October 6th
2009
11:56 PM
My story is long and somewhat depressing. I have had horrible periods my entire life. I have tried birth control pills which caused migraines. I have tried birth control shots which caused 6 months of non-stop bleeding and endometriosis. Finally, I am told that I should try Mirena. I was hoping this would be the answer but it has been just another problem. I have had cysts every single month since insertion. The cyst always develops on the side that is ovulating and then ruptures a couple of days before the period begins (yes I still have periods). Sometimes cysts develop between ovulation and rupture quickly as well. Then the first couple of days of the period are hell because of horrible cramping pain. Yes, the bleeding during the period is lighter, but the periods are lasting anywhere from 9 to 12 days. I have been on prescription pain medication for this now for 6 months. I have no sex life because the pain is there every day. My hair is falling out and I am on the verge of tears all the time. I can not continue like this and have an appointment set up for later this month to beg the doctor to perform an ablation or simply give me the hysterectomy that I have been asking for over the last 15 years. My children are grown and I have no plans to have any more. Why do I need to endure this hell?
-- By mother04 | Reply | Private Message me
September 21th
2009
1:51 PM
All I can say is shortness of breath, pulmonary embolisms and DVT's almost did me in 3 years ago. A week in CCU and a year or more on Coumadin. After a year I needed a blood transfusion because of an iron deficiency. Finally had endometrial ablation procedure and all is well. No periods or side effects. Completely off of meds and after 3 1/2 years I will be finished paying off all of my hospital bills in two more months!
-- By waterbug | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 13th
2009
10:35 PM
Hi, I am 51 years old and 10 days ago had a Mirena fitted as I have been having very heavy period bleeding for the 3 months. I was tossing up between an ablation (burning of the uterus lining) or having the Mirena. As my Aunt was thrilled with her Mirena I thought it would be a safe choice and it wouldn't be as traumatic on the body. I have had continual lower back and pelvic pain. I was quite scared last Friday that I rang the Specialist. I spoke to the nurse as the Doctor was away and she arranged a Pelvic Ultrasound. The technician told me that the Mirena was in the right place and everything seemed fine but every time they were scanning my left side I was in terrible pain. I haven't heard from the Specialist yet (will ring them shortly). The back/pelvic pain is so sharp at times that I can't move. I've just rang the Specialist and will see them tomorrow morning, fingers crossed this can be sorted out.
-- By stressed2themax | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 14th
2009
5:25 AM
Muscle /joint pain, Chest pain, vivid nightmares, have had an ablation to cure high speed heart rhythm.
Stopped taking Omeprazole as I was having excessive pain though the arthritic swelling was almost zero.
Now feel MUCH! better
N. K.
Wiltshire
April 10th
2009
4:40 PM
I have been taking Levoxyl for approx. 5 years following having a total ablation of my thyroid due to follicular thyroid cancer. I am constantly tired, have joint pain, trouble sleeping and continue to experience weight gain. The doctor continues to tell me this is not from the medicine and to improve my diet. My vision has also gotten terrible over the past two years. Has anyone else experienced this and do you know of anything that helps?
-- By doverland | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 4th
2009
8:39 PM
I got the Mirena in August 2008 after having our second child. We thought it was a great idea b/c I wasn't ready for my husband to have a vasectomy in case we ever did change our mind about having more children. Although, we definitely have decided that we won't have anymore. Anyways, I have had spotting ever since and the three months of spotting is a joke because it has been way longer than that! The last two days I have had SEVERE lower back pain through the tops of my legs aching. Reminded me of having back labor it was so terrible. I couldn't sleep at night good because it was awful. I called my doc today and I am having it removed tomorrow. Can't wait!!!! I just wished I had read this website before I had decided on Mirena. And the comment I read about the hurt you experience having it inserted is the darn truth! If I had knew that I wouldn't have gotten it either. Besides that, my doc had to clamp my cervix while trying to insert it...so needless to say it was horrible!!!!!!!
