Longterm period - support/advice please - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

raeanna74 · 04-22-2005, 05:25 AM

Well 3 days after I broke my foot I started spotting. Spotting enough that I was going through several liners a day at least. Sometimes more. In the first week it waned enough that I thought I was done. About that time I saw my Dr for my yearly checkup. She noticed some minor spotting when she did the Pap but said it wouldn't be a problem and that it was most likely caused by the physical stress of my broken foot. I have been on Seasonale a very low dose estrogen for almost 2 years now. I have not has spotting trouble except when I first went on it or when I had my hernia surgery so I shouldn't be having trouble for any reasons except the physical stress of the broken foot. Also I tend to get anemia very easily and have been diagnosed as slightly anemic three times. My regular Dr has recommended that I take Iron suppliments every time I have a period and a multivitamin with Iron in it on a regular basis.

So about 4 weeks into this spotting (It picked up again after my Dr's appointment) I called the triage nurse at my clinic. She seemed concerned and got me an appointment only for 30 minutes after I talked to her. I dashed on over there and got a RN who talked to me. This woman was older and seemed to feel that seasonale which going for 91 day cycles instead of 28 day ones is actually ignoring my body and not healthy. She seemed old school really. She seemed to think I was overreacting and basically told me to stick it out and if it went on for another month to call again. She said that spotting was normal with this low dose BC and completely ignored me when I said three times that I'd gone for almost 2 years without trouble. She outright told me that my Dr was wrong and it couldn't be the stress of my broken foot (which is still not healed) that was causing me to spot. So what do I do? I decide that since she said that some BC's are twice the dose of this one that I could maybe stop the period by doubling up on the pill. My Dr told me to do this before when I spotted after the hernia surgery. The Dr who told me this has moved to another clinic since then though so I can't exactly get her help on this again. Well the doubling up hasn't helped. This coming Sunday will be 6 weeks since I started spotting. I have had sex only about 4 times in the past month and a half. I'm going nuts sexually. I'm feeling more and more tired, I'm getting more headaches, and I'm feeling more moody. I need help but obviously the clinic isn't going to be much help. I've since decided to go off the pill for a week and then go back on as if I've finished a pack and started a new one. That MAY help. I don't want to go back to the Dr's again and be told again that I'm being too concerned about this.

Have you girls got any ideas? I'm so frustrated by this. Hubby has gotten oral but is starting to feel irritated by it too. Every day he asks if it's stopped yet. I don't mind him asking but when I have to say "No" his reply isn't simple frustration but "YOU took your pills didn't you?" Or "Why won't YOU stop. I need sex." Normally he can be pretty patient but he's starting to direct his frustration toward me and I'm already feeling irritated about the situation myself. To be helpless to stop this and then blamed for it is making me resentful and sometimes even angry. I'm not sure if his reaction or my lack of Action is causing it but I'm beginning to think it would be nice to not even think about sex. Sometimes I think I don't really want it anymore. I'm noticing I'm getting more irritable too. What can I do besides letting myself have a period and a migrane as well?

Oh and I woke up this morning with a sore throat and achy like I'm coming down with a cold. I'm just feeling pretty emotional and crabby right now.

maleficent · 04-22-2005, 05:43 AM

Same answer I gave to Sportswidow, I'm gonna give to you. If your doctors office isn't taking you and your concerns seriously. Find another doctor. You should not be made to feel that your concerns aren't valid and that you are overly dramatizing something. The doctor, of their nurse, should be able to explain to you what's going on, in a way that a non-medical person can understand, and give you some relief.

What's the worst thing that will happen if you go off the pills for a month, and give your body a chance to catch up? I mean other than potential pregnancy? Why not just go off them for a bit...

