Birth Control and High Blood Pressure?

[choirgirl]

I recently was put on ortho-tri-cyclene for my ovarian cyst and the fact that I don't stop bleeding.  I have been on it two weeks and I have been having "episodes" of high blood pressure, constricted breathing, and chest pain.  The doctors did a full scan for pulmonary embollisms, and suspect my birth control pills are the culprit.  Anyone else?  My cyst and ovaries seem to really ache and I haven't been hungry for two weeks now.  Thanks for any advice!

[choirgirl]

I don't smoke, so that is in my favor.  I decided not to take them anymore.  I figured that I had gone this long "waiting and seeing" on my cyst (4 cm) and a little while longer wasn't going to make any difference.  Certainly, the birth control pills have been doing more damage than good right now.  I have been off them for two days and already am starting to feel a bit better.  My bleeding is increased (as should be expected) and I think the cyst may have burst.  I have tons of pain on one side and a great amount of bleeding too.  I have a call in to the OB and I have an appointment with my regular doctor on Tuesday as he has been tracking me too.  Without the pills, I didn't have any chest episodes today.

I am at the point where I just want to take the darn ovary out!  I am sick and tired of it hurting and causing me grief all the time.   Thanks for your reply!

[MarieMichele]

I have no advice to give other than to continue seeking answers from your doctor.  It may be that you are a poor candidate for birth control pills and at risk for their most serious side effects (potentially life threatening side effects).  You do not smoke, I hope?  Smoking while on these pills is a big no-no.

What type of cyst and size?  If pills are not the answer then there is either "watch and wait" for your body to naturally reabsorb them or sugical removal.  Much depends on size and type and how they are making you feel.