-- By ljb | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 4th
2009
5:56 AM
I had the Mirena fitted in January, after a termination. I have 2 children, Iw as very sick during both pregnancies. Doctor refused to refer me to be sterilized, supposedly at 35 I am too young!!!?? After recovering from the termination I felt great! Loads of energy, great sense of relief....able to get on & move on!
BUT In recent weeks I have noticed
weight gain
bloating
headaches
tired
restless
hot
am experiencing terrible sweats at night, waking up wet!
I am told I am very moody too.
Do feel a bit despondent.
These last few days I have also noticed that I am short of breath! I saw my dr who sent me for a chest xray, which was clear. He said that anxiety is a common reason.
I have NEVER had reason to feel anxious! Have no idea why I do...
So I started doing some reading & I am shocked to see that all of the above & more could be caused by the mirena!
I will be getting this removed as soon as possible! Hubby will have to have the snip!
-- By melibec | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
February 3th
2009
10:46 PM
Hi Everyone,
My experience with Mirena is still causing me distress, and I had it taken out on 9/1/08. I've been Mirena free for 5 months now, and still waiting for my hair to grow back. I do see some small, short hairs around my hairline, and I'm hoping that it's growing back, but maybe it's breakage? Any thoughts?
Here's my story: I have always had very heavy periods, so after one botched ablation two years ago, my doctor suggested Mirena. I had it placed in June, 2008. Almost exactly 3 months later, I figured out why my hair was falling out. Every time I brushed my teeth, I noticed how thin my hair had suddenly become. You could see each individual hair from the front of my hairline backward about 2 inches - each individual hair surrounded by lots of space! There was hair loss at the temples as well. I had my thyroid checked first, because my mother has a thyroid problem. My bloodwork was fine. I thought maybe my last highlight/foil might have caused it...but it was not breakage, it was an all-over thinning out. I finally realized that the only thing different was the Mirena, so I insisted it come out immediately. My doctor told me that at 45, I should expect thinning hair, which was probably the cause, not the Mirena. I told him to JUST GET IT OUT!
I really wish I had researched the matter beforehand, but am thankful that I put two-and-two together in a matter of months.
If anyone else has experienced hair loss, please post. We have to get the word out!
January 30th
2009
8:15 PM
I am a 37 year old Mom of 4 children. All were c-section babies. I had my tubes tied after the 4th child. She is now 2 years old. I went in to my OB/GYN complaining of uncontrollable bleeding and crazy heavy periods that lasted up to 14 days and left me feeling fatigued and miserable. I was given an extensive ultrasound. No abnormalities seen except for an elongated uterus. I was not a candidate for ablation, and they felt I was too "young" to consider a partial hysterectomy. So they pushed the MIRENA. I asked a million questions. I was only told how wonderful it is and that I should respond well to MIRENA. I used a contraceptive patch for my wedding and honeymoon, so that I wouldn't have my awful period through it. Then a week after the honeymoon was drug free. Then I had MIRENA inserted in surgery under anesthesia after a dnc. I bled for a month and a week straight. Then it slowed and stopped. I still had 10 day cycles for 5 months, not as heavy as before but not the light ones I read about either. This month I only had a three day cycle. As for all the symptoms, I truly thought it was stress... as I run my own business have a new husband and 4 children and am in a nasty custody battle over my first three kids with the ex husband. I've never experianced acne breakouts until MIRENA, I am so exhausted and never feel rested when I scrape myself off the mattress, and I have breakthrough bleeding after every time we have intercourse. I feel like I have pms daily and have been dieting with no results. I even went to my GP and tried a prescription weight loss drug to boost my weight watcher's efforts. I no longer have insurance to cover having it out, and can't afford the hysterectomy I actually need. I feel relieved that I am not the only one, but trapped by a doctor who should have listened to me when I told her I don't do well on hormone drugs and that I really just don't need my poor scarred and tired uterus any more.
