August 19th
2009
9:06 AM
I'm feeling the same as many of you ladies on here- it's certainly breaking my heart for all of you too. If we had known then what we knew now....
I got my Mirena about 6 months after the birth of my daughter and then spiraled into some serious depression. I'm so horrified now thinking back about how angry and ungrateful I was to my husband- I returned everything he gave me for Christmas in an angry huff. My behavior was awful AND it wasn't me. Over the next two years I had serious mood issues felt pregnant all the time (I even took to buying those dollar store tests so I could relieve my suspicions each time but not spend a fortune). And then there were the headaches. I had always had hormone related headaches (a few a month) so they weren't really new to me, but it got to a point where I was having so many I went to a neurologist for help - he asked me to chart them, I fund I was having 14 to 16 days a month with pain. I think the "off" days were just off because I was still under the influence of the pain drugs from the day before. My husband and I were planning on a third anyway- and suddenly I really wanted this thing out! I took it out, here I am, 9 months later- headache free!!! 9 months of no headaches and the "freedom" came within days of removal. I have now been trying to get pregnant for 9 months too- my period returned immediately after removal (the one perk I loved of the Mirena was no period) unfortunately, I can't seem to get pregnant. This, from a woman who seemingly got pregnant just by her husband looking at her. Literally, 3 cycles pre-mirena, meant 3 pregnancies for me. We had to be seriously careful- I'm terrified that this thing has now caused me to be infertile. I have been tracking my cycles watching for my ovulation and I can't find it despite having a regular 28 day cycle. Don't get Mirena- it's just not worth it
July 31th
2009
2:42 PM
Was diagnosed with Lupus in 2003 and told by my Rheumatologist to get the Paraguard IUD for birth control. He said anything with hormones is off limits. So, I go to my OBGYN to get the copper iud and go on with my Lupus Life for 6 years which included severe joint pain in my fingers and shoulders, sun sensitivity, constant fevers of 105 degrees and infections that resulted in hospital stays and hair loss so bad that I had to wear wigs for 2 years, greenish discharge from my nipple, depression, severe fatigue and rashes. Well, I figured that if the Mirena was causing these same symptoms in women that maybe the Paraguard was too; so I made an appt to have it removed. Well, when my Gyno pulled it out, he freaked out because to EVERYONES SURPRISE, I WAS MISTAKENLY GIVEN THE MIRENA BACK IN 2003!!!!!!!!! SO, YES, WITHOUT A DOUBT, THE MIRENA ABSOLUTELY CAUSES SEVERE PROBLEMS BECAUSE IT'S BEEN OUT OF ME FOR OVER 6 MONTHS AND I FEEL PERFECT NOW!!!! My doctor's don't even think I have or ever had Lupus in the first place. They will retest me next month but they think I was diagnosed with Lupus too soon (after only one visit) then going right away to my quack Gyno and getting the Mirena instead of the Paraguard was what was causing all the problems. Will see soon what the bloodwork says but that Gyno who put the wrong device in me is going to pay for wrecking my life for the past 6 years!! My medical records even say he was supposed to insert the Paraguard. This experience has caused me to have zero trust in people because no one does their job right anymore. I could go on and on. . . Will take personal contacts if anyone wants to chat or vent about the poison that's inside of them. But, be ready for my response, GET IT TAKEN OUT NOW IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS. Remember back in the 80's when women were getting silicone breast implants and getting Lupus? It's the same thing with the Mirena, our bodies are rejecting it! Good luck and God Bless you all ~ Teecee007
-- By coastalblinds | Reply | Private Message me
July 23th
2009
1:48 PM
Posted June 11, 2009 that Testosterone tested at 174 in April and 207 in June(6 weeks off Lisinopril). My last test results July 21 have my Testosterone up to 237. That's 3 months off Lisinopril and a 63 point increase. I still have all of the symptoms listed in the original post but they seem to be slowly fading away. I weighed in at 216 lbs this last visit. The only real change is that I have not taken Lisinopril since mid-April. Going to try to lose 15 lbs and lift weights to increase Testosterone. (63 POINTS in 3 months)
(ORIGINAL POST)
(42 year old male 6 ft 217 lbs) Testosterone dropped like a stone to 174 in April. To give you an idea how low that is normal range is 280-870. Symptoms include severe short term memory loss, confusion, panic attacks, many times unable to complete a sentence without losing track and of course E.D. Got off this in mid April and started a diuretic instead.(started lisinopril June 05) Bloodwork in early June shows testerone up to 207. Hmm, up 33 points after being off this medication for 6 weeks. Maybe I'm an anomaly when it comes to men using this medication. Any man considering this med would be advised to test testosterone before starting and 1 year later to see if there is any correlation.
July 16th
2009
11:56 PM
I started this med yesterday for staph infection. My immune system is run down from 24 days of hemorrhaging with menopause and finding cancer in my bloodwork and catscan. My skin has thinned and I have large sores all over my body. This med was given to me yesterday and also my diabetes med was changed because my immune system is so weak it is kicking up my bloodsugars. Can you tell I am run down? I went to bed trying to throw up this pill today again and went to bed with chills while it is 105 degrees in Texas today. I even had to put on socks. I feel lightheaded and kind of out of it with blurry vision. Hard to tell what is from meds and illnesses but is no fun. At least I feel better not being alone with this. I am also burping a lot and I never do.
