Anemia/Dehydration Issues *TMI Warning*

[DarkEros07]

Hey Everyone,

I have a problem with Anemia due to constant vaginal bleeding. I was perscibed Birth Controll Pills but I can't stand them and the family hates it when I am on them since I am meaner to everyone around me. They make me feel like crap. They take away the anemia because I am no longer bleeding but then again I don't know which is worse. The doctors saying here have a pill it will fix it all when it doesn't. then comes the dehydration from the diareah that is caused by the anemia. I take iron pills when it gets bad. I don't want to be hospitalized again. My concerns are with riding how do I make sure I am doing better with the dehydration. I only drink water if I am exercising. I hate gatorade unless I am sick. Then I have to have it type thing. I was wondering what I could do as far as keeping everything up. I am thinking of asking for them to change my bc pills to something that isn't going to affect me as much. I don't know what to do. I can't keep going like this.

Also. What should I use as far as pads or tampons while riding? I know I've asked this before BUT I don't know what to do. There are a few new things I have found but I don't know if it will work or not. I have heavy clotting problems so I just go threw a tampon in about 1/2 an hr because of the clotts. So I don't know what to do. Pads work good right now but I am to the point of just going and buying DEPENDS! Yes, I am to that point. I want to ride so bad but don't want to have too many problems. Anyways. Anything to help me would be good. Thanks.

-kristen-

[KnottedYet]

Is it uterine or vaginal bleeding?

If it's uterine, have you considered uterine ablation? (they roll a cauterizing tool over most of the inner surface of your uterus, so it no longer sloughs and bleeds) This wouldn't help if you are planning to have children, though.

If it's vaginal, have you considered seeing a dermatologist who specializes in vaginal and vulvar issues?

Edit: there is an OB-GYN in Lansing who specializes in heavy/constant bleeders. I can't remember her name, but she does cool work. I'll go search. How far are you from Lansing?

Edit #2: Here she is: Dr. Julia Bishop 1322 East Michigan Ave. Lansing Michigan.

[Zen]

I had an endometrial ablation and it is the most greatest best ever thing that ever happened to me. Yes, i wore superduper plugs, pads, and depends (at night) all at once. When the tampon was removed everybody stand back. It was a slasher movie.

But now I'M FREE!!!!

But there's something I'm wondering about it.
I feel like I still have a cycle (some months, anyway)
Do you know that much about it, Knot?

[KnottedYet]

I really don't know that much about it, other than researching it in the literature. (I never had it done and never needed it.)

As far as I know, you still have a cycle once it's done. The ovaries continue to do their merry hormonal dance, and whatever endometrial tissue is still in place (they can't get it all) still rolls along with the hormones.

When in doubt, ask the doc.

[Torrilin]

If your primary care doctor is the one you're seeing for this, it's time to hit them upside the head with "this is not ok". For your long term health, you need to be able to be active. Be very specific that the birth control pills they've prescribed cause more problems than they solve, and that the bleeding is excessive.

While you're waiting to see a specialist, it can't hurt to do things like increase the red meat and dark green leafy veggies in your diet. Cooking in cast iron also gives trace iron. Also, find something you like to drink and drink it. If hot tea makes you happy, drink hot tea. If lemonade makes you happy, drink lemonade. Plain water provides good hydration, but so does pretty much anything that contains water. Alcoholic drinks do take quite a lot of water to metabolize, so don't count them. Otherwise, just drink things. 2 quarts of liquid is a nice reasonable minimum in a temperate climate. You may want to shoot for 3 or more, so your body has extra fluid to help with the blood loss.

Dietary support won't fix things, but it may make it easier to stay out of the hospital while you wait to see a specialist.

[mikki]

Well, as someone who has been there - recently....

First, I don't ride while on my period. I found that the exercise only increased the bleeding. I do low energy yoga, mostly restorative poses, no inversions.

Second, I had uterine ablation. It did not stop the bleeding completely, but now I go through 5 days of light spotting, instead of 7-10 days of heavy bleeding (1-2 boxes of tampons a month) each month. I am no longer anemic. Down side, be sure you never intend to get pregnant again. Seriously. This procedure cauterizes the lining of the uterus. I'm happy with the results. It's drastic, but worth talking to your doctor about.