Thanks for sharing.
November 28th
2008
4:22 PM
I have been on Toprol XL for 8 years. I began taking it when I was 19 after a "attack" where my heart rate was close to 200 bpm for a couple of hours. I was put on Toprol 50 mg for my SVT. This appeared to help but in the beginning I definitely had a slight difficulty with breathing which was exacerbated by stress. It took me a couple of months to get use to the drug especially since my heart rate didn't necessary adapt to the drug right away. I have been trying for a while to get off the medication without the ablation surgery. My cardiologist(s) never thought I should have the procedure since I was so young. It has been a challenge to get off the medication because my heart rate is so high. I was told that my body is so use to the medication that I need to ween myself off. I went down to 25mg for the last year and just in the last week went off of it completely. While I can feel my heart rate (very rarely) every once and a while, it's not enough to get me to go back on the meds. The one side effect that I have had that my doctors have told me about is stomach trouble. Toprol can weaken the muscles in the esophagus (the flap) and cause pain/burning/nausea. My doctors are not 100% certain that this is what is causing my stomach issues but they feel that my prolonged use of the drug has lead to a weakening of my muscle.
-- By mmmccabe | Reply | Private Message me
November 19th
2008
12:43 PM
forget it! don't let it pass your lips! i am 38yrs old and going through a very stressful time in my life. my periods have always been regular and short. a couple of months ago i started experiencing 2 periods per month with the most recent one lasting 20 days. ugh! gross! my doc put me on this pill to regulate and stop the bleeding. started taking it right away and my period stopped almost immediately. a few days later i would start again with heavy bleeding that would last for about 6 hours and then be completely gone. a few days later, the same thing. this went on for 3 weeks. now i have started a full blown period and have another week and half until my brown pills. as mentioned i am going through a very stressful time in my life, but i am not a person to suffer from depression or be emotional. i always see the silver lining and can make the most of any situation. i eat healthy, i take care of myself. my sex drive has always been through the roof. i am in the prime of my life! now? i am tired. i am gloomy. i could care less about social engagements. i am negative. i have weird discomforts in my calves and abdominal area, i cry over spilt milk. sex? seriously? who cares about that?! if i could lay in bed all day, eat chips and dip, drink wine, cry and watch mindless tv ... life would be grand. this is not me! also, i get pimples in places i never thought possible -- my arms and legs! ew! my doctor wanted me to take this pill for 3 months. not a freaking chance. my other option is to get an ablation. i've known several people who have gotten this done and have never heard nor read anything negative about this procedure. bent over today with heavy (non due) bleeding and cramps, i just called my doc and said, "screw your pill, ablate me."
-- By springman | Reply | Private Message me
November 5th
2008
12:19 PM
I am a 21 year old female. I have been on 25mg Toprol (twice a day) for over a year now. I was having intense heart palpitations from scary panic attacks... this drug basically cured my heart irregularity. When I first started taking Toprol I experienced some muscle cramps but that lasted less than a week. Overall I have NOT experienced ANY negative side effects from this drug. It is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I was so scared before due to having at least 5 ‘episodes’ a day with my heart… now I may only have 2 – 3 per week. Such a wonderful improvement! It has really changed my life for the better.
-- By kc86 | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
September 27th
2008
9:46 AM
Back in July I was experiencing rapid heart beats and shortness of breath. I'm a 43 white female with a high stress job. I went to the doctor expecting him to prescribe a sedative. He hooked me up to an EKG which showed I had a left bundle branch block. He then ordered blood work, chest x-rays, an ultra sound, and a nuclear stress test. All test came back fine, but my stress test showed a heart attack, which apparently is common with the left bundle block. I then wore a 24 hour Holter moniter which indicated tachycardia. That's when the doctor prescribed 50 mg Metoprolol. My BP and heart rate are now almost normal and the shortness of breath has gone away. I still experience a mild heaviness in my chest, but that is only when I allow my self to be stressed. I have gained over 5 pounds in less than 2 months and my dreams are more vivid than usual. One side effect that was listed on my drug info sheet that I haven't read about on this site described a cough, which I have had for over a month. I mentioned the cough to my doctor and he said it was prob post nasal drip so he prescribed 180 mg Fexofenadine and told me to cut the Metoprolol in half so I would be taking 25 mg. The Fexofenadine has helped with sneezing that I have always experienced, but the cough is still there. The cough is not always severe, but it has interrupted my sleep twice and my job once. The last bad coughing episode lasted 90 mins during the night. Has anyone else experienced the coughing side effect of Metoprolol?
