For the Ladies

[Deanne Hull]

I just want to ask, as I have gone through menapause with the medication that I am on, if anyone gets the monthly pmt symptoms . Lately i seem to get more swollen or bloated so much so I look about 10 months pregnant and get teary also. Also it seems to coincide with the full moon bizarrely. Just wondering if I should go and see yet another specialist a gynocologist as well...sigh!!!!

[delorisdoe]

how long have you been without a period? I have gone 8 years and I have no symptoms at all but my friend who had cancer went aprox a year symptom and period free but now she gets either pms or her period each month. If you are sure you have gone through menopause then I would get it checked out.

[freakyschizogirl]

Sorry to go off topic, but i got another question for the ladies, I keep getting sent reminders to go for my cercical smear test. I really dont want to go as its just one more place to be poked and prodded. Does everyone think its beneficial, as they say if you're on immunosuppressants you should go. My mum goes and gets abnoral cells back nearly every year. What should i do? I'm 25 and had 4 sexual partners. Is it worth while??

[Deanne Hull]

I haven't had a period since Dec 09 so I think I will get organised and get myself checked out.

And yes you should always get the smear test done, no matter what, I hate having it done even after
having 3 children it still doesn't get any easier. But I know what you mean. But you are young and it is not painful at all, just
leave your dignity at the door and pick it up afterwards. Just make sure they warm up the equipment ( if it is metal ).
:biggrin1:

[Sangye]

Deanne, you should get your hormone levels tested. Ctx can cause you to stop getting a period, but you might not be in menopause.

[ArlaMo]

Does rtx have the same effect? I was on ctx for almost a year, periods stopped about 6 weeks into it. I've been off the ctx for about 6 weeks - wondering what I should expect. One of the docs I see did mention doing a hormone level but told me that pred would cause the results to be wonky, so I never did it.

[misskay]

I stopped having my cycle about 10 months ago due to Cytoxan. Stopped the Cytoxan in December and started Rtx in Feb due to the Cytoxan attacking my bladder. My cycle has not returned, and I was having horrible hot flashes (20-30 times a day), moodiness and severe fatigue. Rhumey suggested I see my Gyno and get my hormone levels checked. (scheduled for my first pap since diagnosis next Friday). My hormone levels showed I was waaaaay menopausel. Some levels were so low they didn't even register. Gyno put me on the Combi-Patch (started it last Monday). The change is amazing. I only get a few hot flashes a day now, and I feel so much better. I even have enough energy to be back working 10 hour days :). I haven't been able to do that since last February.

Last blood work at Rhumey was getting much better... he thinks one more round of Rtx might just get 'us' into remission. Yay!

[marta]

I too have been without the monthly nasties since June of 2010. I was just telling Brian that it is one of the positive things that has come out of cytoxin. I also have hot flashes and sweats but I had that with the pred and am not sure if it's just leftovers from that or if I'm actually menopausal. I'm not moody or cranky (or at least I don't think I am, others might beg to differ:)) and I'm not getting any of the symptoms I use to get before during PMS time. I had a real hard time before with pains during PMS, so I'm NOT missing that at all. AT ALL!

I remember reading in another thread that someone had their period come back, I dread the thought of that. I like things the way they are right now in that particular department.

Miskey, yeah remission!!!! My bloodwork is getting better every time too since the RTX, I'm so stoked. I'm dealing with a cold right now that's going around my household and town, but other than that I'm feeling so much better since the RTX (other than the initial dip between CTX kicking out and RTX kicking in).

[Sangye]

Does rtx have the same effect? I was on ctx for almost a year, periods stopped about 6 weeks into it. I've been off the ctx for about 6 weeks - wondering what I should expect. One of the docs I see did mention doing a hormone level but told me that pred would cause the results to be wonky, so I never did it.
Rtx does not affect fertility or the endocrine system.

[Rini]

I just want to ask, as I have gone through menapause with the medication that I am on, if anyone gets the monthly pmt symptoms . Lately i seem to get more swollen or bloated so much so I look about 10 months pregnant and get teary also. Also it seems to coincide with the full moon bizarrely. Just wondering if I should go and see yet another specialist a gynocologist as well...sigh!!!!

