Question:
Please help. I have really having a hard time w/ my birth control.
I am having trouble assorbing my birth control. I never had problem before surgey. I am ready to pull my hair out. Is anyone else having this problem? What has worked for you? I am 3 yrs out and have been on 5 different kinds (I think). I have tried ortho 2 twice. — circusmonkeys (posted on April 17, 2006)
April 17, 2006
Hi, I am only 4 months post-op, but my Dr. and I decided since I wasn't
sure I would absorb the pills I would go on the ortho evra patch. Don't
know if you have tried them yet, but they are working great for me. Also
you could try the nuva ring (sp) it's fairly new. I would just try
something that got absorbed in a different way than orally if I were you.
Hope that helps.
— [Deactivated Member]
April 17, 2006
You can use the monthly Depo shot (I hear women gain tons of weight on
that); the Norplant, a BC implant; the Nuva Ring (I used it for three or
four months and my boyfriend told me he felt it a few times); the patch
(which you have to change once a week); or an IUD (there are two kinds -
the copper T and i can't recall the name of the other, but it actually
releases estrogen and lowers the amount of bleeding). I opted for the
copper T IUD, and am days away from getting it pulled out. I've had it for
2 years, and my menstrual flow has increased by 75%, not to mention the
increase in cramping and that i am severely iron anemic from the blood
loss. You can also consider getting your tubes tied, but i've heard that
many women find themselves with many of the symptoms of menopause, so i
would think long and hard about that option.
Good luck - none of the choices are all that appealing to me, but i, too,
will have to make a choice soon.
— sweetmana
April 17, 2006
I would not recommend the Depo shot. I was warned about it possibly
contributing to Osteoporosis but I figured my calcium levels were fine and
it wouldn't be a problem. A little over a year on the shot and I was
diagnosed with Osteopenia, borderline Osteoporosis and now on Fosamax for
life. My calcium levels are still fine. I'm only 36.
— boonikki29
April 17, 2006
I have been on Depo for years and I have had no problems with it. It
definitely isn't for everybody, but if it works the way it should, it is a
great option. The average weight gain on Depo is a little over 7 lb ..
anyone using Depo as an excuse for massive weight gain is kidding
themselves. There is concern over the calcium issue, and if you try Depo,
be sure and have your doctor keep a close eye on that issue. Good luck.
— Jeanie
April 17, 2006
Depo changed me from a normal person into an emotional witch! I would keep
my bf up for hours just crying. I would want to kill, then be euphoric,
then sad... The 1st 3 months went well, but the next 3 were pure hell.
Every time I mention that I was on Depo to a doctor, they have and adverse
reaction. I have yet to find a fan of that drug.
— rebeka C.
April 17, 2006
I was having the same problem with absorbing the birth control pill - as I
had a stricture early on and would vomit after injesting almost anything.
I went on the Nuva Ring and am loving it. Three weeks in, one week out,
and no daily worrying about anything! Its the easiest birth control ever
and its very low hormones - much lower than the patch. It does not slip
out or interfere with intercourse. I reccomend it 100%. Good luck to you.
— KDFJones
April 18, 2006
Have you talked to your doctor about the patch or NuvaRing? After my
surgery, my doctor was concerned about these issues so we talked about
changing my birth control. I am allergic to adhesive, so I couldn't use the
patch. She recommended the NuvaRing. I've been on it ever since. I love it.
I just insert a ring, leave it for three weeks and then remove it. I
haven't had any problems with it and it has been two years. Hopefully I can
stay on it for a little while longer, until I'm ready to have a baby. I
love it. If I were you, I'd ask my gyne about new methods. There are
options other than oral contraceptives. Best wishes for health and
happiness.
Donna
— djfoz
April 18, 2006
Hey Shannon, after surgery I was on the pill and had a scare. I switched to
the Nuva Ring which was awesome. Wish I had been on that for some time.
They were offering a free one on their website. But after surgery I knew I
wasn't going to have any other kids. I have a 12 year old daughter. I opted
to have the non surgical sterilization. There is a website for that too.
It's www.essure.com. It was easy and painless. Would recommend it to anyone
that knows they do not want to have children. Better than be cut open and
it is just as effective. E-mail me if you want more info.
— kristiegarcia
April 18, 2006
Hi Shannon- I too have had problems with BC. I never did prior to my
surgery 3 years ago, but since then have had complications. I have been
unable to absorb the pill, had reactions to the nuva ring, the patch, and
depo. I am now on ortho novium 1/50 and so far so good. It is a stronger
pill so maybe since I don't absorb all of it, it works for me. You might
ask your doc for something stronger than you are use to. Good Luck!!
— dl_roark
April 18, 2006
I was never good with the pills. The shot made me a witch. 3 years ago I
got a copper IUD, and I love it. The hormone IUD is called Mirena. I have
not had the bad cramping or extreme bleeding like others have. I depends
on what your body can tolerate. I have a 4 year old and I can keep my IUD
until April of 2013. Coppers are good for 10 years and Mirena's are good
for 5. I have heard great things about the Nuva Ring also. Best of Luck!
— Tiff
April 18, 2006
How do you know if you're not absorbing the pill? Is it just that you throw
it up? I just started bc for the first time (Yasmin) and I don't seem to be
having a problem with it - but it's only been a week and a half... can some
clarify this for me? Thanks.
— SJSlesnick
April 18, 2006
HI Sandy S.
I have had a lot of break threw bleeding. With all the pills I have tried
Yesam (sorry Might have spelled that wrong).
Some times I would be fine for a week or two then I would bleed for the
rest of the time. Lets just say after 2 years of on off bleeding I'm fed
up. Some times I would be fine for a month or two. Then my body would
start again. Its like when all of a sudden you stop taking the pill before
it is time and you start you peorid. Right now I am on seasonal (missed
spelled) for the last 6 month. It was ok for awhile as long as I took it @
the same time everyday. If I didn't I would spot. but for the last month
it really has sucked.... sorry just I want to be reg. again like I was
before the surgey and I am one that I do remember to take my pill every
day.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE HELP ONE THIS QUESTION AND I;M GLAD I AM NOT ALONE.
SHANNON
— circusmonkeys
April 18, 2006
I will resume using NuvaRing once I am far enough out to go back on birth
control. The patch would probably be good for you as well, since you are 3
years out and presumably under 200 lbs. Anyone else who reads this,
though, Ortho Evra (the patch) has NOT been proven effective for women
weighing over 200 lbs. It's on the package insert for the drug.
— nicolerod
April 18, 2006
I am on the Nuva Ring and it is amazing. I had an initial problem with
breakthrough bleeding but now everything is great.
— tonifrisina
April 18, 2006
Your going to have to use patches or injections from now on.
— vlaster
April 19, 2006
I had the weight loss surgery 5/31/05 and was placed on BC , I was using
Necon, because I do eventually want to have another child, but I was not
absorbing it either, my periods would come before it was due. Then after
months I was changed to Yasmin, and that has worked perfect and for my
sister too, who had the same problem after her surgery.
Wendy
— werlaw
May 8, 2006
I use the deposhot and love it. As for people saying women gain tons of
weight, the research shows the weight gain being over a period of years and
I believe its only about 10lbs. The first year the average weight gain was
around 3? (im going from memory - could be off) As for osteoporsis with
depo - they recommend not staying on longer than 2 years. If you do get
regular bone density tests. Depo is harsh on your teeth and gums so you do
have to take extra care of your teeth! If you are concerned about not
absorbing this could be the way to go for a while :)
— Jennifer K.
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