Abnormal and/or Excessive Vaginal Bleeding?

[Cheetara74]

Hello ladies,

Happy New Year!   

I apologize for not being on the forum in quite some time.  I've been hospitalized numerous times over the past year.  It has been hell for me.   I have a question for you.  Have you ever experienced abnormal and/or excessive vaginal bleeding??? 

Since early 2008, I started to have abnormal excessive vaginal bleeding.  My gynecologist has tried several methods to rectify the problem.  I've been placed on birth control Depo-Provera injections to somewhat control the bleeding.  It has been so out of control where I've had numerous emergency room visits.  I've lost so much blood where I've had blood transfusions.  My gynecologist noticed that another HIV+ female patient of hers is experiencing the same thing.  Ironically, that patient is taking the same medicine I am taking (Prezista, Norvir, and Truvada).  That patient has been having abnormal & excessive vaginal bleeding too.  After undergoing other procedures, my gynecologist recommends a hysterectomy.  She says she want to take every step to resolve this problem before that procedure.

 My gynecologist is deeply concerned about this issue because she has contacted my infectious disease doctor and other infectious disease specialists trying to see if this is a pattern for HIV+ women on these particular medications.  My infectious disease doctor says that I'm his only patient that is experiencing the excessive vaginal bleeding.  He mentioned that he is going to speak to his colleagues about the subject.  My gynecologist has been reaching out to researchers as well in New York City.  Mind you, I'm 34 yrs old and never had children or any abortions before.  I've had wacky periods back in my teen years before but nothing compares to this madness.  The Depo-Provera injections only stops the bleeding temporarily and it returns soon after.  I've also have been placed on Estrogen & Iron supplements.  Needless to say, I have a non-existent sex life due to this.  I'm very irritable most of time and have severe cramps.  Most of the time, I feel fatigued.  I'm scheduled for another DNC soon.  I've had multiple pelvic ultrasounds and pap smears ---the results are also normal.  Except for last year, when there was pre-cancerous cells in the cervix after undergoing a biopsy.  In April 2008, I had surgery to remove the pre-cancerous tissue.  However, I had the vaginal bleeding  before and after that ordeal.   It continues and have gotten much worse.  My gynecologist says that the hysterectomy will be the last resort.  I really pray for resolution.  I'm frustrated with my infectious disease specialist because he seems oblivious when it comes to women's side effects as opposed to men's side effects from HIV medications.  I'm trying to gather information myself.  Is it me or does it seem like women's issues are sometimes overlooked?

 

[Snowangel]

Hi Cheetera-
I am sorry to hear that you have been having such a hard time with your periods.  I don't have any input  for you, I just wanted to wish you good luck and say it is nice to see you!

Take care,
Snow

[tendai]

sorry you're having such a rough time. im also thinking its a side effect of the meds. Maybe you ought to see another infectious disease specialist and perhaps change the meds? i hope they find out whats wrong and fix it soon.  Good luck hey

[Cheetara74]

Thank you ladies...

@tendai:
My gynecologist and myself asked my infectious disease specialist if he would change my meds but he says that this is only medication combo that have actually worked since I've been diagnosed in 1995.  All other meds I've had really bad numbers in the past...  With the current med combo...

My t-cells are:  805
My viral load: 60

This is the best I ever seen... over 2 years ago when I was on other meds my t-cells were only 6.  The ID doc says it would be disastrous if he changes med combo.  Perhaps, I should see another ID doc.  I'm in limbo... *sigh*

I was wondering if any women here have ever experienced a similar thing... 

[CLong]

Hi Cheetara,
    I'm new to the forum but I've been living with HIV since 1986.  I also had a lot of bleeding that was causing me to become anemic.  My gynecologist suggested that I use an IUD to control it and it's worked beautifully!  She recommended the Mirena.  I know it has definitely helped because in February I had to have a cold knife conization performed and another doctor removed the IUD without telling me and the next day my bleeding was so bad that my blood pressure dropped dangerously low because of all the bleeding.  I was going through a pad an hour.  I asked him to replace it and everything has been fine again.  There are very little hormones in the Mirena and it's much safer than the old IUD where you risked infection.  I hope you consider this before doing a hysterectomy.  Hopefully my advice doesn't come too late

[bleueyes]

My worst problems with meds have been UTIs and yeast infections.  I am sorry you are going through this.  I hope the person reads this before going through with her plans. Good Luck.