Yasmin & Yaz Survivors

Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 8:58 am

Hi Ladies!

I missed reading and writing updates... Maybe we can post updates here about coming off yasmin (or the other two related pills). It's too bad we can't salvage the posts from the previous form. However, we can certainly continue where we last left off...

How is everyone doing these days? I hope everyone is doing better. I got blood work done and my Dr. said I have low protein levels, despite the fact that all I eat is protein. He believes it's from malabsorption issues. My ankles and feet have been swelling all of a sudden. I guess I have edema now. The nausea has become less and less. I started getting headaches. I never got them before. Of course my pyscho dr. says yasmin has nothing to do with the fact I have these issues. He told me there is no such thing as a "hormonal imbalance" and that all these issues happening to me is purely coincidale. He said there is no way a pill I stopped taking months ago can cause this. I told him that he never took the pill so he wouldn't know. How does one explain rapid weightgain, hairloss, skin break-outs, fatigue, blurred vision, allergies, indigestion, etc...? He is not me, so he doesn't know what I'm going through or what other women are going through. He said it wasn't possible to feel symptoms coming off yasmin because once you stop taking it, you go back to normal right away. He actually laughed at me. Now, this weirdo definately knows nothing about being a doctor and it is a miracle he got his license to practice. I basically told him to effe off ever so nicely, and that's the end. ...jack ash!!!

So, how's everyone else doing? Happy valentine's day!!!
Laughing

Luna

Joined: 26 Sep 2009 Posts: 598 : Location: NJ Items

Luna:
Sorry to hear about your experience with the a**hole doctor. Excuse the language but that's what he is. Unfortunately it's all-too-familiar for me.

I went to my primary care doc a month ago and he was an ass. I told him about the terrible numbness I've been having, swollen lymph nodes, etc. and he was just insistent that I had migraines with migraine aura. But I don't get migraines very frequently and from doing my own research, I think he's wrong. So I posed a couple of questions and he got all indignant with me and looked at me like I was a three headed alien. Then he insisted that I go on Imitrex for migraines, and I said no, and he said I have to, blah blah. The usual. Oh, and I should mention that the specialist he sent me to, a neurologist, told me something completely different- that I had trigeminal neuralgia. Rolling Eyes

-------------------------
Anyway, I posted my update on the other thread on accident, but here it is again and I hope to see everyone else's on here soon, too:

Unfortunately, I am still experiencing right-sided numbness occasionally. The neurologist said it was trigeminal neuralgia, and my doctor insists its migraine-related auras. I think they're both idiots. My regular doctor insists that I should go on medication for the migraines (and looked at me like I was crazy for questioning him), a med called Imitrex, but I refuse, because apparently it has some wicked side effects- just what I need!! Plus, I'm sure it's hormonal and I just need to be patient.

I'm also having this interesting thing of swelling of lymph nodes on my neck, which is annoying. It doesn't happen all the time, just occasionally. My doctor thinks this is also somehow related to the migraine auras, since it also occurs on the right side. But I'm not so sure.

Mood-wise, I still have days when I feel anxious, but I'm trying to take it one day at a time and realize that it's going to take time for everything to regulate. I'll also rarely get these little bursts of sadness or weepiness, or ultra-sensitivity, which is weird and annoying, but obviously hormonal. I hate the anxiety the most, though.

My periods are irregular- sometimes I get a full six or seven days, and sometimes I get two days on then two days off, and spotting and all kinds of weirdness. Oddly enough, I still don't have cramping.

I'm also still experiencing some fluid retention, so I'm trying to drink as much as I can.

And finally, I'm experiencing hair loss still, which is making me sad. I used to have such thick hair, and now it's so thin. I even got a cut to try to make it thicker, but it didn't really work. Uggh.

But on the plus side, I do definitely feel like I've made improvement since the last time I posted before the forum was erased. Just trying to take it one day at a time.