-- By kpb | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
September 15th
2008
5:26 PM
I had Mirena inserted April 28/2008 and just had it removed in the hospital September 13/2008. Within the four months I had it in place I developed cysts and fibroids in my breasts, depression, headache, joint pain, back pain, 'Unexplained' swelling and extreme irritation in the vaginal region, weight gain (with no appetite), and had little to no energy or interest in sex. I was recommended Mirena by my OB/GYN because of my heavy periods, cramping , history of endometriosis and presently adenomyosis. As many others have duly noted it did nothing but make the periods worse with next to no break in between ( I was lucky if I had a couple days). Because of this I'm now on prescription strength Iron supplements. My OB/GYN suggested one more treatment with another method "Ablation" before we go ahead with the hysterectomy.
-- By clomas | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
August 29th
2008
3:28 PM
I had my mirena insertion 11/07...the insertion was a tearful event! I felt like such a wimp...but this site has helped me see the light! The weight gain has been so bad that I don't recognize myself and neither do others! I really want to have it removed but my periods are so bad that I am terrified, not to mention after the insertion I don't want anyone in there anymore! I am considering NovaSure which is ablation of the uterine lining. My doctor told me I was too young (35) but I need a resolution to my periods other than a hysterectomy. I love that I haven't had a period for 10 months now! That is great but I don't know that the side effects are worth it. Thanks to everyone for their postings!!!
-- By oneofthegirls | Reply | Private Message me
August 16th
2008
11:06 PM
*Did anyone have to sign a waiver, or something, on a Mirena packet, before they had it inserted?*
I didn't even read it, yeah.......I know.... :(
It looked like the doctor version of the pamphlet that I was handed the week before I got this evil thing.
I may print some pages of this blog out, and give it to my GYN when I have it removed. I'm wondering if there's some sorta "kickback" they get for having their patients inserted with it? Free lunches from the drug reps??
I wonder if what I signed made me give up my rights to sue them????? Any thoughts?
-- By bionicsammers | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
August 14th
2008
11:52 PM
I have had the mirena since early December 2007. Other than spotting for the first 5-6 weeks, things were going fine until June of this year (7 months later). I have not had the acne that people are describing, but I have now developed reflux, horrible pms that lasts for 8-10 days before my period comes, jaw pain such that I can't bite all the way down in the back and strangest of all, an issue with my tongue. It's almost like I've developed a lisp and I have trouble with my S's. I even had a CT scan of my brain to make sure it wasn't neurological. My dentist can't find anything wrong, either. I
've also put on a mystery 5 lbs without changing a thing. I am a personal trainer/fitness instructor, so I am conscientious of eating and exercise. I should have know something was amiss when I trained for a half-marathon and didn't lose one pound.
So, I wasn't able to get an appt with my OB for another couple of weeks. The whole reason I got this thing in the first place was to help control heavy periods which led to anemia and iron supplementation. My periods have gotten SO much better, but I just don't think the pros outweigh the cons. I'm at the point to trying uterine ablation - I also have a recurrence of uterine polyps, so I've got lots to consider. There has to be something else out there, but I find it so strange that so many women have had such similar issues.
Good luck everyone!