Just a few months b4 I started getting sick my monthly moved a few days to also coincide with the full moon. I thought It was strange but somewhat convenient as I can go by my loner calender. I still think its a little strange. dose Ctx stop most peoples monthly?

[delorisdoe]

Most often yes.

[gurinbasra]

I was on Ctx for year and now on Mtx for 2 years, however I've also been on the pill (forever) only for hormonal reasons (heavy bleeding and extreme pain without the pill) more than for birth control use and so I've always had a period. Infact the Mtx was making me anemic so now I take 2 months of the pill and then I let myself have a period and then back to two months, etc. Nice to not always hit every month.

I thought for sure I'd hit menopause, but I guess being on the pill, my hormones are still kicking around?

Freakyschizogirl, be a good girl and get your yearly pap smear done. I hit 40 two years ago and was really happy last when my dr told me that since I've had normal ones that I only need to now do it every 2 years as I'm now considered a low risk. But, do yourself the best thing you can do for yourself which is to "open wide"!

[freakyschizogirl]

Freakyschizogirl, be a good girl and get your yearly pap smear done. I hit 40 two years ago and was really happy last when my dr told me that since I've had normal ones that I only need to now do it every 2 years as I'm now considered a low risk. But, do yourself the best thing you can do for yourself which is to "open wide"!

Oh but i like being a rebel, lol. We only get it done once every 5 years here in the UK so i suppose i should. :glare:

[delorisdoe]

I was on Ctx for year and now on Mtx for 2 years, however I've also been on the pill (forever) only for hormonal reasons (heavy bleeding and extreme pain without the pill) more than for birth control use and so I've always had a period. Infact the Mtx was making me anemic so now I take 2 months of the pill and then I let myself have a period and then back to two months, etc. Nice to not always hit every month.

I thought for sure I'd hit menopause, but I guess being on the pill, my hormones are still kicking around?

Freakyschizogirl, be a good girl and get your yearly pap smear done. I hit 40 two years ago and was really happy last when my dr told me that since I've had normal ones that I only need to now do it every 2 years as I'm now considered a low risk. But, do yourself the best thing you can do for yourself which is to "open wide"!


When I was on cytoxan I got my period like clockwork until I went off of the pill. Once I did that my periods ended that month. I have suffered in many ways due to not getting a period-your ovaries shutting down effects more than just your period. I wish a doctor had told me to stay on the pill.

[delorisdoe]

Oh but i like being a rebel, lol. We only get it done once every 5 years here in the UK so i suppose i should. :glare:

I was just going to say...if you have clean pap smears sometimes they let you go a few years between-like 3. lmao. once every 5 years??? buck up and go silly. How you gonna treat cervical cancer and wegs at the same time.

[mishb]

In Australia we have our pap every two years and we get a nicely worded letter from the medical association if we have forgotten. In regards to the contraceptive pill, as soon as my GP found out that I could have WG she advised me to stop taking the pill because she said it could have contradictions with medications that I may be put on to. I stopped straight away and one thing it did for me was take my relatively high blood pressure down to a very normal 120/65 blood pressure. I'm not sure what she mean't by contradictions but I didn't want to take any chances and all the pills I now have to take with the pred, mtx, folate, vit D, calcium and still blood pressure tablets, I didn't mind not having another to take.

Yes for sure, you still should have a regular pap smear and I would also recommend a breast ultrasound as well. I have had three lumpectomies in the past three years with lumps that were not picked up via mammogram....thankfully all benign.

Keep smiling
Michelle

[delorisdoe]

i was told to stay on it. cytoxan and pregnancy are bad.

[Rini]

When I was on cytoxan I got my period like clockwork until I went off of the pill. Once I did that my periods ended that month. I have suffered in many ways due to not getting a period-your ovaries shutting down effects more than just your period. I wish a doctor had told me to stay on the pill.

what do you mean by suffered?

[delorisdoe]

I can send you a private message when i have time...it is a little personal but i will say that it is my biggest regret-going off of the pill.