Love, luck, and hugs:
Meagan

Joined: 12 Jun 2009 Posts: 96 : Location: Canada Items

I've had the weirdest sleuth of periods in the past two months. They'd be light for 5 whole days when I expect them, then I'll be done with it for a week, only to start bleeding/spotting again for the next week and a half. It's never ending with me. I am about to go to the gyn to see if this is all random hormonal imbalances or if there`s actually something wrong with me.

My sex drive is still sucky. BF and i tried it two weeks ago and it hurt me so bad Sad

That's another reason why I'm going to the gyn too.. just to figure out why it's so goshdarn painful.

I was dealing with insomnia the last time I posted on our old forum. Now, I'm all tired all the time Sad

As in, even if I do nothing whatsoever, I knock out, tired as hell .I actually got worried that all these weird tiredness, nausea and spotting might be pregnancy symptoms, but since the last time I had sex was protected and shortlived because of the pain, I'm pretty sure I'm not.

Weight-wise, I've maintained. I'm not retaining water as much, probably because I do drink a ton of water and probably because I work out on a daily basis. I actually always feel loads better when I exercise.

My hair is an on and off thing. Sometimes, I get horrible shedding. But recently, it's been quite strong. I take it its the vitamins that are helping me. My hair is growing in all shiny now. I'm pretty happy with it.

Anyone else experiencing super abnormal irregular periods?

-- Maria

Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 22 : Items

Since coming off about 2 and a half months ago, my blood pressure has returned to normal! It had gotten frighteningly high, and now it's even lower than ever. It was SUCH a relief to see that. I feel the same in all respects, otherwise. That's not to say I feel bad, but I don't notice any dramatic differences in how I feel on a daily basis.

My first period post-Ocella came about 38 days after my last pill-induced period. From what I read here, it seems like that was not terribly long compared to how long some people had to wait. However, I've just passed the 38 day mark now, and no sign of my period. I don't know if it's just still so screwed up that it's going to make an appearance whenever it feels like or what, but I was hoping that 38 days was some sort of indicator of when I could expect it again. Inevitably, I find myself worrying I'm pregnant now that I don't have the "backup" of knowing I'm on birth control, even though we've been very careful. I really hope it arrives soon... but I don't like worrying about pregnancy every month now simply because I don't have any idea when my period wants to get here!

Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 5:33 pm

Hi Ladies,

I had the worst time with my cycle after coming off the pill. I'm still dealing with this actually. The one thing that you can do to feel better while you get regular is to chart your temperature with a basal thermometer. You can get one at the drugstore, instead of just reading 98.7 it would read 98.72.

After you ovulate our temperature rises at least .04°. So basically you would take your temperature every morning when you wake up and record the temps. I use a website called www.fertilityfriend.com to keep track. Once your temperature has been raised for four days you have most likely ovulated. Once you ovulate your temperature will stay raised until your period comes - usually in 10 - 14 days.

It's empowering to understand your body. And it really helps to stop you from playing those mind games - if your temperature hasn't raised, then you know you aren't pregnant. And once you ovulate you will know exactly when to expect your period.

I remember first coming off the pill, freaking out and buying pregnancy tests and letting the worry consume me. Now that I chart I understand my cycle and am much more in touch with my body.

Meagan mentioned a book "Taking Charge of your Fertility" this book outlines the whole process. If you have the time, it's totally worth it. I can't believe they don't teach this stuff in school!

Best - April

Joined: 12 Jun 2009 Posts: 96 : Location: Canada Items

Hi April,

Yea, i have a bbt... but I'm just the type of person who's super forgetful haha. I tried charting.... I failed within the first week. My sleep is so messed up that I don't wake up the same time everyday to check. I'll try again this month Very Happy

Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 6:58 pm

Maria,

I know, its tough! If you just try to make a habit of taking your temp when you wake up you should be able to see a pattern - it might not be quite as clear, but you will see it. As long as you just woke up from at least one hour of sleep (three is best).

