Stress Center Peer Support

I'm just too excited. I've always had a major phobia of medications. I haven't been able to take antidepressants or even Xanax for more than a few days.

My doctor suggested I try birth control pills for my PMS. I had a panic attack within minutes of taking the first dose and almost made myself throw up. LOL

But, I made it past the first few days and realized it wasn't going to kill me. Plus, I feel happier. I'm 42 (almost) and I know my estrogen is getting low.

The only thing is suddenly I started having stomach problems. . .not sure if it's from the BCP or nerves. So off to the doctor I went today and they gave me something for reflus. Which, I took and didn't even freak myself out about it.

This gives me hope that some day I will be able to take medications as I need them. I know I'm sensitive to medications, so I'll never take it lightly, but it's nice to be able to take something if I need to.

I know I'm senstive to any psych meds and also cold meds. . . but there may be other things that I can actually take if I need to. It's funny how many bizarre side effects you can find online if you want to really freak yourself out. Even with Aciphex people posted on this one message board with all sorts of crazy reactions. Not one of them said they had no side effects, but my husband always reminds me people don't post when things work!

Anyway I'm just proud of myself for pushing through. I've been on the pill a week now.

WTG girl... U should be proud.... this is huge for u. And yeah all of these forums and stuff dont rarely put up the "good" stuff. It is sad. Cause u read all of the bad stuff and it freaks us out totally. Keep up the good work. And Brag anytime about the good stuff. IT Sure is nice to hear....
TC Monica

Thanks. I just have to keep it up. I looked at a "side effects" web site today about the Aciphex. Actually it was good and bad. Bad because it's scary. Good, because I realize that people bring up crazy side effects no matter what they're taking, and I'm guessing 9/10 times it wasn't even the prescription that caused it!

you are always allowed to brag about yourself it gives all of us hope and thats something we desperately need i am really proud of you keep going forward

Congratulations!

We need positive reinforcement and you deserve it!

Today and yesterday trying to reinforce I have gone to this web site that talks about side effects that I usually use to scare myself. I have typed in some really benign medications like the Synthroid I used to take and realized that some of the side effects people put in there. . . are questionable. I mean, how do you know if the medication REALLY caused them?

It's like my acid reflux. It started after I started the pill, however, i was also scared at first to take it and looking back I've had these symptoms before. If I'd stopped right away I would have probably told everyone it was the birth control.

And I wonder what the percentage of people that go there to say "no side effects" vs the ones that give "horror stories" are.

It will be good to not be so afraid of this anymore.

The other thing I have sort of a phobia of is coffee. But I think I'll just still stay away from that Caffeine isn't good for me!

I actually won't even drink the decaf at work unless I have either made or seen someone else make it. It's not worth several hours of being uncomfortable.

YES! Please do! SO many of us need to hope and encouragement and to know someone is getting through!

thanks.

Ironically, now I'm not sure I'm going to keep taking it. I'm not afraid of it any more per-se, but I am having such problems with my stomach that unless it helps my PMS a LOT, and unless the reflux goes away, it's just not worth it.

But, I'm still proud of myself and now I'm considering trying vitamins for it. I was afraid to do that in the past. Now I know that I can get through a day or a few days if something gives me a bad reaction. It's not the end of the world.

Hi Faith,

Congrats on all you have overcome!!

I just wanted to also add that I suffered terribly with acid reflux for years, had a ct scan and my stomach was scoped which showed sores. i was put on an acid pumper reducer med which seemed to help for a while then I was getting worse heartburn and it became sooo bad I was drinking maolox, pepto, dioval, eating rolaids constantly and suffering every hour of the night and day. I had started taking a combo pill of calcium/magnesium and zinc for other reasons ( sleep ) and after the first few days of taking it I have been completely free of heartburn and reflux. I also sleep very well. I had not been free of stomach issues for years until now. Just wanted to let you know it may work like a charm for you also.

Good Luck and keep up the great work.

I just bought a Cal/mag/zinc recently and haven't tried it. I just might do that!

I hear if you take it at night it does help. I wonder if it's OK to take with birth control pills (like at the same time)