining cells have been destroyed, and these women never have another menstrual period again. In an additional 40% percent of women, a few lining cells have been left behind, and these women will experience a light flow for a few days each month. For 10% of women, no improvement is noted. Still, 90% of the women who have this procedure are extremely happy not to have to tolerate the severe and debilitating monthly bleeding they had previously had. Women who have had an endometrial ablation are among the most satisfied patients in my practice. After surgery, they are able to return to normal activity and life unencumbered by the fatigue and inconvenience associated with heavy bleeding.

Endometrial ablation may only be performed on women who do not wish to have any, or any more, children. Once the lining cells of the uterus are destroyed by the procedure, there is no place for a developing fetus to attach within the uterus. Despite this, it is best to use some form of contraception after the procedure. If some cells remain following endometrial ablation, there exists the rare possibility of pregnancy. In the few cases where pregnancy has occurred, termination of the pregnancy has been recommended. Doctors have been concerned that without adequate cells lining the inside of the uterus, the placenta would grow abnormally, directly into the muscle wall of the uterus and take hold like the roots of a tree. As a result, the placenta would not be able to separate at the time of delivery, and hemorrhage could occur.

http://www.gynsecondopinion.com/period.htm

[turtleande]

This is the perm BC procedure I was talking about

http://www.essure.com/

I'm gonna look for yours, too, Beth.

[emmieslost]

[quote author=Beth-Deth link=topic=7110.msg1018561#msg1018561 date=1222439265]
My friend is trying to get me to get the procedure done to stop periods, it is the one where they literally put a instrument inside the uterus and expand a "net" and super heat it so it singes the inside, making scar tissue. Sounds gross and like it might smell (ewww burned ute) and be painful.

So far I am not too into the idea.  :lol:  I at least know what I am up against w/ cramps.  :lol:
[/quote]

it's called endometrial ablation.  my mom had that done to try and avoid a hysterectomy, it doesn't always work.  she had a hyst 10 months later. 

but she was the first ever to have it done in my home town's crappy little excuse for a hospital.  it was a bad scene.  i'm sure if shed gone to someone who was experienced she would have had better results.

they didn't have the drug on hand that her obgyn had perscribed after the fact.  so they didn't give her ANYTHING and let her lay in a room by herself for over FOUR HOURS before anyone would see her.  she actually called the nurst at one point and said over the intercom "i'm not your fucking guinea pig."  :lol:  finally they have her some drugs and let her leave.  they blamed it on a fucking shift change.  i wish i'd been there for her. 

again, i'm sure a competent dr would never have let this happen.

[Beth-Deth]

[quote author=emmieslost link=topic=7110.msg1018603#msg1018603 date=1222440780]
it's called endometrial ablation.  my mom had that done to try and avoid a hysterectomy, it doesn't always work.  she had a hyst 10 months later. 

but she was the first ever to have it done in my home town's crappy little excuse for a hospital.  it was a bad scene.  i'm sure if shed gone to someone who was experienced she would have had better results.

they didn't have the drug on hand that her obgyn had perscribed after the fact.  so they didn't give her ANYTHING and let her lay in a room by herself for over FOUR HOURS before anyone would see her.  she actually called the nurst at one point and said over the intercom "i'm not your fucking guinea pig."  :lol:  finally they have her some drugs and let her leave.  they blamed it on a fucking shift change.  i wish i'd been there for her. 

again, i'm sure a competent dr would never have let this happen.
[/quote]

I am sure you are right, the procedure has even changed but I still just think "ow"
and poor mom, no meds??? I would not be above beating an ass in my assless gown.
:lol:

[Hellbettie]

So, I've been on this LoEstrin24 for a month now.  And while I haven't noticed but a few things, my husband has noticed that my attitude has changed a bit.  I have PMDD.  I originally wanted to get on YAZ, and still might, the doctor left the option open to it, but wanted me to try these first.  They come with lil iron pills at the end of the pack, which are amazing.  I usually am so listless when I'm ready to bleed that I can't do much but lay around.