Finally, be good to yourself. If you are bleeding that much, and the pills aren't working it is trully time to have a serious discussion with your doctor. Eat right, rest, and be good to yourself.:o

Best wishes, Mikki

[LBTC]

Darkeros, you're going through a lot! I hope your doctors can help you sooner not later. In the meantime, to help with hydration, definitely drink as much as you can handle. A person in good health should drink approx 1 litre (approx 1 quart) of water for every 50 pounds of body weight per day. Since you're having trouble with hydration you may want to take in even more. Increase slowly to get used to it. In the meantime, you may also want to increase the electrolytes in your water. Elete Electrolyte drops are an excellent solution - they have no taste, colour, or odour, and add essential electrolytes to keep your energy and hydration up. It works for me!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Dianyla]

I can relate to this, having struggled with heavy periods and anemia (with subsequent gi tract fun) for years. My advice is to keep looking until you find a doctor that understands female reproductive hormone balance and thyroid issues, and has a holistic view of things. Just sticking you on oral contraceptives to mask the problem doesn't solve anything. There must be some reason why your body is constantly bleeding, and I'm sure there is an answer somewhere.

Oh, and I highly recommend a menstrual cup instead of pads/tampons.

[Zen]

It can be any number of causes. I'm really surprised a uterine sonogram (or ultrasound, I'm not sure) wasn't ordered as opposed to BCP roulette.
This page from the Novasure (http://www.novasure.com/hysterectomy-alternative/heavy-menstrual-period.cfm) site can tell you more about causes.

[Andrea]

I'd like to add a comment about the pill:

There are many different formulations of pills out there- you may need to just switch to a different type. Several of them (usually advertised as "acne reducing") will reduce the amount of testosterone available in the bloodstream. Women only have a little bit of circulating testosterone, so that reduction can get rid of acne (if it's acne related to hormonal fluctuations), BUT it can diminish sex drive and cause athletic performance to suffer.
If the pill worked for you before (aside from the emotional effects), you may want to try a different one.

I switched from Lo-ovral to ortho tri-cyclin very briefly when I switched doctors and noticed within two weeks that I was very emotional and that my performance on the bike was getting horrible (which made me more emotional!) I went back to the lo-ovral, and everything returned to normal within a few weeks.

May be worth a shot. A cautery in the cooter doesn't sound like much fun :eek:
Sorry, I had to add that last one in...

[Velobambina]

I agree w/Andrea. What about a different BCP formulation? I'm on Mircette, which I LOVE. No PMS, no periods or just light spotting, no mood swings, etc. I've been taking it for about 5 years and I'm not going off of it until after I clear menopause.

[Zen]

May be worth a shot. A cautery in the cooter doesn't sound like much fun :eek:
Sorry, I had to add that last one in...

If you had any idea what this abnormal bleeding is like you wouldn't make say that. In fact, this is beyond abnormal bleeding, almost to the point of hemorrhaging. The ultrasound is painless and the cause could be fibroid tumor or any number of things that can't be repaired with artificial hormones.

The Novasure is laproscopic and performed under anesthesia. It was nothing but a life changing relief for me.

[dreadpirate]

there's a bunch of other things I can recommend for electrolytes, if Gatorade is the thing you hate most...

I like HEED, a Hammer product. They make a plain flavor which tastes like...water. You can find it at http://www.e-caps.com

NUUN is also good stuff, it's sugar free, just electrolytes, and the flavors are very mild. You can find it at
http://www.nuun.com/

How are you with daily supplements (vitamins)?

As far as your other problems, I have no expertise to offer, only my empathy. That must suck deeply, I'm sure I would find it hard to be in your situation.

[VeloVT]

Kristen,
First of all, I'm sorry you're having to go through all of this, and wish you the best of luck finding a solution.

I don't know anything about heavy bleeding disorders or what cause them, and the comments made above about looking for the cause rather than just masking the symptoms seem like good advice.

However, if you are considering different bc, I would suggest looking at Depo Provera. I've read that some people don't react well to it... But I've been on it probably close to 4 years now and I'm very happy. I don't get any period or bleeding at all (though for the first few cycles I had frequent irregular spotting... you just have to be patient). I **LOVE** not getting a period. I also find that it's made my mood much more even than it was either without bc or on combined bc. (Of course, each person is likely to be different in this respect). And so convenient -- you just have to get an injection 4 times per year.

I should mention that there are some concerns about long-term depo use and bone density, since it lowers estrogen levels... I take calcium supplements, try to get plenty of dairy, run regularly and when I'm being really good I lift weights... But I'll still probably get bone density scans periodically to be on the safe side.

