Heart murmur symptoms and conditions

everyone has their own opinion about mirena but i am here to assure you all that your not crazy. Im currently 19 years old and had mirena inserted October of 2008. Its been about a year and im going nuts. For a long time i had no answers to all of the crazy side effects. I didn't want to believe it was this wonderful easy convenient birth control. Im a college student and i just didn't want any unplanned babies. well its made my life worse. I smoke cigarettes so my doctor told me this was the best option and so i was all for it. Slowly but surely i started losing hair i didn't notice for awhile because my hair was thick in full well i can wrap a standard pony tail four frekin times around my pony. Its about half of my usual hair now. NOT ONLY is it falling out but its very dry and splitting all it does is tangle. Im very healthy young and i take vitamins daily to try and slow this process but it does no good. Since February of 2008 ive been having these terrible episodes were i get worked up for no reason. Ill be sitting in class and all of a sudden i feel like ive run a marathon. My heart races my palms sweat and a tremble. I get so freked out i have to leave class because i fell like im going to die. The worst anxiety attacks and i have to control my breathing or they just last longer. My face is so oily and so is my hair. I usually only washed my hair every other day so i don't strip the natural oils out but now its become a everyday thing which just contributes to more hair lose. I use to break out only around my period now i don't go a day without acne. Im even getting it in my scalp and back. If I don't eat on a schedule i feel like im going to pass out i get severely hungry and weak. I have pains in my uterus and ovaries sometimes and though they don't last long they are painful. I never feel like i want to have sex ever and if i do theres no telling when its going to hurt. Im very dissatisfied with mirena i loved it at first but not enough to go bald. ITS MADE MY LIFE SO STRESSFUL I FEEL BALD AND UGLY AND THAT LEADS TO DEPRESSION.

LOWER BACK PAIN
STOMACH PAIN
NO SEX DRIVE
ACNE AND OILY SKIN
DAMN NEAR BALD
PAIN IN UTERUS/DURING SEX/ANYTIME
EXTREME ANXIETY
DEPRESSION

I took it for 3 days with extreme nausea, some heart racing, palpitations, headache, restless leg and insomnia. Then 4th day, I was afraid I needed to go to the ER - extreme heart racing, palpitations, numbness in left arm, tingling in hands and feet and feeling like I was about to faint. I waited it out for an hour and a half and is slowed down. But now after about 18 hours, my fingers are still tingly and feeling heartbeat in my neck.

My dermatologist prescribed it for an infection after a derma-filler injection. The side effects were not discussed. My ENT agreed that the med was best for my infection but did not seem concerned over the initial symptoms.

I have a heart murmur and cannot take anything containing pseudoephrine - this med acts like a mega dose of it!

I have been taking the advair diskus 100/50 for two years, and I also thought it was my miracle drug. I can breath great , and only take my inhaler a lot less. I also have hoarseness, due to the advair, but recently was told by my doctor I have a mild heart murmur. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do, maybe talk with them on what else I could take instead of Advair. It's hard only because my breathing has been so good, but my heart is also very important. I have not had any leg problems, I have had some problems sleeping, not to bad.

I am 52 and took levaquin (the doctor described as a very high dose needed for what he felt was a generalized infection he couldn't pinpoint). Within 2 days I began feeling very weak. I also had moved to a new town and couldn't return to the prescribing doctor. I felt so very weak and felt actual pain in my heart I became very scared and went to a friends because I was afraid to be alone. I called the local pharmacist and was instructed to stop taking the levaquin. The following day I went to a new doctor in my new town and my nightmare began.
The new doctor stated "you have a very large heart murmur". I told him no doctor ever told me this before and he insisted they must have, I just don't remember. He decided to do an echo and diagnosed aortic stenosis. He stated it didn't require surgery, yet but would in a few years.
Fast forward to now, 2 moves for my work and changing doctors. Also, to be frank I think a firm denial on my part that I could not have heart trouble diagnosed under the age of 50.
I have received a variety of "borderline" diagnosis'. From COPD, Hepatitis and an inability for my heart to pump proper blood flow to my lungs. While I have had "many" diagnosis there isn't anything concrete and no caused determined or resulting changes to be made to improve my general health.
The one symptom I have, that seems to have worsen as time passes is that what I do seems to build up over time. Energy used and strength used (to carry something while walking) seems to build up to the point of exhaustion and inability to even get out of bed. I have been hospitalized for chest pain 4 times in the last year. The last one being after a business trip, where I took a train and needed to roll and/or carry a very large suitcase. the first night I began to feel weak. The second night my face swelled to a cartoonish state overnight and I began to feel very congested, coughing continually. I didn't go to the hospital because I didn't want to be in the hospital away from home. I Stayed at the conference and returned at the end of the week. A friend took me to the hospital and I was in Congestive Heart Failure. Once released from the hospital, I began to arrange to move back to my home state, to be closer to my family. Now I am here and if I do much of anything (even heavy housework) within days I am too weak to do anything. I am barely managing because I am not working, but I must return to work because I am fast becoming broke. But, how can I take a new job if I know that I can't work long-term. I haven't found a new doctor yet, because most here are not taking new patients and I am just not sure the type of doctor to go to. I am also afraid that they are just stabbing in the dark. Diagnosing borderline "everything" and the treatments for not knowing what is going on could make things worse.
If you have read this far..thank you. If you could reply with suggestions, please do. I feel like my health has been ruined and I don't know what to do to get it back. I only took levaquin for 3 days and all this time later, I still feel pain in my heart. Which is the strangest thing because "before" levaquin I "never" actually felt my heart at all.
Any suggestions , I would be the most grateful.

