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can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 1:50:46 PM

defiantbadgirl

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I went without a period for a couple of months so my ARNP ordered some bloodwork. Two days after my blood was drawn, I started my period. Four days later, my period stopped. Then it started again and lasted a week. It stopped a couple of days before I was scheduled to go back. After going over my lab results, my ARNP ruled out early menopause and diagnosed me with polycystic ovarian syndrome. She prescrbed Metformin, which I started taking Tuesday. Today I just started bleeding.again. I've ruined several pairs of pants because I think I'm done bleeding and it starts back up again without warning. This is crazy. Up until 3 months ago, I always had regular periods. Is there anything I can do or herbs I can take that will make me stop bleeding? I can't afford to see a specialist and I've been to the health department 3 times now. This is getting ridiculous. I thought polycystic ovarian syndrome caused a lack of menstruation, not heavy periods every 3-4 days. Some advice would be greatly appreciated.

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 1:55:14 PM

RainydayNE

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that sounds scary
you can always get a second opinion, if you don't feel like you're getting adequate help from your current doctor

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 1:58:31 PM

defiantbadgirl

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I would get a second opinion if I could afford it. Unfortunately, I live in the US and only work 26 hours a week. The only place around here that has fees based on income is the health department. The ARNP I'm seeing is also a midwife and is considered the expert at the health department. At least the lab test results ruled out early menopause (I'm 35).

< Message edited by defiantbadgirl -- 11/21/2008 2:05:20 PM >

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 2:19:16 PM

chamberqueen

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I did some research for you and it can either lead to fewer and lighter periods OR more frequent ones. For the time being maybe you should at least wear a panty liner until your body settles into a routine. You might be able to get some free advice over the phone by calling an agency like Planned Parenthood or someplace similar.

If you were put on medication to deal with the syndrome then you can look up the side effects of the medication on the internet. I like using WebMD to start and then you can branch out from there.

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 2:29:59 PM

RainydayNE

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quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl

I would get a second opinion if I could afford it. Unfortunately, I live in the US and only work 26 hours a week. The only place around here that has fees based on income is the health department. The ARNP I'm seeing is also a midwife and is considered the expert at the health department. At least the lab test results ruled out early menopause (I'm 35).

ah yes, that's true =p i live in the US too obviously so i know how that is
i just figured if you were going to begin with, you know =p nvm

the suggestion to use liners is a good one
also, ask your current doctor if what you're experiencing is normal, and that you're just having some worries
i'm guessing your doctor did all the labwork and stuff that's usually part of a diagnosis? but if you feel like she might be wrong, you could tell her your concerns and she might then look elsewhere for an explanation
(webMD is also a great resource)

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 2:32:06 PM

tornaway

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Lots of info here : http://www.4woman.gov/faq/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.cfm#l

Although - most of what I read says one has less bleeding ?
Could this be a misdiagnosis ?

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 2:56:03 PM

lovingpet

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Periods of flooding is common with polycystic ovarian syndrome. It alternates usually with long absences of periods. The medication forces the body to correct itself, but all that built up uterine lining and the blood loss associated with getting rid of it is the result.

If you are concerned, then you need to speak with her again. If you think the diagnosis is flat out wrong, you will have scrape the money together to see another doctor or head to the ER. Remember, doctor bills can be paid on any schedule that you agree to in advance. When you make the appointment, make the payment arrangements at the same time. Hospitals will usually take montly payments as well. One big question, did the np do an ultrasound of your abdomen (sp?)? I have never heard of this diagnosis without one and my family is wrought with female issues like this.

The bleeding can be erratic and insanely heavy for a very long time. Time to pay the piper for all those months not having to deal with it, unfortunately. Wear a pantyliner all the time, keep spare clothes, and all necessary feminine hygeine stuff with you wherever you go, as well as a jacket to wrap around your waist in the event of a flood. The good news is a lot of women drop some sizes in the process (mostly bloating and a bit of excess internal tissue). I know it is no fun, but best of luck and keep us posted about how things are progressing.

lovingpet

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 4:34:13 PM

dollparts85

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Can you take hormones? A lot of women with PCOS take birth control to regulate their periods.

