October 9th
2009
1:58 AM
I took ortho-tricycline low for 6 years with no problems whatsoever. At 18 my doctor switched me to Yasmin, by my 28th day on Yasmin I had a intense dull pain in my left hip/groin area and the of my knee and calf area. After two weeks of putting it off as a sprain, it had only gotten worse, my entire left leg was swollen to about twice the normal size and had purplish discoloration and I was could barely walk or sit. I was taken to the ER where they diagnosed me with a DVT the size of a softball in my left thigh. I spent two weeks in the hospital on narcotic painkillers and IV Coumadin before they would let me go home. I spent an additional 6 weeks at home on light duty and bed rest. I stayed on Coumadin for a year before it almost killed me as well. Today I am 23 years old and still feel the effects of the clot I had 5 years ago. My leg a calf are still swollen, though not nearly as bad and anytime I'm on my feet or have to sit in a chair all day I have to deal with moderate pain. I wasn't on Yasmin on Yasmin long enough to experience any other side effects but I would strongly advise you do your research before taking this medication.
-- By ahart05 | Reply | Private Message me
October 7th
2009
10:02 AM
I've been on Yasmin for about 5-6 years and have had all sorts of minor (or so I thought) ailments. My boss advised me to stop Yasmin as her daughter died at 28 from a DVT, put down to Dianette and she explained about these forums. After reading this forum, nearly every problem/ailment I've had or have is listed as a side effect of this bloody little white tablet. I am officially stopping it as of today and as I've just read another lady has written, I hope my sex drive returns soon and that I stop being so tired and lethargic and my crippling migraines stop !! I've had heart palpitations, weight gain (gradual so I've not put it down to the pill !) I have down days, migraines complete with auras, fuzzy heads, short tempered and narky, tired ALL the time. I never knew all these things could be down to the pill. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that coming off it makes me feel human again !!
-- By daisyjack1978 | Reply | Private Message me
September 22th
2009
9:29 PM
I was on Yasmin for 1.5 years. Ended up with chest pains, severe Vitamin D deficiency, B12/Folic Acid deficiency, elevated potassium and unbelievable fatigue/exhaustion along with muscle loss. I have now been off for almost 3 years and do not feel completely recovered. I'd encourage folks to google Yasmin/Yaz lawsuits as they are just beginning and I expect will eventually come off of the market due to finally, recognized increased risk of these pills with pulmonary embolisms, stroke, heart attack and blood clots. Also, if you google Yasmin Survivors, there is an international forum of women who have been sharing and contributing now for last 3 years as well.
-- By jasmineeudora | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 21th
2009
1:51 PM
All I can say is shortness of breath, pulmonary embolisms and DVT's almost did me in 3 years ago. A week in CCU and a year or more on Coumadin. After a year I needed a blood transfusion because of an iron deficiency. Finally had endometrial ablation procedure and all is well. No periods or side effects. Completely off of meds and after 3 1/2 years I will be finished paying off all of my hospital bills in two more months!
-- By waterbug | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 6th
2009
9:16 PM
I just recently about 2 1/2 months ago switched from yaz to the nuvaring. Thank god. I have been struggling the last year with these symptoms: IBS, moodiness, anxiety attacks, palpitations, shortness of breath, headaches, SEVERE stomach cramps, and much much more. It started with taking a ride to the hospital because of what i think may have been an anxiety attack. but at that moment felt like a heart attack. I knew i was too young though. I have since been to my GYN doctor, he told me that it could not be the yaz. But i asked him to switch me anyway to anything else. i have been off for about 2 1/2 months and i feel much better. I don't have to not eat because i know my stomach will cramp. I couldn't even walk up the stairs at wet n wild to a ride because by the time i got to the top my heart would be pounding out of my chest, and everything would be blurry. ...just letting everyone know ...yaz is dangerous...and i do plan on getting a lawyer because yaz never said anything about these complications....
-- By gabrielled3589 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 5th
2009
3:33 PM
Hi I posted this on the Coumadin site when I should have been here,
I am a 66 year old female and up to a year ago I felt 20 years younger now I feel 20 years older.
I fell and broke my hip June '08. Had a hip replacement and developed a blood clot (DVT) in my left leg.
They put me on Coumadin and when that didn’t do the job they added Lovanox (another blood thinner requiring shots in the stomach).
Not only has they not helped but my blood clot is growing.