I travel a lot, so I used to worry that I was too erratic for it to be clear, but when I actually ovulate it was very clear that that is what happened.

Frustrating was me trying to chart for over a year with no ovluation or periods!

Best - April

Joined: 26 Sep 2009 Posts: 598 : Location: NJ Items

Maria and April:

I also use Fertility Friend and find it helps me to see it on the computer. And it's definitely true that charting helps ease worries of being pregnant, because the thermal shifts tell you everything you need to know!

I really love it because it eases my "worry-wart" mind since my periods have been all over the place, too. But I know it takes a lot of work and I understand it may not be for everyone. It may be worth a second try, though!

Love, luck, and hugs:
Meagan

Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 4:58 am

Hi Everyone!

MeaganJ—Yeah, these doctors… it’s better off to ask Mickey Mouse for the answers than to ask any of my doctors at least. At least Mickey Mouse is way nicer (and way cuter)! They all think they know your body better than you! And all the doctors I have been to don’t even listen or care. But the one thing they will do is defend yasmin and claim yasmin is not the problem! I also get the swelling of the lymph nodes too, still at almost 16 months off! But I think it is due to allergies more than anything else in my case. I mean, I still have so many issues and weird things happening to my body right now… one symptom goes away, and another one appears… ugggg!!! Don’t worry.. the hair loss stops eventually. I just came out of the shower one day and noticed my hair wasn’t falling out in globs and thought…no way… I was so used to seeing big globs of hair in my brush and in the shower, I thought I was dreaming when I saw no more!!!

Maria—I had abnormal periods like crazy… in a different way. I had 3 periods off yasmin exactly on schedule as if I was still on it… I mean like clockwork to the pill! Then I stopped having a period for 5 months altogether. Then it came back in the middle of nowhere and I had no signs whatsoever of it coming. Now the cycles run 23-28 days.. but for the last couple months it has been 28 days, so hopefully I’m bouncing back to normalcy!

Aprileah—Your right about the charting. I use it and it is very empowering to know your body. I never knew these things until I got off birth control and my period went m.i.a. So I went and got the book “Taking Charge of Your Fertility”. It is the best book ever and I think every female needs to read it, no matter the age! I wish I would have known these things years ago! I just surprised your periods haven’t come back to normal? Hasn’t it been almost 3 years off yaz for you? …plus you took it only for a couple months!!! Did I read correctly that you didn’t have a period for over a year? This poison is something else!

Update: I have been trying to workout every day. The nauseousness and dizziness still gets to me, so I think I’ll have to slow down. I’m investigating as to why my protein levels are low and I’ve been reading it could be from many things. One thing it may be from is use of diuretics…which I suspect, since yasmin has the diuretic-like poison in it. I think the yasmin dehydrated my body to the point it was depleting it of vitamins and minerals. Maybe that led me to the point of malnutrition…. Hmmm

I wish you all well,
Lots of luv,
Luna

Joined: 26 Sep 2009 Posts: 598 : Location: NJ Items

hazel:
I'm glad you're doing okay. It's great that your blood pressure went back down! I'm sure that was a huge relief for you. Very Happy

Regarding your irregular period, you might want to try charting. I know that it seems like a pain, but it's worth a try, trust me. It will really ease your fears regarding pregnancy scares, since the thermal shifts show you when your ovulating and when you will get your period.

Since you're at the two month mark, it sounds like you're doing great! Hang in there and remember we're all here for you! Very Happy

luna:
Yeah, I decided no more doctor visits for me for a while because it's just pointless. I just leaving feeling bad and nothing gets accomplished, so why even bother, you know?

It's interesting that you have the lymph node thing, too. Weird- I never had this issue before, but then again, I also never had allergies before either! Oh well, even if I'm not 100% sure what's causing it, it's reassuring to know that someone else experiences the same thing.

