Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, please)

[Gypsy]

I've been avoiding posting this. I've been avoiding it altogether actually. I'm not a Family Health poster so I feel... like I'd be using that board by posting this there as I don't contribute there. But I do like to think I'm helpful on Hangout, that's why I just feel more comfortable here. And this is a VERY uncomfortable thing for me.

And if there are any men who still clicked trust me... this is a female health issue and just NOT the thread for you.

I've been having major (that kind) bleeding for a few years.

I had a D&C two years ago. It helped for a while. But I ended up in the ER anemic and hemoraging three weeks ago because it's been back for 6 months and I've just been in denial. My periods are painful, disgusting (much more than normal, no details but ICK!) and last 3 weeks. And debhilitating.

My previous OBGYN was a jerk so I also just didn't want to see him.

But after the whole ER thing (and the fact that I was confined to bed rest for a week following it and passed out while trying to drive in a stubborn stupid moment) made me see a new OBGYN who was great.

She stuck me on the pill for now, it stopped the bleeding and after two weeks I was above the anemic point again (forgot how this felt, it's been so long I've been low a couple quarts) and on Monday I have to go in and make a decision about a more permanent solution.
She gave me four options and I don't... I just don't.

1. Depo shot. May not work to stop the bleeding. But is the least invasive and most reversible. I hate taking hormones... it's why I don't evne like being on the pill.

2. An IUD that emits hormones. I don't know.

3. Oblasion. Can't have kids after one. But still have to take birth control as it just makes pregnancy risky to me doesn't make conception impossible physically. I couldn't have kids after this. Even if I wanted them.

4. Hysterectomy. I'm 35. We don't want kids but... god that's terrifying. Would still have to take hormone replacement.

I'm just posting for thoughts and experiences and anything. DH is voting for Depo, and then if it doesn't work considering other options but is adamantly opposed to #4 and feels the same way I do that even if we don't want kids now... that's very different than making a decison that means we just can't have them.

Although we can still adopt and it IS something we would do if we wanted a child without any problem.

 

[HopeDream]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Gypsy I hope you feel better soon!

My sister had depo-provera and it made her really depressed, so if you are prone to hormone related depression, I'd avoid it. Looking at your list, my inclination would be to go with the IUD, because it targets your uterus, but doesn't cause any complications if you want kids down the road.

I'm sorry none of your options are Ideal.

 

[Selkie]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Sorry to hear about that, Gypsy. What is the diagnosis, fibroids or uterine polyps? That's what it sounds like from the symptoms and her recommendations. I understand your feelings about hormones, but I would tend to be conservative and start with either the Depo or the IUD, both are reversible. Especially if they're going to prevent a continuation of the anemia, which I consider a much more immediate health risk than those presented by the hormones. And it sounds like you might respond well to that treatment judging by the fact that being on the pill has helped even after such a short time. Of course I'm coming at this from the standpoint that I'm pretty much on the pill for the rest of my life to control endometriosis, (have already had one laparoscopic surgery for it) and I really have no other options aside from drastic meds like Lupron, which basically force menopause. I would also avoid the hysterectomy for as long as possible. My friend had one for fibroids in her early 50's, and hasn't felt like herself since. I hope you feel better soon.

 

[monarch64]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

So sorry to hear this...I would steer away from a. hormonal treatment and b. hysterectomy if possible. I need to get to bed now but will revisit this thread...BIG HUGS.

 

[VRBeauty]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

I understand your feelings about hormones, but I would tend to be conservative and start with either the Depo or the IUD, both are reversible. Especially if they're going to prevent a continuation of the anemia, which I consider a much more immediate health risk than those presented by the hormones. And it sounds like you might respond well to that treatment judging by the fact that being on the pill has helped even after such a short time.

Ditto. No need to hurry menopause with a hysterectomy, especially since you'd be taking HRT anyway.

I'm sorry you're having to make this choice.

