Depo injection....give me hope!!!!

[jpop]

Hi

I had the depo injection at the end of January. I can no longer take the pill since I have been diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder and the mini pill hasn't worked for me in the past. I have been bleeding continually since the week after the injection, with only about 5 days of a break. It is not a lot of blood, maybe only 2 pads a day, but it is really getting me down now. I am on month 6 of bleeding and it sure is working as a contraceptive!!! I didn't get the next injection because I thought if I just stopped the bleeding would stop :( More fool me.

I went to see the GP on Monday and she was quite dismissive and basically said to go on the coil. She said I mustn't react well to progesterone contraceptives. I have a triple appointment booked for the end of July to discuss/be examined and see about the coil with the family planning doctor. I don't really want to go on the coil. I actually am now thinking that by the time all this is sorted we will probably be trying for DC3. I am so fed up I could cry, and am sure that my low mood and snappiness with my DH and DCs is due to the continual bleeding, wearing pads, feeling dirty and having to wear big pants (!) There is also no sex which is making me feel really unattractive and just down all the time. There are days when I wake up and it's gone, and I'm elated, but then it returns later on in the day. I'm just so over it!!

Gosh, reading over this it makes me sound like a right moan. I have a lovely time with my family and most days are great but the thought that I can't even discuss this properly for another 6 weeks is making me feel at such a loss. Luckily it's not painful at all. Does anyone have a similar experience? When will the bleeding stop?! And on another note, is there anything sinister I should be worried about? Smears have always been clear.

Thanks for reading :)

[JokersGiggle]

I think that it'll stop once its all out of your system (i'm not a professional though, just looked in dps medical books)

[jpop]

Gah but when will that be?! It should have been at the end of April! Totally frustrated

[JokersGiggle]

According to the book chemicals can be stored in organs such as the liver and slowly released over months, causing side effects to continue in deminished quantities after the drug/substance has finished being taken. It is possible to see remnants of side effects for months or years after discontinuing use.
I've looked up that injection in a drugs dictionary of DPs and apparently continuing bleeding for up to 6 months is fairly common. You should see your doctor to rule out anything like bleeding cyst ect and to keep an eye on your iron levels. (if you look at the inside of your bottom eye lid it should be bright pink, if its pale its a good indication you'll need topping up on your iron)
However bleeding for up to a year is not un heard of.
your not protected from pregnancy even though its still in your system.
So basically it should slowly stop......but can't tell you when. Sorry x

[jpop]

Ah thanks! Interesting that my gp didn't tell me all that!

[PotteringAlong]

I've been on depo twice and although I've never bled with it I was told on both occasions that it might take 12 months to come out of my system.

[JokersGiggle]

Hopefully it'll be over soon x

[jpop]

Ah well on the plus side I only have six months to go! Hating it!!

[JokersGiggle]

I've been looking (again in DPs med books) that chemical detox is available for some prescription drugs, it doesn't give a list as it depends on where are you as to what's available.
Maybe see your doctor, make out that your struggling to cope with it and see if they can give you anything to speed up the chemical breakdown.

[jpop]

Thanks jokers. I might just do that. I can't believe they actually put me on this contraceptive with my history. I am anaemic anyway because of heavy periods and the blood clotting disorder so bleeding for such a prolonged time isn't great. I have an appointment with haematology soon. Hopefully they will have some advice.

[JokersGiggle]

Oh wow that was a bit nuts putting you on that!

[jpop]

Yes they wouldn't let me go back on the combined pill which I had been on for nearly 20 years with no issues. The blood disorder is rare and only recently diagnosed. I do wonder whether the gp really had no idea but didn't want to admit it! Ah well, will keep on waiting x

[Jaffakake]

I've had the Depo for years. I found that to have the injection every 11 weeks stopped any breakthrough bleeding.

I've found that often Damily Planning clinic ds & nurses are better informed then the general practice staff.