Which Pill? Any advice?

[Vickal]

I made the tough decision to stop trying for a baby and go back on the pill as I couldn't stand my monthly endo pain anymore. However the pill I was given, Gedarel, is making me bleed all the time, there's no pain but it's a pretty crappy side effect. Microgynon did the same. When I took Femodette I didn't bleed but I felt so sick for about six weeks and and was sick a few times plus I could have killed someone I was so moody! Has anyone else had similar problems? Any recommendations of what else to try?

[Poorna66]

I am so sorry for what you are going through. I know how tough it is. I did the same a couple of years back. After 2 rounds of failed IVF, I just couldn’t take it all anymore and went on Visanne. The initial few months were very tough. I had non stop bleeding, nausea, headache, mood swings and what not. But after 3-4 months my body adjusted and things have stabilized for most part. I don’t have my periods anymore except for a bit of occasional spotting and I am completely pain free. Did your doctor tell you what’s the adjustment period for Gedarel? I mean the bleeding has to stop at some point right? My doctor had specifically told me that I need to give it 3 months to see the benefits and I am glad he did, else I would have given up after a few days. If Gedarel still doesn’t work for you then I highly recommend asking about Visanne. It is specifically made to treat endo. Unlike Gedarel, it is not a combined pill, I think it is a progestin pill. It does have side effects - increased anxiety, weight gain, and hair fall for me. But my endo pain was so bad and so all-consuming that I would take the side effects any day. I hope you find some relief soon.

[Vickal in reply to Poorna66]

Thanks for the advice. My doctor chose Gederal as this was what was available. She called the pharmacist to ask what was in stock as there is availability issues with some pills. It seemed like a suck it and see type approach rather than what would be best for an endo sufferer.

I hadn't heard of Visanne. It seems like whatever option I choose there's a pay off either physical or emotional. I feel so depressed and emotional at the moment. I'm not sure if it's the pill or just the general situation I'm in x

[Poorna66 in reply to Vickal]

Oh no, that sucks. But I know what you mean. It took me 5-6 years to even get a doctor to take me seriously about my pain. They asked me to try so many things that were such a waste of time. And yes, everything seems to come with a condition attached, it can get quite depressing at times. But I am still very glad I found visanne because before that my life was intolerable due to the never ending pain.

The side effects really aren’t that bad now, I just wanted to give you a realistic picture so I mentioned them. Most of the times I am fine, and have found ways and means to manage. I hope it all settles down for you, and you feel better soon. If you have an appointment coming up anytime soon, I would encourage you to discuss your concerns and push for answers and/or better options. It sounds like you are suffering so much, I am really so sorry. Sometimes we have to advocate for ourselves very strongly otherwise many doctors don’t take us seriously. All that said, I have heard that it does take some time for the body to get used to these pills so if you have started Gederal very recently, don’t give up hope yet. I would give it at least a few weeks.

P.S - btw, I am not sure if Visanne is available in the UK, but maybe there are alternatives? (Visanne is the brand name for dienogest 2 mg).

[Jac915]

I was on Yaz + pain killers Mefenamic acid (usually 1 is enough on day 1)

Now I have on Yaz more than 2 or 3 years, I don't need pain killers

[Vikingqueen]

I just wanted to say how brave you are. We recently got told we won't be able to have children and when I went for my last scan they found 7 new endometriomas and my partner and I are now waiting for an appointment at an endometriosis clinic. I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through it's the toughest thing in the world. I fully understand all the emotions you're struggling with and it takes a real strong women to handle them but I found letting myself cry and talking to people close to me is really helping me process it. I'm here if you ever need to talk to someone about it. This disease is rubbish and I hope you feel a bit better emotionally soon although I know it's no quick thing. X

[Vickal in reply to Vikingqueen]

Thanks, that's very kind. As well as endo my husband has a sperm problem so we're very unlikely to conceive naturally but I foolishly hoped every month it might happen. I feel defeated having to go back on the pill making our chances zero. But I couldn't stand the pain anymore. It's so hard to deal with when you have commitments you have to keep but all you want to do is stay in bed with a hot water bottle. The pill side effects just add insult to injury xx

[Vikingqueen in reply to Vickal]

I know exactly what you mean I still get my hopes up every single month and then if I'm a tiny bit late I wind up heartbroken but we are only human you just have to take it day by day. If you need a duvet day you have one! =) x