Ortho Evra 2

Top 45. Feb 18, 2003 10:02 AM

» Mikala_lei - Re: Re: Thanks!

In response to message posted by kitty3:

I was put on the patch in November of 2002, I was placed on it because I was diagnosed with having a 10 centimeter fibroid tumor in my uterus, so they needed to get my bleeding under control before I went into surgery in January.The patch was able to slow down my bleeding, i never had a week i wasn't on it. The doc. wanted me to continue weekly. After the surgery he kept me on it , i finally was able to stop the patch on January 31st. I then had a regular cycle that only lasted for 5 days ( breakthrough for me I'm used to at least 7! ) My experience was not the greatest with he patch though, i got terrible pains in my legs from it, the pain felt like it was going right into my bones. I ached ALL the time. That has gone away, but i noticed where I had placed the patch, i would mainly switch side to side on my buttocks and I still have pain, deep tissue type of pain on both sides. Another adverse effect I experienced was the depression i see so many women here talking about ( thank god I'm not alone after all smile

) I would literally cry at commercials, if my dinner didn't turn out right ... whatever the case. It would make me cry. I would cry then i would be okay and then it seemed like i would get upset for no reason at all. I went in for a post op check up yesterday and the doc. wants me to start on ortho- tricycline.Has anyone had a problem with that?

-- posted by Mikala_lei

Top 46. Feb 18, 2003 10:08 AM

» erinlo - Pills, Depo, Patch

I'd just like to share my experiences. I've been on various hormonal BC methods since I was 17 (I'm now 28) and I've tried several, including Depo and a few pills. I suffer from a low sex drive, so my doctor and I tried tooling around with the hormones a bit until I found one I liked. I've tried Nordette, Triphasil, and Lo-Ovral. The latest one was Demulen, which worked well for me for about 6 years. I've never had side effects from pills, except when I tried one (I can't remember which) that caused my face to be oily and require washing constantly. I tried Depo Provera when it came out, since the idea of going 3 months at a stretch was attractive to me. However, I gained about 15 pounds while on Depo. I liked that I didn't have periods, but I just couldn't handle the weight gain. I didn't experience any other appreciable side effects.

I am now trying the patch. I just put on my first one two days ago. I hope it works out for me, but if it doesn't, I'll just go back to Demulen.

-- posted by erinlo

Top 47. Feb 18, 2003 10:11 AM

» erinlo - Re: Re: Re: Ortho Evra

In response to message posted by jnm4q:

Beware of weight gain with Depo, too. I gained 15 pounds and eventually got off it because of that. I think that it's a side effect of most hormonal methods. I'd give the patch a shot, but I'd worry more about the allergic reaction you're having. You might consider trying Triphasil, which uses varying levels of hormones during the month if the patch becomes impossible for you to bear.

-- posted by erinlo

Top 48. Feb 18, 2003 3:19 PM

» ttcweb - Re: switching from the pill - lots of ?'s

In response to message posted by ame94:

1) How different is norgestimate than norethindrone - is one better than the other? - Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to answer this question for you. To the best of my understanding, they are just two different types of synthetic progestin. In order for a manufacturer to get a patent on a new medicine, it must be different from other medicines currently available. By altering the chemical composition of the progestin, they are able to patented the 'pill' and have an exclusive on the new progestin for, I believe 8 to 10 years.

2) You've said that most side effects disappear after 3 months - is this true of weight gain as well - have many women gained weight? - Most weight gain from hormonal birth control (Depo not included) is very little, and many women lose weight also. Because our bodies are 'ruled' by our hormones (they tell the body what to do and when to do) weight gain or lose can be caused by hormonal birth control. As long as you do not have any other medical conditions that would lead to weight problems (thyroid dysfunction for example), as long as you eat a well balanced diet and get regular exercise, and weight gained should be limited to 2 to 6 pounds. Also, for many women that gain weight, it is actually 'water' weight they have gained and not 'fat'. This is not true of Depo. Women on Depo have been know to gain suddenly even while eating a balanced diet and exercising.

3) If I decide to go back to the Ortho Novum I was so used to, will I be putting my body through a roller coaster of hormones such that my body may now react to it as well (i.e. risk side effects from ON all over again)? - Yes, you should expect to have some initial side effects if you switch back to Ortho Novum. However, your body should adjust to it and you should not experience any long lasting side effects. What you should do though, is give the patch at least a full three months to see if it will work for you.