Meditrina · 04-22-2005, 05:55 AM

I agree with what Mal has said. You have every right to be concerned when it comes to your body and your health. If something is not normal, which this clearly is not, you should be able to talk to your doctor about it. I am also sorry that your husband is making you feel guilty for what is going on, it is not something under your control right now. I hope you can find a doctor that can help you.

ngdawg · 04-22-2005, 05:56 AM

Going off for a month isn't enough time to readjust-I was told 3 months before the body goes to the pre-pill state.
I agree with Mal-seek out another doctor. Write down your physical day to day feelings or ailments so you don't leave anything out. You may need a D&C, but only a doctor can diagnose. I wouldn't wait. Good luck.

raeanna74 · 04-22-2005, 06:09 AM

The biggest problem about going off - migranes. I'm guaranteed at least one migrane - TOMARROW since I went off last night. After that it takes almost nothing to trigger more migranes almost daily or at least weekly while I'm off.

That's why I've waited so long to try this option. I have resolved to at least try going off for a week as if I've gotten to the placebos and then see if my body will cooperate again after that. If that does not work I am going to see another Dr. I don't really have a choice of clinic. There's only one medical clinic in town at this point (one is being build at this time thankfully) and the nearest other clinic is 25 minutes away. Also going to the Doc involves finding a sitter AGAIN.

My Mom thinks I should get my tubes tied and I've considered that option because I wouldn't have to worry about BC then but I WOULD have to deal with the constant migranes. They're primarily the reason I'm on the particular BC I'm using.

My Mom also suggested that it's something to do with pre-menopausal problems. She began menopause at 35. I'm 31.

Demeter · 04-22-2005, 08:04 AM

Your body will learn to adjust to the birth control pill. I usually have to go in every 2-3 years for something different. Your bodies hormones are working to balance with your pills. You may just have to have the strength increased a little. This happens to most women.
I don't understand the brushing off of the spotting, if its longterm. That could indicate an infection.

raeanna74 · 04-22-2005, 03:33 PM

Whimper.

Migrane already started.

Period has not (usually has by now, especially have an active day such as today - just that stupid gross brown spotting. YEUCH!

Manuel Hong · 04-22-2005, 03:35 PM

I always sound like a broken record, I know.
Rae, the symptoms you describe don't seem to be unrelated (the anemia, migraines and spotting in conjunction with taking birth control in 91 day cycles...I'm not sure if the foot fits in as far as trauma goes, but it's really not out of the question). Go see a well-qualified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. I specialize in migraines and get excellent results...I'm not trying to promote anything but the efficacy of the modality and I'm genuinely concerned for your health.
Personally, in regards to your S.O. I'd be making a couple of mental notes about his lack of understanding during this obviously distressing time for you. He may be just reacting to your anxieties, or he may be morphing into a jerk... time will tell. I hope he's just having a phase and this will all work out well.
Good luck!

raeanna74 · 04-22-2005, 03:44 PM

I am seeing a Chiropractor who has helped my back, after walking on crutches, and who is seeing to my ankle and foot. He has helped me regain my mobility in my ankle overnight. I am also seeing a physical therapist to help regain the strength in my leg, ankle, and foot.

As for an acupuncturist - I have been curious about that but have no idea where I could find one of those or an herbalist in my area. None are listed in the phone book for my town or any town within an hours drive. Would there be a reliable listing somewhere on the internet?

As for there being a connection - I KNOW there is one. Basically I see it like this foot brake and ankle sprain caused spotting because of the physical stress. I've been on the 91 day cycle for my periods because I tend to be anemic. We have not found a reason for that or solution besides taking suppliments. The anemia coupled with my chronically lower blood pressure (between 100/60 to 110/72) and then the hormone changes when I go off the pill for the standard week between is what causes my migranes. I've found that going on the placebos (or before just having the normal drop in hormones when I got my period) was sufficient to drop my blood pressure which once reached 60/30 and I passed out.

I am truely interested in some alternate treatments. Any info or rescources you have I would definately be interested in.

Manuel Hong · 04-22-2005, 04:17 PM

here's a few links to find some practitioners:

http://www.craneherb.com/practitioners.html

http://www.nccaom.org/find.htm

http://www.aomalliance.org

http://web.memberclicks.com/mc/direc...arrowsearch.do

I think this will help. BTW, the guy I PM'ed you about has a bunch of links on google; check him out.