I have been on this for a few years now and I am thinking about switching to something else or going off completely. I'm 34 and I have been the pill for 15 years. At first, Loestrin 24 was great - 3 day light period. But overtime, my period went to 4, to 5, to 6 days. Now it's 7 days of heavy bleeding as if I'm not taking anything at akk. I've gained weight, like 20 lbs, that I can't seem to lose. My fiance and I dance so I'm usually in shape. But over the last year, even dancing as much as we do isn't keeping the weight off. I'm emotional all of the time. I have a heart murmur, which my OBGYN admits is probably caused by the pill. One thing I can say is my acne is under control, which basically is the only reason (besides shorter periods) I am on it since my fiance has had a vasectomy. It's hard to know what to do when the doctor's really don't know either. It's all trial and error since every patients hormones are different. But, this 7 days of heavy bleeding is for the birds. I might as well not be on anything! We Are All Just Ginniepigs.
Indecisive in Indiana,

I had a shot of Kenalog into my knee for a torn meniscus. About 2-3 hours after the shot, I started feeling very jittery and nauseous. Had to have someone drive me home from work. Called the doctor who administered the shot and he said it had nothing to do with the injection. Within 1 hour I barely had any strength to lift my arms. Called my primary doctor and she said to come right over. She said my heart murmur which is usually very soft and can barely be heard, was quite prominent now so she did an ekg, took blood and urine. The next day she called and said my sugar level was high. I had fasting blood tests taken 2 months earlier and never had a problem with my sugar level. Four days after the injection, I got my period so heavy (I'm 53 years old and before the injection my period was almost stopping). I have never in my life had a period this heavy. Neither doctor will admit that it had anything to do with Kenalog, but I'm certain it did. If this shot gave me diabetes, I will never forgive myself for getting it done... But, funny thing, the shot actually helped my knee and I can walk without pain. I'd rather have pain in my knee than diabetes and heavy periods.

I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS DUE TO A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, HOWEVER MY PROBLEMS ARE MUCH WORSE. I ALSO HAVE NEW PROBLEMS LIKE A HEART MURMUR; HEARING LOSS; TINNITUS... ALL NEW & WITHIN THE LAST YEAR OR SO... I'M NOT SURE HOW LONG I'VE BEEN TAKING SINULAIR... MAYBE 2 YEARS? SO I STOPPED LAST NIGHT. HOW LONG BEFORE SYMPTOMS STOP IF THEY ARE GOING TO DO SO!!!???

At age 71, in excellent health and rarely seeing a physician except for minor skin irritations, I experienced a mild TIA and to be on the safe side, checked into the Emergency room. Among the medications recommended were Lipitor which I began taking regularly. Within less that 6 weeks, I'd developed a heart murmur, had an echocardiogram and was told that I'd developed a severe stenosis. The murmur was not present at the time of my TIA or a month later.

After about another month, I was walking the dog and began to experience fatigue and muscle soreness. At the same time, my left little and ring finger began to 'fall asleep' with tingling and loss of a sense of touch. That has continued for several months.

By the following day, the sense of fatigue upon any moderate activity was like being hit by a truck, it was sudden, unremitting and would only relieve with rest. Any attempt to walk more than 100 yards was out of the question.

I talked to 3 different specialists, none of them were willing to listen to me when I suggested that the cause of this was linked to Lipitor. By now, I had taken myself off of it and have not resumed.

I believe that the Lipitor also caused renal insufficiency which I'd only begun to experience after taking it.

The most difficult part of dealing with this problem is finding a physician who is willing to listen. Presently, the neuropathy is 24/7 but the generalized weakness has not gotten any worse and seems to be permanent.

As I read others complaints, mine are limited to the physical, there's been no effect mentally other than insomnia.

