Anemia/Dehydration Issues *TMI Warning*

[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
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
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.