Birth Control Pill for Cysts

[lynn2011]

I was 14 years old when I was put on birth control pills (trivora tab) for a 7cm cyst that I had on my right ovary. I am 22 now and I have been on birth control pills ever since except for 6 months out of these 7 years. I was kept on them because when I was taken off at the age of 18 for 6 months, I immediately got another cyst.

I am posting here because I am extremely worried about blood clots. I sometimes feel pains in my legs and arms and automatically think I have a blood clot. The pain starts off sharp then its dull. What are the risk factors for me developing this condition? I have no varicose veins, not a smoker, 5'2-149 pounds, I excercise. I am scared and I know that even though I'm healthy just being on the birth control pill can cause blood clots.

Should I go to the doctor and tell them to check me? I don't want them to think I'm crazy. What are the symptoms for blood clots and should I be worried?

[lynn2011]

Ok, so I was very worried and I went to the RN Health Provider at our University until I can get with my ob/gyn next week. I told her how concerned I was because I have been on the birth control pill for so long and I also told her about the concerns I had for getting off the pill and developing a cyst.
She first told me the symptoms of a blood clot: hot leg, swelling, and pain. She explained that I have to be at high risk for developing clots and that sometimes it even runs in family history. I'm not a smoker, or a drinker. My only risk is the birth control pill. You also have to be immobile for a while. She felt my leg for a while. She highly assured that she believes it is not a blood clot. She did do an executive profile for blood work this morning though to check my CBC's (or so she called them), and many other things  but mainly to see if I have a clotting disorder. She suggested I stay on the pill. Someday I do want to have children and the 7cm cyst I had when I was 14 scarred my felopian tube on my right ovary so I have to take care of my left one so that I may have children someday. I felt so assured and rested when she did blood work, I get the results tomorrow and next week I have an appointment first thing on tuesday! I am so thankful for your advice and I'm glad you are doing well.

[Imust350]

My family and I were on vacation actually.  I had just got over having the flu, which I thought took forever to get over, now I know why.  So I was immobile for several days because of being sick.  Once I was moving, the circulation started flowing and the clots I didn't even know I had in my leg started moving.  With the flu, your hot and sore all over, so a leg that was feverish, didn't register with me.  Got to our vacation place and was walking around and felt like I couldn't breath.  It was cold outside, I have asthma, and thought okay I am just having asthma related issues here, so used my enhaler.  It helped for a few minutes, then I couldn't breath again.  At that time there wasn't any pain, just tightness in my chest.  I called my mom, explained the symptoms, we were convinced maybe I had pnuemonia.  Left trip early, on way home, the pain hit.  Smack dab in center of chest and my back.  I don't know what a heart attack feels like but I HURT.  We headed straight to my doctor.  She checked my lungs for pnuemonia, none present, than she checked my oxygen and it was low.  And the more I talked or moved, the lower it became, she instantly suspected a blood clot and I was transfered to the hospital, where they had to do a oxygen test, and a CT scan and found not one but 16 in lung, one stuck in pulmonary artery, several in leg.  I was in hospital for 10 days, 4 of which spent in the cardiac care unit, and no one thought I would survive.  I never take this lightly anymore.  I was on coumadin and other blood thinners for a year.  So my personal opinion it is never a bad thing to be concerned about the pill and the consequences of it.  If you feel that you have one and are worried, your local hospital can check you for one with the CT scan and a test on your legs.  Next Tuesday seems a little far off with something that can travel as quickly as mine did.

[lynn2011]

Thank you so much for the advice! I called my doctor she said to immediately stop taking the pill for a week and I have an appointment next tuesday! I don't know what is worse...the risk of developing the conditions birth control pills can cause or developing another cyst and needing surgery. Can you explain how you found out you had these clots in your legs and lungs and the symptoms you felt?

[Imust350]

I was on birth control pills for a year and developed blood clots.  I think that it is never a bad thing to check if in doubt.  I would check to see if there is any family history of blood clots in your family.  There was in mine.  They say that the risk is low in developing blood clots, however I got sixteen in my right lung and 8 in my left leg.  So I am not sure I go with the whole low risk thing anymore.  If your leg feels warm, is read and swollen I wouldn't hesitate to get to the doctor.  If it stays just in the leg and doesn't travel you are more safe, but once it moves, your life could be in jeapordy.  Personally I would rather be told no you don't have a blood clot and pay a little money than to find myself in the hospital for 10 days, wondering if I am going to live.  Having been there, done that, go and get yourself checked out.

[MarieMichele]

I do not know blood clot symptoms. I do know that during the time I was on the pill I worked myself up worrying about things like that, I gave myself symptoms. You are a young non-smoker, both in your favor. I am sure there are sites that cover the symptoms of blood clots if you Google it. I do not think you are crazy to ask your doctor or to get yourself checked. If it ends the worry, it is well worth it.