 

[jstarfireb]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

I would choose the Mirena IUD. I have one for birth control, and it's fabulous. My periods immediately got lighter and then disappeared completely over about 2 years. The added benefit for you would be that it serves as birth control. Insertion is painful, but after that it stays in for up to 5 years, and you don't feel it. It helps with cramping as well. The hormonal effect is mostly local (just in the uterus), so you still ovulate, and it's less messy in terms of mood, weight, etc. And it's one of the most effective and idiot-proof forms of birth control out there. There is a risk of pelvic infections if you have multiple partners or are otherwise at risk for STDs, but it really doesn't cause infections outside of that.

I'd avoid depo because of weight gain, but that's just me. It can also cause irregular bleeding and cramping.

My mom had an endometrial ablation for the same problem (heavy bleeding leading to anemia), and it worked well for her. However, in the unlikely event that you change your mind about kids (not saying you will...I'm in the same camp), it's irreversible. As you mentioned, you would also probably have to take the pill to avoid an ectopic pregnancy.

Hysterectomy would be my last choice. Not only is it final and irreversible, but I wouldn't want to go through surgery unless all other options were exhausted. The ablation is still a surgical procedure, but it's less invasive and wouldn't leave a scar or have as much pain and recovery time.

 

[Pandora II]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Mirena - the IUD would be my choice.

 

[Lovinggems]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Very sorry to hear about your condition, hope you find a suitable remedy soon. I don't have any first hand experience but I would not choose 3 or 4.

 

[soocool]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

My neighbor had the same problem as you. She did the Depo shots and she did not handle it well. (she said she also couldn't handle birth control pills)

A year later she had an ablation and it did not work. She then had a hysterectomy (kept her ovaries) at age 40, about 4 months before her 41st birthday. She is now 44 and beginning to go through perimenopause. Otherwise she is doing very well. She did have 2 kids when she was in her 20s, but always had the severe bleeding and pregnancy did not help with it (she was on bed rest both times for almost the entire time)

 

[makemepretty]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

What about the pill that makes it so you only have your period 4 times a year? Seasonale or Seasonique.

I think the IUD sounds like your best bet. You definitely should not do anything permanent.

 

[CherryBlossom]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Hi, sorry to jump in a bit late, but a few months ago I remember you mentioning you're Persian. Right? I read that before I even registered to start posting on this site. well, the reason I bring that back is because I'm 25% Persian and have had similar things in my family. My aunt's husband is a doctor and he told me that some gynecological issues (similar to what you are describing) are seen a bit more in certain Iranian, Afghan, and North Indian women. Various other conditions are seen more in people of certain descent. If I were you I would see a specialist in this matter in order to make sure that you are being observed on a regular basis by one doctor over a long period of time.

I don't know where you live, but I know an amazing doctor at UCLA medical center who treated my aunt. He specializes in this field and was able to diagnose my aunt when so many other physicians kept giving her medication, which only masked the problem for short periods of time.

I think you should also consider looking into IUD, some people are simply not eligible for it due to the size of their cervix. I have friends in their mid and late 20s who have had the IUD inserted for a while now and they love it, although they said getting used to it was a bit more mental than physical. I know some people who love Depo and others who couldn't take the hormonal swings.

 

[iugurl]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

I have no experience with this, but I would try the IUD first. I think if that did not work I would try the Depo. Then the third option. Hopefully one of the first two options will work!

 

[Circe]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

I have no experience with this, but I would try the IUD first. I think if that did not work I would try the Depo. Then the third option. Hopefully one of the first two options will work!

This would be my vote, too. I'm hella sensitive to chemicals, but that's not to say they never work as intended. And I think it's better to try the methods that can be reversed first ....

Gypsy, so sorry you're going through this. I had one month of hemorrhage-level bleeding, and it scared the bejezus out of me. I hope you find a solution that works for you, and soon.

