I am just blogging to say that everything is going well. I have decided that my sex drive is good and healthy now, so my mind is at rest. My hair is the same, I'm losing weight. All is good. Except, I am breaking out a bit, but only on one side of my face. It's probably the side I sleep on, which means I need to wash my pillow case. Hopefully. It's getting annoying!
Oh! AND I found that I can press on one end of the implant and the other end sticks up and you can feel the edge of it! It's kinda cool. Childish and stupid, yes, but cool none the less!
Anyway, I noticed I have a few more followers, which is very exciting! I'm happy to see this blog is interesting and getting Implanon info out there. Or at least one of the two.
That's all for now. I'm spending Christmas in Seattle, which is (arguably) the most beautiful city ever! Happy Holidays everyone!!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Day #111
Well, I have not had time to schedule a check up appt. I've been swamped in school paper, finals, presentations and Christmas shopping. I probably will call after the holidays.
Anyway, I'm having, again, super light spotting. Slight cramps too, but only for about 10 seconds, as opposed to 1 or 2 hours as I would normally. I try to think back when I wasn't on bc and the first day of my period would send me on a warpath. You did NOT want to cross me on that day. Lol.
Secondly, I'm starting to think maybe my sex drive is diminishing.Granted, no boyfriend, no crushes. Nothing. Can I get anyone's opinion on this? When you don't have a crush or a guy in mind, does sex just seem not worth the effort? OR when you ended a long term relationship? Does it mess you up in the that regard? Looking for any kind of advice/reassurance! I'm hoping this slump is circumstantial.
Anyway, my hair still seems fine. I'm finally losing weight, although I pigged out yesterday. I'm afraid to weight myself now!
I think that is all for now. If anyone has some feedback, please post. In need of advice. Bc is not worth compromising my sex drive!
Anyway, I'm having, again, super light spotting. Slight cramps too, but only for about 10 seconds, as opposed to 1 or 2 hours as I would normally. I try to think back when I wasn't on bc and the first day of my period would send me on a warpath. You did NOT want to cross me on that day. Lol.
Secondly, I'm starting to think maybe my sex drive is diminishing.Granted, no boyfriend, no crushes. Nothing. Can I get anyone's opinion on this? When you don't have a crush or a guy in mind, does sex just seem not worth the effort? OR when you ended a long term relationship? Does it mess you up in the that regard? Looking for any kind of advice/reassurance! I'm hoping this slump is circumstantial.
Anyway, my hair still seems fine. I'm finally losing weight, although I pigged out yesterday. I'm afraid to weight myself now!
I think that is all for now. If anyone has some feedback, please post. In need of advice. Bc is not worth compromising my sex drive!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
3 months
It's been awhile since I've done an update. Very busy with school and finals and papers and holidays. I'm still recovering and it isn't even over yet. Yikes!
It's been 3 months now and no problems! I did spot for one day on the 21st but it was minimal. Like I've said before, random spotting I can handle, excessive periods, I cannot.
I'm still paranoid about the hair loss. There really isn't any indication that I am losing hair but I don't want to wake up one day and realize that 50% of my hair is gone! Change is so gradual that you don't really realize it until you just do. kind of like gaining or losing weight.
That is all I have to report. Tomorrow I will call for my 3 month check up and see how that goes!
It's been 3 months now and no problems! I did spot for one day on the 21st but it was minimal. Like I've said before, random spotting I can handle, excessive periods, I cannot.
I'm still paranoid about the hair loss. There really isn't any indication that I am losing hair but I don't want to wake up one day and realize that 50% of my hair is gone! Change is so gradual that you don't really realize it until you just do. kind of like gaining or losing weight.
That is all I have to report. Tomorrow I will call for my 3 month check up and see how that goes!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
SUCCESS!
This is VERY exciting! I got my blood taken and my medication levels are perfect! I was sweating it because you don't know if your levels are lowered until you have a seizure or blood taken. But, now I know! I hope someone who is taking lamictal stumbles upon this blog and will know that Implanon is safe! I have no idea to make my blog more public, so here is just hoping I guess.
As far as the hair issue goes, my hair doesn't appear any thinner, there isn't an excessive amount of hair in my shower drain and the most hair comes out when I brush it fresh from the shower with tangles and all. So, I don't think there is any cause for alarm. Maybe the vitamins are helping, there is no way to know really. I just got the shampoo today, which I probably should use anyway because my hair is dry all the time it seems.
Well, anyway, that news put a smile on my face and my mind to rest! Side note: I've been running for about 2 weeks now, 1 hour 4-5 days a week and I still seem to be in that plateau. I lost about 4 pounds but I hope this isn't related. I will keep with it, I have to keep in mind the holidays are coming up and running for an hour might not counteract the massive sugar and Thanksgiving dinners (I have a big family and we have a Thanksgiving weekend. Huge meals 3 times a day over a period of 4 days plus a lot of sitting around and socializing).
So, that is all for now. Next I have to set up my 3 month check up with the doctor who did the procedure sometime soon. It probably won't be until December because the clinic that did it is one of the few bilingual offices and we have a big Mexican-American population so you can imagine the wait.
I digress...
I will update on the 3 month check up and my exciting 3 month anniversary. I know are all as excited as I am.
As far as the hair issue goes, my hair doesn't appear any thinner, there isn't an excessive amount of hair in my shower drain and the most hair comes out when I brush it fresh from the shower with tangles and all. So, I don't think there is any cause for alarm. Maybe the vitamins are helping, there is no way to know really. I just got the shampoo today, which I probably should use anyway because my hair is dry all the time it seems.
