New here and some questions.

Hello everyone,

My name is Megan, I just found this site. I was diagnosed with ITP at age 2, and am now 24. I survived 1 childbirth (emergency c-section) and am due for another c-section Dec 11, 2013. My husband and I have decided that we are only having 2 children, even though both are girls and he really wanted a boy. I am curious to find a way to not have a period. I have talked to my doctor a small amount about a hysterectomy, but still looking for other options. Birth control is not an option. Any and all information is greatly appreciated.

If birth control isn't an option I'm not sure there are other options out there for stopping periods. I will direct you to the Women's section here because maybe someone may know of an option.

Would it be too personal to ask why birth control isn't an option?

The only reason I ask is because I know there are options in that fall under the category of birth control that can stop you from having your periods.

It would surprise me if an OB/GYN would give you a hysterectomy at the age of 24 without a medical reason. Technically it would be birth control if you were given a hysterectomy because your family was the size you wanted.

[tell your husband girls play baseball and football and fish and can be taught to help him fix the car too ]

I have chronic severe headaches and the doctors cannot figure out why. Its not migraines or tension or anything of the normal. But anything that has a side effect of headaches, causes mine to get worse. After giving birth they put me on the patch and I only managed to stay on for 2 months, and then we followed up with a pill( don't remember the name) and the same. My headaches have had me in the emergency room 9 times in one month. The only thing that has worked so far isn't really a treatment its just pain medication.

My OB was actually open to a hysterectomy, but we are waiting until I completely heal from the c-section. I was looking more for a not so invasive way. If you guys/gals know of a birth control that doesn't cause headaches I will be more than happy to look into it, and suggest it to OB!

Also its not playing baseball and football and fishing that he is worried about. He has loved the name Easton since he was in high school. Even though everyone says you can name a girl that he won't. I was actually able to play softball for 8 years! Had to have blood tests done before and after every practice and game, but it was worth it and I would do it again!

How are your counts? Can you treat to get them up (which will give you a normal period)?

I do fairly well with my counts. Being in Hawaii has changed my highs and lows. My highs are 120k and lows are 75k. But off this island my highs are maybe 60k and lows will reach 20k. My period drops them severely when I am off the island. Wish I could just stay here, but the Army says we have to move in Jan of 2015. My platelets are easily managed here, but back home its a constant struggle to keep the 60k.

In the Women's section there is a topic that discussed this

www.pdsa.org/forum-sp-534/9-secret-womens-business-o/1955-no-more-periods.html#30113

a few options are posted there.

Cindy Ann

Hi there,
Welcome to the ITP forum.

For what it's worth a friend of mine had debilitating migraines for years & eventually a naturopath suggested a gluten free diet. She's had few headaches since & only after she's wavered.

Enjoy Hawaii & your babies while they last.
mj

Sorry about those headaches, they do not sound like fun.

A thought re: hysterectomy -- menopause. The doctor left my friend's ovaries so that she wouldn't go into menopause, that didn't work & she went into menopause. Speaking from experience, it isn't fun.

Great you were able to play baseball - when I was a kid it was softball for girls but my Mom didn't think it was feminine so I didn't get to play. To this day I am a huge baseball fan.

Hope you can figure something out.

Mwest:

This is just a thought, but have you ever been tested for Antiphospholipid Syndrome? It is estimated that 33% of people with ITP have these antibodies. Two of the symptoms are ITP and severe headaches. It is a disorder that causes blood clots and although you may have never had one, the possibility is there. BC pills would be a very bad idea for someone with APS.

There is a procedure called ablation, it is used before a hysterectomy for heavy bleeding. My sis in law had it done. Sounds scary but has worked for her, she hasn't bleed since. It is much better than hysterectomy because then you'll have to deal with hormones you won't be producing anymore.