My three year old son was diagnosed with Congenital Hypothuroidism at 4 days old. He's been on Levoxyl for the entire three years. Our doctor told us that being on top of his medicine for the first 2 years of his life were so crucial, b/c of brain development. He's a very healthy, active boy. Now my doctor told us he has a heart murmur that had never been detected previously. Is there any chance that the medication can do this or is it simply unrelated? After reading some of the stories, I am scared. I want to know about a natural alternative. Please help, my son doesn't need to spend the rest of his life like this.

I posted a few reports on this site a few months ago and just thought to let you know how I feel after 10 months off Jasmin: well I feel great and back to my old self again.
Do not despair Ladies, if you want to go off Yasmin, please do it. Here is an account of what happened to me when I went off Yasmin:

1/ finished my last pill and waited for my periods.
First 2 months: periods came regularly/ SYMPTOMS OF VERTIGO AND GENERAL UNWELL FEELING WENT.

2/3rd and 4th months: horrible muscle pains with cramps, and very sore upper right arm: I went to see a physio who advised that I should carry on (even if I could hardly walk) walking once a day (10mns) and swimming for 20mns a week, and he also gave me a 'theraband' (elastic band) to exercise slowly my right arm. Although it gave me pain, I persisted and I did the swimming once a week and the walking once a day.
EAR CONGESTION : no improvement /
HEART MURMUR AND PALPITATIONS / no improvement

5th and 6th months: pains in my calves stopped but muscles were still weak, I carried on walking and swimming
EAR CONGESTION: SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT
HEART MURMUR AND PALPITATIONS/ NEARLY GONE

7th and 8th months: I started to gain more strenght and more stamina in my regular exercises.
EAR CONGESTION: NEARLY GONE
HEART MURMUR AND PALPITATION / GONE

9th and 10th months: BACK TO MY REAL STRENGHT AND I MANAGED TO CARRY A HEAVY RUCKSACK ON A WALKING HOLIDAY IN ANDALUCIA / Since I came back I've been really energetic! full of good humour and in an excellent mood.
I still do my regular exercises to keep my muscles in good shape.

So ladies, please do not despair, it will happen to you also!
And since I went off Yasmin, I have decided to leave my body alone and will never put it under drugs anymore.
Also, I have not seen one doctor since the end of June last year !! SO YASMIN IS THE CAUSE OF ALL YOUR TROUBLES AND PAINS.

BEST OF LUCK (DO NOT BE AFRAID OF SUFFERING AFTER YASMIN!)
Sylvia

HI Sunflower,

I had nausea on and off, more so when I went off of Yasmin. I also have left shoulder pain (feels like a joint is sore) but then sometimes, is actual pain/ache under the left breast or between my shoulder and armpit.

Does the swelling feel like it is in your espophagus? Or your throat? Or both? Or glandular-like at either side of your neck? Why I ask is that a side effect that was experienced during clinical trials by women was something called adenovirous which apparently was experienced as "common"-where lymph glands swell.

I too was on Yasmin for 1.5 years before I really started adding up what were a number of side effects that just continued to grow while I was taking Yasmin over that time period-none of them very concerning or as concerning until May 2006 when I noticed unusual "ache"/pain under my left breast. Two months later, it was a squeezing sensation across my whole chest. A month later I saw an RN who confirmed a heart murmur/sinus bradycardia. I was not in good shape.

What I trying to say is that there are a number of women here who have experienced side effects I think are similar to yours. I was originally misdiagnosed with possible GERD as well because the symptoms I was experiencing mimic those of other things.

I'll email you privately. I am glad you found your way here.
Jasmine

Guest 39074,

Your experience very common to many other women's here and in other forums. It took me 1.5 years to add up everything I was experiencing as well as to develop an arrythmia, chest pain and heart murmur.

I got my period within 28 days of going off of Yasmin but it is different for each woman based upon her own hormones and body.

Don't worry about the increase in discharge. That is most likely the shedding of your uterus. I had the same thing when I came off the hormones. Assume that you do not have any discomfort otherwise to ensure you do not have a Yeast infection. Those are common with hormone changes.

See the "forums" section here as well. AT the top of this page, a link to them. There is a really informative site that has been created for many women survivors of Yasmin. I think the url is there so you can copy/paste it into your browser.

Best of wishes to you,
Jasmine

I was on NuvaRing for one month, and after the first two weeks already began to notice a change in my mood and sex drive. I became downright depressed all the time, just felt crazy. And I didn't even THINK about sex. Absolutely no sex drive whatsoever. No history of depression and I've had no problems with sex drive in the past. Anyway I put it in again Sunday to start the second month, and started feeling nuts again, so I took it out Monday. Today is Thursday, and I've just experienced some spotting (my period ended yesterday). I was also on Ortho-Tri for about 5 years and got horrible side-effects, such as severe hypoglycemia, heart murmur, and a peanut allergy! But no emotional problems, just on the Ring...

HERBAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HORMONAL BALANCE AND HEALING COMING OFF OF YASMIN:

Hi Ladies-to Anyone who has been on Yasmin/Yaz, if you haven't made it to the UK site Sarah/Flowerbabies set up, I am re-posting here some recent posts I've made in what has helped me enormously after coming off of Yasmin.

After being on Yasmin from 12/2005-8/2006 here is a list of the side effects I experienced: Hiatal hernia, vision changes, congestion ears, chest pains, heart murmur, palps and bracycardia, ectopic (abnormally slow and skips beats), melasma, bronchitis, fatigue. B12/Folic Acid Deficiency. Elevated potassium.

Following months of suffering, I've been doing loads of research. These are most recent supplements/remedies I have introduced and am seeing benefits from:

Whole Vitamin Supplement* (Bioavailable)
New Chapter Organices
The best I found for bio-availability (one that your body can easily assimilate/integrate) is New Chapter Organics. This is also extrmely low on potassium, which was very important for me because I am one of the women who ended up with 5.7 on my potassium when normal ranges are: 3.6-5.2. So I discovered I am in a range that is considered unsafe/mild hyperkalemia and working to lower it.

Organic Evening Primrose Oil:
contains specialized nutriet gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which has been show in scientific studies to support hormonal health and address symptoms of PMS and menopause.

Lignans:
highly studied and researched class of phytonutrient found in flaxseed studied by the National Cancer Institute and shown to possess impressive preventative properties-in addition to supporting hormone and breast health

Soy Isoflavones:
Plant phytoestrogens can help with symptoms of menopause and PMS in addition to supporting bone, heart and breast health.

Collodial Silver:
I also started for the first time taking Collodial Silver which has apparently been used for over 2000 years to boost immune systems. My sister, who has worked for and with a Naturopath for the last 5 years recommended this to me and she uses it with her own children. She is the healthiest she has ever been. After one month of using this, with a homeopathic remedy Pulsilla Negricans (for bronchitis like symptoms made by Boiron)-took this instead of anti-biotics, for the colds I have gotten every month for 5 months after coming off of Yasmin, this is the first month I haven't gotten sick!

Best Wishes to everyone in getting your body, spirit and your health back. There is nothing without health and from my experience, I will not be taking any pharmaceutical medications for the rest of my life if I can manage to do so. I've never been big on medications to begin with, but after this experience with Yasmin, and all the learning I am doing about the pharmaceutical industries and their partnerships with Doctors/Nurses, all the horrible symptoms and other problems that come with taking so many of these drugs , no thank you.

To be honest, sometimes, the lessons I am learning from having been on Yasmin, all the horrible side effects after being and having such good health has put me on a course to take personal responsibility for my own health and ways in which I can care for it without Doctors, prescriptions, un-healthy drugs that treat symptoms instead of cause. It is very empowering.

Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 11:23 pm Post subject: Heart Health tonic, replenishing body fluids
Schisandra , liquid extract of dried ripe berry

I started this today and believe it or not, these horrible chest pains I've had for 9 plus months, mostly specific to the week prior to my mensturation and now more common, subsided. Strongly recommend it as a nutral remedy:

Actions: Nutritive. antioxidant. Adaptogen. Astringent. Expectorant and antitussive. Detoxifies, protects and regenerates the liver. Promotes production of body fluid. Allays spontaneous sweating. Calming sedative. Antagonizes stimulant effect of caffeine.

Uses: Support of healthy liver function, and treatment of hepatitis. Stomach and intestinal inflammation, chronic diarrhea and dysentery. night sweats and other spontaneous persperation. Neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion-caused by overactive adrenal glands) and sleeplessness. colds and flu. Dry coughs, weak lungs and asthma. To enhance physical performance in work and athletics. Dryness and thirst caused by fever.

In traditional Chinese medicine schisandra is said to nourish and tonify the kidneys, to replenish body fluids****, and to support the eyes. The anti-androgen in Yasmin can cause dry eyes***

Items
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:18 am Post subject:
Hi ladies-

Wanted to duplicate a posting here on results I am seeing from the herbal supplements a Naturopath recommended and I started in the last two weeks. As of last night, the experience of "palps" (which is feeling) the heartbeat and the arrythmia I was experiencing are gone! Needless to say, I am elated.
--------------
Available at Whole Foods* (you may need to have them order the Fem Rebalance or I am sure they are available through a Naturopathic or online:

Fem Rebalance made by Vitanica
and
Women's Phase I by Vitanica

They are specifically designed to for premenstrual and hormone balance support

Here are the ingredients:

Fem Rebalance (Indication that women with high blood pressure, who are nursing or are pregnant should not take this):

Licorice Root 200mg
Chaste Berry Tree 200mg
Rhodiola root-Rhodiola rosea 200mg
Borage oil powder 160mg
False unicorn root-Heloonias dioca 100mg
Vervain root-Verbena hastata 100mg
Sarsparilla root-Smillax medica 100mg
Wild Yam root-Dioscorea villosa 100mg
Black cohosh extract 80mg