But, I haven't gotten the horrible migraines, my face is actually clearing up a little bit, next month should be better.  I'm not getting those painful zits that come right before your period.

I'm still kinda meanish, but not as mean.  I think I need to give it a couple packs to see exactly if it's going to work for me.  It's so nice not to have my tits feel like they're all bruised and battered when I take them out of a bra.  I used to just leave my bra on and they'd still hurt.  They're still a bit on the tender side through the month because they're fibrocystic.  But nowhere near as bad as before.

And I haven't threatened divorce.  :lol:  Usually it's a monthly occurrence this time of month ;)

[Beth-Deth]

[quote author=Hellbettie link=topic=7110.msg1018910#msg1018910 date=1222455072]
So, I've been on this LoEstrin24 for a month now.  And while I haven't noticed but a few things, my husband has noticed that my attitude has changed a bit.  I have PMDD.  I originally wanted to get on YAZ, and still might, the doctor left the option open to it, but wanted me to try these first.  They come with lil iron pills at the end of the pack, which are amazing.  I usually am so listless when I'm ready to bleed that I can't do much but lay around.

But, I haven't gotten the horrible migraines, my face is actually clearing up a little bit, next month should be better.  I'm not getting those painful zits that come right before your period.

I'm still kinda meanish, but not as mean.  I think I need to give it a couple packs to see exactly if it's going to work for me.  It's so nice not to have my tits feel like they're all bruised and battered when I take them out of a bra.  I used to just leave my bra on and they'd still hurt.  They're still a bit on the tender side through the month because they're fibrocystic.  But nowhere near as bad as before.

And I haven't threatened divorce.  :lol:  Usually it's a monthly occurrence this time of month ;)
[/quote]

OMG you too?? I keep thinking WHEN am I gonna have clear skin forever? It makes me so mad! And the iron pills, MMMMM. I leave my bra on when mine hurt I dont need them bouncing when I walk, it just hurts too much.  :lol:
I have fibrocystic too, and at my exams when they check them they always say "no chocolate or caffiene" and I say back to the doc "fuck you, now where are my pants?"  :lol:

[deliberate_misuse]

I approached my gyn about endometrial ablation three years ago because I have female problems.  She was opposed to it, said there were too many potential complications.  She's gone now and I will see a new gyn this year (I'm with Kaiser) and will ask her opinion.

[Just Jenn]

It took me FOREVER to read all the posts in this thread, but it was so informative. I am back on bc after being off of it for a few years. My doctor gave me Levora .15/30, which is the generic for Nordette. Anyone have any experience with these? I never had problems with bc before, so I am not terribly worried, but I guess I am getting paranoid in my old age. :D

My doc also said it will help with my PCOS symptoms, which I never knew I had until I went off of the bc a few years ago. Yep, another PCOS woman here. Where my bitches at? HOLLA!  :lol:

[trailerparktrash]

[quote author=Just Jenn link=topic=7110.msg1020557#msg1020557 date=1222574197]
It took me FOREVER to read all the posts in this thread, but it was so informative. I am back on bc after being off of it for a few years. My doctor gave me Levora .15/30, which is the generic for Nordette. Anyone have any experience with these? I never had problems with bc before, so I am not terribly worried, but I guess I am getting paranoid in my old age. :D

My doc also said it will help with my PCOS symptoms, which I never knew I had until I went off of the bc a few years ago. Yep, another PCOS woman here. Where my bitches at? HOLLA!  :lol:
[/quote]

PCOS fuck yeah! :rockon:

[vaga]

so i've been on the pill for the past 3 years. I had to get off, cos well.. cos, I forgot to call in for my prescription, and they won't renew it until I go see my gyno, which I keep forgetting to make an appointment with.
so now my rag is coming with a vengence,. I think I will bleed to death tonight. cramps, and I"m fucking pissed, I feel like banging my head into the wall, my angst is  in the red zone.
bleh. I hate you you fucking body.