-- By shanws | Reply | Private Message me
August 13th
2008
1:59 PM
I am still experiencing hot flushes even though I am post menopausal. I reckon it could be down to the Lisinopril pills. My dose has been doubled to 20mg from 10mg. Could this be the case? Has anyone else had these symptoms?
-- By sylviahough | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
July 28th
2008
11:22 AM
I been on Synthroid now for 10 years. Almost right after I started the medication i started to have headaches. I had / have headaches every single day , all day long. Before the Syntthroid i NEVER had headaches, EVER. It has been 10 years and i still complain. I have spent so much money and wasted time on exams and doctors. All the doctors tell me is that i am stressed or its sinus or something else . Which i don't think i am . I have CT scans a few times. I am not crazy, i know what i am saying. Doctors don't listen. I looked on online and saw that headaches are a side effect. I went back to my doctor and explained. The doctor(s) insist that the Synthroid is not a cause of my headaches. With headaches every single day a person can not function normally.
I ran across this website and in a way i felt better knowing that this symptom is real and other people are experiencing the same thing. On the other hand it upset me that all these people are complaining and no one is listening.
Is there no solution?
-- By arn12 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
June 24th
2008
2:21 PM
I'm a 30 yr old healthy male. I went to the ER, and then the Dr., about 4 weeks ago after waking up with intense pain in the veins of my right arm and having pounding palps. I had just been told some extremely stressful news the night before, so I was pretty sure this was blood pressure & stress related. ... EKG showed Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, so that's what the Dr's assumed was the problem. I never knew what it was called, but I've had my heart race due to WPW many times since I was a young child .. this did not seem to be related. This was just pounding.
The cardiologist put me on 50mg of Toprol XL daily to control the WPW - even though that wasn't acting up. I left confused. Pharmacy issued generic Metoprolol Succinate mfg. by Sandoz.
I didn't want to be on meds, so I didn't take it for the first few days, hoping that I would return to normal. After all, I just woke up with this all of the sudden.. I had been fine the day before. Palps continued, though, so eventually I relented and started taking the meds.
The first two or three weeks were filled with ups and downs. Exhaustion, palpitations and anxiety would come and go.
This past weekend things got really bad. I began having anxiety attacks -- I think that's what it was, I'd never had one before -- and my vision was totally screwed up. I couldn't focus on anything and was sensitive to some lighting. Black text on a bright white screen (lcd monitor) was especially hard to read. I was completely in a dazed & confused state. Loud noises and crowds were bothering me... which was awful, considering it was my best friend's wedding. Also had headaches, lightheadedness & loss of appetite. These side effects came and went on Friday & Saturday and were pretty constant on Sunday & Monday.
I decided to quit Toprol cold-turkey on Sunday. I have been 2 days without. I have used L-Theamine to reduce stress and keep my blood pressure steady. It seems to be working. I also began taking CoQ10 today after reading some good things about it here.
My vision & mental focus is beginning to improve after 3 days of disabilitating problems. Anxiety has also improved. I even attempted to "get back to normal" at work today, but had to leave after only an hour of strenuous exercise in the heat. Vision problems returned, anxiety set in. It's like riding a really freaking scary roller coaster, except with a legitimate fear that this thing might kill you.
I will update this as time goes by, to let you all know how things worked out for me. I'm really hoping to be mostly back to normal in another day or two, since I haven't been on for very long. Hopefully this will be of help to someone in the future. Damn, I Wish I had never gotten on this stuff.
-- By bnm | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
May 22th
2008
6:53 AM
P03.16
Idiosyncratic Reaction to Mirena IUS A Cause for Early Removal - Case Report
Sivarajan, S; Aung, SN; Haloob, R
Basildon University Hospital, UK
Background: The discontinuation rate for mirena IUS was around 40%. The common
causes for premature removal were excessive bleeding, spotting, infection and pain.
We all are aware of less systemic effects compared to other progestational agents, We
would like to highlight the importance of exaggerated minerolocorticoid activity in the
form of increased fluid retention and electrolyte changes with spontaneous changes in
weight and generalized edema following mirena IUS which result in early removal.