My symptoms:
daily headaches, debilitating leg pain (the pain is so bad that it is crippling me), fatigue (an overwhelming feeling of tiredness, I set down for a few minutes and wake up hours later.), loss my concentration (trouble doing simple crosswords), can’t study simple directions, numbness in toes and hands. I can go on.
And the doctors? “It’s all in my head. It can’t be the blood thinners.”
I am going to copy your blogs and take them to my doctor and demand something be done.
Thanks again to this site and all of you. I was beginning to think there was something wrong with my mind.
-- By ellaclark | Reply | Private Message me
August 4th
2009
9:17 PM
I'm not crazy!!!! Thank you..
I fell and broke my hip June '08. Had a hip replacement and developed a blood clot (DVT) in my left leg.
They put me on Coumadin and when that didn’t do the job they added Lovanox (another blood thinner requiring shots in the stomach).
Not only has they not helped but my blood clot is growing.
My symptoms:
daily headaches, debilitating leg pain (the pain is so bad that it is crippling me), fatigue (an overwhelming feeling of tiredness, I set down for a few minutes and wake up hours later.), loss my concentration (trouble doing simple crosswords), can’t study simple directions, numbness in toes and hands. I can go on.
And the doctors? “It’s all in my head. It can’t be the blood thinners.”
I am going to copy your blogs and take them to my doctor and demand something be done.
Thanks again to this site and all of you. I was beginning to think there was something wrong with my mind.
-- By ellaclark | Reply | Private Message me
July 19th
2009
12:50 PM
After reading these posts I am more confused than before, because my experience is so far very different. I was diagnosed with DVT about two weeks ago and now take Coumadin daily; the Lovenox injections have been discontinued. The reason I'm so confused is I now feel the best I have in 5 (five) years.
Before being placed on the anti-coagulants I had memory and concentration issues that were progressively getting worse and greatly affecting my job, and had daily headaches. I had joint pain that made it difficult to get up after sitting for awhile; they felt constantly inflamed. I felt fatigued all the time and my muscles hurt like I had really pushed them; I just didn't have any strength, and had muscle cramps. I was constantly yawning and found my jaws hurt from clinching my teeth, subconsciously trying not to yawn. I was extremely sensitive to physical touch, even hugs hurt. I also felt extremely depressed and cried almost daily. My lips and left cheek tingled, as well as other parts of my body. Plus I would get the feeling of sudden pressure in my head (different from a headache) like it was going to pop off, and I my eyes didn't seem to track what I looking at and had difficulty in remembering or comprehending what I just read.
About 6 (six) days after starting treatment it completely changed and these symptoms are essentially gone. I have talked with my doctor and pharmacist and they are baffled. I am concerned this change, while welcomed, may indicate an underlying condition that is not yet diagnosed. Has anyone ever heard of such an impact from starting Coumadin treatment?
-- By janiannd | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
July 15th
2009
4:12 PM
I am 26 years old. I've been on warfarin for almost eight years. I wish I had seen a site like this eight years ago when I started on warfarin (after DVT and P.E) I may have had some insight into the hellish two years that were to follow: hair-loss, depression, weight-gain. But I attributed all this to stress (it was pre-med varsity and I was under a lot of pressure academically).
Anyway, now my life is more settled, I eat right, exercise furiously 5 times a week...but I have digestive problems. Bloating, gas, overall discomfort in my stomach almost every night. I've cut out milk, wheat, coffee...nothing.
But tonight I started thinking...could it be the warfarin?
Does anyone experience or know about possible side-effects of warfarin on the digestive system, and does anyone have some useful advice????
July 7th
2009
12:36 PM
I am a 46 yr old woman. After developing 3 DVT's in my lower rt calf after major foot surgery, I was prescribed Coumadin/Warfarin. My doses have fluctuated between 1mg to 7.5mg (I have just lowered my dose from 6mg to 5mg as my INR yesterday was 3.9). I have noticed a lot of the symptoms listed above (others comments), but have bumbled along. The symptom that is bothering is my mouth! I can hardly eat or talk - my lower jaw especially aches constantly and even despite using an extra soft toddlers toothbrush, my gums bleed profusely. I only read of one other persons symptom regarding teeth/gums/mouth. I know it sounds melodramatic, but my mouth aches as though I had mouth cancer!!! I can't wait to get off this rat poison! Good luck to all.