Well, anyway, that news put a smile on my face and my mind to rest! Side note: I've been running for about 2 weeks now, 1 hour 4-5 days a week and I still seem to be in that plateau. I lost about 4 pounds but I hope this isn't related. I will keep with it, I have to keep in mind the holidays are coming up and running for an hour might not counteract the massive sugar and Thanksgiving dinners (I have a big family and we have a Thanksgiving weekend. Huge meals 3 times a day over a period of 4 days plus a lot of sitting around and socializing).
So, that is all for now. Next I have to set up my 3 month check up with the doctor who did the procedure sometime soon. It probably won't be until December because the clinic that did it is one of the few bilingual offices and we have a big Mexican-American population so you can imagine the wait.
I digress...
I will update on the 3 month check up and my exciting 3 month anniversary. I know are all as excited as I am.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Relief
My spotting stopped just this past Monday, so that was a huge relief! I'm still losing weight, my skin isn't breaking out other than small clogged pores from sweating, but I am still seeing more hair falling out than I'm used to. This could be me being paranoid, I don't know. I suppose I never really thought about hair loss before so I might just be noticing it more now.
Never the less, I am faithfully taking my vitamins. I'm also noticing that my scalp is super dry. This could be from the changing seasons, so I'm going to buy TIGI's Peace, Love and Planet Eco Awesome line which has all these natural oils in it. It probably doesn't help that I wash my hair everyday either, but my hair is soooooo oily except when I use shampoos like Biologe which dries out hair. Maybe switching will help not only with the dryness but also the shedding.
Anywho, I'm planning on getting my blood taken Friday, other than that, things are great!
Never the less, I am faithfully taking my vitamins. I'm also noticing that my scalp is super dry. This could be from the changing seasons, so I'm going to buy TIGI's Peace, Love and Planet Eco Awesome line which has all these natural oils in it. It probably doesn't help that I wash my hair everyday either, but my hair is soooooo oily except when I use shampoos like Biologe which dries out hair. Maybe switching will help not only with the dryness but also the shedding.
Anywho, I'm planning on getting my blood taken Friday, other than that, things are great!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Uh-oh!
Well, I'm sorry to report that I have began to spot! Now looking back, I should of seen that I have been having signs of an oncoming period, but there were no mood swings. Just water retention, bloating, increase in appetite, etc. Much more mild than what I would go through with no bc at all. That's probably why I didn't see it.
As of right now, it's the second day of spotting and it is very minimal and I do have very, very slight cramps but again, NOTHING compared to the cramps I used to get.
Also, I am beginning to see more hair falling out than usual. My seizure meds cause a little hair loss but today there was more than I have ever seen. It's an overall falling out, not like patches but still! I looked up reviews and this seemed to be common but only for the ladies who have the entire slew of side effects. Still, I don't want to wait it out until my hair is too thin. I have pretty think hair and I don't want to lose it!
Being the meticulous person that I am, I looked up how to prevent hair loss and/or reasons for it. I found that taking vitamins A and B work wonders but the most important is Biotin. I guess people who have problems with hair loss have low levels of biotin. So, I promptly went out and bought vitamins A and D (they come in the same bottle. I don't get a lot of sun, so why not?) and biotin. My stepmom already has B-12, so I didn't need to buy that. Plus, I have all kinds of vitamins around that I told myself I was going to take but forgot after the 3rd day or so.
BUT, I'm going to try hard to stick to this. Funny how I never forget to take my seizure meds, but for the life of me, I can't stick to taking vitamins once a day.
Here is a list (because I love lists) of the vitamins I'm taking
Iron
Magnesium
Fish Oil
Folic Acid
B-12
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
You might ask why I don't just take a multi-vitamin. Or maybe you are not asking, but I'm going to tell you anyway. I get horrible headaches from multi-vitamins. I know it is from B vitamins because I've taken Super B complex ones and that is when the headaches started coming but when I stopped taking them, the headaches stopped. Same thing with multi-vitamins. It's not scientific but it makes sense! I'm only going to take B-12 every other day, see if that prevents the headaches.
Anyway, I'm still hopeful about Implanon, no matter what!
As of right now, it's the second day of spotting and it is very minimal and I do have very, very slight cramps but again, NOTHING compared to the cramps I used to get.
Also, I am beginning to see more hair falling out than usual. My seizure meds cause a little hair loss but today there was more than I have ever seen. It's an overall falling out, not like patches but still! I looked up reviews and this seemed to be common but only for the ladies who have the entire slew of side effects. Still, I don't want to wait it out until my hair is too thin. I have pretty think hair and I don't want to lose it!
Being the meticulous person that I am, I looked up how to prevent hair loss and/or reasons for it. I found that taking vitamins A and B work wonders but the most important is Biotin. I guess people who have problems with hair loss have low levels of biotin. So, I promptly went out and bought vitamins A and D (they come in the same bottle. I don't get a lot of sun, so why not?) and biotin. My stepmom already has B-12, so I didn't need to buy that. Plus, I have all kinds of vitamins around that I told myself I was going to take but forgot after the 3rd day or so.
BUT, I'm going to try hard to stick to this. Funny how I never forget to take my seizure meds, but for the life of me, I can't stick to taking vitamins once a day.
Here is a list (because I love lists) of the vitamins I'm taking
Iron
Magnesium
Fish Oil
Folic Acid
B-12
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
You might ask why I don't just take a multi-vitamin. Or maybe you are not asking, but I'm going to tell you anyway. I get horrible headaches from multi-vitamins. I know it is from B vitamins because I've taken Super B complex ones and that is when the headaches started coming but when I stopped taking them, the headaches stopped. Same thing with multi-vitamins. It's not scientific but it makes sense! I'm only going to take B-12 every other day, see if that prevents the headaches.