Women's Phase I:
Again, not recommended for use during pregnancy and nursing. Dong Quai and gingko may potentiate anti-coagulant/anti-platelet agents

Vitamin E (as d alpha tocopheryl succinate) 200IU
Vitamin B6 as pyridoxal-5 phosphate) 25mg
Calcium 25mg
Iodine (from kelp) 50mg
Magnesium 75mcg
Chromium 100mcg
Borage Seet Oil Extract 150mg
Wild Yam root 100mg
Dandelion Leaf 100mg
Dong Quai root 100 mg
Passion Flower Extract 100mg
St John's Wort tops 100mg
Chaste Tree Berry 50mg
Chaste Tree berry extract 25mg
Gingko Extract (biloba) 15mg

Just know-that coming off of birth control or changes in our hormones have huge effects on our bodies. The Naturopath told me it opens up alot of inflammation in the body which causes susceptibility to colds and a host of other unpleasant side effects-like the heart palps for example.

I also posted to another link a listing of herbs and their benefits-many aid in PMS symptoms/menopause symptoms, inflammation, anti-spasmodic.

I am thrilled with the results in such a short time as the ND advised it may take a month or two, I am seeing results in only a week's time. Just moving beyond the arrhythmia and the palps is a tremendous relief.

Location: United States

Items
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:51 am Post subject: Benefits of Herbs and PMS and Hormone Balance
Hi Ladies-

As I referenced above, I've been on two herbal supplements recommended to me by a Naturopath I am seeing. I've only been taking them for a little over a week and seeing great improvements. If you see the herbs above, many of them are contained in the Fem Rebalance and Phase I support products by Vitanica that I am taking. I was struck by the fact that they were out of the Fem Rebalance initially and I had to ask that they hold 2 for me becuase when their order came in, they were out again as there were so many women who created a back-order:

Some herbs that are helpful with mentruation are:

BLACK COHOSH:
Antispasmodic and antirheumatic. Isoflavones ("phytoestrogens") bind to estrogen receptors and have mild estrogen like activity. Estrogen take a big dip during our menstrual cycle. Good for dull aching muslce pains (especially rheumatic and myalgic pains)-Low estrogen conditions like PMS.

BLUE COHOSH**:
Antispasmodic and antirheumatic. Uterine tonic. Used well for menstrual cramps and discomfort (especially "heavy legs"); excessive flow**

BUTCHER BROOM:
Antiinflammatory* tonic for veins. Reduces capillary fragility and permeability and tones sluggish venous system. Useful for Vein disorders related to oral contracptive pills, PMS**, certain menstrual disorders.

DONG QUAI:
Enriches blood, and promotes healthy circulation. Uterine tonic*. Increases DNA synthesis of uterus tissue and increases its regeneration. Regulates menstruation*. Antispasmodic. Anti-inflammaorty. Diuretic. Dilates coronary vessels and increases coronary blood flow. Harmonzies vital energy "chi". Particulary useful in cases of Amenorrhea (when period ceases) and dysmenorrhea: ***painful periods****

CATNIP:
Mild sedative and antispasmodic. Used well for menstrual maladies and nervous tension.

CINNAMON:
Warming, diffusive stimulant, with gentle astringent influence. Moderately stimulates entire nervous and circulatory systems. Warming to stomach and intestinal tract. Recent research shos several polyphenolic polymer compounds in Cinnamon bark enhance the action of insulin and improve glucose and fat metabolism. Useful in excessive menstrual bleeding*** among other things.

CRAMP BARK:
Balance sympathetic and parasympatheic nervous systems. Antispasmodic to stomach, intestines, uterus* and bladder. Useful for menstrual cramps**** and nausea*, sudden or irregular menstrual flow.

DAMANIA:
Nerve tonic and mild sedative. Promotes healthy menstruation* as well as a soothing tonic to sexual and urinary organs; purpoted to increase libido. Soothing diuretic and experctorant. Useful for nervous debility and anxiety. Sexual atony and lack of libido in women. Inflammation of sexual organs and urinary tract in men and women. Menstrual malaise and discomfort. Taken in hot water, it PROMOTES ONSET OF TARDY MENSTRUATION*. Helpful for emtional moodiness associated with PMS and MENOPAUSE.

FEVERVIEW:
Aspirin like action that relieves pain and reduces fever. Useful for headahces (especially migraines), arthritis, fevers, MENSTURUAL CRAMPS AND PAINS), stomachache and toothache.

GINGER
Heart tonic and warming circulatory and metabolic stimulant. Antispasmodic. Useful FOR PAIN AND CRAMPS*of stomach and bowel. Relieves stomach and intestinal gas. PAINFUL MENSTRUATION. Heart disease and poor circulation.