-- By flickwee | Reply | Private Message me
May 31th
2009
1:29 PM
To everyone who is taking Desogen....STOP immediately!! I had a DVT in my leg because of this junk!!! NO birth control pill is worth your life!! I am now in the middle of being diagnosed with a possible benign liver tumor which could also be caused by the pill. I always knew there was a risk of blood clots with any bc pill but NO ONE ever told me that desogen almost TRIPLES your risk of blood clots!!!
-- By erocwolverine | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 23th
2009
12:52 AM
I am on my second month of Ocella, the Yasmin generic. Within the first day or two, I had palpitations, chest pain and insomnia. I thought my body was just adjusting to the new hormones. I have just started my second pack and I still have chest pain daily. The only thing that I have found to make me feel better is when I run on the treadmill. I would think my body should have adjusted by now and I do not want to cause any long term damage. I just wish I was not having this issue since my oily, acne prone skin is finally looking pretty good.
-- By frustrating | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
April 29th
2009
9:23 PM
I recently delivered a healthy baby girl (Feb 9th) in which 1 week later I developed a blood clot on my brain and was hospitalized for 1 week after experiencing 4 seizures. They told me it was pregnancy related and I would be on warfarin for 6-9 months until the clot dissolved. I too am experiencing: fatigue, extreme dizziness, light headedness, I am seeing spots all of the time, I am getting leg cramps and foot cramps a lot, I feel really weak, and just plain old. I will be 37 years old this July, and I feel way too young to be feeling this way all of the time. I can not handle going to the lab 2-3 times every week for blood work, my veins are collapsing and bruising really bad. I cry every time I leave, my husband must think I'm such a loser. It has been almost 3 months now and I just got my first period since my daughter was born. I thought I was going to bleed to death. My husband had to watch me around the clock to make sure I didn't have to be rushed into emergency. This sucks....I'm trying to remain strong, and doing lots of praying these days....Thanks for letting me share my story.....
-- By maura22 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 29th
2009
1:56 PM
I am a 43 year old female, I got a couple of clots in my left leg, caused by taking birth control. I was taking the bc to control my menstrual cycle, I took it against my better judgment, even though my dr. said it was not a high risk since I didn't smoke. Well that wasn't true.
The side effects are extreme dizziness, I went to walk down a set of stairs recently and almost fell down them, That would have been tragic, Thank god my friend grabbed my arm. I know for a fact that it is a side effect from the coumadin because prior to this dvt I had no dizziness, as a matter of fact I was very healthy, I exercised 4 times a week, boxing, weight lifting ect. I was "NORMAL" I can't wait until the doctor says ok, stop taking the blood thinner. I want my life back. I just want to get back to the way I was before my dvt.
March 25th
2009
4:19 PM
I've been on Wafarin since September of 2008 because of a massive DVT stretching from my jugular vein to my right arm. Since the initial injection of Heparin and oral consumption of Wafarin I have experienced daily migraines. They seem almost like 'pressure-headaches' pushing on the sides of my head, temples, forehead and the bridge of my nose. My thrombosis doctors have sent me for Ophthalmology tests, MRIs, and plan to send me for Neurology tests as well to discover the cause of my headaches. They've put me on codeine, Tylenol 3's, Gabapentin, Naproxen, and Co Sumatriptan because of the fact that I'm so immune to painkillers in general (For the blood clot pains themselves, I was on Hydromorphone, Morphine and Codeine). Although the Co Sumatriptan along with the Tylenol 3's give me some relief, I can't help but wonder if the cause of my daily migraines are from the Warfarin itself.
My doctors are reluctant to agree with me, saying that they plan to take me of Warfarin within the next few months, but aren't certain of exactly when.
March 20th
2009
9:03 PM
I was taking warfarin for about 2 months 8 mg daily due to a blood clot in my left arm, i also have witnessed headaches, dizziness, always tired and fatigue. I also told the doctor about all this and he said it's not the medicine, I don't know what else it could of been because i wasn't taking any other medication. my life remained the same as previous with the exception of the warfarin. Anyway, i discontinued taking the medication because it was killing me to take it. I will now have to take my chances.
-- By kumarie | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
March 19th
2009
11:07 AM
How long does it take to go back to working out?I had a DVT in my right calf a month ago.I am a 33yr old male.I am on 17 1/2 grams of warfarin they say my liver is good processing it.I now walk a mile and have shortness of breath and have to elevate my leg because the blood pools to my foot even when I just got the support stockings.I've used to run five mile a week and work out with free weights.I was advised to swim but I was wondering when I could got back to the gym or run outside?Does this last a while......? or for life? I usually bounce back from things I had cancer 5 yrs ago.I have the pressure stockings 30-40 pressure and they help a lot.The symptoms of baldness remind me of the chemotherapy.I am naturally bald any ways.So to all the DVT suffers keep your heads up there are always worse medical conditions that I see a lot....because I work in a medical feild.
