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Menopause

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Tranexamic acid and family history of blood clots (just a moan really)

9 replies

arousingcheer · 13/09/2017 16:54

I guess I should explain that this is part teary pms-despair rant, part WWYD. I'm not at death's door or waiting for a vital op/scan/chemo appointment, and for that I am grateful, but I am frustrated trying to sort out various stuff with GP, this is just the most recent issue.

A couple of weeks ago:
Have a phone appointment with GP about my monster heavy periods and she's keen to prescribe tranexamic acid so I'll have some in time for next period. GP sends the order to the online pharmacy and it's posted to me.

Yesterday:
I read the leaflet inside and it says if you have a family history of blood clots you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist. GP hasn't asked me about family history. There are stroke/clots on both sides of the family.

Ring surgery, wait in 10 minute phone queue. Receptionist says there is no way to ask without an appointment and there are no appointments for two weeks so why don't I ring the pharmacist. Ring pharmacist, wait in 15 minute phone queue, pharmacist says the meds require close medical supervision, I should see my GP. Another phone call to surgery, wait in 10 minute queue, still no appointments but would I like to come in with a driving license, register for their online service and see if I can make a '48 hour appointment' (for non-urgent issues but available sooner than a routine appointment).

Go into surgery with license, register for online service, told not to log in in the next hour but within the next 48 hours.

Today:
Log in online, no available appointments for a month.

I get my period.

A second (mystery) box of tranexamic acid arrives in the post. So now I have 120 tablets not to take.

WWYD?

I could cry really. I was looking forward to an easier time this month. I have an appointment at the end of the month for a pelvic examination (for spotting), and to talk about various blood tests, thyroid/anaemia/perimenopause stuff, I will just add this to the list, but that's a lot to get through in 8 minutes with a total stranger.

OP posts:
Redken24 · 13/09/2017 16:56

Phone and speak to the practice manager and if that doesn't work complain to your local medical director.

arousingcheer · 13/09/2017 18:06

Thanks Redken24. Rang again this evening and was told to try for an urgent appointment tomorrow morning. I got the practice manager's email address, so I may address this with her if I can't get anything tomorrow.
I'm a bit worried about getting a bollocking for taking an urgent appointment for this kind of enquiry too so you can't win.

OP posts:
Redken24 · 13/09/2017 18:30

The gp should have seen the alert when prescribing. But probably overworked etc. Surely all they need is a prescriber of some format to discuss with you and get something that you can have safely. Good luck hope it goes well

arousingcheer · 13/09/2017 18:55

Redken24 tbh she is the GP I liked the most and I was sorry to hear she was leaving. I don't mind so much that she overlooked the contraindications (no idea if my family history has ever been recorded or discussed at this surgery, and I rarely see the same doctor more than once a year), I just want to know what to do next. Fingers crossed.

OP posts:
LuluandtheNightshade · 13/09/2017 20:08

Could you get a Mirena coil fitted? This will also eventually reduce bleeding on a long-term basis, and can act as contraception as well.

arousingcheer · 14/09/2017 01:06

LuluandtheNightshade someone (maybe you?) mentioned this to me on another thread about hrt. I don't really fancy it for lots of reasons. Do you have one?

OP posts:
Redken24 · 14/09/2017 15:13

I had a coil for about a month before I had a baby and it was fucking torture ! Have u thought about ablation?

arousingcheer · 14/09/2017 18:03

Redken24 yes, I had one years ago and I hated everything about it. I guess it was a different kind of coil because it gave me heavy painful periods (which had not been a problem previously).

Have you had ablation? I think that might be a bit extreme for now as I don't get pain and there are only a few heavy days at the moment. It is a fairly recent development (until about a year ago my period was three light days) so I'm happy to give it a little time and see how I go.

I managed to get in to see the doctor today and she says if I haven't had any issue with blood clots myself I can take the tranexamic acid and it should help.

OP posts:
MilkTrayLimeBarrel · 14/09/2017 18:08

I was prescribed transexamic acid for horribly heavy periods pre-menopause. They were such a wonderful relief. If you can possibly take them despite your family history worries, please do. I am sure you will feel the same relief.

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