Demeter · 04-22-2005, 07:05 PM

If you are taking a painkiller and something for the swelling of your foot, would it contain a blood thinner such as aspirin? I'm not sure how much it would affect the spotting, but its something to look into.

raeanna74 · 04-24-2005, 04:03 PM

Demeter, I hadn't thought about aspirin contributing to any spotting. I was taking aspirin for a while but I quit taking any painkillers really about 2 weeks ago minimum. Stomach started giving me some heartburn and the pain wasn't too much. I will keep that in mine for future painkiller use. Good thought.

I looked up those practitioners on several of the lists you linked to and it seems that most are about 2-3 hours away. Those that are closer won't work with my current insurance. I DID find one though that was affiliated with an umbrella of medical clinics that run the clinic that we have locally. I will have to look into that since my local clinic accepts my insurance perhaps she would be able to as well.

Update on things - Went off the pills and 4 days into it now I have not seen any change whatsoever until today. Now - well I haven't had a period like this since before my daughte was born. It sucks. I can't wait to see if this works. If not I am pursuing more help.

Thanks for the support girls and for letting me complain.

raeanna74 · 05-02-2005, 09:31 AM

Finally got help - called the Dr again on Friday. Asked for my REGULAR Dr and she finally called me back.

She is switching me from Seasonale to another different pill with the same dose of estrogen and a little higher dose of progesterone. I have high hopes for this. Oh and also - I found left over progesterone pills from the last time I had this problem. I took 2 of them and my spotting has finally stopped. Gotta pick up my new prescription this afternoon.

Manuel Hong · 05-02-2005, 08:00 PM

I'm glad it stopped, you must be relieved. I hope you continue to look into other options though...it's unlikely that the problem is "fixed" entirely in such a short amount of time. Something's going on inside and your body's trying to send you a message. I'm not trying to be an alarmist, just want you to be as healthy and strong as you can be.

04-22-2005, 05:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	Longterm period - support/advice please Well 3 days after I broke my foot I started spotting. Spotting enough that I was going through several liners a day at least. Sometimes more. In the first week it waned enough that I thought I was done. About that time I saw my Dr for my yearly checkup. She noticed some minor spotting when she did the Pap but said it wouldn't be a problem and that it was most likely caused by the physical stress of my broken foot. I have been on Seasonale a very low dose estrogen for almost 2 years now. I have not has spotting trouble except when I first went on it or when I had my hernia surgery so I shouldn't be having trouble for any reasons except the physical stress of the broken foot. Also I tend to get anemia very easily and have been diagnosed as slightly anemic three times. My regular Dr has recommended that I take Iron suppliments every time I have a period and a multivitamin with Iron in it on a regular basis. So about 4 weeks into this spotting (It picked up again after my Dr's appointment) I called the triage nurse at my clinic. She seemed concerned and got me an appointment only for 30 minutes after I talked to her. I dashed on over there and got a RN who talked to me. This woman was older and seemed to feel that seasonale which going for 91 day cycles instead of 28 day ones is actually ignoring my body and not healthy. She seemed old school really. She seemed to think I was overreacting and basically told me to stick it out and if it went on for another month to call again. She said that spotting was normal with this low dose BC and completely ignored me when I said three times that I'd gone for almost 2 years without trouble. She outright told me that my Dr was wrong and it couldn't be the stress of my broken foot (which is still not healed) that was causing me to spot. So what do I do? I decide that since she said that some BC's are twice the dose of this one that I could maybe stop the period by doubling up on the pill. My Dr told me to do this before when I spotted after the hernia surgery. The Dr who told me this has moved to another clinic since then though so I can't exactly get her help on this again. Well the doubling up hasn't helped. This coming Sunday will be 6 weeks since I started spotting. I have had sex only about 4 times in the past month and a half. I'm going nuts sexually. I'm feeling more and more tired, I'm getting more headaches, and I'm feeling more moody. I need help but obviously the clinic isn't going to be much help. I've since decided to go off the pill for a week and then go back on as if I've finished a pack and started a new one. That MAY help. I don't want to go back to the Dr's again and be told again that I'm being too concerned about this. Have you girls got any ideas? I'm so frustrated by this. Hubby has gotten oral but is starting to feel irritated by it too. Every day he asks if it's stopped yet. I don't mind him asking but when I have to say "No" his reply isn't simple frustration but "YOU took your pills didn't you?" Or "Why won't YOU stop. I need sex." Normally he can be pretty patient but he's starting to direct his frustration toward me and I'm already feeling irritated about the situation myself. To be helpless to stop this and then blamed for it is making me resentful and sometimes even angry. I'm not sure if his reaction or my lack of Action is causing it but I'm beginning to think it would be nice to not even think about sex. Sometimes I think I don't really want it anymore. I'm noticing I'm getting more irritable too. What can I do besides letting myself have a period and a migrane as well? Oh and I woke up this morning with a sore throat and achy like I'm coming down with a cold. I'm just feeling pretty emotional and crabby right now. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