-- By pashea | Reply | Private Message me
March 14th
2009
2:16 AM
I am 37, and developed a DVT in my left calf possibly due to birth control pills. I was tested for Factor 5 Leiden and since I was positive that may have been a contributing factor as well. Waking up in the middle of the night and first thing in the morning with excruciating pain was a daily occurrence and finally after 2 weeks of Lovenox injections and warfarin the pain subsided. I still experience post thrombotic pain in the back of my leg three months after starting the medication. My INRs are inconsistent and my doctor keeps changing my dosage. I have been avoiding all food that that can interact with the meds, it is extremely irritating. I have been doing an hour of low impact exercise daily and am looking forward to when I can finally go jogging and increase my cardio workouts. I can't wait till I can finally be off the medication it affects everything I do.
-- By anita72 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 12th
2009
2:18 PM
i just got off of the phon with my ob's office having spo9ken to her nurse about YAZ. i have been on it for a month and for the last week i have been having pain in my calf and behind my knee. i am worried about a DVT or something serious. i wonder if a doctor would do some tests to tell me if i have blood clots or not because i am worried. the pill has greatly reduced my horrible pms symptoms but i don't want to dye of a pulmonary embolism! they may take me off of the pill, don't other pills also have a risk of causing blood clots?
-- By crossan101 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
March 3th
2009
7:39 PM
During my 6 months on Warfarin (Coumidin) I experienced tremendous lethargy and short term memory loss. No issues with other commonly reported symptoms of hair loss, heavy legs,…
I am a 49 year old male. In January 2008 I was diagnosed with DVT's in my right lung. Interestingly I experienced 100% of the pain on my left side though the DVT’s were on the right. The onset of symptoms was a pain in my chest like I pulled a muscle lifting something. The pain progressed from "notable" to progressively uncomfortable, where I was restless in bed to the point of not sleeping. On the 3rd day after fitful sleeping and progressively more painful breathing, I made a doctor's appointment for that afternoon. By the time I got to the Dr. I was sure I had made the right decision (I am male and avoid these things).
My primary care did an EKG to rule out a heart attack which the symptoms were identical to; sharp pain in chest toward left shoulder and arm, trouble breathing. I was sent for an X-ray and was very uncomfortable laying still on the Xray bed as the pain as I inhaled had gotten sharper. I went home and resumed office work but soon was in extreme pain with each breath. So much pain that I could not lay or sit, but collapsed to my knees where I stayed for 20 minutes until I could move again. I called the doctor's office and was advised to go directly to the ER. Duh. The ER again ran an EKG and ruled out cardiac issues.
Three ER Attendings pondered my condition for an hour or so and then began asking as series of questions and at the 3rd question – had I flown any long flights recently? Yes, several transatlantic – at which I saw their glances and was whisked off to a CAT scan which confirmed DVT’s. I was put on morphine and some IV’s and admitted for 5 days. I started Lovenox shots and by the 4th day was feeling better.
Blood tests did not revel any genetic disposition (factor V) for clots and no family history so it was recorded as “Coach Class Syndrome”. I was put on Warfarin for (5mg/day) for 6 months. I was able to keep relatively good INR’s. I came off Warfarin (12 August 2008). I will have to take Lovenox shots before long flights. I am happy to come off the Warfarin as I experienced tremendous lethargy and short term memory loss. No issues and I have been off coumadim for 6 months now. Glad to have that behind me… hopefully.
March 2th
2009
10:52 PM
I am a 29 year old female, who DOES NOT SMOKE!!!. I've taken birth control pills the majority of my adult life. However I took Loestrin 24 Fe a little less than a year...I was recently hospitalized for having DVT(Deep Vein Thrombosis) and Pulmonary Emboli....The doctors said the cause may be the birth control pills. Be careful with taking this oral contraceptive because DVT and Pulmonary Emboli is a serious side effect that can easily be overlooked by your doctor. For months I complained about swelling in the ankles and pains in my thighs. Until one day, my whole leg was swollen and was very painful while walking...I admitted myself into the ER the night before Valentines day!...I was then diagnosed with DVT and Pulmonary Emboli!!! The Doctors have taken me off birth control and now I'm taking blood thinners.