Anyway, I'm still hopeful about Implanon, no matter what!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Two Month Anniversary!
Whooo! It's been officially two months and not no complaints! Not one.
No periods, no cramps, no PMS, no mood swings! Nothing!
I suppose now I should get my blood taken sometime in the next week. I sincerely hope that the results don't turn the tides! I don't want to get rid of a good thing.
Oh and I just got the doctor bill for it. I have pretty crappy insurance but I only owe $166 out of a $1,200 procedure so I'm pretty happy about that too. Considering the bills I've gotten from EKGs, MRIs, neurologist visits, and the whole coloscopy procedure(which is entirely different from a colonoscopy I might add. A coloscopy is when they take a magnifying glass to your cervix, nothing to do with your bum!) I'm quite used to huge doctor bills, so anything under $200 is a relief.
Anyway, I will blog again after the blood test results and after that probably once a month. Or if side effects start up. No point in writing every week how nothing is going on and let's hope it stays that way!
No periods, no cramps, no PMS, no mood swings! Nothing!
I suppose now I should get my blood taken sometime in the next week. I sincerely hope that the results don't turn the tides! I don't want to get rid of a good thing.
Oh and I just got the doctor bill for it. I have pretty crappy insurance but I only owe $166 out of a $1,200 procedure so I'm pretty happy about that too. Considering the bills I've gotten from EKGs, MRIs, neurologist visits, and the whole coloscopy procedure(which is entirely different from a colonoscopy I might add. A coloscopy is when they take a magnifying glass to your cervix, nothing to do with your bum!) I'm quite used to huge doctor bills, so anything under $200 is a relief.
Anyway, I will blog again after the blood test results and after that probably once a month. Or if side effects start up. No point in writing every week how nothing is going on and let's hope it stays that way!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
1 month and 11 days
Well, much like the last post, I thankfully have nothing to report!
Everything is going good and I don't have one compliant... so far.
Anyway, everything is kinda calming down in my life (as much as it can, there is always a million things going on), so I'm pretty content with everything.
Like I have said in every post, I really hope this turns into a success story that doesn't scare the crap out of ladies considering it. I'm actually getting quite a few readers now, so at least the info is getting out there!
Oh and I have to include a shameless plug... I have another blog about the stuff I sew and how I taught myself to sew! If by chance you not only like reading about Implanon but also sewing adventures, take a look at it! After creating this blog, I had to do another. It's addictive.
http://seamedsimple.blogspot.com/
Everything is going good and I don't have one compliant... so far.
Anyway, everything is kinda calming down in my life (as much as it can, there is always a million things going on), so I'm pretty content with everything.
Like I have said in every post, I really hope this turns into a success story that doesn't scare the crap out of ladies considering it. I'm actually getting quite a few readers now, so at least the info is getting out there!
Oh and I have to include a shameless plug... I have another blog about the stuff I sew and how I taught myself to sew! If by chance you not only like reading about Implanon but also sewing adventures, take a look at it! After creating this blog, I had to do another. It's addictive.
http://seamedsimple.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
1 month and 4 days
I am happy to report no problems! I'm just posting to reassure that I haven't abandoned this blog and I WILL keep updating it, even if there is nothing to update you with!
I'm still waiting on the blood test. I'm thinking maybe at month 2. That will ensure that the hormones will be in my system and any problems will be noticeable in my blood work by then.
And let me say how ecstatic I am about my skin! Well, my face at least. Since I work out and sweat, my bra line on my back creates some blemishes, but that is from sweat, not hormones. Having clear skin, everyday, really makes life easier. Not to mention no periods. (knock on wood! I hope I don't jinx this good thing I got going!)
Anyway, I'm glad to see some people have actually read this thing!! I hope it helps and gives you hope that Implanon might not be as bad as other girls make it out to be!
I'm still waiting on the blood test. I'm thinking maybe at month 2. That will ensure that the hormones will be in my system and any problems will be noticeable in my blood work by then.
And let me say how ecstatic I am about my skin! Well, my face at least. Since I work out and sweat, my bra line on my back creates some blemishes, but that is from sweat, not hormones. Having clear skin, everyday, really makes life easier. Not to mention no periods. (knock on wood! I hope I don't jinx this good thing I got going!)
Anyway, I'm glad to see some people have actually read this thing!! I hope it helps and gives you hope that Implanon might not be as bad as other girls make it out to be!
Friday, September 24, 2010
1 month Anniversary!
Today makes it 1 month since I got the implant! As of now, I'm pretty pleased with my choice. I haven't been having any troubles, which is one less thing I have to stress about.
As far as my mood, it has been improving with the help of counseling and just getting into the groove of college.
I have been noticing slight, very slight cramps. There are several things it could be, paranoia is one I am thinking of mostly.It might be a sign of spotting, it might be a sign of an on-coming period or it could be nothing. This birth control, if nothing less, keeps you guessing (on a side note, I have been told that I worry too much and "terriblalize" situations. Perhaps that is noticeable with the cramps, mood, etc.) I just really, really want this birth control to work out. I don't have any other options at this point. Of course, there are always other forms of birth control but, true to form, I would worry too much about "accidents". I need as much reassurance I can get.
Well, I'm going to get my blood taken soon and see if these hormones are lowering my Lamtical (anti-seizure medication) levels. I'm hopeful!
