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Lengthy Period: Is this safe?

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Contributor: Illusional Illusional
So, with all this fun jazz with the stomach infection I was told I also had a UTI.

I went through the antibiotics for that and all seemed well.
Then my period started. It weirded me out some because I'm on the depo shot and with Depo, you normally don't have a period. I've been on it for about three years now.
My mom said since the antibiotics were cleaning my system, that it'd be only natural that all the blood my body wasn't releasing because of the Depo shot would come out.

So it's been on at least 10-12 days. First week was super heavy and then it tones down but it's still consistent.

Is there really that much blood stored up? Is this normal? Can I speed it up?

I also called Planned Parenthood and they said my depo shot should still be effective though.
01/27/2011
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Contributor: Tori Rebel Tori Rebel
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
So, with all this fun jazz with the stomach infection I was told I also had a UTI.

I went through the antibiotics for that and all seemed well.
Then my period started. It weirded me out some because I'm on the depo shot and with Depo, ... more
I've had similar problems, but because my body hates hormonal birth control and some issues I've had with it. I can't say WHY you're having the problem, but I can tell you that the first concern any doctor will have with prolonged bleeding is the risk of anemia. My doctor was ok with letting my system bleed until it stopped on its own, but he did recommend I take either an iron supplement or be mindful to eat more iron-rich foods. He also ran my blood once a week (this went on for a while...) just to check iron levels.

If it were me, and I felt ok overall, I wouldn't worry. Generally my body will tell me if something is wrong.

Good luck Sweetie!
01/27/2011
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
It's possible that you've built up a rather lick uterine lining from not having a period and it is sometimes considered to be endometeriosis.

I don't know what to tell you other than go see a doctor. Which I know you don't want to do but the blood loss, the bruises, the stomach infection...they all could be related. There are so many different indicators doctors use to diagnose illnesses that mimick or are present in non-related illnesses that any advice we could possibly offer might be detrimental to your well-being.

Please please please go back to the doctor and tell them everything about your medical history. From the first time you had a period to the last time you had a BM.
01/27/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
They could very well be related.

Tori, overall my body feels fine. I'm already anemic so I try to take a supplement everyday.

I went into the ER and I don't want to keep bugging them and getting this costly bill and it could be nothing ya know?
01/27/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
It's really hard to convince myself to go back to the ER and get another expensive bill I can't afford when it could be nothing, ya know?

No insurance makes me think really hard
01/27/2011
Contributor: BluePixi BluePixi
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
They could very well be related.

Tori, overall my body feels fine. I'm already anemic so I try to take a supplement everyday.

I went into the ER and I don't want to keep bugging them and getting this costly bill and it could be ... more
You should be seeing a physician not an ER doctor. Try calling the doctor who prescribed the shot, explain the situation and ask when you should come in for a checkup.
01/27/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
Quote:
Originally posted by BluePixi
You should be seeing a physician not an ER doctor. Try calling the doctor who prescribed the shot, explain the situation and ask when you should come in for a checkup.
I went to planned parenthood to get my shot
01/27/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
But I am calling them right now
01/27/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
I have no idea if this is related to what you are experiencing, but I know certain antibiotics can interfere with birth control. The examples I have heard involve birth control pills, but I would think the same would potentially hold true for Depo. If there is any doubt, I would use a second form of protection to be safe such as a condom.
01/27/2011
Contributor: *HisMrs* *HisMrs*
I'm with BluePixi. The ER is going to be the most expensive place to go. We have a treat n go and it's $50 with or without insurance.. My gyn costs about $150 for an appt but still that's cheaper than what the ER is going to be. Even if it was Endometriosis you would be in pain. I wouldn't be too concerned over it if you aren't having any pain. Being an EMT, I would prob say the worst thing you could do is go to the ER. An ER doc isn't usu specialized in Gyn problems.. For the money I would rather go see a Gyn plus ER lines are a mile long most of the time here. If it's at all possible to be seen at an urgent care clinic or other physician I would say go there, if it's not an emergency.
01/27/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
Quote:
Originally posted by *HisMrs*
I'm with BluePixi. The ER is going to be the most expensive place to go. We have a treat n go and it's $50 with or without insurance.. My gyn costs about $150 for an appt but still that's cheaper than what the ER is going to be. Even if ... more
Will a physician take me without any insurance?


Sigh, Planned Parenthood was useless.
110 bucks for a bleed check.
01/27/2011
Contributor: *HisMrs* *HisMrs*
Yeap you shouldn't have any problem going to a physician.. $110 is still better than what the ER bill would be.. I know that doesn't help much.. I know it sucks not to have insurance.. I'm in the same boat
01/27/2011
Contributor: *HisMrs* *HisMrs*
Hey do they have any free clinics in Austin.. I know Temple has one! I'll see if I can find one!
01/27/2011
Contributor: *HisMrs* *HisMrs*
link Here's a link maybe they can help!link and another
01/27/2011
Contributor: Tori Rebel Tori Rebel
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
Will a physician take me without any insurance?


Sigh, Planned Parenthood was useless.
110 bucks for a bleed check.
Yes, they will. They will charge you but a lot of doctors have a special rate for uninsured/cash paying patients. My since retired OB/GYN in NJ didn't take the insurance my company switched to for a year, but I liked him and was established there, and knew the ins. would change the year after anyway, decided to just pay out of pocket. They charged me the uninsured rate and it was less than $100 for an annual including a pap smear.
01/27/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
Quote:
Originally posted by Tori Rebel
Yes, they will. They will charge you but a lot of doctors have a special rate for uninsured/cash paying patients. My since retired OB/GYN in NJ didn't take the insurance my company switched to for a year, but I liked him and was established ... more
I have nowhere near 100 bucks.
01/27/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
I'm not trying to kick out your ideas at all, by the way.
I'm just cramping and being emotional.

