Gynaecologist appointment because of ammenoroe?

[Yvonne]

Five months after the birth of my son, two months after DX I had my first period after the pregnancy. In total I had two times a period and then it stopped for almost a half year. I didn't really worry about it, but I asked my gp if she understands this. She didn't, but told me not to worry about (my smeartest and bloods showed nothing wrong). At my cardiologists appointment I asked him it was a side-effect of the meds and he said that he wouldn't believe that (even after I told him irregular menstruation is a side-effect of spironolactone, I just had read in the leaflet). He adviced my to see a gynaecologist. So finally I made an appointment and I will see him next monday. And you won't believe this: after absence of almost a half year I have my period today! That explains why I felt so @#&* the last week and why I gained a bit of weight. So I will see the gyn on monday but I think it is just for one time. What a funny thing our body is!!

[marissar]

Same here it has been ten weeks since I had one and I feel like *&$# , plus I look like I am 3 months pregnant.

[SerenaWelsh]

You know, once you understand all the diferent ways our bodies can break, it's amazing they ever work in the first place!

[mandyb]

Speaking of periods... are any of you on birth control still? My cardiologist recommended I not go back on it because of the high risk of blood clots. What have you all heard about that? Just curious. I really miss the help of the birth control with monthly problems! Also, is the bloating associated with periods dangerous to our hearts? Should we take Lasix to get rid of it? Just curious if any of you know. I just changed my medication drastically (from 50 mg Toprol daily to 12.5 mg Toprol daily) and I am noticing a huge change in bloating. Let me know what you all think? I appreciate all of your help!

Mandy

[Yvonne]

Just wondered do you use spironolactone as well? I read this will influence your hormonal system.

[SerenaWelsh]

The pill, unless you have a known clotting disorder, shouldn't be a problem simply because of PPCM - or so I was told. I *did* have a DVT while on the pill, so I can't take it anyway.
Any time you're carrying extra fluids it can make your heart work harder. For me, the answer was always to take a little extra lasix.
I've read alot of women on the board having exaggerated symptoms during their periods..SOB, fatigue, etc... So if you're feeling any of that during that time of the month, good chance that it's the fluids...

[Karen T]

My OB and Cardio would not allow me to go back on the pill after, because of the clotting issues. I would image if you EF is "Normal" you might be able to handle it, but if not, it could be at greater risk.
Karen

[marissar]

I was told it can also raise your bp.

[momofthree]

My periods have not returned to normal either. I think being "post-partum" and an abrupt end to nursing at 5 weeks (at diagnosis) did not help. Plus the meds. My periods were virtually non existent except for some spotting off and on--very annoying. This last month I had my first "close to regular" period. When I was in boot camp my period stopped. I think the rapid weight loss and the PPCM (plus liver failure at one point) stopped the regularity of it, too. Like the body just can't handle anymore so it gives it a rest. I think having one now is a good sign and did not feel too poorly when I had it. I am taking multivitamins still and some other supplements and I believe that helps. I have not been very disciplined about my salt intake lately...not having "too" much but having more than I used to. Just feels good to eat more like a normal human being after months of inability to do so.

So, I hope all goes well at the GYN. Please let me know what he/she says. I hope to be regular this month.

Thanks,
Alison

[Yvonne]

Just saw the gynaecologist yesterday and it was a very nice guy. The first thing he asked after reading the letter was: How are you coping with all this? This was the first time a doctor asked me this! He immediately stole my heart!
About my absence/ irregularity of periods he explained to me spironolactone will decrease the level of one hormon (prolactine) and this has effect on it. To be safe he examed everything (ultrasound of the pelvis, thyroidfunction, hormons in my blood, etc) and monday he will tell me his opinion. He told me not to worry. If it is only the spironolactone, my periods will return if I stop using it.
He also asked me about anticonception. We still haven't decide who will go for the big surgery my husband of me. I like to go, but my husband don't want me to have an operation, so he wants to go. The doctor told me he will advice me a Mirena, it is a iud with hormons. Does anyone have experiences with this?