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 4:48:16 PM

lovingpet

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More natural hormones would be better still. This will require assistance from an alternative practitioner. A lot of times the imbalance was set up by the use of hormonal birth control or hrt. Use caution with this.

lovingpet

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 4:57:01 PM

Racquelle

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Many independent family physicians will see uninsured patients on a sliding scale or can take payments. Call around. Also, check with the Health Department about grants, funds and services you can apply for. Check to see if you are eligible for Medicaid.

But don't assume a diagnosis is wrong simply because the first form of treatment hasn't worked instantly. Keep in communication with your healthcare provider. Document all your symptoms, and invest in a very large box of maxi-pads.

The good news is that many, many "female troubles" are treatable now - much more so than 10, 15, 20 years ago.

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 5:10:38 PM

Domin8tingUrDrmz

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I've been experiencing similar issues.

My doctor performed an ultrasound and found no cysts or tumors. She did a ton of labwork and found nothing wrong. Now, I'm scheduled for laparoscopic surgery (they use a scope through the navel to look around), because she thinks it is likely endometriosis. Endometriosis cannot be detected through labwork nor through ultrasounds, including intravaginal ultrasounds.

If it turns out that I'm lucky, and do NOT have endometriosis, the doctor will insert Mirena (an IUD) into my uterus which contains low doses of hormones which are released locally. Since I'm a smoker other forms of hormone therapy could be dangerous for me. The hormones act in two ways:

1. As a birth control for up to 5 years (similar to Norplant in that regard) but may be removed sooner if pregnancy is desired.

2. It reduces the uterine lining that gets shed during menses which causes the bleeding (and sometimes severe cramping in some women - such as myself).

If it turns out I DO have endometriosis, she will then perform a vaginal hysterectomy.

I'm telling you all of this because you did not mention whether or not you had ultrasounds (both pelvic and intravaginal) performed and because I've experienced similar bleeding issues. If you have not had the ultrasounds, do whatever it takes to have them performed. If the ultrasounds turn out negative (nothing wrong), you may wish to discuss with your doctor the possibility of endometriosis.

ETA: I too live in the US. I have NO health insurance and I'm seeing a specialist. She gives me a discount when I pay in advance and is willing to perform the operation at half price if I can pay her in advance. Her fees are not the expensive ones, it is the hospital. I've been in contact with them, and they are willing to set up a payment plan over the course of 3 years. If this were deemed an emergency procedure (I do not know why they determined it elective, but they did), they would have been willing to reduce the bill considerably, as it stands, they are giving me a 20% uninsured discount.

Call around to doctors who specialize in gynecology (not OB-GYN, just GYN) and see if there are any doctors who would be willing to help you. After proper diagnoses (if you believe you haven't been diagnosed properly), consult with the hospital's accounting department prior to having any procedures performed and discuss financial assistance. If it turns out that you need to have emergency surgery performed, seek the assistance of the hospital's social worker. Oftentimes they have programs for those with the inability to pay who need emergency services.

< Message edited by Domin8tingUrDrmz -- 11/21/2008 5:21:28 PM >

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 5:27:04 PM

lovingpet

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There are also other procedures far less invasive for treatment and prevention of endometriosis. A hysterectomy seems a bit overkill. The excess tissue can be removed surgically and is not nearly as extensive as a hysterectomy. There is also ablation surgery which simply makes the endometrium incapable of growing anymore (ie: no more pregnancies would be possible) and when my mother had it done, it was done in the dr's office and she was able to return to work the next day. If the uterus is diseased (cancer or other extreme condition) is when a hysterectomy is usually considered. These other options, in the order I listed them, are the primary means of treating a condition such as endometriosis. Remember, the removal of the uterus is no small surgery no matter what method is used and it will cause sudden onset of menopause. That is a lot to go through over a little extra tissue, especiall when other excellent options are available.

lovingpet

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 5:54:53 PM

DesFIP

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Sounds like a cyst on the ovary to me. When I had that, bled for three weeks straight, the doc put me on progesterone which luckily worked. She was clear that if it didn't, I'd be going in for surgery though.