 

[lliang_chi]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Gypsy,

I'm sorry you have to go through this. I'd be hesitant on the depo since it's a pretty hefty dose of hormones. Some women react poorly to it. MakeMePretty suggested Seasonale/Seasonique. I was on that for years and really liked it. I'm also very anemic and having less periods helped me from an iron stand point. For some women they still have break through bleeding, but I didn't have that issue.

If you're really bad with taking pills, then I'd go with the IUD. There are a few women on here who have it, and are quite happy with it. It's less but "targerted" hormones, so hopefully it'll help.

Hugs to you my friend.

~LC

 

[rubybeth]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Oh, I'm so sorry you're feeling crummy, Gypsy!

I'm just chiming in with the others who have said that Depo can kind of wreak more havoc than it's worth. A friend of mine was on it for a couple years and it took another couple of years for things to return to 'normal,' and my sister was on it and also hated it. I think trying the IUD is probably your best bet for a reversible solution. I'm also pretty sure the hormones they release are a pretty tiny dose, similar to a mini pill.

 

[diamondringlover]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

I had the same issue years ago and the only option for me was a hysterectomy, I could not take birth control because it caused migraines, I know what you are going thru, I too became anemic and every month was a nightmare, I will not go into some of the gruesome details, but I will say that is was awful! I had my surgery right before I turned 40 so I was done with kids and I will admit the surgery itself was pretty darn painful, but I do not miss having periods AT ALL, it also had another benefit for me, I rarely get migraines anymore. I hope everything works for the best for you as you are still pretty young to consider a hysterectomy and I have no advice about the other options as they did not have them when I needed birth control.

 

[Jennifer W]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

I don't know much about the issue, but sorry to hear you're dealing with it. What a horrible thing. Hugs.

Anyway my choice, based on the info you've posted, would be the depo injection in the first instance. As you say - it's least invasive and most easily reversible, so I'd try it first. If it didn't work, then I'd re-evaluate.

 

[gemgirl]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

This is a subject I know an awful lot about since I used to get heavy periods that lasted as long as seven weeks. I know that sounds very bizarre, but I had chronic Endometriosis and PCOD and my hormones were always screwed up.

About your options- I definitely wouldn't jump into anything permanent - yet. Irreversible is irreversible and I don't think anyone should be pressured to make that type of decision lightly (even if it's your own mind pressuring you to make a decision).

Shots? Depo is a three month dose shot. From my past experience with other types of medications that lasted a duration of time from a single dose, if you have an adverse reaction to it and you can't handle the side effects, you're stuck with that chemical in your system for three months and a little beyond because your body needs to bounce back. Depo causes a good percentage of women to gain weight and to feel cranky, irritable and bloated. I've had many friends in fertility programs who took the Depo shot for the super fertile after effect and they were miserable while taking it.

The IU is a good idea because it can come out as easily as it was put in. That would be my choice. If the side effects really bother you, all it takes is a car ride to your Gyno to have it removed.

The one other choice that your doctor didn't offer you is the spectrum of psuedo menopausal anti-hormones that are used to treat Endometriosis. They give women a "pelvic rest" by throwing the patient into chemical menopause very quickly (usually within four weeks of taking it). I took it for six months and it worked well for me because four weeks after my first dose- no period. My cycle remained suspended for eight months. It takes the body a couple of months to bounce back once you stop taking it and you'd be super fertile for a while afterwards, but extra careful precautions can prevent pregnancy if you don't want to be pregnant.

I'm sorry you're in this situation. I know it stinks. I've been there. Keep talking it through for as long as you need to because you're going to be the one handling the side effects of whatever choice you make.

Edited to add: I just looked up the drug I took twenty years ago and it's still in use. It's called Synarel and it's administered as a nasal spray, which made it very easy to take. http://www.pfizer.com/files/products/uspi_synarel.pdf

 

[Octavia]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Oh Gypsy, I'm sorry you are dealing with this. What a crummy and scary situation.