04-22-2005, 05:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Same answer I gave to Sportswidow, I'm gonna give to you. If your doctors office isn't taking you and your concerns seriously. Find another doctor. You should not be made to feel that your concerns aren't valid and that you are overly dramatizing something. The doctor, of their nurse, should be able to explain to you what's going on, in a way that a non-medical person can understand, and give you some relief. What's the worst thing that will happen if you go off the pills for a month, and give your body a chance to catch up? I mean other than potential pregnancy? Why not just go off them for a bit... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

04-22-2005, 05:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
Meditrina Junkie Location: LI,NY	I agree with what Mal has said. You have every right to be concerned when it comes to your body and your health. If something is not normal, which this clearly is not, you should be able to talk to your doctor about it. I am also sorry that your husband is making you feel guilty for what is going on, it is not something under your control right now. I hope you can find a doctor that can help you. __________________ "Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles." ~Alex Karras

04-22-2005, 06:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	The biggest problem about going off - migranes. I'm guaranteed at least one migrane - TOMARROW since I went off last night. After that it takes almost nothing to trigger more migranes almost daily or at least weekly while I'm off. That's why I've waited so long to try this option. I have resolved to at least try going off for a week as if I've gotten to the placebos and then see if my body will cooperate again after that. If that does not work I am going to see another Dr. I don't really have a choice of clinic. There's only one medical clinic in town at this point (one is being build at this time thankfully) and the nearest other clinic is 25 minutes away. Also going to the Doc involves finding a sitter AGAIN. My Mom thinks I should get my tubes tied and I've considered that option because I wouldn't have to worry about BC then but I WOULD have to deal with the constant migranes. They're primarily the reason I'm on the particular BC I'm using. My Mom also suggested that it's something to do with pre-menopausal problems. She began menopause at 35. I'm 31. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

04-22-2005, 08:04 AM	#6 (permalink)
Demeter Psycho	Your body will learn to adjust to the birth control pill. I usually have to go in every 2-3 years for something different. Your bodies hormones are working to balance with your pills. You may just have to have the strength increased a little. This happens to most women. I don't understand the brushing off of the spotting, if its longterm. That could indicate an infection. __________________ I am not bound to please thee with my answers. William Shakespeare

04-22-2005, 05:56 AM	#4 (permalink)
ngdawg peekaboo Location: on the back, bitch	Going off for a month isn't enough time to readjust-I was told 3 months before the body goes to the pre-pill state. I agree with Mal-seek out another doctor. Write down your physical day to day feelings or ailments so you don't leave anything out. You may need a D&C, but only a doctor can diagnose. I wouldn't wait. Good luck.

04-22-2005, 03:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	Whimper. Migrane already started. Period has not (usually has by now, especially have an active day such as today - just that stupid gross brown spotting. YEUCH! __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

04-22-2005, 03:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
Manuel Hong Addict Location: Land of the puny, wimpy states	I always sound like a broken record, I know. Rae, the symptoms you describe don't seem to be unrelated (the anemia, migraines and spotting in conjunction with taking birth control in 91 day cycles...I'm not sure if the foot fits in as far as trauma goes, but it's really not out of the question). Go see a well-qualified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. I specialize in migraines and get excellent results...I'm not trying to promote anything but the efficacy of the modality and I'm genuinely concerned for your health. Personally, in regards to your S.O. I'd be making a couple of mental notes about his lack of understanding during this obviously distressing time for you. He may be just reacting to your anxieties, or he may be morphing into a jerk... time will tell. I hope he's just having a phase and this will all work out well. Good luck! __________________ Believe nothing, even if I tell it to you, unless it meets with your own good common sense and experience. - Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)