You guys have a bunch of logical responses.

I think I found a clinic that'll allow me to go.
Hopefully they have answers.
01/27/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
I want you guys to know I'm really grateful you're even willing to put your 2 cents in.

Right now is just so super stressful and my mom won't do shit or help me or even answer the questions I'm asking you and I don't know where else to go

And now because of this stupid period I'm crying like some stupid crybaby
01/27/2011
Contributor: Misfit Momma Misfit Momma
When I was on Depo, I had a very very light period that lasted around 8 weeks. It actually started about 4 months after my shot since I had decided not to get another, but my doctor told me it was normal so hope yours is too!
01/27/2011
Contributor: *HisMrs* *HisMrs*
Totally understand I'm a mess during my period! And I understand with the whole not having insurance... I'm sick now...and I keep putting off going to the dr b/c of the cost.. It totally sucks being a college student & not having insurance! =( I hope everything gets better and we're all here for you! =)
01/27/2011
Contributor: BluePixi BluePixi
I hope you're feeling better soon. Keep in mind a good doctor or nurse practitioner will be able to answer some questions over the phone which could save you future office visits. Thankfully I have insurance for at least a little while longer. If I didn't I probably wouldn't go anywhere that wouldn't tell me the rates for someone without insurance over the phone in a polite tone of voice.
01/27/2011
Contributor: Alan & Michele Alan & Michele
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
So, with all this fun jazz with the stomach infection I was told I also had a UTI.

I went through the antibiotics for that and all seemed well.
Then my period started. It weirded me out some because I'm on the depo shot and with Depo, ... more
I can't give you any info on the Depo at all, but as for your original question; "Lengthy Period: Is this safe?" just wait until you hit pre-menopause. Women at that stage can bleed for weeks or even months on end and the only real danger that they emphasize to us is anemia.

I REALLY agree with the gals who have said that you should see a doctor to discuss all of your symptoms combined, and I'm not in any way trying to play down what's happening to you. But I hope it will make you feel a little less scared to know that bleeding like that happens to all of us at one time or another and doesn't necessarily mean something horrible. One of the many "joys" of being a woman .

Warm baths can speed up the flow but I wouldn't suggest that right now since you said you were already anemic. Oh! And you might want to look into Chlorophyll tablets to supplement your iron for that. I've taken them before for the same reason and they did work.
01/28/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
I'm going to the doctor about this lengthy period, and of course... I haven't bled in like 36 hours... since like Saturday afternoon
01/31/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
I suppose I can go ask about these bruises on my legs then, LOL.
01/31/2011
Contributor: Andromeda Andromeda
You know, I had a long period recently as well (about 13 days), but I'm guessing mine was because I had taken Plan B twice within 3 months (whoops) AND I had just finished a round of antibiotics. Maybe it's just your body's response to all the medication? Anyway, at least you're getting a checkup-- that's probably the best way to go, even if the bleeding did stop.
01/31/2011
Contributor: VieuxCarre VieuxCarre
It's normal for a period to last a bit longer than usual, even if you're on the depo shot. There have been months when I've bled with my birth control still in (I'm on the NuvaRing) before I took it out because of the thick uterian lining.

I would consult your doctor and have them do an ultrasound of your uterus and ovaries, though. Thick uterian linings can lead to ovarian cancer if you're not careful. Not trying to scare you, but it's something you should check.
01/31/2011
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
Quote:
Originally posted by Tori Rebel
Yes, they will. They will charge you but a lot of doctors have a special rate for uninsured/cash paying patients. My since retired OB/GYN in NJ didn't take the insurance my company switched to for a year, but I liked him and was established ... more
It is Federal law that all patients are to be given a discount if they do not have insurance. I believe it is 15%. It isn't much but it's better than nothing.

My pap smear for my general physician was $186 for his fee and $286 for the lab fees.
01/31/2011
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
I want you guys to know I'm really grateful you're even willing to put your 2 cents in.

Right now is just so super stressful and my mom won't do shit or help me or even answer the questions I'm asking you and I don't know ... more
Hey, hey stop that! Expressing emotion does not make you weak or in any way a crybaby.

You're scared. And that's ok. It's a scary thing. You're frustrated. You have every right to be. Getting medical attention in this country without insurance is like selling your soul to the devil - no matter what you do, you're screwed in the end.

I try to refrain from being cliche in moments like these, but darlin' this too shall pass and in the years to come it'll be a blip on your emotional radar. Stay strong. Message me if you just want to talk, I'll be glad to listen. I know what you're going through and sometimes a little compassion can mean the world.
01/31/2011
Contributor: Envy Envy
As has been said, expressing strong emotions over your physical well being does not make you weak. It shows you have a healthy concern for yourself and your body, and not everyone can say they have that.

I remember when my grandma told me she had non-stop bleeding after having her 2nd son they had to perform a hysterectomy. But she bled for over a month, heavy heavy blood.

I once had a period that was about 15 days long, but that was when I started birth control pills the first time ever. It was like my body was fighting it the whole time, lol!
01/31/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
I checked out again, did some bloodwork. I got my depo shot and they gave me a physical.
I'm anemic, and the bruises are a result of it.
It wasn't so bad and I feel tons better.
01/31/2011