Advice please......

[Lynseysg]

HI all

I currently live in singapore - and we have decided that i will come off the pill in September (ive been on it for over 15 years!!)

When i mentioned this to the dr earlier this year (i was there for a repeat presc) she tried to sell me a pre-marital check up (that costs a lot of money!) and said you need to plan 12 months in advance. I had a full medical before i came out here, and so decided to follow what i would do if i had been at home, which would be to go to the doctors a month or so before coming off the pill for advice.

I have learnt living out here that whilst the medical care is excellent - they will give you anything and try to sell you all sorts!

I live out here with my partner and so have little support around me - other than talking to my sister about this, ive not discussed with any one as i want to keep it private....however this does mean i do lack support in some respects.

I was just wondering if a month or so before is right to go get advice and find out about vitamins etc???

Any advice would be much appreciated
Lyns
x

 

[armymommy]

A month ahead of time sounds good to me. I commend you for going to the doctor first, definitely a good choice. I would ask about prenatal vitamins and lifestyle changes, but remember to balance necessary vs. what the doc just wants to sell you. Sorry I can't offer more help. -Good luck-

PS. I am in the same boat. My husband and I live in Germany and we are keeping this private as well. I understand how hard it can be with no one to go to for support. That's why this website is so great.

 

[Lynseysg]

Thank you - your right - i think this website is going to help me a lot - its nice to know your not stupid! And that people are in the same boat!!

 

[jodied]

I just spoke to the nurse at the family planning clinic before coming off my pill. She said there were two things that you should do:
1) Start taking folic acid supplements
2) Have a blood test to make sure that you are immunised against ruebella
In addition to that really the rest is just lifestyle stuff...eat healthily, limit your alcohol intake, don't smoke etc...
Hope that helps x

 

[Lynseysg]

That does really help thank you!

I'm pretty confident I'm doing the right thing then just going the month before to advice the dr of our plans. How soon do u start to take folic acid, can I buy it at a pharmacy?

Thank you
lyns
x

 

[jodied]

You can start taking folic acid as soon as you come off the pill and should be taking it whilst ttc and then for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Yes you can buy it at a pharmacy - you need the 400mg tablets x

 

[Lynseysg]

thank you
x

 

[Geminiblue]

I just wanted to say hi and good luck and Jodie,.... hey spot on advice xxx

 

[Lynseysg]

Hello and thank you!!!! X

 

[jodied]

I just wanted to say hi and good luck and Jodie,.... hey spot on advice xxx

Thanks