Woman's Health question (guys... you don't wanna look..lol)

**Lady_V** · 03-10-2009, 09:56 PM

Need a referral? You want an IUD

I don't know how the Canadian health care is covered, but if you can't get a referral out of your primary care, is there a patient liazon office you can call to be approved? What if you call the Gyn and explain what is going on and maybe if THEY call your primary looking for the refferal number?

I have private health insurance... if I can't see a doctor I -need- to see because of a Primary... I wouldn't BE with that one anymore.

**Lady_V** · 03-10-2009, 10:11 PM

I debated on how much I would tell you because the last thing I want to do is scare you...

I had a normal cycle... until I didn't. Clots, heavy bleeding (as in wearing 2 adult diapers to bed in fear I would drown overnight). I had to have an emergency D&C from a doctor who I literally owe my life to... She happened to answer the phone while I was trying to make a new patient appointment, she was appalled that I was not being properly treated and had me meet her at the hospital for tests and to plan on staying overnight. I was hemmorraging, and had been for a few days. The blood bank was called for me and everything.

My Mom on the other hand had a WONDERFUL doctor, unfortunately, she was an Oncologist. Mom had gne through bouts of clotting and heavy bleeding. Edometrial Cancer.

I know how gloom and doom seeing the Big C can be, and I am in NO way saying that may be what is happening to you... but you deserve to know what IS wrong with you.

You asked for ammunition and personally, I think the BEST ammunition anyone can have is KNOWLEDGE!!!

Some causes of heavy menstrual bleeding

Unexplained - for half of all cases no cause can be found.
Contraceptive coil (IUD) - the coil can cause heavier, longer periods.
Injectable contraception (Depo Provera) - can cause heavy or prolonged bleeding.
Pelvic disorders:
- Fibroids - these benign (not cancerous) growths in the muscular wall of the uterus are a common cause of heavy bleeding.
- Polyps - these benign growths of the lining of the uterus may cause heavy bleeding but more commonly lead to spotting between or after periods.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease - an infection in the reproductive tract which can cause infertility and chronic pain if untreated.
- Endometriosis - a painful condition in which the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
- Endometrial hyperplasia - thickening of the lining of the uterus, leading to heavier bleeding.
- Endometrial cancer - cancer of the lining of the uterus, causing heavy periods, bleeding between periods and blood-stained vaginal discharge. Rare, but more common in women after the menopause.
Blood and hormonal conditions:
- Hormone imbalances - can stop ovulation (egg release) leading to build-up of endometrium and heavier periods.
- Hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid gland can cause heavier periods.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Use of anticoagulant drugs.

**Debbie-cat** · 03-10-2009, 10:14 PM

Your case sounds very similar to mine. I ended up having an emergency hysterectomy. Best thing ever!! Anyway, you need a different doctor, different opinion. Since your counts are low (mine were too) you will slowly go downhill. Get some health fast. If you need to, tell them the pain is really bad and then maybe they will do something about it. Good luck and keep us posted.

**perSue** · 03-10-2009, 10:33 PM

Lady V - you got it right... ammunition in this case IS knowledge.
excellent info. i hope it'll help her.

*fingers crossed*

**Momto2Boyz** · 03-11-2009, 08:51 AM

I feel your pain, literally!

The best advice is to find away to see another doctor. Even if you get another primary care doctor, do something different. Find a doctor that will take it seriously and have time for you.

I had the same Ob/gyn through all three of my pregnancies and I regret that I ever set foot into his office. When I lost the third at 18 weeks (similiar story to yours, at home, placenta didn't pass, etc.), my doctor wouldn't even see me at the emergency room. His "on call" doctor saw me. I had an emergency D & C, which I almost didn't even make it to. The ER nurses, found a cop to sit in the waiting room with our kids, and told DH that he needed to some in and speak with me, becuase things weren't looking good and they weren't sure if they were going to get me to the OR in time.

Anyhoo, I never realized how horrible my doctor was until this guy took care of me. When I was having problems with my pregnancy, the old doctor didn't have time for me. But I was lucky enough, that since this guy saw me in the ER (he is "highly sought after" and impossible to get an appt with), he took me in for a follow up, understood why I didn't want to go back to the old gyn, and took me on as a new patient.

I had problems after the fact for at least a year, with crazy periods, heavy clotting and lots of cramping. I can't go on bc pills, becuase they mess with my head (i get severe depression on them) and so he suggested some diet changes and vitamin supplements to help. I was skeptical, but tried it and they worked. Since I've made the changes, I've been fine.

So, do whatever you have to do to find someone who will help you. You shouldn't have to live with anything that is uncomfortable to you, regardless of wether you are in pain or not!

**kmonokwe** · 03-11-2009, 09:48 AM

I just want to say thanks to everyone for this discussion! Its awkward to bring it up, but its always so helpful. I don't have any advice, but I do hope that you find some support and some relief soon!

If I may, I have a question of my own. I'm 22, recently married, and I've been on the pill for almost a year. I have NEVER had a regular period. Ever since my first, its always done whatever it wants to. I've had occasional clotting (not every period, but NOT unusual), fairly frequent cramps, and the intensity of cramps and the length and heaviness of bleeding have always been inconsistent. I've always had pre- (and sometimes post-)bleeding discharge, extending my period out to 6-8 days most months. When I got on the pill last April, it took a few months to adjust to the 21-day cycle, and would occasionally defy me and arrive a few days early, or stay a few days late, but I didn't think much of it, since its always been inconsistent. I'm trying to keep the same mindset now, but as you can imagine, inconsistencies are much more inconvenient now that I live with a man. My main concern is this: After my last period, which was right on time and nice, I went back on estrogen pills as normal. One week into my pack, I started seeing the pre-bleeding discharge. Annoying, but I didn't worry about it. A week later, I was still getting the same stuff, only stronger - like it really wanted to begin bleeding. So, after two weeks of estrogen, I went off and let it start. I'm halfway through the week now, and its just a period like normal - just a week early. And, I imagine it may have been two weeks early if I hadn't been taking the pill.