04-22-2005, 03:44 PM	#9 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	I am seeing a Chiropractor who has helped my back, after walking on crutches, and who is seeing to my ankle and foot. He has helped me regain my mobility in my ankle overnight. I am also seeing a physical therapist to help regain the strength in my leg, ankle, and foot. As for an acupuncturist - I have been curious about that but have no idea where I could find one of those or an herbalist in my area. None are listed in the phone book for my town or any town within an hours drive. Would there be a reliable listing somewhere on the internet? As for there being a connection - I KNOW there is one. Basically I see it like this foot brake and ankle sprain caused spotting because of the physical stress. I've been on the 91 day cycle for my periods because I tend to be anemic. We have not found a reason for that or solution besides taking suppliments. The anemia coupled with my chronically lower blood pressure (between 100/60 to 110/72) and then the hormone changes when I go off the pill for the standard week between is what causes my migranes. I've found that going on the placebos (or before just having the normal drop in hormones when I got my period) was sufficient to drop my blood pressure which once reached 60/30 and I passed out. I am truely interested in some alternate treatments. Any info or rescources you have I would definately be interested in. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

04-22-2005, 04:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
Manuel Hong Addict Location: Land of the puny, wimpy states	here's a few links to find some practitioners: http://www.craneherb.com/practitioners.html http://www.nccaom.org/find.htm http://www.aomalliance.org http://web.memberclicks.com/mc/direc...arrowsearch.do I think this will help. BTW, the guy I PM'ed you about has a bunch of links on google; check him out. __________________ Believe nothing, even if I tell it to you, unless it meets with your own good common sense and experience. - Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)

04-22-2005, 07:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
Demeter Psycho	If you are taking a painkiller and something for the swelling of your foot, would it contain a blood thinner such as aspirin? I'm not sure how much it would affect the spotting, but its something to look into. __________________ I am not bound to please thee with my answers. William Shakespeare

04-24-2005, 04:03 PM	#12 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	Demeter, I hadn't thought about aspirin contributing to any spotting. I was taking aspirin for a while but I quit taking any painkillers really about 2 weeks ago minimum. Stomach started giving me some heartburn and the pain wasn't too much. I will keep that in mine for future painkiller use. Good thought. I looked up those practitioners on several of the lists you linked to and it seems that most are about 2-3 hours away. Those that are closer won't work with my current insurance. I DID find one though that was affiliated with an umbrella of medical clinics that run the clinic that we have locally. I will have to look into that since my local clinic accepts my insurance perhaps she would be able to as well. Update on things - Went off the pills and 4 days into it now I have not seen any change whatsoever until today. Now - well I haven't had a period like this since before my daughte was born. It sucks. I can't wait to see if this works. If not I am pursuing more help. Thanks for the support girls and for letting me complain. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

05-02-2005, 09:31 AM	#13 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	Finally got help - called the Dr again on Friday. Asked for my REGULAR Dr and she finally called me back. She is switching me from Seasonale to another different pill with the same dose of estrogen and a little higher dose of progesterone. I have high hopes for this. Oh and also - I found left over progesterone pills from the last time I had this problem. I took 2 of them and my spotting has finally stopped. Gotta pick up my new prescription this afternoon. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

05-02-2005, 08:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
Manuel Hong Addict Location: Land of the puny, wimpy states	I'm glad it stopped, you must be relieved. I hope you continue to look into other options though...it's unlikely that the problem is "fixed" entirely in such a short amount of time. Something's going on inside and your body's trying to send you a message. I'm not trying to be an alarmist, just want you to be as healthy and strong as you can be. __________________ Believe nothing, even if I tell it to you, unless it meets with your own good common sense and experience. - Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)