Thanks for your reassurance on the hair loss, too. I'm in my fifth month off, and it doesn't really seem to be getting better yet, but I'm hoping it will soon. It helps to hear from someone who has been there! Smile

I think that a lot of our problems may be due to the diuretic in Yasmin that you mentioned- that's a good point. But glad to hear you're doing well.

Update: Unfortunately, I felt a bit weepy today- nothing major, but still annoying. According to my charting and fertiltyfriend I should be getting my period soon, so I'm sure that's why. Ever since coming off Yasmin, it's like I have super-crappy PMS now. I never, ever had PMS before other than minor cravings for sweets and being a little oversensitive. Now I get weepy and a little anxious and all of these stupid symptoms. Hopefully they will fade as time goes by!

I'm so glad that we're all back on here. It really helps to come on here and read the posts and share stuff. Hugs to you all!!! Very Happy

Love, luck and hugs to all of you!
Meagan

Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 7 : Items

Hey Girls!

Megan- Sorry to hear you are weepy today! I have been weepy too.. I just can't snap out of it. I took some extra B Vitamins and that seemed to help. My Nucca Doctor told me to take the extra B's around my period and that will help.

Update: I am almost 4 months off of the Yasmin now. My hairloss has improved, but there are some days that is flares up. My weight is still yo-yo'ing, though not as bad. I have to work out and drink lots of water to feel good! PMS still causes me to have minor meltdowns usually 2-3 days before I start. Something I think is weird, is that I have had no breast tenderness since stopping the pill. They used to swell up and be very sore about 10 days before I would start. Now, I am more tired though and my cramps about 2 days before I start have been unbearable. As a friend of mine who just stopped taking Yaz says, "It feels like an elephant is walking on your back!" I seem to be craving proteins more too...

Take Care Girls!

JMarie : )

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 3:28 pm

Hey Girls!!!

I am happy to see that so many of you are starting to find back to the Forum after it was closed down for a while.

I agree with you all about the doctors - I have never been a person going to doctors. It has never been a part of my culture growing up I guess. No yearly check ups or anything, besides for going to the dentist. There just has never been a need for going to the doctor. So I am sticking with it. I am going to make an attempt to go back in a few months to have another blood test done so I know how to maintain good supplement levels, but nothing else. I don't care about anything else that will be said in that room. If I could take the blood myself and send it in to the lab I would.

As far as my recovery. I have been doing OK.

-I am breaking out on my chin and neck as well as between my boobies. I have been using Evening Primerose oil as night cream for the last month or two now and I really love it! It keeps the dryness, that this time of the season always bring, away. I simply punch a whole in the capsule and squeeze the oil out of the capsule. The brand i use have large capsule so one will last me a few days. It is really cheap too compare to a regular night cream!!

This week I also started to supplement with Zinc to see if that could make a difference. I have not seen any changes yet, but that is to be expected. I think most of my acne is all hormonal related so I will have to try it for about a month before I can truly say if it is working for me or not. So I will stick with it for a while and let you all know.

I am having some horrible restless-leg symptoms in my thighs on those days I work out. And I am not as flexible as I used to be; stretching my butt and hamstrings really hurt. I have restless-legs but it is usually all over. Now it is more concentrated to the thighs. I am trying to eat a little bit more Magnesium every day for this. The progress is slow. I am also drinking more water and I love the fact that I actually feel thirsty finally!

This week I have been going from a lamb to a wolf to a crying baby emotionally. Work is driving me crazy and I get angry to the point that I can't get more angry without screaming at someone - so I always end up crying. Urgh! Think I will get my period in just a few days...

I am still having issues with my weight. It got higher than ever recorded in my life two weeks ago. But I dropped about 4 ponds since then. So even though I am not where I want to be I am doing ok. My goal is to be down to my target weight in May as I have a stage performance then. I am also still seeing some horrible insulin issues. I had a dessert the other day after lunch and I got so hot/dizzy/tired about 30 minutes later... Normally i am really staying away from carbs especially sugar and grains, but it was just one of those days... and obviously I should not go down that road, no matter the circumstances. I need to go and buy some blood sugar tests. I have heard that Walmart has a good pack for it. Maybe I can swing by after work today...