In our two cases, we highlight the exacerbation of well documented side effects of
progesterone which leads to premature removal of MIRENA IUS.
In my first case,Twenty four hours after insertion of mirena IUS she noticed ankle
swelling, 48 hours later swelling involved the whole lower limb and worse over the
following few days.In addition to heavy vaginal bleeding.At the end of the first week,
she put on weight three quarters of a stone (10.5 lb).Mirena was removed at surgery
after 8 days of insertion and she developed continuous diuresis and profuse sweating
within 24hrs of removal her weight went down by 7lbs.
In the second case ,following mirena IUS insertion Three months later her periods
improved a lot , but she suffered considerable weight gain(7lb) and mood swings. So
she decided to have her mirena removed and opted for Novasure ablation.
Conclusion: Although abdominal pain,peripheral oedema,nervousness are well
documented side effects of Mirena,we couldn’t find in literature of fulminant oedema
and water retention after 24 hours of Mirena insertion. This profound acute side effects
might be due to acute idiosyncratic immune reaction of to progesterone
(extracted from:
******
)
Thank you, Mo, for finding this info on the net!
Claudia
-- By claudia1969 | Reply | Private Message me
May 13th
2008
9:49 AM
I am having a Tubal Ligation and Ablation in June and was supposed to have my Mirena removed at that time. I decided with encouragement from my husband to have it removed this Friday. I am hopelessly tired of living this way and can't wait to have it removed. I am a little scared about the pain and bleeding but one month is not a long time to wait for surgery that will help (I hope). I am 43 years old and hoping to feel like myself again before this was inserted. I too walked around not believing that the Mirena could cause these issues but my husband keeps saying-"could all of you ladies be wrong, could all of you ladies really be telling the same story when you don't even know each other". That's when it hit me that maybe i am not crazy, maybe this is not due to "OLD AGE" (43-is not old). I will come back on line after this is out and let you know how i feel. I just pray that this is really the solution to the problem.
thanks for listening
May 8th
2008
2:12 PM
The first 2years I was trying to sell the Mirena to everyone! no Periods!!! awesome. The third year started my misery. I have gained 25 lbs regardless of exercise and diet(weight watchers didn't make a difference) and look pregnant. My belly is very distended and my legs and arms look normal. I am dizzy, exhausted, suffering from insomnia and lets talk joint pain. I look like an 80 year old woman when I walk. I limp from foot pain, knee pain and lower back pain. My doctor doesn't believe me that this might be from my mirena and has ordered rheumatoid arthritis labwork. I have been labeled depressed by my doctor even though I have tried to explain that I don't believe I will be when this is removed. By the way, no one ever gets pregnant with a mirena because no woman cares about having sex! The ending to my story is- I will be having a Tubal ligation, Uterine Ablation and having this device removed June 23rd. I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY LIFE BACK!!!!!!!
-- By kschw | Reply | Private Message me
April 16th
2008
8:06 PM
I have been taking Toprol-XL for a long time. I have recently been switched to the generic and it is not controlling my blood pressure as well and my heart is palpitating a lot. I think I had problems before with the brand name but this is far worse. Is there a possibility that this drug causes Fibromyalgia??? I've seen some posts about that and I was also diagnosed with it because of severe muscle pain. If anyone has noticed a trend please respond, I am desparate.
-- By ohiomag | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
Mirena (17) Toprol-XL (10) Loestrin 24 Fe (2) Bellamine (1) Yasmin (1) Lupron (1) Lisinopril (1) Levoxyl (1) Danazol (1) Femcon FE (1) Omeprazole (1) Synthroid (1) Atenolol (1)
October 28th
2009
9:35 AM
Just an update- getting it taken out was easy. I didn't feel it at all, and she said, "Ok it's out." Good luck!
-- By mommamrp | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me