Birth Control: Nuvaring Risks
Nuvaring Risks
Birth Control.
If you’ve noticed, I’ve been a bit MIA and believe me, it’s definitely not my intention.
It’s been a difficult week around here and I could not have made it without the help of my family. My mom has helped so much with the girls and SO much more.
Susana, my sister has helped with the girls and with relaying my situation to my employers—when I wasn’t physically able to do so myself.
My brother’s been there as a voice of reason and to drive me to appointments when I wasn’t capable to drive and even my dad has tackled sinks full of dishes and made meals for the girls.
Darasak, of course, has been there for me 100% through it all. Kat has been my texting buddy from the moment I felt off and up until I got into the ER.
Oh and my Gabby, my beautiful little Gabby—she has been by my side helping me in every way she could. This kid has a heart of gold and I truly have been blessed with an angel.
Making me smile and wishing I could laugh, I love this kid with all my heart.
Through this dilemma, so many others have sent their thoughts and kind words. I thank-you all.
My family is just simply amazing and my friends are the best.
What Happened?
Well, it was quite a journey actually. At first, I thought I had pulled my shoulder or slept wrong. I woke up to a paralyzing pain in which I couldn’t move and where it felt as if I was being stabbed in the chest.
I tend to get muscular pains every so often, so I dragged myself out of bed and into a warm shower. Unfortunately, I felt pretty sore still afterward and Tylenol just wasn’t working.
Something wasn’t right.
Apart from what I thought was a routine “normal” ache and pain, there was a sharp pain in my right pectoral area and it radiated to my shoulder. It went down my shoulder blade and down my trunk and alongside the bottom of my ribs.
It hurt when I breathed in, coughed, sneezed, laughed or even talked too loud.
I decided to book an appointment with a Registered Massage Therapist considering I had a busy week of work ahead of me. I needed to get well and get well fast.
Normally, my massages are quite enjoyable, this time when I laid flat on either side, I had an unbelievably hard time breathing.
My RMT assured me that my muscles were so tight that it was restricting my breathing.
I was in a lot of pain but I figured, no pain—no gain.
So I went home, still feeling so sore. I couldn’t lay down because I felt like I couldn’t breathe. So, I sat for most the day, until the pain intensified to the point of unbearable.
I’ll let you know that I have a high threshold for pain but, I was in tears. I asked my mom for help and spent the day with them.
My brother offered to drive me to the chiropractor since this seemed to be something beyond muscular.
A Shocking Diagnosis
Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would end up being what it was.
I went to the chiropractor the same day since they managed to squeeze me in the late afternoon. That was another painful experience but she determined that I had a dislocated rib.
She said that being out of alignment and things of the such were common in my profession and she sees many women in the nursing/medical field with similar issues.
She also mentioned that she hates how unfairly we are treated but, that’s another can of worms. Anyway, she re-adjusted me and I was sent off to follow-up with her the next morning and to see my family doctor as well.
Well, I went home for the rest of the evening and propped myself up with pillows. Made a little “nest” area on the couch. After a while, I was sore and tired and decided to try to go to bed.
I attempted to lay down only to suffer a near panic attack, I couldn’t breathe for the life of me. To save you the gory details, let’s just say I got nauseous and I coughed up bloody sputum.
Perhaps that was still TMI.
Well, I called my dad and asked him his opinion. He told me to go the ER, that this isn’t normal for a muscle injury, there’s something else going on.
Reluctant and Defeated
I went.
Progressively my breathing became more labored, my pain intensified and my heart rate accelerated. My tachycardia reaching 140 BPM at one point. I was put on oxygen, given fluids, Heparin (clot buster) intravenously, given an EKG, and poked and prodded one time too many.
I even had an arterial blood sample extracted (where they draw blood from one of your arteries opposed to a vein, it is in a deeper location and close to the bone) to test my oxygen levels.
In a matter of hours, they took my blood work 4 times and each time they took at least 3-4 samples.
The doctor determined I had fluid in my right lung, he ordered chest x-rays and a CT scan. I had to wait until 7:30 A.M. until I could take the test and that in itself was a painful feat. Considering I had to lay on my back.
I wasn’t allowed any type of narcotic pain relief due to the fact that it may slow my breathing, which was already labored. I waited for results and hours later my doctor came in to tell me that I had a PE. In those exact words.
A Pulmonary Embolism
A blood clot in the arteries of my lung. Actually, bi-lateral embolisms which mean that there are clots on both of my lungs. They are fairly large as well.
I didn’t bother to ask where, whether it was the main artery or such. Simply because I was just kind of in shock, in pain and riding on no sleep for almost 2 days. I just shook my head in acceptance and he explained that I will be placed on Coumadin (blood thinners) and would have to come back to the hospital every day to get injections via my tummy.
As well as take-home scripts to fill and plans on seeing a respirologist as soon as possible was now on my agenda.
It was just unreal to me. I never thought I’d ever be on Coumadin (at this age anyhow) or that had I not sought medical help the results could have been life-changing.
Blood clots can cause strokes, heart attacks or SUDDEN DEATH.
What Caused It?
