Question about going back on the pill...
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| Mon, 06-07-2004 - 12:32pm |
I am 39 years old and was on Ortho/Novum 1/35 in my 20's and part of my 30's (on and off) and never had any problems in terms of side effects, etc. I went off of them because I was having severe breakthrough bleeding and my doctor said they weren't working the way they once did, so I decided to go off of them.
Recently, my doctor has suggested I go back on BC pills because I have developed two uterine fibroids and a complex cyst on one of my ovaries, which are making my periods heavier than they have been in the past (except when I was on the pill, they were fine!)The first two days are very heavy, but with minimal cramping, lasting around five days.
After much deliberation, I decided to start the pill again and did on this past Sunday. However, I am MORE worried this time around than I was when I was on them before!! Is it possible to have blood clotting and severe side effects now if I didn't have them when previously on the pill (I am healthy, active, non-smoker, but did smoke when I WAS on them before)? My doctor has put me on Loestrin 1/20 because of the same progestin component as Ortho Novum 1/35, but went with the lower dose of estrogen to start out.
I don't know why I'm worried this time around, but just want to be sure it's still okay.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for all responses!

Josie
And yes, my doctor said something along the same lines of being pregnant at my age and the risks involved...but she also said I need to weigh the pros and cons and decide why I'm feeling so paranoid about it even though the pill is safe. However, after reading the one poor woman's post about two blood clots in her lungs after only two weeks, doesn't make me feel so good about taking it, either!!
I agree with Josie that a journal is a good idea, it could either help relieve your paranoia or just make it worse though! Some folks obsess when they're keeping track of everything, you just have to remember that when things go wrong there are usually symptoms, so keep all your doctor's appointments and you might have your blood pressure checked after you've been on the pill for a month or two.
Blood clots in the legs cause pain and redness and swelling and heat (think of blood pooling in one area--it can't do it for too long before you start to feel it). There have been two descriptions of blood clots in the lungs in the last several weeks (honestly, I've been hosting this board for over two years and these are the first two women we've talked to that have had blood clots, it can happen, but it doesn't happen often), so you'd be looking for fatigue, etc. Read through your patient information that came with your pills--it will tell you what to look out for as far as serious complications go (chest pain, a crushing feeling, severe headaches, etc.). Stay in touch with your doctor if you think you're having problems. While it's no consolation, I'd think you could have problems at any time, not just in the first few days or first few weeks, your body changes throughout your life.
Good luck! Try to be calm...everything may go just fine!
Co-cl for Birth Control
Thanks for the replies back, though. And for letting me post my question.