As far as my mood, it has been improving with the help of counseling and just getting into the groove of college.
I have been noticing slight, very slight cramps. There are several things it could be, paranoia is one I am thinking of mostly.It might be a sign of spotting, it might be a sign of an on-coming period or it could be nothing. This birth control, if nothing less, keeps you guessing (on a side note, I have been told that I worry too much and "terriblalize" situations. Perhaps that is noticeable with the cramps, mood, etc.) I just really, really want this birth control to work out. I don't have any other options at this point. Of course, there are always other forms of birth control but, true to form, I would worry too much about "accidents". I need as much reassurance I can get.
Well, I'm going to get my blood taken soon and see if these hormones are lowering my Lamtical (anti-seizure medication) levels. I'm hopeful!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Day#28
Well, I haven't seen any real side effects like acne, weight gain or spotting but I have been a bit down in the dumps lately. It COULD be because I just dumped that guy I was talking about a few posts ago and that I dumped my boyfriend of two years only 3 months ago. I'm still hoping I come out of this on my own and it isn't my bc that is causing this slope in my mood. I am a full time student at college taking 4 senior level courses, working only one job about once a month and trying to save up for Grad school in two years. I've got a lot on my plate! I am going to counseling right now to help with the stress and emotions I've been having but I have been going since before I got the implant. Life is a bit much to take at times! It's nice to have an objective someone put things in perspective and give you some advice to get going.
Anyway, once again, side note into my personal life! I guess I will see what tomorrow brings and blog about my mood on my one month Anniversary!
Anyway, once again, side note into my personal life! I guess I will see what tomorrow brings and blog about my mood on my one month Anniversary!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Day #23
I am happy to report no side effects! My period is gone, no spotting to speak of, no moodiness AND my skin has not been this clear since I was on the pill over a year ago. I took mircogestrin and even though it is not one of the pills that clears up your skin, it did mine. I think any birth control just helps clear my skin up, but probably not for most? All I know that my skin is amazing and I love it!
My weight has been a struggle to lose but that was the case even before I got Implanon. I seem to have plateaued, so I'm neither losing nor gaining. I have started the couch25k program and I am doing well with that.
Well, that is all I have for right now.
My weight has been a struggle to lose but that was the case even before I got Implanon. I seem to have plateaued, so I'm neither losing nor gaining. I have started the couch25k program and I am doing well with that.
Well, that is all I have for right now.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Day #20
Today will be a week since I started my period. I have not had a period that lasted 7 days since middle school until now. Granted, it has been very light after the first two days and it is still tapering off as of now. I will say that today looks like it is at it's end and hopefully that will be the last of the bleeding I will have.
I really hope that I don't keep spotting! I don't want to ruin my fancy Victoria Secret Pink underwear or never get the chance to wear them either! Okay, okay, I don't have an audience for them at the moment but still! Every girl likes to wear cute undies.
Some other girls have complained about wasting money on liners, but should I continue to spot, I will use some reusable, cloth pads.
I know, I know!! You are thinking what the hell are those and why would anyone wear them?!?!
Well, for me, I figured...why not? It's not going to kill me and if i don't like it than I won't use them.
If you haven't looked into them or heard of them or are just grossed out by the idea, I would recommend at least looking at what people are selling. You can look at a few websites that mass produce them like lunapads or moonpads, but they are expensive! I recommend going on Etsy and looking at those. Not only are the ones on Etsy cheaper, but they are softer and cuter! Just looking at all the super cute patterns is fun! So, if you are bored one day, just look! (Okay, that's my little endorsement. I'm not some super vegan, healthy person. I don't recycle as much as I should, I love steak and I shower, shave, wear make-up and shamelessly rock my fav clothing brands....did I mention how much I love steak?)
Here are some pics I took of ones I just bought (never been used so don't worry). I bought them on Etsy from bloosmpads. They are so soft and just well made. I have other ones but they are about 3 years old and were never cute to begin with (I think the website I got them from was Manymoons. But, like all the websites now, they are much more expensive than when I bought them.) Anyway, now you can say you have looked...
Here is what they look like when they are snapped back.
Here is what they look like from the other side. The backing fabric is fleece so it won't move when you are wearing it.
Hopefully, these pics make you reconsider what you think when you hear about cloth pads. I don't even like using those words, but that is what they are! The other term used to re-usable pads, which in my opinion is worse.
Other than that, things are great. No weight gain, my skin is looking better and better! I'm not moody and my sex drive is still healthy and present. Those are the side effects I worried about the most!
Well, that is all I have to report. As far as the effectiveness in the birth control part of Implanon, I probably won't be testing that out for months but that of course if a choice! ( at least that is what I am telling myself. It is certainly NOT going to be from the lack of options......I hope......)
I really hope that I don't keep spotting! I don't want to ruin my fancy Victoria Secret Pink underwear or never get the chance to wear them either! Okay, okay, I don't have an audience for them at the moment but still! Every girl likes to wear cute undies.
Some other girls have complained about wasting money on liners, but should I continue to spot, I will use some reusable, cloth pads.
I know, I know!! You are thinking what the hell are those and why would anyone wear them?!?!
Well, for me, I figured...why not? It's not going to kill me and if i don't like it than I won't use them.
If you haven't looked into them or heard of them or are just grossed out by the idea, I would recommend at least looking at what people are selling. You can look at a few websites that mass produce them like lunapads or moonpads, but they are expensive! I recommend going on Etsy and looking at those. Not only are the ones on Etsy cheaper, but they are softer and cuter! Just looking at all the super cute patterns is fun! So, if you are bored one day, just look! (Okay, that's my little endorsement. I'm not some super vegan, healthy person. I don't recycle as much as I should, I love steak and I shower, shave, wear make-up and shamelessly rock my fav clothing brands....did I mention how much I love steak?)