[DarkEros07]

Thanks Ladies.

Okay so I have had blood tests. All came back normal. I have had an ultrasound. Vaginal and on the outside. that was last year when i was hopsitalized for loosing a whole pint of blood in a 24 hr period. That freaked them out but I wasn't weak or anything but they wouldn't let me sit or stand at all. I was so dehydrated they went threw 4 bags of water in 24hrs. I was NOT happy when i put my pants back on and couldn't move and the water weight was affecting my breathing! yikes. They basicly told me they have NO clue why I am bleeding. That is the exact words. Now I have a misscairage in 2004. I went to the ER that night and they told me it was impossible. I have had HORRIBLE bleeding problems since then.

I was put on DEPO and that made it even worse. While on the depo i was sick and could barely get out of bed. I noticed that after I started having sex with my husband(fiance then) regularly that I had heavier bleeding. I told this to the doctor and he just looked at me like I was lieing.

I started my period at the age of 10. Actually it was just after Christmas. that was almost 11 yrs ago and have been having these problems since I was 17. Almost 18. I just turned 21. I want to be able to have kids but as its going I don't know what to do. I want to ask for my doctor to do a D&C. Thats what my mom had to do because she had the same problem. They are always giving me the same excuse that they can't do a pap smear untill i stop bleeding but I haven't stoped! I'm so sick of this. its been since just before we got married and that was 3 1/2 years ago. I am at a loss.

I don't have insurance right now but I am about to just say screw it and tell them my situation and if all else fails go there show up and say look this is my problem do something about it since you didn't when i was last in the hospital because I wouldn't let that man touch me. Sorry but if you look just like my brother you are NOT touching any place on me that is private. yuck! anyways.

As far as my bcpills. they stop the bleeding and everything but i shouldn't have to use a cover up. i mean they wanted to give me a d&c before and blood transfusions. but they didn't and i dont know why. i swear the world is conspiring against me! lol. anwyays. thanks ladies!

-kristen-

[KnottedYet]

Yes, I'd say a D&C is called for.

The insurance is always a problem. At 17 you are still a minor (emancipated or not) and should have been covered by the State MIChild program, but I don't know what would happen now that you are a legal adult (even though the problem began when you were a minor). MIChild cuts off at age 19.

Possibly Medicaid, maybe the state programs for women's health. Try getting ahold of these folks for some insurance help: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch You should certainly qualify as a "medically needy adult". An incomplete miscarriage that has been bleeding for 3 1/2 years counts as "medically needy" in my book!

Is there a Planned Parenthood near you? They are a great resource, and will certainly know of some financial options.

[Zen]

Another vote for Planned Parenthood here.

[DarkEros07]

I was married when all this started. And as an EMANCIPATED minor I did eventually have MIchild again. For the last year I haven't qualified because my husband made to much money which is BS but whatever. They just kept telling me that they couldn't find anything wrong. I just called the docs today to ask for BC pills so then atleast I can work. Once I can work and get everything paid off I will get to the doctor. I expect that I will be working in the next 2 months and from there it will only take about 6 months to pay everything off. Maybe the doctor dude will decide its time to give me a d&c. I could ask him if he would do it & let me pay on it. I don't have the money at the moment to do anything. I still don't even have a drivers license. *sigh* my life sucks! lol. anyways. hopefully i will get word back today saying I will have bc pills. if i can't get them i'm going to sue his *** because he is the other doctor who didn't belive me that i had a misscairage. which i did because unfortunately i saw the fetus. and he still didn't believe me. anyways. besides that. i don't see why he would have a problem with giving them to me seeing as i am anemic and close to going back into the hospital. all he has to do is test me. anyways. thanks for all the help ladies.

-kristen-

[Zen]

You really, really should talk to someone at Planned Parenthood.

[VeloVT]

Yes -- Kristen, Planned Parenthood will treat you even if you don't have insurance. They use a sliding fee scale that is designed NOT to overburden patients who don't have the ability to pay, and I believe they do a good job realizing this goal. You will often find that most if not all of the providers are women, so it tends to be a very comfortable, supportive environment, **where they will listen to you and take your concerns seriously**. I would definitely recommend making an appointment at Planned Parenthood.

[OakLeaf]

Another vote for Planned Parenthood.

And all y'all who are recommending it... make a donation to PPFA or your local Planned Parenthood clinic.