My hair is starting to grow. I have all these baby hairs, maybe 1-2 inches long growing out of my scalp - everywhere. I am hoping that I have put the worst of my hair days behind me now!

So overall, even though struggling every now and then, I am a happier person and starting to see the person I once was, the person people that knew me back in HS say I am. It really feels great. I am really getting more upset about the changes yasmin made to my personality rather than to my physical health... Where would I have been today if I would have been that strong person for the previous 11 years??? In Vancouver?? Someone can only wonder...

I wish you all the best - and keep eating those vitamins ladies!!! Wink

Love,
Helena

Joined: 26 Sep 2009 Posts: 598 : Location: NJ Items

JMarie:
Thanks for your kind words! Maybe I should up the B Vitamins around my period, too. That's a good idea.

My hair loss still flares up, too and when it does it stinks and makes me sad and freak out that I'm losing all my hair! Sad

But at least I know it will get better over time, and like Helena, I also have baby hairs coming in, so hopefully that's a good sign!

I also wanted to mention that I haven't had any breast tenderness since stopping either. Mine also used to be really bad 10 days before up until my period. Hmm. I'm sorry to hear about your cramps- that stinks. I haven't gotten any yet, which is weird because I got them pretty bad the first two days of my period on the pill. So I'm just waiting for those to show up and not looking forward to it! Rolling Eyes

Glad to hear that you're doing well, though. Hugs!

Helena:
I'm also breaking out on my chin, neck, and between the boobs. Weird, huh? I never broke out there before- stupid hormones.

I know what you mean about the lamb to wolf thing too. I should be getting my period within the week, too and my moods are weepy, then really happy, then nervous- and work never helps, right?! It seems like Yasmin really affected my PMS issues, because I never had PMS like this before! Today is a good, happy day so I'm grateful for that.

I also have the baby hairs on my scalp! I can't wait for my hair to start to regrow because I still have flare-up days where I lose a lot and it's sad.

Glad to hear that you are doing well, Helena! Big hugs!

Update:
I feel better today- not so weepy and happier. So I'm grateful for that because I hate those weepy/anxiety feelings. They're the worst!

I also wanted to say that I feel like I'm definitely getting better. Sometimes it's easy to focus on the negative stuff, but I try not to. I try to be as positive as I can. And I've definitely improved since a couple of months ago, so I try to look at all of the accomplishments. I still have some lingering things, but I try to have faith that in time, those things will go away too.

That's all for now. Love to you all and big hugs all around!

Love, luck, and hugs:
Meagan

Joined: 12 Jun 2009 Posts: 96 : Location: Canada Items

Helena: Oh, you're not alone with the acne. I have them all over my chin and my back. Yikes. Your weight gain could easily be muscle mass you know Smile

I know you've been working out alot ....

Meagan: I'm glad you're not weepy anymore Smile

keep it up!!

Update:
So the abnormal bleeding stopped. I just got back from my doc's and she took a blood test. I think she's looking at my TSH, Ferritin and Prolactin levels...she did say though that if it did check out, then it is just probably hormonal bleeding and we can't do much about it. I hate bleeding 2.5 weeks per month. it's not normal -_-

I also started trying to get into the habit of taking my temps. I've done it for the past three days now... so wish me luck with that Smile

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 3:53 am

Hello Everyone!
Hope everyone is healing quickly. I haven't checked in in a while. I can't believe all the posts have been deleted. We have lost sooo much informative information. I can't believe flowerbabies would have had the forum deleted.....confused???
I wish everyone the best and it seems that you guys are keeping the forum going and will be of help to so many women to come!
Best wishes everyone!!!
XOXOXOXOXO
Gracie