Here is what they look like when they are snapped back.
Hopefully, these pics make you reconsider what you think when you hear about cloth pads. I don't even like using those words, but that is what they are! The other term used to re-usable pads, which in my opinion is worse.
Other than that, things are great. No weight gain, my skin is looking better and better! I'm not moody and my sex drive is still healthy and present. Those are the side effects I worried about the most!
Well, that is all I have to report. As far as the effectiveness in the birth control part of Implanon, I probably won't be testing that out for months but that of course if a choice! ( at least that is what I am telling myself. It is certainly NOT going to be from the lack of options......I hope......)
Friday, September 10, 2010
Day #17
From the last post, I expressed my disappointment in the spotting. Well, the next day, it turned into a full on period. My periods usually have horrible cramps the first day, and this was no different. They were not AS horrible as before, but still hurt enough to be annoying. Also, mine usually last for about 3-5 days and as of now, it's getting lighter but this weekend will be the big indicator, I guess.
My moodiness had been pretty up and down. Of course, I have been going through some stuff to make me moody and I've been stressed from school too.
As far as the acne goes, my skin is looking great! No weight gain, as of yet either.
That's all the update I got for now. Not much, but I am keeping it up! Praying for the bleeding to be just a period too....
My moodiness had been pretty up and down. Of course, I have been going through some stuff to make me moody and I've been stressed from school too.
As far as the acne goes, my skin is looking great! No weight gain, as of yet either.
That's all the update I got for now. Not much, but I am keeping it up! Praying for the bleeding to be just a period too....
Monday, September 6, 2010
Day #14
Well, everything was great.. Emphasis on WAS.
I starting cramping today, but not the kind of cramping I had the first few days. There are cramps women (okay at least me) get before your period and you know they aren't the real deal. Then there are the "real deal" cramps, which is what I was having today.
And so, my fears were confirmed, I am spotting!
On one hand, the optimistic side of me is telling myself that I didn't have my period when I was supposed to back on the 23rd of August, so maybe this is just that. Also, it's just light spotting at this point, but the cramps are indicating otherwise. The pessimistic side of me is thinking that this is the beginning of a 6 month period!
Perhaps it's going to be somewhere in the middle. I don't know. All I do know is that I am worried. I am hoping for the best and expecting the worst.
I starting cramping today, but not the kind of cramping I had the first few days. There are cramps women (okay at least me) get before your period and you know they aren't the real deal. Then there are the "real deal" cramps, which is what I was having today.
And so, my fears were confirmed, I am spotting!
On one hand, the optimistic side of me is telling myself that I didn't have my period when I was supposed to back on the 23rd of August, so maybe this is just that. Also, it's just light spotting at this point, but the cramps are indicating otherwise. The pessimistic side of me is thinking that this is the beginning of a 6 month period!
Perhaps it's going to be somewhere in the middle. I don't know. All I do know is that I am worried. I am hoping for the best and expecting the worst.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Day #12
Not much to update, thankfully! The tenderness is better but it only hurts a little when I press on it, the needle wound is still scabbed over but all in all, it's looking good. No more cramps or food cravings and no unusual moodiness (like I said, most all girls are a bit moody from time to time), no bleeding and my skin looks like it's clearing up if anything, but I don't want to speak too soon. I always breakout before my period.
I'm so happy I chose this (for now at least, time will tell). It really does put my mind at ease knowing that if I should start dating someone that I will have at least to methods of protection. I am dating someone now, but from the looks of it, I don't think it's going anywhere so there is not going to be any worry of protection methods there (side note into my personal life).
The only other thing that is still yet to be determined is if the hormones lower my medication levels. If the hormones do happen to lower the levels, I'm going to get it taken out. Not having seizures is better than sex! (okay, I admit it's been awhile since I've have either but I stand by that statement!).
I'm so happy I chose this (for now at least, time will tell). It really does put my mind at ease knowing that if I should start dating someone that I will have at least to methods of protection. I am dating someone now, but from the looks of it, I don't think it's going anywhere so there is not going to be any worry of protection methods there (side note into my personal life).
The only other thing that is still yet to be determined is if the hormones lower my medication levels. If the hormones do happen to lower the levels, I'm going to get it taken out. Not having seizures is better than sex! (okay, I admit it's been awhile since I've have either but I stand by that statement!).
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Day # 9
Well, the past couple days I've been having serious food cravings, cramps and very slight moodiness. However, today I feel like I'm back to normal. No cramps, the food cravings are gone and the moodiness seems to be just me being myself (isn't every girl a tad moody?). I know that my sex drive isn't down, no spotting or even a hint of a period.
The only thing I will complain about is that my arm is still tender! I wonder if the lady who put the insert in hadn't done the procedure too many times and maybe she wasn't as smooth as some. Or it could just be that my skin is sensitive, especially the underside of my arm.
I am happy so far. I read a few posts about other girl's experiences and cramping or "pretend periods" as one girl referred to them is pretty common. I've never had perfect skin, especially before my period, so getting acne isn't anything new and I haven't had the acne I wouldn't expect anyway. I'm also probably about 20 lbs overweight but I am continually trying to at least maintain my current weight, so I will also have to monitor any weight gain for no apparent reason. The side effects go on of course, but those are the ones I read about the most frequently. Many girls were doing fine for a few months and then their periods started to get closer and closer together and some say it still hasn't stopped for months now. Scary, but all I can do is enjoy the lack of side effects I am experiencing at the moment.
