DVT worries

Hi all....first of all let me say thanks for this website...its awesome. I have been reading all I can since my TAH with Burch on 7-11-07. About a year ago I developed a DVT due to birth control pills which I was on to try and help my uterus problems. Needless to say....I was taken off and told never to go on again. Within a few months my uterus was back to its old tricks and I was told I would need a hysterectomy. I was unable to try other things...or do vag hyst due to my cervix not cooperating....it wont dialiate, wouldnt when I had my kids, still wont. So....I had the surgery. My Dr had told me I would start HRT before I left the hospital. He then changed his mind...saying he was worried about the blood clot risk...and wanted me to be on my feet again first. Well...Im either going nuts....or....I am already in need of HRT. My moods have been very unlike me. I have been crying lots, and I am having hot flashes several times a night. I am wondering if anyone out there has had any problems with blood clots after starting HRT??? Please share..as I am going to tell my Dr I dont think I want to wait this out any longer. I am also worried about so many posts I read about problems with bladder after hysterectomy.....and bladder surgery. Does anyone know what the research shows about how many ladies have issues after this. I feel rather dumb for asking now that I have alredy done this. I have to say, this was the first surgery I didnt over research....and probably should have!

Anyone who has experienced a deep vein thrombosis should be extremely cautious about taking estrogen in any form. Do you have a hematologist? Have you been tested to try to find out exactly what caused your DVT? I ask because after my DVT my hematologist performed blood tests which revealed that I had a genetic predisposition to blood clots (Factor V Leiden) which means that I can never take HRT.

Several SSRI drugs, such as Prozac, Paxil and Effexor can help decrease the severity and intensity of hot flashes. They aren't as effective as estrogen but may help to ease your symptoms. It's worth asking your doctor about. I took Effexor for several years and it helped.

Why not call your doctor and discuss taking one of the SSRI antidepressants. You might be able to ease your symptoms without risking another blood clot.

Thanks for your reply Catherine! When I got my blood clot...My family Dr said she thought it was due to a car trip I had taken. I still to this day dont think so as we got out at least once an hour and walked. I also have Lupus, My lupus Dr told me she thinks it had nothing to do with a car ride but I have a blood disorder that causes clotting....she says this is why I was having trouble with my uterus and problems with pregnancy as well. I dont have a hemotologist....my Lupus Dr is pretty much the Dr that studies my blood work. I think I will call her tomorrow and see if she has run that test.....and find out what she is using as her basis saying I have a blood clotting disorder.

Lots to think about here....My Gyno says he has no worries about starting me on HRT....with the exception of waiting until I am up and around before starting me.

Thanks for your information, gives me some place to start with my Drs.

Kim

Hi Kim,
2 years ago I had dvts in both legs and embolism in both of my lungs. My only risk factor was a low dose of b/c to help with migraine headaches. I have a blood disorder called protein s deficient. I form clots very easly.

I have taken Effexor[an antidepressant] for many years. My Dr encouraged me to increase the dose to help with mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats. It really does work. I missed a dose and I had a terrible time with body temperature. Ask your DR it really does work.

Thanks so much Laura, I will ask the Dr today about this. I am also worried about sex drive. Can you still have it without HRT? So far mine is actually rammped way up 3 weeks post op...but it sounds like that is normal then will crash in a few weeks. Anyone have any exprience with still having a great sex drive and not being on HRT????

Thanks so much....and sorry to be so blunt!
Kim

I don't know any more about sex drive than you do. Since my surgery I have had none. I go for my 6 week check tomorrow. I will try to ask him. He is kind of hard to talk to and get a complete answer. So whatever you find out let me know.