JAMAICAN DOGWOOD:
Nerve sedative, antispasmodic. Among many other things, useful for PAINFUL MENSTURAL PERIODS*

LEMON BALM:
Antispasmodic, mild sedative. Lowers fevers, antiviral. Useful in many things including nervous irritation, headaches, nervouse heart, nervous stomach and indigestion. Good for menstrual blues and emotions.

MURIA PAMA:
Soothing nervous system tonic. Antirheumatic. PMS*** and MENSTRUAL CRAMPS.

NETTLE:
Nutritive, alterative tonic. Antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, moderates allergic response. Useful for chronic inflammation, PROFUSE MENSTRUATION.

PASSIONFLOWER:
Calmative and sedative, allays nervousness and restlessness. Helps produce rest and natural sleep. Antispasmodic. Useful for nervousness, restlessness, worry and hysteria. *Nervous palpitationi or tachycardia of the heart or headache. PAINFUL MENSES.

SHATAVARI
Female reproductive tonic. Among many things including women's sexual libido, useful for PMS AND MENSTRUAL CRAMPING.

WILD YAM:
Antispasmodic. Relief of nervous system irritation. Abdominal cramps, pain and tenderness; spasmodic pain in uteris, cerix or ovaries; menstrual cramps***

YARROW:
Astringent, vascular tonice. Excellent for inducing sweat and lowering fevers, colds and flu. Passive bleading and EXCESSIVE MENSTRUAL FLOW.

J

Yes, I reported my side effects to the FDA as well as to Berlex. its really important to do so. I don't know how else we'll get this off the market. I've been horrified with how many and how horrible they have suffered. It is disgusting actually. I am 2/3 reading Kevin Trudeau's book on Natural Cures-and honestly at first I thought it just wreaked of Conspiracy Theory and now, I am learning that so much of what he's documenting is true! For example-CODEX-this will take all our vitamins and natural supplements and make them only available through and by prescription! Talk about monopoly. I hear that this is already the case in Europe and has been for some time. It means, you will need a prescription for Vitamin C! And it will be costly!

Now after reading through all of this. After suffering personally the last 9 months, after seeing how many women's symptoms are similar and all of them being told by their Doctors that it could not be Yasmin-I AM CONVINCED! The RN I just saw tried to get me to take Nexium which is also on www.worstpills.org website. In addition to Yasmin. I was so mad. I know this isn't Heartburn. Not when the heart murmur started. I am starting to think the entire medical community thinks all women are morons telling eveyrone its stress and anxiety--totally discounting our symptoms. I've come across 5 articles now on heart disease and women and all 5 expressedly talk about just this-how women are not taken seriously ---misdiagnosed 3 to 5 times and after costly exams, trips to the ER-they actually have heart attacks. Pisses me off. More than that, there are/have been moments at night when I lie awake and think about all of you, wondering what part of the world you are in, how this has effected your quality of life, all our abilities to trust, our familes, our work....and finding your responses during stressful times is so uplifting. I pray for each and everyone of you. I'm sickened that this drug-Yasmin and now its sister Yaz ever made it to the market. Based upon a couple of other's women's entries, I would join an effort to bring lawsuit.

The American Medical Association is currently working to pass a law to make it even more difficult to sue the pharmaceutical companies....nice huh?

To All-After months of looking at this site and what has seemed to be a mix of just sorting through personal dialogues of individual conversations , it is almost the first time I have found some very helpful actual fact based research and information. So whomever is making all these posts, I truly appreciate it. Please continue.

I've been having what seem to be growing chest pains, most pronounced just before my period to the point it is almost unbearable. Have other women experienced this? It started two years into taking Yasmin but I've now been off for several months and it seems to be getting worse? Does anyone know what this is or could be attributed to? I've already been to the doctor who after an EKG said that it was normal but that I had developed a heart murmur? I've also noticed palpitations and irregularity of how my heart beats during these times. I would greatly appreciate some help/information.....Its becoming quite worrisome.

Thank you

To Guest 35725 and Others,

4.5 years long time but what's so great is that you are getting off of it! One step is the first in a journey. I was on it for 2.5 years and now off for 3.5 months, slowly seeing changes though I still have chest pains. I've already had an EKG that confirmed a heart murmur but other than that, I haven't pursued further medical testing because I am on major medical and the pains have been gradually subsiding.

What I can't believe, is that your Doc and all the other ladies' docs on this site don't attribute all the many problems this pill causes. When we read the size 3 font in the accompanying medical brochure, it outlines all these risks or many of them! Depression is one of them! The pill messes with serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. That's why!

I am so sorry everything you have been experiencing. i do wonder whether for women who have had children, the symptoms and troubles are that much more intense due to the changes in hormones following child birth???

