Why did I say that to my doctor?!

LegacyUser

I've just started a postgrad in a new college, and went along to the doctor on campus last week to get a new prescription for the pill. Whilst there I also asked for a prescription for my migraine tables - I've been getting migraines for ages, but way more frequently since I went on the pill almost 3 years ago.

The doctor started asking all about my migraines and how do I know when one is coming on. This is the stupid part of this story - I went completely went blank and instead of telling her all about the aversion to lights/sounds that I usually get, the only thing I could think of was that sometimes my left arm goes a bit numb. The only reason this was on my mind was because the last few times I've woken up with a migraine, I've had pins and needles in my arm from sleeping on it! (I know, I know, very stupid but I genuinely blanked)

Anyway she seized on this and immediately said that I couldn't stay on the pill if I suffered from numbness during migraines, as it could increase my risk of strokes. As she went through all my other contraceptive options, there was a very loud voice in my head going "Just tell her that you made a mistake you muppet! Get your prescription and get out of here!"

Unfortunately I didn't listen to the voice, and left the surgery with a promise to come back in a couple of days having decided on a new contraceptive option.

Now the thing is, I <b>really</b> don't want to come off the pill. None of the other options even remotely appeals to me. So what do I do?! Go back to that doctor and tell her that I made a mistake and that I don't actually get numbness from my migraines? I'm worried that I'll just sound like a liar who didn't listen to her advice and doesn't care about the risk of stroke.

Or do I just make an appointment for a different, non-college based doctor and get the prescription from them?

Argh it's so messy!! Any suggestions, seriously, any at all would be greatly appreciated.

Faith

If you're getting an increased frequency of migraines since starting on the Pill, you're on the wrong Pill. I'd recommend changing your brand. Discuss this with your doctor, and explain why you said your arm was numb.

If she sticks with it, and won't write you a prescription, then there are many, many other contraceptive options. You just need to think about them. Why don't they appeal to you? Have you a genuine reason for dismissing the idea of the implant, the shot etc?

Geordie_Girl

TBH, you're better safe than sorry. I've never had migraines at all myself but I'm not allowed to take the normal pill (progesterone and oestrogen) because of family history (migraines and blood clots on both sides of my family). My doc (in the UK) reckons ANY migraines = big no-no for the normal pill.

I can still take the minipill (progesterone only) though as this apparently doesn't have the same dangers as the normal pill. Go back to your doctor and ask about the minipill.

Not much difference in terms of effectiveness I don't think (I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong), you just have to take it everyday rather than a break every month.

kittex

Yep I recommend the mini Pill for you.

In the past the mini-pill has been a poor cousin to the combined pill. However the latest brand, Cerazette, has changed all that. It is now a viable option for many, many women who find the combined pill disagrees with them.

It has the same success rate as the combined pill and now has the same 12 hour window for taking it before it's counted as 'missed'.

Faith

With the normal pill, one woman in 1000 will get pregnant, if taken perfectly. On the mini-pill, five women in 1000 will get pregnant, if taken perfectly.

King of Kings

I'd recommend depro. on einjection each 12 weeks.
Then again as i guy i've never actually taken it but people I know on it think it's great. and also you don't have to remember to take it each day

Geordie_Girl

Be careful with depo. It affects everyone differently, but personally it gave me terrible mood swings and I'd almost say that when I was on that I was verging on depression. I've NEVER felt anything like what I felt on depo. Imagine the worst PMT crying fit you've ever had (I'm one of those strange people that normally (i.e. when not on depo) has no problem admitting when I'm premenstrual), double it and extend it for the whole 3 months the depo lasts. You can imagine what a bundle of fun I was whilst on it.

I do know people who swear by it, and have never had problems, but you have to be prepared for what it might do, and know that if it does affect you badly you could be stick with it for 3 months.

(starting to verge on medical advice so I'll stop now)

kittex

Faith wrote:

With the normal pill, one woman in 1000 will get pregnant, if taken perfectly. On the mini-pill, five women in 1000 will get pregnant, if taken perfectly.

That's correct for the old types of mini-pill. The new brand I mentioned offers the same rate of pregnancy protection as the combined pill, 99% effective.