So...maybe I should ask for a higher hormone level pill to get my body to balance properly? I am on the "low estrogen" generic pill. I think. I don't know if I should be worried, since I've always had a wacky period. Or maybe its not normal and I should have been worried a long time ago!

I did have a crazy period one time in high school, when I bled for three weeks, and had serious clotting. They finally shot me full of hormones to get me to quit bleeding. Perhaps I have a natural hormone imbalance that causes me to bleed more than I should. I am slightly anemic, but it doesn't affect my lifestyle except when I'm actually bleeding.

I didn't mean to get all up in your thread

but I would really appreciate some thoughts. I don't know if I'm taking this too seriously, or if I'm not taking it seriously enough!

**perSue** · 03-11-2009, 09:57 AM

kmonokwe - i'd check w/yer ob/gyn.
there might be a better pill suited to you. also having hormone levels checked. Your GYN can run these tests or just recommend you get it done at your Doc's (depending on insurance costs, etc) (and have the results faxed to the Gyn).
either way, if it hasnt "settled" in to some regularity, just see what a Gyn would recommend. I know lots of women who just always had an irregular period.

**Jskell911** · 03-11-2009, 10:07 PM

I found these:
http://www.medinfo.co.uk/conditions/heavyperiods.html

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/heavy_periods.htm

Not sure if they will help.

I do have some experience and needed a hysterectomy. But my case was extreme in that I had excrutiating pain as well as other symptoms. The lack of pain should not be a reason for the doctors to dismiss it

I hope you get some answers soon!!

**wanderinggrandma** · 03-12-2009, 02:54 AM

I second getting into a female provider. And maybe you are having pain along with your clots and extremely heavy flow.

My primary doc didn't consider it a problem either. 2 super tampons and a pad, every HOUR. Not a problem. Standing up and gushing, not a problem. Luckily I could schedule with ob/gyn without referral. These gals saw the problem, and no it is not normal. Bless them, they fixed the problem.

Good luck!

**HandyMom** · 03-12-2009, 05:55 AM

I was having very heavy bleeding with huge clots like you but not any pain. I did a lot of research online to find out what might help with the heavy bleeding and long periods that are pretty typical during peri-menopause and so many doctors are anxious to do some sort of surgery as a first response.

I wanted to try something else first so I read that taking vitamin B has helped so I bought some B complex 150mg vitamins and it worked for me. For the first time in months I actually stopped bleeding altogether and then had a normal period 3 weeks later.

**nadine64** · 03-12-2009, 06:47 AM

Boy can I relate to everyone's stories. Had a D&C November, 2007 because of polyps. Extremely heavy bleeding after that. Ended up in ER Christmas Day 2007 because I was losing it (emotionally and physically worn out). Had a very uncaring female doctor, I know, very unusual and switched to her partner, a man because of the care he gave me in the ER. I'm on a low-dosage birth control pill to control the bleeding, but even still, when I start my "friend" I have to take 600mg of ibuprofen around the clock to keep the bleeding in check. My doctor thinks this is normal and I can deal with it for now. Even though I'm not happy with the heavy dosage of ibuprofen. I had all kinds of blood work done and doctor thinks mine is hormonal and says I'm definitely NOT pre-menopausal. I'm 45 and I still think I am. Anyhow, good luck with your search of a new doctor and keep us posted on what's going on with you.

**fixer** · 03-12-2009, 11:53 AM

Okay, maybe I shouldn't be here. I had Dw read this thread. She is going through much of what has been described here. She had an endometrial ablation scheduled in a month. She can't wait to have it done. She had a male ob/gyn who really didn't get the severity of the problem. She switched and got one who said all had been done medically and it was time for the procedure. The main reason for this post is that I want all of you to be sure to inform you daughters of your medical history. My Mother-in-law had a hysterectomy at a relatively young age. She never told my wife why. I don,t blame her since in her time such things weren't spoken of. Dw has no sisters and her father doesn't know any of her moms medical history either. Not having any family history has complicated her treatment. Please, either tell them or write it down. Hopefully they will never need it, but it may be important to them someday.

**nadine64** · 03-13-2009, 01:48 AM

Originally Posted by fixer

Okay, maybe I shouldn't be here. I had Dw read this thread. She is going through much of what has been described here. She had an endometrial ablation scheduled in a month. She can't wait to have it done. She had a male ob/gyn who really didn't get the severity of the problem. She switched and got one who said all had been done medically and it was time for the procedure. The main reason for this post is that I want all of you to be sure to inform you daughters of your medical history. My Mother-in-law had a hysterectomy at a relatively young age. She never told my wife why. I don,t blame her since in her time such things weren't spoken of. Dw has no sisters and her father doesn't know any of her moms medical history either. Not having any family history has complicated her treatment. Please, either tell them or write it down. Hopefully they will never need it, but it may be important to them someday.

What a great hubby you are! Thanks for your side of the issue and hope your DW's ablation goes well.