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.

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~