Hello ladies,
I am new to this thread and went off birth control pills last August due to endometrial atrophy (which caused extremely heavy irregular bleeding). Through my tests they also discovered a very large (8 cm) ovarian cyst which I suspect is also due to my long term pill use (as of last Feb it was still there and I am monitoring it with regular ultrasounds). I came across your posts through a search under ovarian cysts and your incredible wisdom and mutual support has had a huge effect on me. I was totally unaware of this side effect from long term pill use. I had used Triphasil for over 20 years and would have remained on it if these (relatively minor) health issues had not come up. Now if my cyst changes (ie. develops solid components) or begins to grow, I am facing surgery (a laparoscopy).
I noticed that some of you have been trying to get on the Oprah Show and I think this would be an excellent way to spread your message. I was so moved by your posts that I sat down and wrote a letter to Oprah explaining your situations and how oral contraceptives can actually increase BY 40 TIMES your risk of developing hepatic adenomas (from one in a million to four in a hundred thousand or one in twenty five thousand). NO ONE KNOWS THIS. You ladies are already heroes in that you are informing other women through these posts (take a look and see how many views you have received).
Tiny, I will be sending you ALL of my positive vibes for your surgery tomorrow. Please don't worry. My husband is an anaesthesiologist and I can tell you that the drugs they use today virtually guarantee that you will be safe and not in any pain (mortality from anaesthesia today is basically a non issue). Do mention to your anesthetist if you are prone to nausea and he or she can use certain drugs to prevent this (many people do not know this). Most often anesthetists use these drugs for women anyway as it seems we are at higher risk for nausea. As to waking up during surgery, my husband has told me that in all of his years in medicine (including med school and residency) he has NEVER seen nor heard of a single case of this happening. They have monitors and they keep an eye on you constantly to make sure that you are well throughout the surgery so do not worry. If you are anything like me, you are probably having anxiety issues over handing over control to someone else. As difficult as it is, try to let it go and let things be done for you. Deep breathing exercises may help somewhat as well (I know this sounds stupid but try it). At the hospital, if you need something for the anxiety just ask for it. I am sure that you will come through the surgery with flying colours and be able to return to these boards to tell us about it and perhaps help someone else with your own experience.
All my best to you ladies and I sincerely hope that Oprah listens. I become infuriated everytime I see one of those giggly, whispering high school girl commercials with polka dotted purses and pink perfume trying to peddle oral contraceptives as if they are tic tacs. We need to try to protect the younger generation from all of this misinformation (I am 41, by the way) and make sure they make well informed decisions about their health. I never read anything in the inserts about either endometrial atrophy nor hepatic adenomas. I will never forget how scared I was when I started to bleed inexplicably and have weird pelvic pains and pulling and how insecure I am now about this cyst on my ovary. I am sure that none of you will forget your experiences either and perhaps something good can come out of these experiences. I will definitely spread the word.
Thanks again and all my best to you all !
Linear Mode