-- By kthomsen15 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
February 24th
2009
2:33 AM
I had open heart surgery August 23rd 2006 for a conginital heart defeat (Aortic Valve replaced with mechanical St Jude valve). I wanted a bio valve but Drs insisted I should have the mechanical valve because of my age (45 at the time).
Prior to my heart surgery I was a performer, singer/songwriter/actress/comedianne and I loved what I did. It was my life. Now, after 2+ years post-op and on Warfarin (7.5 mg daily for life) I feel like life has ended and I'm just a walking dead person. The effects I feel daily are as follows...
Dizziness
Severe Headaches
Blurred vision
Memory Loss
Fatigue
Weight Gain
Trouble concentating
Fluttering effect in my head/ears- Hard to explain
Hair loss
Unexplained pains in chest & left side of my body
Unable to sleep well
Tiredness- even when I've done nothing to be tired for
Nausea
Gas & Diarrhea off and on
teeth pain- Like I've drank something very cold
feeling in my head similar to a brain freeze- like you ate ice cream too fast
Night bleeds in my month- wake up with a mouth full of blood daily
What do think, is that enough??
I'm going in tomorrow for a cat scan because the headaches have been so bad they feel I need to be checked for brain tumor and/or internal bleeding. When I tell the Drs I think this is due to Wafarin they pratically laugh in my face as if to say, "Silly silly woman, don't be foolish! We know whats best for you. Remember, we saved your life!" Really? Did you?!
I want nothing more than to get off this rat poison and regain my life, but to do so could mean a stroke or heart attack. I would go under the knife again to have the mechanical valve removed and replaced with a biological valve, but do you think my insurance company (Kieser) would pay for a "silly" thing like that? Right!
Welcome to the greatest country in the world!
I'm going to start a website to help people like us. I want your stories, please send me your info, together we might make a change, what can it hurt to try? Email me ******
B.
-- By beverly4help | Reply | (8) replies | Private Message me
February 20th
2009
5:15 PM
I am glad to have found this information after deciding to google Yasmin and heart palpitations. I started having palpitations last night (I had them years ago when I was having anxiety attacks but not since and I am not under any stress right now). I just started taking Yasmin less than two weeks ago and will not be taking it any more (I started it for PMDD). I have also noticed pain in my right breast and I was on the verge of a bladder infection a few days ago since I did not drink enough water for a few hours (I have only had one bladder infection in my life and that was after delivering my third child and having a catheter). I have also had blurred vision twice since I started it (I have experienced that before but very, very sporadically - not 2 episodes within days, I have migraines and my dr. thinks the blurred vision is somehow related). I had chest pain for 2 days, granted, it happened after a tough workout, but that is still unusual for me. I've always had pluses and minuses with any form of bcp, but these cons don't outweigh the pros (which I have not experienced yet anyway).
-- By suemommy | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
January 30th
2009
2:45 AM
Hi, I am a 47 year old female and have been on Coumadin since Nov 1997 after developing several DVT's after surgery for a broken kneecap. Coumadin makes me feel like crap and the only time i have felt good in the last 11 years is when i have come off the medication for dental work or surgery. Some of my side effects are cold chills and cannot warm up, upset stomach, retaining fluid, heavy periods, added weight and my fat looks flabby even though i work out 4 times a week, lethargy, a very heavy neck on occasions and the list goes on and on. My coumadin has become very sensitive to what i put in my mouth. With "nutrients" added to so many foods i find i am now reading labels more than ever. The worst "nutrient" is Omega-3. This can cause bruising and bleeding without any help from Coumadin. Several deaths have been reported in the Australian media. I believe there is research being conducted in Norway using Kiwifruit as an alternative to Warfarin. I hope this is so and they are successful soon.
-- By petronella | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
October 11th
2009
5:47 AM
I have been on Warfarin for three months for a DVT in my femoral vein. I get some headaches, fatigue, feel cold, tired and have gained weight. I am a fit middle aged male, back at the gym now and cycling. I eat a balanced low fat high fiber diet, but still cannot shift the weight. I have been a depressive for most of my life and although manage without drugs have resorted to Valium to help me sleep, as insomnia has also been a significant side effect. I do not sit around, drink excessively or eat like a pig, so where is the weight coming from? My GP's seems ambivalent and it took five weeks to diagnose my DVT after my complaining about Phlebitis and pains in my groin. Not a happy bunny.
-- By rockdad | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me