4) Should I go back to ON, is it better to wait until at least one cycle of the patch is done or to do it asap? - If you decide to go back to Ortho Novum, you should stay on the patch for as long as you can to make sure that it is or is not working for you, but at the very least for a full cycle.

5) Finally :-) have women who exercise (and sweat) a lot had more trouble with the patch sticking? - Some women have had severe problems with the patch not sticking in high humidity, after strenuous exercise, or just because their skin is naturally oily, many more women have not had a problem at all. If you continue to have problems, switching back to Ortho Novum at the end of your patch cycle would probably be the best thing to do.

-- posted by ttcweb

Top 49. Feb 18, 2003 3:25 PM

» ttcweb - Re: Re: Re: Thanks!

In response to message posted by Mikala_lei:

I used Ortho-TriCyclen many, many years ago, and I don't recall ever having a problem with it. However, everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for the next.

If you do start using Ortho-TriCyclen, give your body a full three months to adjust to it. If you have any severe side effects, report them to your doctor immediately. If you have any mild to moderate side effects, give your body a full three months to adjust to the pill and they should go away. If they do not go away and you cannot deal with them, let your doctor know and try a different brand of pill.

-- posted by ttcweb

Top 50. Feb 21, 2003 1:07 PM

» RedIntrigue - Re: Ortho Vera

In response to message posted by tbreeze:

Oh good heavens I was glad to read this! I Googled on "Orth Evra" +sore +breasts because I'm on month 2 of patch and -- WOW -- my breasts (admittedly large anyhow) are SO SORE. Will give it another month or two and see if it tapers off. (Hope it does... like convenience!)

-- posted by RedIntrigue

Top 51. Feb 22, 2003 6:09 AM

» tinydancr319 - love the patch!

Hey everyone I'm new to the board.

Before I went on the patch I searched the web for all the info i could find and I have to say that this message board has helped me out the most! Thanks!!
Anyway just wanted to share my experience on the patch. I'm on my first week of the second month and I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! I triAlessesse, aOvconnonn and i had so much breakthrough bleeding on them, especialovconnonn. I would spot(which was actually heavier than my period) for 2 weeks and then have my period. It was horrible! The first month I went on the patch, NO MORE SPOTTING!! I'm so excited that I've finally found something that works for me. Sometimes I have a little upset stomach but it only lasts for a little while and i can deal with that.
Thanks everyone for helping me out!

-- posted by tinydancr319

Top 52. Feb 23, 2003 8:48 PM

» hazelwest - anxiety and hair loss

Hi.
Im on the second week of the third cycle on the patch. When I began the patch I had slight spotting, nasuea, and breast tenderness which went away in 2 weeks, but after that went away I have noticed mounting anxiety, poential to cry at almost nothing, and even hair loss and breakage(lots in the shower and in my comb). I have a busy life as a 21 year old college student, and though busy and have lots of responsiblity I am used to being happy and stressfree. My life is no different except for this patch..could the patch cause aniety and hair loss? If so, why does this happen? I am planning on discontinuing myuse of ortho evra after this cycle is over, will my hair grow back? Have others expreienced this problem? Thanks for your help.
Peace,
Hazel

-- posted by hazelwest

Top 53. Feb 24, 2003 6:26 AM

» TSK4137 - Re: Re: Thank You

In response to message posted by ttcweb:

I had a glass of wine at home on Friday 2/14 and felt no ill effects. Friday 2/21 I had two draught beers with friends and again, did not feel any unusual side effects. I think, therefore, that if you have a sensitivity that it is a user-specific side effect and not a general, across-the-board warning. As always, I'd still say use moderation and be aware of your body's reaction to each drink but I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary for myself.

Thanks again!

Week one I put the patch on my hip bone and it was fantastic. Week 2 I put it closer in (more towards my belly button) and have had lots of wrinkling/have noticed it a lot more. For me I think it's better to stick it somewhere less fleshy/more bony (hip, pelvis, etc).

Anyone agree or have any other "great" places to stick it?

-- posted by TSK4137