They determined by judging by my signs and symptoms, the cause was my birth control. Birth control already carries the risk of developing blood clots.
Now, unfortunately after having suffered this, I am discovering that the form of birth control I was on was one that has seen many cases of PE along with strokes, DVT (deep vein thrombosis,) and heart attacks.
Nuvaring
A ring that is placed into the vagina for 3 weeks and taken out for a week to allow your menstrual cycle to occur. A drug that has an entire website devoted to help you sue the company if you or a loved one suffered a PE or any reaction by using this drug.
According to Wikipedia, there are over 730 cases against Nuvaring and trials are scheduled for 2012 and an estimated 40 deaths. Referring from various class action lawsuits against Nuvaring, it is alleged that the ring releases a combination of hormones in far greater amounts than the company states.
- As well as marketing and selling Nuvaring as safe and effective for use in the prevention of pregnancy
- failing to adequately warn consumers of unreasonable and dangerous side effects some of which are life-threatening
- failing to conduct adequate pre-clinical testing and post-marketing studies to determine the safety and side effects of Nuvaring.
- failing to use ordinary care in designing, testing and manufacturing
- failing to exercise due care when advertising and promoting
Birth Control Facts You Should Know: (via Women’s Health)
Side Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or bloating
- Irregular menstruation and spotting
- Breast swelling or tenderness
- Decreased libido
- Weight gain or loss of appetite
- Mood swings, anxiety, nervousness or depression
- Changes in vaginal discharge and vaginal infections
- Headaches, dizziness and fatigue
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Acne or permanent discoloration of the face
- Fluid retention
- Bone density loss
- Hair loss or changes in hair growth
- Enlarged ovarian follicles
Risks:
- Eye problems or vision impairment
- Gallbladder disease and gallstones
- Embolism
- Resistance to Insulin
- Immune system suppression
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Breast tumors and liver tumors
- Ectopic Pregnancies
- Links with certain cancers such as cervical cancer
- Blood clots in legs, lungs, heart and brain
- Jaundice
This is why I am sharing my experience with you, I tend to keep certain aspects of my life private and to me this is something that is humbling and a moment where I was very vulnerable and powerless.
I do it not for pity nor to indulge the curious. Certainly not to satisfy the cruel.
These are moments that are chosen to be shared with loved ones and those close to you because quite frankly it is a private matter.
Even your employer, by-law has no right to ask you the why/what or how if it isn’t work-related and if there is an inquiry it should be done in a private manner.
Sometimes these circumstances and illnesses are better understood when they are suffered either directly or through a family member.
Then and only then is when there is clarity.
But, I’m choosing to share this with you my readers and the public because I want you to reanalyze your birth control choice.
For Awareness
In so that you do not make the mistake I did and fail to research the form of birth control I chose. It’s easy to just take your physician’s advice because heck, that’s what we are supposed to do.
But, I urge you to take a step beyond that and investigate the risks whenever you choose to start a new drug.
I for one have immediately discontinued the use of birth control, which I had only started with the purpose to control my monthly cycles. I loathe taking anything unnatural unless I have to and I should have been more vigilant and informed.
But, Nuvaring had the responsibility to let me know the higher risks of this form of birth control harbored. I had restarted this form of BC for the first time after years of not using it.
I just thought, even after reading “may cause blood clots” that it would NEVER happen to me.
But, after this extremely painful experience, the risks far outweigh the benefits for me. I’m fairly active, I eat well, I don’t smoke and I am under 30. The risk of blood clots is relatively small for someone like me.
They didn’t allow me any narcotic pain relief because it could slow my already labored breathing.
Daily trips to the hospital, daily blood work, being on powerful drugs for months (ones that also carry their own risks) and injections in my stomach are NOT worth it.
Not to mention that because of this blood clot, I may always be susceptible to them and may have these problems for the rest of my life.
Only Time Will Tell
So, with time and medication, I am on the mend, I hope, and praying to get back into my old routine again. One day at a time. For now, it’s plain rest and avoiding over-exertion to begin my journey back to 100%.
I’m also noticing that intense conversations take a lot out of me, and singing has definitely been off-limits since I was diagnosed with this. I miss it but, you better believe I’ll be back at it very soon.
By no means am I trying to discourage the use of birth control or argue your position about them. Whether you take them or not, that is always your personal choice.
The large majority never experience side effects and it works quite well for them. I do advise you to think twice about using Nuvaring in particular, there have been a very large amount of issues with this form and I strongly do advise against it.
Friends, be informed. Get second and third opinions, read reviews, claims and complaints and make sure there is enough information and data available to make you feel comfortable with a product’s safety.
They say that a man who has health, has hope and a man who has hope has everything.
But, you know what?
I may not be at 100% health right now, but I sure have hope. I’ve made it through the toughest part, and now I’m on the road to recovery. I’m incredibly grateful to still be here, enjoying time with my family and watching the girls grow.
Be safe.
Thank-you all for your kinds words, I truly do appreciate them.
Til then, cheers m’deres.
Disclaimer: All the medical information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for any medical advice or treatment for any specific medical condition. I am merely sharing my experience in hopes that you take a little perspective away with it. Always seek a professional’s help if you need it.
Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
WOW- thanks for getting the word out! I am not on any birth control -the man had the BigV- but i can totally appreciate the whole 'that won't happen to me' risk mentality. (All the symptoms you described were exactly like when i broke my ribs in April! Ouch! )
Glad you are feeling better–
It was definitely a moment when I was in shock and couldn't believe it happened. All medications carry risks, it's better to investigate as much as we can. Hubby is definitely getting the Big V. 🙂
Wow, what an experience! I do know that most birth controls talk about those risks, especially if you smoke but hardly anyone seems to know of anyone who it's happen to. Back in 1999 I went on the Depo shot and my hair fell out, I was completely bald (and in the midst of planning my wedding) and my doctor had no idea it was on the side effects list until she looked… a 1 in 1,500,000 chance.
So glad you are ok, on the mend and slowly making your way back to normal life!
OMG. That is awful, those odds are crazy and it still happened. Thank-you so much for your kind thoughts. I'm feeling better just this last month.
quite the journey baby! Thank Jehovah that your ok! I love you and always be there for u!
Thanks babe, for your support love and care all these months.
Oh my gosh! I had thought about using the ring but had heard about the blood clots and it scared me. Looks like I was right to stay away. How can this still be on the shelves with this many problems and even deaths? Every medication has possible side effects and some can be serious but they are supposed to be rare.
Thanks for sharing, I stumbled the post. I'm so glad you went to the ER and got diagnosed. I can't imagine going through what you have to go through (shots in the tummy?!?!?) I'm keeping you in my thoughts for a good recovery.
I've never heard about blood clots specifically about the ring, I even asked my doctor if it was safe and of course she said, yes the risks are very rare and small. I wish I had, I wouldn't have used it. But, alas, it's happened. Unfortunately, I think companies like this run the lines very closely and do what they need to do to avoid repercussions. They do have warnings but they aren't specific, I guess the outcome of the lawsuits are still to be seen.
Thanks for sharing, I know that people may not think about this much. But, it DOES happen and the severity of untreated embolisms can be fatal. It's a scary thing.
Thank-you so much for your thoughts and kind words, the injections in the stomach suck and really hurt too! They leave nasty, deep purple bruises too. Hopefully I'll be done with them soon!
Oh my Nancy…I had no idea. That is so facking scary. I'm so glad that you are ok. So so so glad.
xoxox
Thanks Kim, it is pretty scary. I'm very lucky to be here. Thanks so much love! ((HUGS))
Oh my gosh Nancy I feel so bad I'm just learning of this now! Awesome post to spread the word! I'm so glad it's turned out this way & that you've had such a great support system!
The pill in any shape or form has always caused me concern. When we decided we were done have kids my husband went right to the doc to get the big V! It's tough though when you haven't made that decision yet!
Wishing you a more speedy recovery! Xx
Thanks Kelly, it's been an eye-opening experience and something I definitely want to raise awareness in. Thanks for sharing the post and I'm sorry to hear of your friend's loss.
I just re-read this post and it is still so terrifying. I also thought I commented but I guess I read it forgot too. I am so glad you caught this in time and I hope more women become aware of the dangers of certain birth control options.
That is the very reason why I wrote this, it's to raise awareness. It's a scary thing, people just drop dead with pulmonary emboli. I am very grateful to be here, I don't want anyone else to ever have to go thru this unknowingly. Whether it makes a difference or not, if it sparks a thought–I'm happy.
Great awareness post – EVERY drug has complications, they may be rare but they do happen
Thanks Kate, so very, very true. 🙂
Very scary! Glad you are okay now. I need to pass this post on to a friend. Thanks
Thanks so much Kim, thanks for passing it on! The more people who know the better! 🙂
wow- what a scary experience!! 🙁
Very! 🙁
Hi, I had googled nuvaring deaths after asking my friend what she thought about nuva ring (she had told me to google nuvaring and lawsuits; she had by accidentally thought i was talking about yaz). Fortunately it led me to read about all these problems anyway. I haven't been able to have a regular period and all other BCP seriously affect me so that i am not able to take them. My vulvar specialist recommended this as the safest option for me since if I have any side effects, I can take it out right away. After reading all these complaints from women and about deaths, I am definitely reconsidering taking this. Although it's dangerous for me to not have my period, I don't think it's worth PE or any other complication. I hope you feel better and continue on to better health with each day.
Sincerely,
S
Hi there Summer, I think it's a great thing that you Googled this and found me. Though I can't give you any medical advice, I think it's great that you are looking at your options and weighing out your risks. PE is a fatal condition if not caught on time and sometimes, sufferers don't get that chance. They just spontaneously pass away. It's a very painful, physically and largely emotionally taxing ordeal. And a long rehabilitation. Your health is important and I commend you for seeking information. Thank-you so much for your kind words, if there is anything I can do for you or direct you to. I'd love to. Thanks for stopping by.
Wow!!! So super scary! I began suffering from migraines shortly after I got married. My doc at the time ordered me off of any and all hormonal birth control since apparently migraines and bc can cause stroke. Since blood clots also run in my family, that's a risk as well. I'm so glad that they caught this for you!