I don't have anything positive to say about this pill except for the weight loss. And that, as enticing as it is today with all the hoo hah about being thin isn't worth the terrible havoc this pill takes on one's health.

Please, report your side effects to the government as well as to the manufacturer of Yasmin.

Unless you do, and document them, this site, now at almost 3000 entries will only grow, more women will suffer and this pill won't come off of the market for years, and years and years!

Best wishes to you for well being. Be gentle with yourself.

Anna here again.

I don't think the hormone imbalances caused my stroke. I think Yasmin did in the way that OCs have a risk of doing, by causing a clot to form. I suspect Yasmin carries a higher risk of blood clotting than other OCs but I can't prove that.

I had a ton of tests done at the ER. Lots of blood work. An ECG (which is the same thing as an EKG I think. Probably what they mean is they're going to put you on one for 24 hours using a Holter monitor? I had that.) A CT scan and later an MRI of my brain. A Chest radiograph. A Carotid Artery ultrasound. (I'm copying from my notes!)

After being released from hospital I had a Trans Esophagal Echo (which found the hole) and a 24 hour brain scan (which was yukky and found nothing.)

I can't remember when my OB-GYN switched me to Yasmin but it was still considered 'new' then. I know it was by Fall 2003 so I was on it for at least 3 years. I'm 38.

These are the things I suspect Yasmin caused when I was on it:

Depression
Insomnia
Hypothyroidism
Increased Heart Murmur
Stroke

And this is what I've been suffering in the way of withdrawal effects/ hormonal imbalance:

Anxiety
Shakiness/dizziness
Fluttery feeling in chest/arms/legs
More insomnia
Abdominal pain
Constipation

Oh what a joyous little pill it is...

Anna

Per a couple of folks questions: I recently saw an RN practicing with a Doctor because of loads of side effects that I attributed to Yasmin. most pressing was chest pains I developed in May that came and went, initially on the left side under my breast, and then in June. across my chest. This continues to come and go but seems to be elevated just before my menstrual cycle. To what I figured, they confirmed I had re-developed a heart murmur and advised that it is very common....I had an EKG done and this appeared to be normal but I have since read about Hyperkalemia (excessive potassium in the blood and its symptoms which seem identical to what I experienced while on Yasmin) and the person who wrote that she had pulmonary thrombosis-really concerns me. Can anyone else say that they have experienced lowered heart rate, skipping of beats/irregularity of rhythm on Yasmin?

Can the other people who have advised about the ear blockages say more? I saw a hearing doctor who told me that ortho contraceptives are odo-toxic (which means toxic to the inner ear) and they have known this in their field for a long time but the prescribing doctor and the RN I saw knew nothing about this. I have been off of Yasmin 2 months now (SEE PREVIOUS ENTRIES I MADE UNDER YASMIN RESEARCHER AND JPISANO) but my ears still feel like they have alot of pressure in them and I've just come through almost 3 months of being sick which I never am! I got a cold at the exact time I got off of the Yasmin. Then, started another head cold just this last week?

I am in a bit of a quandry right now because I am in transition career-wise and only carrying major medical so I have been very cautious about seeing Doctors right now but am quite concerned about all the things that happened while taking Yasmin that I am now still suffering from two months later.

I already filed on Federal Drug Administration's website which I highhly recommend. If they have enough well documented troubles, they can take action.

can the person who had PULMONARY THROMBOSIS please write and advise what your symptoms were and how you discovered that you had this and how it was treated?

Thank you.

To Yasminresearcher,

I have been off Yasmin for nearly 6 months and I did experience some ear problems when I was on Yasmin. The doctor kept telling me that I had media otitis with some mild infection, a damaged drum and that it would clear, it never really cleared. I am still having some kind of ear congestion : my ears feel blocked and I can hear my heart beating into them especially when I lay down or turn sides in the bed at night, also when I sit and I get up very quickly. This condition was getting better as soon as I stopped the pill but it has started again recently although not as bad as it used to be. Have you experienced the same ? Also what do you mean by 'heart murmur'?

I took Yasmin for the last 2.5 years. Over time, I came to recognize major side effects that I am still very concerned about to include: Popping of eardrums. Exhaustion. Sensation of paralysis following taking it and lying down. Constant running to the bathroom to urinate (due to droperinone which acts as a diuretic), developed heart murmur and pain across my chest (squeezing sensations). Major change in vision in the right eye within 6 months. Painful pressure in both ears due to this pills increase of potassium in your body. Ears would pop for two hours after I took the pill.

I have been off of Yasmin for 2 months, initially went onto its sister/cousin Yaz and felt just as terrible so I went off of that as well.

A Hearing Aide doctor actually told me that oral contraceptives have been known for a long time to be "odo-toxic". Which means-toxic to the inner ear. How come prescribing Gynecologists, Doctors and pharmacists don't know this?

