It can happen...blod clots

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2004
It can happen...blod clots
2
Thu, 05-20-2004 - 3:49pm
I went on the birth control patch at the beginning of April. I had posted here about skin irritation questions if anyone remembers that. Anyway, I just got out of the hospital. I had sub-massive blod clots in my lungs (50% of my lungs covered). I just turned 29 last week and I don't smoke. I just wanted to give you girls a heads-up to the warning signs that I had a few weeks prior... since I wrote them off as stress, or anything else I could think of. Who would think its due to blood clots in the lungs?!?!

If you find that your heart starts racing for no reason, if you're unusually tired, if you feel like you get a little more winded that normal from doing something mundane, DON'T ignore it. I was just thinking I was having anxiety because my heart would start to race and I'd feel a little light-headed... even though I've never had anxiety attacks and I wasn't overly anxious about anything at the time. I finally went to the emergency room only when i had SEVERE pain in my lower ribcage... on my back. They thought it was a kidney stone. The pain was more severe the deeper the breath I took. I thought it was a pulled muscle from rollerblading. They said though that most people will feel the pain in their chest instead of the back of the ribcage.

Anyway, my point is that if you're new to birth control pills or the patch, and you're thinking something isn't right, DON'T ignore it like I did. I'm lucky that I will be ok in 6 months or so. And if anyone has any recommendations for non-hormonal birthcontrol methods (besides the condom), please let me know how you like them.

Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
Thu, 05-20-2004 - 6:38pm
Wow, that is so scary. I'm so sorry to hear it. Thank goodness that you got it checked out when you did. Were you tested for Factor V Leiden mutation?

As far as non-hormonal contraception, I can highly recommend the copper IUD based on my experience. They are very safe and extremely effective. Once inserted, an IUD requires no daily maintenance and lasts for 10 years. It is most often recommended for women in a mutually monogamous relationship without STDs and who have given birth before. Women who have given birth are less likely to expel the IUD. However, more and more doctors are now inserting IUDs in women who have not had a child. Please let me know if you have any questions about IUDs.

Another option, although less effective, is a diaphragm or cervical cap. There are other women on this board who use them and like them.

Again, I'm sorry about your terrible experience. I wish you a speedy recovery and good luck with finding the right birth control method for you.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-07-2003
Thu, 05-20-2004 - 7:33pm
To checkeredbutt -

I am so sorry to hear about what happened to you. I just went off the patch after 3 weeks because I was having muscle spasms in my right arm. I do get anxiety attacks, and it brought me to one-two separate times because my muscles in my right arm would buldge - the first thing I thought of was blood clots. Right now I'm just using condoms and going to see my dr. soon to get back on some pills. But I do also recommend the IUD, which I had for over 5 years (but could've had for 10, but got it removed because my periods were never ending).

Hope you are feeling better soon!

Heidi