< Message edited by DesFIP -- 11/21/2008 5:56:30 PM >

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 5:58:54 PM

Mercnbeth

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quote:

...Remember, the removal of the uterus...will cause sudden onset of menopause...

not...unless they remove both ovaries while they are at it.

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 6:05:12 PM

thornhappy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: lovingpet

There are also other procedures far less invasive for treatment and prevention of endometriosis. A hysterectomy seems a bit overkill. The excess tissue can be removed surgically and is not nearly as extensive as a hysterectomy. There is also ablation surgery which simply makes the endometrium incapable of growing anymore (ie: no more pregnancies would be possible) and when my mother had it done, it was done in the dr's office and she was able to return to work the next day. If the uterus is diseased (cancer or other extreme condition) is when a hysterectomy is usually considered. These other options, in the order I listed them, are the primary means of treating a condition such as endometriosis. Remember, the removal of the uterus is no small surgery no matter what method is used and it will cause sudden onset of menopause. That is a lot to go through over a little extra tissue, especiall when other excellent options are available.

lovingpet

I've had the older type of ablation (ballon thermal endometrial ablation) and while it works well within the uterus, it wouldn't help for endometrium that's outside the uterus (fallopian tubes, ovaries, etc.)

thornhappy

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 6:20:38 PM

Domin8tingUrDrmz

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Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the development of uterine-lining tissue outside the uterus. Symptoms include abdominal pain, heavy periods, and infertility. Treatments include pain relievers, birth control pills, and surgery. - source, WebMD http://women.webmd.com/endometriosis/default.htm

Endometriosis is NOT the swelling of the lining of the uterus. It is when that tissue starts 'webbing' the organs outside the uterus (the external portion of the uterus, the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and in some cases other vital organs). When one has severe endometriosis, surgery including hysterectomy, is sometimes the only option.

The link below (also obtained from WebMD) lists the most common alternatives to hysterectomy for those with endometriosis. http://women.webmd.com/hysterectomy-8/hysterectomy-alternatives?page=2

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 6:31:34 PM

lovingpet

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Thanks all! Sometimes my mother doesn't really understand what doctors say to her. Thanks for the clarification.

lovingpet

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 7:29:39 PM

KatyLied

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defiantbadgirl - have you done any reading about perimenopause? It can really mess up your periods, make them scant/heavy, etc

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/21/2008 8:01:20 PM

hejira92

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I had fibroids do the same thing- humongous heavy periods lasting for weeks with intermittent flooding and fist-sized clots. (Sorry for the visual). I had had some large fibroids surgically removed years ago, but about 1 1/2 years ago, I had the ablation procedure. Much less invasive than a hyster, and certainly less down time. It took a while to settle down, but now I only bleed for 2-3 days, very, very lightly. So much better than 7-9 days every 2 1/2 weeks.

Without an ultrasound, it's difficult to tell what is going on with you. But, first thing I would do is stop smoking. It will aggravate any health problem by depressing your immune system and decreasing your ability to heal and increase your risk for side effects from any meds you need to take.

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RE: can't stop bleeding for more than a few days - 11/22/2008 2:47:07 PM

RumpusParable

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As it's been over by folks here, there are several things that could cause it -PCS, fibroids, perimenopause (testing wouldn't actually rule this out entirely due to the fluctuations). PCS could be entirely correct and causing this... or not. If you think it's "not", keep calling around and checking who will take you on a pro-rated basis. A lot of individual docs and clinics will that don't usually let folks know, in case you haven't already ruled everyone around you out by checking. It's always best to nag a doc vs. letting something go unchecked, so keep at it if you're worried.

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