When I was 20 years old I had an accident and fell down 3 steps. I went to the hospital because I was having significant back pain, but they said it was only bruising. The next morning I was still in bed and the phone was ringing. When trying to get up I screamed because I was in so much pain. Guess who was on the phone. The hospital! It turns out that upon further evaluation of my x-rays they discovered that I had a T-12 compression fracture! I was told to make an appointment with an orthopedic as soon as possible. I had to call multiple people and most told me it would be at least a month before I could be seen (I guess a fractured back isn't too big of a deal to them). After finally finding a doctor who could squeeze me in I was informed that this was "an old person fracture." Apparently compression fractures are usually only seen in the elderly who have osteoporosis. I was only 20 years old!
Later I was informed that you should only take Depo Provera for 2 consecutive years (I had been on it for over 5 years) and that you should take a calcium supplement while using it. My local health department never informed me of this information! I have since spoken to friends who are currently taking Depo Provera who have also not been made aware of this. I understand that there is a need for birth control, but I firmly believe that each person is entitled make an informed decision. There is no way that you can make an informed decision if you are not given the information.
In short due to not being told important facts regarding this medication I missed months of work. I also had to wear a back brace for quite awhile. I was in a significant amount of pain. The worse part about it all is that it all could have been prevented if I had been taking a calcium supplement!
This post is not anti-Depo. I see no problem with using Depo-Provera and think that with all the facts it can be a wonderful medication. For more information please see their website. This information is posted on their website, but I know that many people do not take the time to read this information.
If you or someone you know is on Depo-Provera please make sure that you take a calcium supplement on a regular basis. If you have been on Depo-Provera for an extended period of time without using a calcium supplement you may want to consider a bone density test.
To leave on a good note. . .
I was able to turn a terrible situation into a beneficial one. Since I was unable to work I decided to return to school. I continued going to school after returning to work and graduated with an Associates in Applied Science 5 years later! I am now a registered nurse and I suppose in some weird way the above situation helped me get there!
3 comments:
I read with interest as I have a back injury that prevents me from working. I am glad to hear that there is a happy outcome from the whole situation.
Wow, that is very interesting, Depo is being reccomended for my daughter who has cerebral palsy to use as a period stopper. I am glad to get the calcium information to go with it.
Ok, I confess that I am out of the loop on this medication but hearing you talk about your experience with it is good. Thanks for sharing. Those who need the encouragement/advice will find you when they need it! This is awesome.
Post a Comment