Mini-pill problems

[aratiel]

I recently visited Planned Parenthood because I want to start having sex. I explained to them that the combination pill wouldn't be a good idea because of a family history of blood clots and bad experiences with the pill. So they gave me Ortho Micronor (without a pelvic exam, because they said since I've never had sex it was unnecessary, although everything I've read says that you need to have an exam first). I took ONE pill at 10:30 one night. I woke up at 2:00 that same night and my arms were numb and tingling very badly. My legs and face were also tingling a bit. It was scary...I know that these are symptoms of hyperventilation (I've experienced that before) and I'm sure I made it worse by panicking about it...but to just have that out of the blue and for it to wake me up? I've no doubt it was the pill, I can't see that happening at that moment for any other reason. (I haven't taken the pill since, by the way.)

I don't expect a diagnosis from a message board (I've made an appointment with a gynecologist, hopefully she will shed some light on that) but I want to know if anyone else has had similar experiences from taking the mini-pill, or even the combo pill. Thanks.

[Brandye]

I have been prescribing them for years and have never had a patient with this reaction. Talk to your doctor with a complete description. I am a great supporter of PP but most doctors would not prescribe without an exam. At you age, you should have had a complete gyn exam. The first one should be BEFORE onset of sexual activity. I am aware that that is not the norm for young women.

[Jaysey]

I'm a little concerned that they prescribed you birth control without giving you a thorough pelvic exam. I don't know many reputable doctors here in the states who would do that. I've never experienced such a reaction myself, neither has anyone I know. You definitely need to speak to your doctor--and like Brandye said, be sure to give her all the details! Also, please request a pelvic exam. It is important that you have one.

[Brandye]

Jaysey,

There have been posts from both sides of the Atlantic reporting PP dispensing without an exam. It does concern me.

[demonbuttercup]

My first time my NP (at my univ clinic) started me on pills w/out an exam but she only gave me a script for 3 months worth. So then I came in 3 months later to have my first pelvic. She asked me if the pills we working ok and if I was having side effects... troubles...etc. Then afterwards she have me a script for a yr and told me to be back in a yr for my regular annual.

[Talie]

I have been prescribed both the pill and mini pill at different times and a gyn exam has never been discussed.

[Brandye]

Talie,

You make me lose faith in my colleagues in NHS. You have had care that justifies the entire UK being pissed at us GPs. Sorry is all I can say.

[kiwigirl]

I guess i've been lucky and the only side effect i've had since changing brands (as they no longer were able to supply my original brand)in my mini pill is that i've put on weight. the previous brand i was able to control my weight and even lose it believe it or not. but as for the smears, well, here in NZ we have three yearly smears and even they can be reduced to yearly if there is cause for concern when the results come back. i've been on my mini pill for over a year and am due next year for my smear but i never had one prior to going on the pill at my Family Planning Clinic. Only those who are at higher risk of cervical cancer have them yearly and luckly nothing has shown up on any of my smears to which i am thankful.

[Jaysey]

Originally Posted by Brandye

Jaysey,

There have been posts from both sides of the Atlantic reporting PP dispensing without an exam. It does concern me.

Wow! This is crazy! Another reason we need young women to be more educated about their bodies and how to care for them properly!
My doctor and my mother both told me that as soon as I a) decided to be sexually active or b) decided to go on bc, I needed to have an exam. If neither happened before my 18th birthday, my family doctor told me I would need to have one then anyway. And if clinics are going to prescribe pills without exams, then potential patients need to be better informed. Sad. I guess the upside is forums like this where we can get the word out.

[aratiel]

Wow...I'm glad my query has yielded discussion on the promotion of exam-awareness, and don't think me ungrateful, but no one has answered my question yet. I feel I must reiterate, for those who are reading this thread for the first time, has anyone experienced any of the symptoms I mentioned above with the pill or mini-pill? This is my main concern. (And I am scheduled for my first ever yearly tomorrow, by the way.)