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Mental health

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Original poster

A downside to St John's Wort :(

46 replies

NASWM · 15/03/2006 14:20

I can't believe I am writing this, but I seem to have lost all sense of shame so here goes

DH and I had unprotected sex the other night. I know it was stupid and I feel like a complete idiot, but we so rarely make love that we got caught up in the heat of the moment and I didn't want it stop. Anyway, today I decided I should go to get the morning after pill as I cannot risk getting pregnant. (again I can't believe I'm admitting to that as so many people on here are desperate to conceive). But, and this is the crux of it, they would not give it to because I am taking St John's Wort. I know that it can effect how hormone pills etc work, but they said they were not allowed to prescribe it as it would not work for me :( She even showed me the paper where it said it.

So a word of warning for those of you on St John's Wort. Dont be as stupid as me. Make sure you use protection if you dont want to risk getting getting pregnant. I'm now going to spend the next 2 or 3 weeks worrying myself sick. Well I suppose it will make a change from worrying about everything else.

I cannot begin to say how this has affected me. what should have been a lovely thing has turned me into a dithering wreck again. And all becuase of my own stupidity :( :( i am such and idiot

OP posts:

anorak · 15/03/2006 17:25

I don't understand why it matters if you go somewhere where they know your details. Are you embarrassed? Or are you afraid that because one person said they couldn't help you that no one else will?

Original poster

NASWM · 15/03/2006 17:27

My details are recorded now so unless I go to another health area whoever else I see will be able to see what happened this morning :(

OP posts:

anorak · 15/03/2006 17:34

But surely you're entitled to a second opinion! You should have been offered an IUD in the first place. Imagine the rumpus if you decided to complain to the GMC or whatever! I would definitely approach my own surgery or A & E. And if you feel embarrassed just tell them you were using a condom and it broke.

Original poster

NASWM · 15/03/2006 17:39

The whole bloody thing is a mess. I'm going round in circles in my mind. Dont know what I'm doing. Think I'll just find a corner and hide. Thanks for trying to help me.

OP posts:

spacecadet · 15/03/2006 17:46

its ridiculous that you should be going through this torment, do you have a very close friend who you trust who could get the MAP, for you from a chemist?(just a thought)

gingernut · 15/03/2006 17:46

Please please don't hide away! I too suffer from depression (only mild though) and I do understand a bit....it can feel like you have a mountain to climb. Can you get to the FP clinic? I am sure they can help you. Buy some sandwiches on the way (from a garage or something) for the kids. Put some toys and books in a bag to keep them entertained. Please don't leave yourself at risk from an unwanted pg and worrying yourself sick. You can do it and will feel stronger for it.

quanglewangle · 15/03/2006 17:48

I don't know much about this but the lady at the walk-in centre sounds very sure of her facts - could it be a postcode thing? Could this be a set of strict rules operating in your area? In which case go elsewhere? or to a chemist?
She could be wrong though. If you wave bibliophile's post in her face she would have to give you a reason and/or get a second opinion. Medics are used to patients arguing with them these days. Even if she is right they may be able to exercise discretion and give it to you.
I thought chemists could dish it out? Could you try a chemist? It is late now but there will be an out of hours one open somewhere.

I really feel for you. Try not to agonise - just switch onto auto pilot and point your feet in the right direction. Good luck!!

anorak · 15/03/2006 18:05

Please please don't hide your head in the sand. Time is of the essence. You could end up so regretting not taking quick action. Is your GP sympathetic?

Original poster

NASWM · 15/03/2006 20:26

Phew got some tablets at last from FPC. Was nightmare. I am so all over the place but I will come back and write more later when I've taken the damn things. Need to eeat first. Going to be hard... Thanks everyone. I needed the push to get myself together.

OP posts:

quanglewangle · 15/03/2006 20:35

well done!! I am so relieved.

gingernut · 15/03/2006 20:36

Oh, well done you .

morningpaper · 15/03/2006 20:39

phew!

bluejelly · 15/03/2006 20:58

Thank god for that...been worrying about how you were getting on! (Mumsnet is weird like that, isn't it, whether or not you got them was on my list of things to worry about today, although I haven't ever met you and no idea where you live or anything!)
Anyway quickly get some food now your neck and take them, the faster the better...
Good luck x

anorak · 15/03/2006 21:01

Great news, I've been worrying

Original poster

NASWM · 16/03/2006 09:24

Right friends. This is what happened. I called the FPC and explained everything. The receptionist was v good and she spoke to someone else who said come in straight away. So I bundled the DSs in to the car - they were just about to go to bed... We had to wait for ages and the DSs were horrendous but it was worth it.

I saw a very nice doc who was sympathetic and not judgemental. Although she did have a little go at me for not looking after myself for my DSs sake - eg my smears are not up to date. I was so close to breaking down in there. And at the point where DS1 spilt an entire packet of rice cakes over the floor I thought I'd had it. Although I didn't cry (I can't do that unfortunately) she knew how close to the edge I was.

So basically, the 'ruling' apparently says that it should not be given to anyone taking St J W without a full 'risk assessmnet' on that person, and if ddecided it is okay to give then a v high dose needs to be given and monitored. the 'side' affects are worsened if the dose is increased. (All as you said Biblio). She did that and deemed it was okay. Although it is only about 40% effective by now. We discussed the coil and, as I thought, it was not a good idea for me. So after 1 1/2 hours there I came away with the tabs.

I took some last night. I felt quite nauseous last night but dont know how much was in my mind. However I did wake at 3am this morning feeling incredibly ill. I am a bit better now (out of the bathroom at least) and forced myself to eat some dry toast so I could take the next set of tabs. I have a dreadful headache and still feel nauseous - but hey, I've only got myself to blame.. :(

Thank you all so much for your support. I was really in a bad way yesterday. Surpirsed I could even get myself together to remember my login on MN. But I'm so glad I did.

NASWM x

OP posts:

DumbledoresGirl · 16/03/2006 09:27

Thanks for posting the full story NASWM and sorry you are feeling ill as a result of the tablets, but fingers crossed, all will be well now. Just one thing: do stop saying you only have yourself to blame. You have dh too don't forget!

anorak · 16/03/2006 09:39

Yes, do sort out some contraception for the future. I hope you feel better soon x

Original poster

NASWM · 16/03/2006 09:40

anorak - we have contraception - just didn't use it

OP posts:

gingernut · 16/03/2006 14:21

Sorry you're not feeling great but hopefully it will be worth it. Glad they were sympathetic at the clinic.

Greensleeves · 16/03/2006 14:34

Well done NASWM xxx

Lexitia · 28/06/2017 13:39

Hey guys I took st John wort tablets with my merina hormonal contraceptive device called IUS I had intercourse on the 18 th of June 2017 and then I took the first St John wort tablet on the 23 rd of June but brought them on the 22ND I can't remember if I took them on that day but I no I've took about 5 tablets you take them once a day I then had intercourse on the Sunday the 25th June I have now been cramping like mad and not sure when to test I also had pink blood with discharge for a week an a half but then it stopped had cramping off and on but not I've been cramping often I did speak with someone and they said it could be either 2 things you IUS had dislodged so it's no longer protecting you or it could be a sexual transmitted diseases in witch isn't possible I have been with my partner for 7 years and only his been near me xx need some advice please could I end up pregnant soon when should I test

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