[Just Jenn]

[quote author=vaga link=topic=7110.msg1022353#msg1022353 date=1222753142]
so i've been on the pill for the past 3 years. I had to get off, cos well.. cos, I forgot to call in for my prescription, and they won't renew it until I go see my gyno, which I keep forgetting to make an appointment with.
so now my rag is coming with a vengence,. I think I will bleed to death tonight. cramps, and I"m fucking pissed, I feel like banging my head into the wall, my angst is  in the red zone.
bleh. I hate you you fucking body.


[/quote]

That is EXACTLY how I felt when I went off the pill after being on for so many years. How do women bleed that much without the cops getting involved??

[Fleta]

Just went to my PCP, who is apparently horrified I've never been tested for endometriosis.

So, he gave me a referral and I now have an appointment with an obgyn on Friday. Not sure if they're gonna do the test on Friday or just... I dunno... plan it? Ugh! I'm confused.

I'm pretty sure the only way to test for it is laparoscopy, right?
What's it like? *skerd*

[Tarren]

[quote author=Fleta link=topic=7110.msg1040498#msg1040498 date=1224024156]
Just went to my PCP, who is apparently horrified I've never been tested for endometriosis.

So, he gave me a referral and I now have an appointment with an obgyn on Friday. Not sure if they're gonna do the test on Friday or just... I dunno... plan it? Ugh! I'm confused.

I'm pretty sure the only way to test for it is laparoscopy, right?
What's it like? *skerd*
[/quote]

I have no idea hun, but good luck for Friday. 

[kissmedeadly8989]

[quote author=deliberate_misuse link=topic=7110.msg1020545#msg1020545 date=1222573115]
I approached my gyn about endometrial ablation three years ago because I have female problems.  She was opposed to it, said there were too many potential complications.  She's gone now and I will see a new gyn this year (I'm with Kaiser) and will ask her opinion.
[/quote]

Ah geez.  Kaiser...*shudders*  They told my dad that all diabetics go blind.  That it's the inevitable.  We have Aetna, now.

[nerysinci]

Okay question.

I haven't had my period since July-ish. I'm not pregnant, I'm not anorexic.  I actually eat a pretty balanced diet. :|

Thoughts?

[LC]

[quote author=nerysinci link=topic=7110.msg1043522#msg1043522 date=1224210276]
Okay question.

I haven't had my period since July-ish. I'm not pregnant, I'm not anorexic.  I actually eat a pretty balanced diet. :|

Thoughts?
[/quote]

My roommate didn't get her period for a really long time. After about 6 months she went to the gyno and she ended up having cysts. They had to give her stuff to induce her period and she had to get the cysts removed.

[MissLyss]

I'd go to the doctor. They will probably have to give you pills to induce your rag.

[ichy]

i might as well throw mine in too.. since nery is.

Mine are effed too. The last one I had started june 20th.. it lasted til july 15th, and then stopped for a week.. and started up again for a week, and then stopped for a week and started back up and lasted until august 15th. The one i'm on now, i've been on since sept 30th.

It's pretty freaking annoying.

[trailerparktrash]

[quote author=nerysinci link=topic=7110.msg1043522#msg1043522 date=1224210276]
Okay question.

I haven't had my period since July-ish. I'm not pregnant, I'm not anorexic.  I actually eat a pretty balanced diet. :|

Thoughts?
[/quote]

I didn't get mine for about four months and I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovaries.

eta, but there can be lotsa different things going on, best to go get it checked out.

[vaga]

[quote author=nerysinci link=topic=7110.msg1043522#msg1043522 date=1224210276]
Okay question.

I haven't had my period since July-ish. I'm not pregnant, I'm not anorexic.  I actually eat a pretty balanced diet. :|

Thoughts?
[/quote]
it can be stress related, but seriously it's time to put your feet in those stir up things and get as close to the edge as possible, while a professional stares in ya!!