One thing I will say though is that last night, I took my Lamictal dosage a bit late( honest mistake) and sometimes, that would result in an aura or a full on seizure and nothing happened! This is a good sign, but I can't just assume that it will happen every time. I can only assume the hormones are in my body but even when I was taking the pill, it was only twice that I saw an aura when I took my meds late and there are other factors that trigger seizures. Usually, several things have to be really bothering me or I'm super stressed out (a lot of the times it was my boyfriend always begging and BEGGING to have sex and it pissing me off so much) AND I wait too long to eat AND I take my meds late AND being scared by something suddenly like when you fall asleep and jump awake or something to that effect AND being too tired. So, I mean I've only had about 7 seizures in 7 years, so it's rare that all of these things happen in one night but they do happen.
I don't think a soul has read any of this yet, but somewhere along the way, I hope that someone will!
The only thing I will complain about is that my arm is still tender! I wonder if the lady who put the insert in hadn't done the procedure too many times and maybe she wasn't as smooth as some. Or it could just be that my skin is sensitive, especially the underside of my arm.
I am happy so far. I read a few posts about other girl's experiences and cramping or "pretend periods" as one girl referred to them is pretty common. I've never had perfect skin, especially before my period, so getting acne isn't anything new and I haven't had the acne I wouldn't expect anyway. I'm also probably about 20 lbs overweight but I am continually trying to at least maintain my current weight, so I will also have to monitor any weight gain for no apparent reason. The side effects go on of course, but those are the ones I read about the most frequently. Many girls were doing fine for a few months and then their periods started to get closer and closer together and some say it still hasn't stopped for months now. Scary, but all I can do is enjoy the lack of side effects I am experiencing at the moment.
One thing I will say though is that last night, I took my Lamictal dosage a bit late( honest mistake) and sometimes, that would result in an aura or a full on seizure and nothing happened! This is a good sign, but I can't just assume that it will happen every time. I can only assume the hormones are in my body but even when I was taking the pill, it was only twice that I saw an aura when I took my meds late and there are other factors that trigger seizures. Usually, several things have to be really bothering me or I'm super stressed out (a lot of the times it was my boyfriend always begging and BEGGING to have sex and it pissing me off so much) AND I wait too long to eat AND I take my meds late AND being scared by something suddenly like when you fall asleep and jump awake or something to that effect AND being too tired. So, I mean I've only had about 7 seizures in 7 years, so it's rare that all of these things happen in one night but they do happen.
I don't think a soul has read any of this yet, but somewhere along the way, I hope that someone will!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Day #6
So, I'm sure it's too early to be having any side effects yet, at least that is what I am trying to tell myself!
Like I said before I was supposed to get my period on the 20th, but I've been very stressed lately and stress always messes up my period. But, I've been cramping and PMSing a bit but again, nothing yet. I am worried that maybe I'm not PMSing but rather the mood swings are the side effects kicking in but time will tell. I've had a long weekend and plenty to be moody about too though.
I'm paranoid I guess is the best way to put it.
My bruise has almost healed now and the area is still very tender to the touch. Everyone I tell about it gets a little grossed out but still wants to feel the insert, so I find that pretty funny.
Anyway, I will keep updating this blog every few days or so, even if no one ever finds it!
Like I said before I was supposed to get my period on the 20th, but I've been very stressed lately and stress always messes up my period. But, I've been cramping and PMSing a bit but again, nothing yet. I am worried that maybe I'm not PMSing but rather the mood swings are the side effects kicking in but time will tell. I've had a long weekend and plenty to be moody about too though.
I'm paranoid I guess is the best way to put it.
My bruise has almost healed now and the area is still very tender to the touch. Everyone I tell about it gets a little grossed out but still wants to feel the insert, so I find that pretty funny.
Anyway, I will keep updating this blog every few days or so, even if no one ever finds it!
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Implanon experience - Day 1
Alright! This is my blog about my experience with the birth control Implanon (Now called Nexaplon). If you don't know or aren't familiar with Implanon/Nexaplon, it is a small, thin, match stick like piece of plastic that is inserted into you arm. It can stay in your arm for 3 years and it is progestrin only.
To give you a brief amount of background, I am creating this blog because there was so much mixed information out there about this form of birth control. When I researched it, I found tons of negative reviews and very few good ones. I was scared and I didn't really didn't want to even try it.
However, Implanon quickly became my only choice for a variety of reasons.
First, I take a seizure medication (anti-seizure perhaps?) called Lamictal, which can lower the effectiveness of birth control AND birth control, in a pill form with estrogen, can lower my medication levels. I didn't know this and I have had a seizure from the lowered medication levels! This was upsetting for one because none of my doctors told me this and because I had to stop taking a birth control pill I hadn't been having any problems with.
This incident happened in October of 2009 and for months I researched all my options. My safest options were the following:
- Ortho Evra (the patch -- see below)
- Nuvaring ( I later found out that this is false. The ring and the patch have both progestrin and estrogen, and no matter how it is introduced into the body, estrogen or any form of it goes through the liver. Progestrin does not, which is why it is safe to take with most seizure medications)
- Depo shot
- Implanon
I ruled out the patch because of the estrogen based hormone.
I wanted an IUD but I've had an abnormal pap, so that is no longer an option. ( And no, I do not have childern, but my OBGYN said she would do an IUD because of my situation. **Update: My how medicine has changed! Now my GYNO pushes an IUD on me like no other!).
