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liver3
Member
Username: Liver3
Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2011
| | Posted on Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 10:11 am: | 
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Hi all,
I am 20 years old and 17 years out of my transplant. I have had a few episodes of rejection, but am doing well. I am still on a relatively high dose of medicine -4mg of prograf 2x daily- but my liver numbers and kidney function are both fantastic!
I am getting married this summer so decided it was time to get on some birth control. :-) I have researched and some birth controls seem risky for transplant patients. My transplant center has no good answer for me. They said it was fine for me to get on birth control- but I've read they can increase your liver numbers. Any suggestions from women who have dealt with this would be great!! |
papillonbleu
Forum Leader
Username: Papillonbleu
Post Number: 1861
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 02:05 pm: |
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I am not sure if my experience will be helpful or not, but I will share just in case it may. I am on birth control because of my low weight which has prevented me from having a natural period. The lack of estrogen is a concern as far as my bone health, and I am not near menopause yet (I'm 30). I also have osteoporosis so that makes it even more important. This is why I am currently taking a 28 day birth control Sprintec. It does not seem to be causing me any trouble. I only have a very light period because of it as I am still too underweight to have a natural one. My liver levels have been fine since I have been on it, but each person is unique in how one responds to medication. Congratulations on having your liver for so long! I hope that you and your doctor can find the best solution for your situation. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Many hugs.
Bobbiejo
Forum Leader-Multivisceral
dx: GERD 1995, gastroparesis 2002, pseudo-obstruction of the bowel 2004
multivisceral transplant, 6 organs, 10/06/05
University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital
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Jamiebug
Member
Username: Jamiebug
Post Number: 59
Registered: 04-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 - 03:11 am: |
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I am 3 years post double lung tx and the birth control pill was not the ideal choice according to my doctors. Main concerns are blood clots, however they decided the risk of becoming pregnant out weighed the birth control pill risks. I am on tri-sprintec 28 day. It seems to be working great and I do not notice any side effects. They keep me on a blood thinner to prevent blood clots. I have been on the pill pretty much 3 full years post.
My liver and kidneys seem to be doing fine.
"Scars are a reminder of what we have survived!" ~Jamiebug
CF/Cepacia/Double Lung TX 12-10-2007
jamiebug.blogspot.com
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Rita
Forum Leader
Username: Rita
Post Number: 533
Registered: 06-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 - 08:21 pm: |
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I used a diaphram as birth control, this way I was not adding more meds. Best wishies.
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liver3
Member
Username: Liver3
Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2011 - 03:23 pm: |
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Thank you everyone for your feedback! I really appreciate it and will discuss all the options you have given me with my doctor. Prayers for each of you. |
Karen R.
Forum Leader
Username: Relivkaren
Post Number: 5159
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2011 - 11:25 pm: |
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Hi Liver3:
Welcome to Transplant Buddies! Congratulations on your successful transplant and your upcoming wedding.
Birth control is a very confusing decision. I wish I had a good answer for you, but I have struggled with that decision too. I am 43 yrs. old and we have one child so my situation is a lot different than yours. I will probably have a tubal ligation after talking with my doc at my 1 yr. follow up. I am waiting until my next clinic appointment to see a GYN at the Cleveland Clinic.
I am glad that you found Transplant Buddies. It's a great place to make friends and get support. I hope you continue to visit.
God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Double lung transplant on Dec. 1st, 2009
Cleveland Clinic
Ohio, USA
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. |
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Amy Tippins
Member
Username: Amytippins
Post Number: 5
Registered: 06-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, March 03, 2011 - 08:37 pm: |
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Hello,
I use a diaphragm or at least when I remember it. My doctor did put me on the depo shot at one point, but it stops your period and causes weight gain. As far as a pill, my doctors have all said no. I do track my ovulation schedule very closely to keep from running the risk of getting pregnant. If your period has a very strong set schedule then usually tracking your ovulation is a first step in addition other to preventing pregnancy.
RockScar Love is where we celebrate the scars of new life! www.rockscarlove.com
A portion of sales credited to Transplant Buddies goes to COTA! |
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