So here's what the doc said...

Avatar for bootywhompus
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
So here's what the doc said...
11
Tue, 11-04-2003 - 2:43pm
I couldn't be happier right now.

Ok, so I got to the doc just fine. Slammed down a burger and fries lunch on the way and I was feeling pretty perky by the time I arrived. We sat down together and mapped out the last few months.

So in September, I had surgery for a ruptured appendix and in October I had a really wicked kidney infection. So I was on antibiotics for both of these. What I didn't know is that antibiotics effectively cancel out the effects of the bcp that I'm taking. So, when you look at the calendar and start counting days (including the placebo days when I'm supposed to have Flo), in September, I took my hormones effectively for 7 days. Then 2 weeks later, the 10 days of antibiotics for the kidney infection. And right after that, the week of placebos again. October was almost 2 weeks of actual hormone treatment. And remember that I had a wicked cold right before the kidney infection.

Basically, I'm a hormonal mess due to infections, antibiotics and timing. The nice doctor said that if I give it time, things should return to normal...well, as normal as they get...by Christmas or so. I need more time to heal and get back up to speed. She did encourage me to continue Jazzercising and suggested that I up my attendance to daily if I want to. I'm liking this doctor more and more every time I go. She also gave me a sheet of information about dietary guidelines...nothing that I don't already know. But now I have a little added incentive straight from the doctor.

I am so relieved! I have to take an extra week of hormones to get back on track, but that's fine with me. I'm just glad that I'm not actually going insane and that there is a logical explanation for this. I feel better just knowing that this will improve.

Thanks for listening. Sorry if this is TMI.

Lori

Lori

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Avatar for imthebigsister
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 11-04-2003 - 2:49pm
Not TMI at all. Just happy someone was there to shine a light on the possible cause of your recent hormonal misery. D'uh - we know antibiotics can affect bcps. No one could make the connection in the midst of all you've been going through.

I'm also impressed that she actually gave you some nutritional info. Considering how little training doctors have in nutrition, I consider that a great leap forward.

Can you say "integrated health care"? Or is that still a pipe dream?

Hope you're back to Lori-normal soon!

Donna

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 11-04-2003 - 2:51pm

Don't ya just love it when someone can make perfect sense out of what's going on.

Live With Passion!

Phyllis

Avatar for dmm11730
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2003
Tue, 11-04-2003 - 3:06pm
Glad to hear you got some good answers that made sense and the doc actually took the time to explain things. That alone is a surprise. It will take time to get back to "normal" at least you have an understanding.

Deb

Debbie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 11-04-2003 - 4:24pm

Wow..you really have been through the ringer!! What a journey you have been on and no wonder things were all whacked out.


It is so good that you have a

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2001
Tue, 11-04-2003 - 4:53pm
Not TMI at all, actually good info. I always knew antibiotics could interfer with BC pills effectiveness. but never looked at it like that.Never thought about it screwing up the whole hormone balance.How great to have a DR that understands.I'm so glad you got in today and that you learned something that will help you.I think the more women can learn about their hormones the better off we are.Thanks for the post.

Miss P




 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 11-04-2003 - 8:12pm
Geez, you scared me at first. I thought you were going to say you were pregnant!!!! Glad to hear that things are looking so much better for you.

Rhonda


Time invested in improving ourselves cuts down on time disapproving of others.

       ~~Rhonda~~


<

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-08-2001
Tue, 11-04-2003 - 8:23pm
You know that I knew that just didn't remember that! Glad you have an answer and hope that those hormones will be flying right real soon!

Susan

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2000
Wed, 11-05-2003 - 7:34am
Great news! Yes, I learned about BCP and anti-biotics offsetting one another about 12 years ago after I'd contracted poison ivy and it went systemic. Doc put me on antibiotics and suggested "some other method of birth control because the antibiotics cancel the pill". I've been on antibiotics since then, and I do *not* get told regularly that they'll cancel the pill - perhaps about half the time.

Hormonal imbalances are he##, for sure, and I've never had truly severe mood swings.





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Avatar for bootywhompus
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 11-05-2003 - 7:38am
Thanks for all the kind words. I need to apologise for being such a witch. I hate it when that happens, but I'm feeling pretty goo today. ;-)

Grace--TMI is "Too Much Information"

Rhonda--SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!! You scared the crap out of me with that pregnancy bit. I am not, repeat, AM NOT pregnant nor am I likely to be. Sheesh what a thought.

Yes, I do love my doctor and all the staff there. They are totally in tune with women and their issues. I'm very lucky to have them and that my insurance actually covers them! Sometimes, life is goo.

Peace out

Lori

Lori

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 11-05-2003 - 7:50am
It's indeed amazing how many sicknesses you've endured in such a short amount of time! Poor kiddo! I hope you feel back to your wonderful Booty self soon.
Katherine (Kat)

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