A Warning To All! - Orchid Board

Becca · #1 01-01-2009, 11:00 PM

I just wanted to send a warning to everyone. I'll try not to make this to long.

My step-mother passed away Dec. 27 at the age of 49. She was on a birth control called the NuvaRing. We found out that a person over the age of 40 was not supposed to be using this due to the high risk of blood clots. My step-mother passed away due to blood clots in one of her legs breaking loose and going to her heart. The doctor later told my father she had blood clots in all of her arteries and that she didn't stand a chance. No one had any idea that anything was wrong. She only complained once of her leg hurting....the morning that she passed away and she simply dismissed the pain as a leg cramp or a "getting old" pain.

Ladies read your warnings on your birth control and take them seriously...and husbands/boyfriends please discuss with your loved ones what they are using before something tragic like this happens to you. I looked at what I am using and it states that it shouldn't be used for women over the age of 35...so I have about 5 more years to go. I never would have thought twice about the potential serious side effects and would have dismissed them due to not ever knowing someone who had had any problems....but now I do and it is too late.

Please please please take the warning labels seriously, not just on birth control but on all medications! Don't just assume an ache or a pain in your body is related to aging! It's your body trying to tell you something!

cb977 · #2 01-01-2009, 11:03 PM

Thanks for the very important information, Becca.

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss

We all need to ask our doctors questions about what the risks are of any medication or device we use.

Thanks for the reminder

Lagoon · #3 01-01-2009, 11:05 PM

Oh my gosh Becca, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news.

My deepest condolences to you and for you're family.

WhiteRabbit · #4 01-01-2009, 11:10 PM

Oh Becca! I am so very sorry! And whats worse is to think it was preventable!
Thanks for posting this

Becca · #5 01-01-2009, 11:19 PM

I just want everyone to be aware! I don't recall any of my doctors ever discussing potential side effects of drugs with me...not good! I also read that you shouldn't be on the NuvaRing if you have high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, which she had both but was in the processes of bringing those back to normal...but still shouldn't a doctor see that and think hmmmm...maybe this isn't the best one? Not trying to start anything...but for now on I will always be asking what the age recommendation is and the risks!

jkofferdahl · #6 01-01-2009, 11:27 PM

Becca, please accept my deepest sympathies. My prayers are with your family tonight!

whygreenberg · #7 01-01-2009, 11:37 PM

Oh my god, Becca! So sorry to hear. My condolences.

And good advice for always trying to get as much information as possible from our doctors. Life is just too short.

Jkelee · #8 01-01-2009, 11:42 PM

OMG Becca, I am soooo very sorry for you and your families loss

I can't believe that happened. I have a friend of mine using that, she's 33, so I will be telling her this story. I'm sooooo sorry for all your family my dear. My heart and prayers, are for you ALL

quiltergal · #9 01-02-2009, 02:32 AM

Oh Becca, I'm so sorry.

It's pretty sad that you have to be your own advocate and do your own research. Gone are the days when you just did what the Dr. told you because they knew best.

DebsC · #10 01-02-2009, 01:55 PM

Thank you for reminding all of us that we need to be our own advocates! I'm truly sorry for your loss and pray your step mother rests in peace.