I have heard numerous horror stories about the Depo shot and even though my OBGYN told me that I have probably only heard the negative and that most women respond very well to the shot, I still did not like the idea that it would stay in my system for 3 months!
Nuvaring was a close second, however I still live at home and Nuvaring has to be placed in the fridge on your off week because the hormones are released at body tempuature. Needless to say, I did not want to have my bc next to dinner leftovers and my Dad doesn't want to see that either.
So, I decided on Implanon, despite all the negative reviews I read, it quickly became my last option if I wanted birth control at all.
All I could hope for is that I would be one of the women who didn't post anything because it did not give me side effects or at least the worst ones. The side effects that have been posted and the doctor told me about are:
- Non-stop bleeding for months
- Spotting sporadically for months
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Loss of sex drive
...much of what you hear of most bc but the non-stop bleeding and crazy spotting was the biggest thing I read about.
The next issue I ran into was finding a place that had anyone who was trained on how to insert Implanon. My OBGYN did not do the training, but she gave me a list of places that she thought might. Of the 10 names she gave me, only one place had two ladies who had the training. I'm not from a huge city but it's not small either, however Implanon is so new and not that well known, there isn't much of a demand.
Despite my struggle, I finally made an appoint for a consultation. There, I asked about the non-stop bleeding which she said was being reported as a problem recently but only one girl asked to get it taken out because of that problem.Not the feedback I was looking for but it still gave me enough hope. I also asked if the procedure was painful and she told me that it was no worse than getting blood taken. I was also told that they only considered taking it out after 6 months because it can take that long to your body to get used to it.
A month later, I had my appointment. On that day, I had to take a pregnancy test, which I was not worried about because I have not been sexually active for a year. Next, I was taken to a small room, almost exactly like a dentist set up, complete with the long chair. The nurse told me to lay down and the doctor would be in shortly. My wait wasn't too long, and I asked the doctor the same questions (this was a different doctor from the one I originally talked to). She said that only one girl wanted the implant taken out because of the non-stop bleeding and about 90% of women who have it do not have dramatic side effects and most of the side effects went away after 6 months. This gave me some hope!
Then, it was game time! My arm was placed in a semi awkward position because it is inserted in the underside of your non-dominate arm. In any event, the area was cleaned well and prepped for the local numbing shot. She told me it would sting and I was thinking "Ok, it going to sting but then it will be just like getting my blood taken".
WRONG!!
This shot not only HURT but it also STUNG very, very badly and it seemed to go on forever! I think it was put in three different places, so each time there was a renewed sting. Yet, the shot numbed the area and I could only feel displaced pressure. The doctor proceeded to show me the plastic, match stick length insert and the instrument that would be shoving it in my skin, which was not huge but big enough to be glad I was numbed.
The insertion part I could not feel, but judging from the wiggling, pressure and force that she applied, I knew that a discomforting amount of force was being put into this procedure. This part went fast, though and before I knew it, she was done.
Next, the area was cleaned again. A small round bandage covered the insert spot, then gauze and that tan binding stuff which I do not know the name of but is used for things like ankle sprains was wrapped around my arm. I was told to keep the binding on for 24 hours and if any soreness or bruising occurred, I could take Ibuprofen and ice the area.
In all the reviews I read, only some talked about bruising or soreness but not enough to keep me alarmed. Most seemed to have no problem with the area.
I however was not one of those people. The underside of my arm hurt quite a bit and it was very sore and tender. I didn't unwrap the binding until later that night to look at the area. It was not pretty. The round bandage was not big enough for the amount of bleeding I had, the area was red and two long, red marks traced over the implant. I was afraid to touch it because my entire arm ached. I iced it right away, which really helped and by the next day, it didn't hurt as much. But it still hurt enough to notice.
As I write this blog, I am on day 2 of having Implanon. So far, nothing! No side effects! Granted, it's day two. I was supposed to get my period on the 20th but I was really stressed out from school and my two jobs and stress ALWAYS messes up my period. So, no period to speak of to this day.
Here is a picture of my arm today, day 2 of having the insert:
It doesn't look too good, I know! And it is still tender, but before this scares you, understand that I have VERY sensitive skin. I can't use many over the counter make-up, face lotions, face washes, detergents because I will break out in one form or another. Plus, the underside of your arm is very sensitive, so also keep that in mind. You can see the two red marks that run perpendicular to the insert too that I was talking about. The bruising is pretty recent and the pic doesn't give you ALL the green that is surrounding the red marks.
Overall, even with the painful procedure, the scary reviews and the bruising, I do not regret getting it. Of course, time will tell if the side effects change my mind. I wanted to write this blog to let other women know a personal, updated experience and even women who also take Lamtical and are confused about which bc option is best.
I will get my blood taken to check my medication levels too and make sure that Implanon isn't lowering the levels, which I will also blog about.
I hope that someone out there stumbles upon this blog and I hope it helps!
To give you a brief amount of background, I am creating this blog because there was so much mixed information out there about this form of birth control. When I researched it, I found tons of negative reviews and very few good ones. I was scared and I didn't really didn't want to even try it.
However, Implanon quickly became my only choice for a variety of reasons.
First, I take a seizure medication (anti-seizure perhaps?) called Lamictal, which can lower the effectiveness of birth control AND birth control, in a pill form with estrogen, can lower my medication levels. I didn't know this and I have had a seizure from the lowered medication levels! This was upsetting for one because none of my doctors told me this and because I had to stop taking a birth control pill I hadn't been having any problems with.
