Calling all the ladies who have ESRD and are on HEMO!!!

[tbarrett2533]

***** Post contains very personal information****

I need some help regarding "women issue's"  I started in-center Hemo in September 2010 and since then my periods have been very irregular (they always were, but since starting Hemo I will sometimes go months without a period)

This past January I started to have pain during sex (like period cramps) that went on for about 3 weeks (it felt like I was going to my period, yet it never came)  I also had just a little bit of blood after sex during this time, but nothing that appeared to be to alarming or where it required any protection (such as a pantyliner)
The pain continued and I found myself taking Tylenol every 4 hours so I called my PCP, they did a pap-smear (and found nothing) the pain went away after I got my period which only lasted for 3 days (pre- ESRD my periods lasted 7 days)

Then No period for the months of March or April then the same pain all over again, (for about 3 weeks)  so without hesitation I called my PCP and got a referral for an OBGYN.  I went in they did a pap-smear and a Ultrasound of my ovaries and found NOTHING again.. then I got my period which lasted for only 1 day this time immediately following my period the pain went away

So here is what I want to know is there anyone out there that this has happened to? If so will it go away? (and yes I am aware that my period will stop all together) What causes this?  And what should I be doing that I am not?

Any and all feedback will be greatly appreciated

PS…… PD cath is going in this Friday!!!

Thanks girls

[natnnnat]

Endometriosis?  I guess an OBGYN would have considered endo, but it doesn't show up with pap smears or ultrasounds. 

[lmunchkin]

Many Moons ago, when I had those issues, I had the opposite!  My flow was heavy and alot and very frequent!  Obgyn, did a paps and came back possitive for early stage of Endometriosis.  Was admitted to Hospital and they performed an Edometrial Ablasion.  My periods were very slight for awhile to over about 6 months, no more periods at all!

Not really sure about your situation, but if you have signs of Endo, get the abasion!  Outside of husband, it was a "Brilliant Decision" on my part!  Don't think that they can do that, unless there are signs of Endo.  Of course that was long ago, things may have changed since then!  Hope this helps, TB!!

lmunchkin     

p.s.  And I do not have ESRD so it may be different for you, Im sure!

[WishIKnew]

I've only been on hemo a month but have experienced pain and a little bleeding after sex twice.  NEVER had anything like this when on PD for 3 and a half years.  Is this Hemo related?  Should I be worried?

[Rerun]

Your periods should not stop all together unless you are close to 50!  Hemo patients use to stop their periods before the invention of Epogen.  Now our blood count is high enough to naturally throw our bodies into periods.  Are you at the age where you may want children when you get a transplant?  If not go get the ablation.  I'm on Nora BE a pill that stops my periods altogether. 

The pain is not right.  If you are married I guess you may have to endure.  If you are not married tell him NO.

 

[rsudock]

I have had the exact same issues as well. I am 27 years old. I was on D for a total of 11 months and after 3 months I stopped having periods altogether. Part of the reason is b/c my weight was very low. 112 pounds, plus with the anemia my body just shut down that process. D is traumatic to the body so it shuts down any process that are not vital to your existence.

Anyway I went to the ob/gyn and my pap was normal and ovaries were fine, but I was having painful intercourse. The only thing my doc said was, "use lube." (Really heart felt huh?)

Anyway my next step was going to get hormone replacement therapy. when your estrogen and testosterone is off it can cause you to have painful sex and low libido. I would go to an endocrinologist and get your hormones looked at.

Now that I have a transplant I am going to wait until the end of the summer to see if my periods come back and if sex is pleasurable again. If I don't see any improvements I will be getting my hormones checked out.

It is really frustrating that women on dialysis, don't have docs that are knowledgeable about are sexual health. It is like this taboo thing that no one talks about. Just b/c I am on D, doesn't mean I don't want to feel pleasure or have sex any longer!!!!

I hope this helps a little!

xo,
R