As far as what I would do, I would try the Mirena first. While I'm apparently in the minority of people who had a good experience with Depo, that was back when I was in college and I don't think I would use it again now. Aside from the osteoporosis concerns (which was why I stopped taking it after a couple of years), once you have the injection you're stuck with any and all side-effects until the drug wears off. If you react badly to it, itcould be a miserable 3-4 months, and there's justno way to get the hormones out more quickly. At least with the IUD, you could remove it if it's not working. But either way, I would start with a less-drastic option first and go from there.

Also, I think the suggestion of Seasonale (or taking regular pills back-to-back) is worth discussing with your doctor. Or even other types of HBC, like the NuvaRing. I had loss of libido and occasional headaches when I was on it, but my periods were SO light andi think some doctors also approve using them back-to-back. Of course, there may be reasons your doctor didn't give these as options, but it doesnt hurt to ask.

Hugs, I hope you find relief soon.

ETA: cross-posted with gemgirl, apparently we were on the same wavelength.

 

[lulu]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Gypsy-the depo worked for me but I was nervous about taking hormones. Did the ablation which bought me a couple years and then the hysterectomy in my late 40s. I'd skip right to the ablation in your situation, but you're too young for the hysterectomy in my opinion.
Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[luv2sparkle]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Gypsy, I am so sorry you are having to go through this. None of the options are great. I would choose the least invasive as well.
The only thing I can possible add is I would look for a doctor who specializes in natural hormone therapy. I don't know if that is an
option for you, but it is what I would do for myself before I took any of the options available to you.

Hugs and prayers.

 

[dragonfly411]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Gypsy - I'm sorry you are going through this. I don't have much advice to offer. But ((hugs))!

 

[princesss]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

*hugs* Gypsy.

I have to echo the people that would try the IUD first. I haven't had a period in 2 years on Mirena, and I haven't noticed the hormones at all. It's a really low dose, but it's also easily removable if you do have issues with it, unlike the shot which will leave you with the chemicals/hormones in your system for months.

Either way, I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending you major vibes/dust/whatever that you are able to find a solution to this that doesn't involve option #4.

 

[packrat]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Awww Gypsy, I'm sorry you're going thru all this! Of the four possibilities I would start w/Mirena.

 

[Lula]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

I'm sorry you're going through this, Gypsy! I agree with the others who've said start with the least invasive option. Just FYI, though, I have several friends who have experienced something similar to what you're experiencing who ended up choosing hysterectomy (both in their 30s). Both have said the post-surgery healing, and the adjustment to the hormones was tough, but after their bodies adjusted they felt 100x better, and wished they'd done it sooner. One friend was sure she did not want children; the other wanted kids, but was not able to have them -- she is the friend who tried more non-surgical options before eventually having surgery. Both comment on how absolutely disruptive the heavy bleeding was to their day-to-day lives, and that not having to deal with that anymore was a godsend.

 

[Tuckins1]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Gypsy, I am sorry that you are dealing with this! (((HUGS))) to you. I think I would try one of the non-permanent treatments, like the IUD, before jumping to a hysterectomy. You are so young, at that would mean a lot of hormones and other issues that you shouldn't have to deal with at your age.... Best of luck to you!

 

[risingsun]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

I would recommend the IUD. It's reversible and has a minimun level of hormones, IIRC. I would only consider the more invasive treatments as a last resort. I hope you will be feeling better soon.

 

[Natylad]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

My dear Gypsy, i can't provide any good advice on the subject, but i just wanted to say <<HUGS>> and i wish that you find the appropriate solution for the problem dear...

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

Everyone seems pro IUD...just wanted to say I had tried both a Paraguard and a Mirena and had bad luck w/both of them. But, as noted by others, if you have problems, removal is easy so that probably is the best option to begin with.

 

[Amethyste]

Re: Okay... I give in. I need advice. (No men allowed, pleas

I have an IUD - the copper one - for ... 22 years! Still in there and I don't regret ONE bit having it done.
It's not invasive and if I were in your shoes, Iof all the options you have been given, Trying to IUD first would
be high on my list...