This incident happened in October of 2009 and for months I researched all my options. My safest options were the following:
- Ortho Evra (the patch -- see below)
- Nuvaring ( I later found out that this is false. The ring and the patch have both progestrin and estrogen, and no matter how it is introduced into the body, estrogen or any form of it goes through the liver. Progestrin does not, which is why it is safe to take with most seizure medications)
- Depo shot
- Implanon
I ruled out the patch because of the estrogen based hormone.
I wanted an IUD but I've had an abnormal pap, so that is no longer an option. ( And no, I do not have childern, but my OBGYN said she would do an IUD because of my situation. **Update: My how medicine has changed! Now my GYNO pushes an IUD on me like no other!).
I have heard numerous horror stories about the Depo shot and even though my OBGYN told me that I have probably only heard the negative and that most women respond very well to the shot, I still did not like the idea that it would stay in my system for 3 months!
Nuvaring was a close second, however I still live at home and Nuvaring has to be placed in the fridge on your off week because the hormones are released at body tempuature. Needless to say, I did not want to have my bc next to dinner leftovers and my Dad doesn't want to see that either.
So, I decided on Implanon, despite all the negative reviews I read, it quickly became my last option if I wanted birth control at all.
All I could hope for is that I would be one of the women who didn't post anything because it did not give me side effects or at least the worst ones. The side effects that have been posted and the doctor told me about are:
- Non-stop bleeding for months
- Spotting sporadically for months
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Loss of sex drive
...much of what you hear of most bc but the non-stop bleeding and crazy spotting was the biggest thing I read about.
The next issue I ran into was finding a place that had anyone who was trained on how to insert Implanon. My OBGYN did not do the training, but she gave me a list of places that she thought might. Of the 10 names she gave me, only one place had two ladies who had the training. I'm not from a huge city but it's not small either, however Implanon is so new and not that well known, there isn't much of a demand.
Despite my struggle, I finally made an appoint for a consultation. There, I asked about the non-stop bleeding which she said was being reported as a problem recently but only one girl asked to get it taken out because of that problem.Not the feedback I was looking for but it still gave me enough hope. I also asked if the procedure was painful and she told me that it was no worse than getting blood taken. I was also told that they only considered taking it out after 6 months because it can take that long to your body to get used to it.
A month later, I had my appointment. On that day, I had to take a pregnancy test, which I was not worried about because I have not been sexually active for a year. Next, I was taken to a small room, almost exactly like a dentist set up, complete with the long chair. The nurse told me to lay down and the doctor would be in shortly. My wait wasn't too long, and I asked the doctor the same questions (this was a different doctor from the one I originally talked to). She said that only one girl wanted the implant taken out because of the non-stop bleeding and about 90% of women who have it do not have dramatic side effects and most of the side effects went away after 6 months. This gave me some hope!
Then, it was game time! My arm was placed in a semi awkward position because it is inserted in the underside of your non-dominate arm. In any event, the area was cleaned well and prepped for the local numbing shot. She told me it would sting and I was thinking "Ok, it going to sting but then it will be just like getting my blood taken".
WRONG!!
This shot not only HURT but it also STUNG very, very badly and it seemed to go on forever! I think it was put in three different places, so each time there was a renewed sting. Yet, the shot numbed the area and I could only feel displaced pressure. The doctor proceeded to show me the plastic, match stick length insert and the instrument that would be shoving it in my skin, which was not huge but big enough to be glad I was numbed.
The insertion part I could not feel, but judging from the wiggling, pressure and force that she applied, I knew that a discomforting amount of force was being put into this procedure. This part went fast, though and before I knew it, she was done.
Next, the area was cleaned again. A small round bandage covered the insert spot, then gauze and that tan binding stuff which I do not know the name of but is used for things like ankle sprains was wrapped around my arm. I was told to keep the binding on for 24 hours and if any soreness or bruising occurred, I could take Ibuprofen and ice the area.
In all the reviews I read, only some talked about bruising or soreness but not enough to keep me alarmed. Most seemed to have no problem with the area.
I however was not one of those people. The underside of my arm hurt quite a bit and it was very sore and tender. I didn't unwrap the binding until later that night to look at the area. It was not pretty. The round bandage was not big enough for the amount of bleeding I had, the area was red and two long, red marks traced over the implant. I was afraid to touch it because my entire arm ached. I iced it right away, which really helped and by the next day, it didn't hurt as much. But it still hurt enough to notice.
As I write this blog, I am on day 2 of having Implanon. So far, nothing! No side effects! Granted, it's day two. I was supposed to get my period on the 20th but I was really stressed out from school and my two jobs and stress ALWAYS messes up my period. So, no period to speak of to this day.
Here is a picture of my arm today, day 2 of having the insert:
It doesn't look too good, I know! And it is still tender, but before this scares you, understand that I have VERY sensitive skin. I can't use many over the counter make-up, face lotions, face washes, detergents because I will break out in one form or another. Plus, the underside of your arm is very sensitive, so also keep that in mind. You can see the two red marks that run perpendicular to the insert too that I was talking about. The bruising is pretty recent and the pic doesn't give you ALL the green that is surrounding the red marks.
Overall, even with the painful procedure, the scary reviews and the bruising, I do not regret getting it. Of course, time will tell if the side effects change my mind. I wanted to write this blog to let other women know a personal, updated experience and even women who also take Lamtical and are confused about which bc option is best.
I will get my blood taken to check my medication levels too and make sure that Implanon isn't lowering the levels, which I will also blog about.
I hope that someone out there stumbles upon this blog and I hope it helps!
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