The synthethic hormone in YASMIN AND YAZ -dirosperone increases potassium levels in the body. Inner ear is composed of a potassium and sodium fluid. An inbalance in this fluid would likely cause pressure in the ear. I had to learn the majority of this information from people other than the prescribing doctor, an RN or the pharmacist.

After doing exhaustive research this evening and reading people's entries-TAKE NOTE! Please READ UP ON HYPERKALEMIA prior to taking Yasmin or YAZ OR ANY PILL WITH THE SYNTHETIC dirosperonone. It causes increased potassium levels. Have your potassium level checked before you start this pill! I just read up on all of this tonight for the last 4 hours and this is really really serious. I think that I may have discovered that this may have been what has caused the squeezing sensations I have had in my chest for the last six months. I also had pressure and developed a heart murmur. Both of these symptoms as well as fatigue and paralysis are linked to hyperkalemia and can lead to heart attack/failure. Two resources to check: one is a letter from Health and Human Services written to one of the pharmaceutical companies who makes Yasmin-with notification that they must discontinue their advertisments because they are mis-leading in a dangerous way. If you google Yasmin and Health and Human Services, the letter should come up. I am going to try and paste a portion of it in here because I think that this is so critically important. I read through all these women's entries and I just think we are a bunch of ginny pigs and some of this is life threatening. Not the prescribing doctor, the RN or the pharmacist responded to my concerns. The RN thought it was anxiety which I've read in the last few months, women are often told-discounted because women are supposed to be "stressed". I found a great article a couple of months ago about how most women's symptoms are discounted so you have got to take personal responsibility for your health and making informed educated decisions about these things beyond responding to advertisements. Berlex, one of the pharmaceuticals-basically looking at a 1.8 billion dollar industry-our pharmaceutical industry is our number one revenue industry. Check out: eMedicine Alert-Hyperkalmia.

In addition, wanted to mention that Yasmin's ingredients act like a diuretic. I lost about 5 lbs as well but I also had to run to the bathroom constantly. All around, I am quite concerned with having been on yasmin for the last two years. I was exhausted all the time. So much so that I had to take it in the evenings. I also discovered over time, I lost all my energy. I would want to go right to bed after taking it. Per my first entry below, I had substantial vision changes, developed a heart murmur and am still trying to figure out what the squeezing sensations/pain in my upper and across my upper chest are. Birth control pills are very serious things. Although they have come a long way since our mother's time, hormones are incredibly powerful and they come with risks and side effects. I am relieved to be off of this pill now however I am concerned about having the other symptoms checked.

I began taking Advair 250/50 in 1999. I was convinced Advair was a miracle because it worked so well and eliminated the need for a fast acting inhaler within the first few days. However, now 7 years later, I am beginning to have side effects. When they first started, my doctors told me it couldn't be the Advair. According to the doctors, I should have had symptoms initially, not after years of taking it. So, I dealt with the side effects for a year until asking to be taken off of it.

I gained 20 pounds in 5 months (very rare for me to gain weight at all), mostly in the mid section. I feel dizzy all the time, throat hoarseness and voice feels strained when I talk. My eyes are constantly uncomfortable and sensitive to light, and I have frequent headaches. I feel more irritable and shakey when I get hungry than ever before. Often nauseous. I recently developed PVC's and a heart murmur and almost daily have a racing heart and PVC's. The final straw was when I found the correlation between taking my nightly dose and immediately feeling anxious with racing thoughts, tense muscles (especially in legs), and complete inability to sleep for hours until the medicine wears off.

I have now been off the Advair for 3 days, and have switched back to Flovent only. However, I am still experiencing the muscle tension, racing thoughts, and inability to sleep at night directly after taking the Flovent as well. The symptoms wear off a few hours later and only occur directly after taking the night time dose. I am wondering if the Advair has caused some permanent damage.

Question...I have had migraines for most of my life, the first one I remember was when I was 7. I cannot stomach narcotic pain relievers and was thrilled when Imitrex came out. I took it for years. The only side effects I had were a warm rush, like an alcohol buzz, and sleepiness. Then, 5 years ago I was diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation. My doctor took me off Imitrex right away and switched me to Maxalt, which I also love. It works great. I had open heart in 2001 to fix the mitral valve, then early in 2005 discovered I have tricuspid regurgitation. No surgery as of yet, thank God. I am on disability for the first heart problem and medicare and medical assistance will no longer cover the Maxalt, only the Imitrex. I took one the other day and almost had to go to the ER. I could barely move, breathe, or speak. Thankfully, after an hour or so, the symptoms subsided. But it really scared me. Now my doctor is giving me all the samples he can of Maxalt that they get in the office.
I am wondering if there is a connection between vavular disease and Imitrex? Has anyone had any of these problems?