[Sangye]

Those of you taking the pill should make sure your docs know that Wegs makes you 23 times more likely to get blood clots. Since the pill also raises your odds, it's taking a very big chance. Most docs don't know about the link between Wegs and clots. Refer them to the WeCLOT study.

[freakyschizogirl]

once every 5 years??? buck up and go silly. How you gonna treat cervical cancer and wegs at the same time.

A very sobering thought delorisdoe.

[delorisdoe]

Look how cute you are.

[freakyschizogirl]

lol its a very flattering angle, was taken on thurs. Its the first photo taken of me in a long time i dont look at and go, "oh look at my fat" or "look at my nose!"

[Sangye]

I like it, too. You look great! :thumbsup:

[freakyschizogirl]

:thumbsup:Thanks Sangye! x x x

[pberggren1]

As Tony the Tiger would say: Thatsss GRrrrrrreat!

[delorisdoe]

As Tony the Tiger would say: Thatsss GRrrrrrreat!

Lmao. I saw that phil was the last to respond to this post and thought to myelf "phil is going to now tell us about his period". :rolleyes1:

[pberggren1]

Lmao. I saw that phil was the last to respond to this post and thought to myelf "phil is going to now tell us about his period". :rolleyes1:

I have had the odd "period".:wink1:

[marta]

Phil? What you doing here?:ohmy:

[Sangye]

It's like he just walked into the Ladies Room at a restaurant! :laugh:

[marta]

and stayed there.... :lol:

[pberggren1]

I have been in ladies washrooms several times.

[freakyschizogirl]

ROFL phill!!

[mishb]

Those of you taking the pill should make sure your docs know that Wegs makes you 23 times more likely to get blood clots. Since the pill also raises your odds, it's taking a very big chance. Most docs don't know about the link between Wegs and clots. Refer them to the WeCLOT study.

Yes I remember now, it was blood clots.... the contradictions were with the anti inflammatories for RA and my blood pressure tablets....DOH!!
There are other avenues to take to avoid pregnancy.....even though a simple pill is easy.


Keep Smiling
Michelle

[delorisdoe]

Ovaries that are shut down help prevent pregnacy in a less obvious way. Makes a happy marriage a lot harder to keep happy. I don't miss my period, I only wanted one child so I'm good there too. 28 years old was to young for the other side effect. Just my opinion

[gwenllian111]

Sorry to go off topic, but i got another question for the ladies, I keep getting sent reminders to go for my cercical smear test. I really dont want to go as its just one more place to be poked and prodded. Does everyone think its beneficial, as they say if you're on immunosuppressants you should go. My mum goes and gets abnoral cells back nearly every year. What should i do? I'm 25 and had 4 sexual partners. Is it worth while??

Yes!!! Go and get checked!!!!!! Cervical cancer kills.

[gwenllian111]

Yes I remember now, it was blood clots.... the contradictions were with the anti inflammatories for RA and my blood pressure tablets....DOH!!
There are other avenues to take to avoid pregnancy.....even though a simple pill is easy.


Keep Smiling
Michelle

I had three caesarian's, and each time my gynae wanted to steralise me because of the risks - just couldn't do it though.

[mishb]

I had three caesarian's, and each time my gynae wanted to steralise me because of the risks - just couldn't do it though.


Oh no, really ..... never :ohmy:
I was thinking more along the lines of IUD's or Condoms, something like that.

Michelle

[freakyschizogirl]

Or just abstain from sex all together...this method is working for me at the moment!! (Said with the thickest form of sarcasm available...lol)

[julia]

I just want to ask, as I have gone through menapause with the medication that I am on, if anyone gets the monthly pmt symptoms . !

The cytoxan stopped mine after about 6 weeks. I have been off the cytoxan for over a year and have not started again. My gyn did some test to see if I am in menapause but she is still waiting for me to do a bloodtest ( she gave me a request but I keep forgetting to bring it in when I go for regular blood work). I am going to call and ask them to call in or fax the request because now I can't even find the form.

Back to your question. I have in the last few months had minimal symptoms of pms and remember my mother saying she continued to have pms symptoms long after menapause.