-- By judith53 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
July 10th
2009
2:19 PM
I just got prescribed this med and am now scared to death to even try it. I am taking it because I have High Protein in my Urine and will be getting kidney biopsy in week sor so after a few 24 hour union tests that never improved. Has anyone had anything good come from taking Lisinopril. I don't know what to do now. Help!
-- By jddavis143 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
July 3th
2009
12:59 AM
Hi. I posted two times in June, took lisinopril 2 weeks in April and was having side-effects 7-8 weeks out. I began a simple detox (lemon in my water, lots of water, more vegetables), took some supplements/vitamins and the racing heart, tingling, chest pains diminished greatly. My blood pressure became near normal on its own over May/June but shot back up sky high the day I went back to the doctor on June 22!! (of course). It is slowly normalizing again. My bloodwork showed high liver enzymes and that is why I believe that it took so long for the drug to clear my system. Lisinopril did not cause the high liver enzymes as I had that before the drug was prescribed. It is processed mainly by the kidneys so could cause problems there.
I believe that my body was in trouble and the elevated liver enzymes and bp were the first signs. I think the lisinopril took me over the edge. I had one very bad panic attack at night this week with racing heart, horrible chest pain, left sided tingling and bilateral hands/feet tingling. I really thought I was dying. I had never had these symptoms before starting that drug but now I think that maybe I was in a hypoglycemic state. All this to say that, in my research, I came across books by Dr. Sandra Cabot (Unlock the Secrets that Keep You Fat, The Liver Cleansing Diet) that explains a lot of the problems I am having (which many of you have mentioned also). These are systemic, affect the vital organs/functions of the body (ability to lose weight, high bp, achy joints, etc), and are pre-diabetic/pre-liver disease states. The book gave me a lot of hope because we can get our bodies back in working order through proper diet, exercise, and supplements. Dr. Cabot has a great website too. Google her and check it out.
-- By mege | Reply | Private Message me
June 11th
2009
7:38 PM
(42 year old male 6 ft 217 lbs) Testosterone dropped like a stone to 174 in April. To give you an idea how low that is normal range is 280-870. Symptoms include severe short term memory loss, confusion, panic attacks, many times unable to complete a sentence without losing track and of course E.D. Got off this in mid April and started a diuretic instead.(started lisinopril June 05) Bloodwork in early June shows testerone up to 207. Hmm, up 33 points after being off this medication for 6 weeks. Maybe I'm an anomaly when it comes to men using this medication. Any man considering this med would be advised to test testosterone before starting and 1 year later to see if there is any correlation.
-- By luke127 | Reply | Private Message me
May 24th
2009
12:44 PM
I had the Mirena IUD inserted on April 7th after 13 yrs of being on the pill, the last 3 of which was continuous use and only 4 periods a year. I had been dealing with chronic daily headaches since Aug 2007 and had finally found a wonderful headache specialist that of instead of prescribing more and ore meds and upping doses did lots of bloodwork and tests and found that my hormone levels were messed up, specifically I had nonexistent testosterone levels caused by all the estrogen in my pill. So he took me off the bcp and I choose the IUD thinking that that would be the best birth control since I am married with 2 kids, but sure that my family is not done yet, but not ready for that 3rd child just yet.I wanted the paraguard because I was hesitant of the progestin in the Mirena, as it is the same in the Levlite bcp and had caused me to have severe anger mood swings about 9 yrs and I had to go off of it, but the gyn that I had been seeing had gone on a leave of absence so I consulted with her partner and was told that yes, this would be the best IUD for me because of my history of anemia and that side effects of the Mirena would be localized and I would not experience any mood swings or headaches. So against my better judgement I went with it.
The insertion went fine, had some bad cramping for about 4 hrs later, spotted about 3 days. Then cramped on and off for about 2 weeks. During this time frame I was actually HEADACHE FREE!!! For the 1st time in almost 2 years. Going off the bcp had worked, you cannot imagine my excitement and my whole families, they thought I was going to be me again! Then I started getting mood swings, yelling at them for no reason, getting angry and knowing that what I was doing was wrong and way out in left field but I couldn't stop---- it was reminiscent of my Levlite experience and my hubby freaked out. Said it had to be the IUD. I wasn't sure, but thought maybe so. Then I started getting acne on my chin and jaw and had never in my life, even as a teenager had acne. I also gained 6 lbs. I then started my period, VERY light spotting that lasted 20 days and with came a migraine!! A migraine that won't go away. It started April 26th and I still have it today! I knew then that it was the Mirena. By that time I had found my old gyn-instead of going on leave of absence as they had told her patients, she had actually left to start her own practice, but of course confidentiality agreements wouldn't let her say anything. Luckily I work in a hospital and ran into her in labor in delivery, so I made an appt with her on May 11th for my pap and to have my iud checked and while I was there I told her every side effect I was having and she totally agreed that it was the Mirena and she said that in more than half of women the Mirena hormone is localized, but the rest it causes a full body systemic reaction and I was one of the lucky ones!! She said with my history of migraines and my history with the Levlite that I should have have NEVER, EVER have been advised to get the Mirena. She said to go ahead and do the pap and then reschedule to have it removed since she was busy that day and needed to get to the hospital. So I rescheduled and had it removed on May 20th- 6 weeks, 1 day after having it put in. I am so glad it is gone. The cramping is gone, I am not having mood swings, no new acne flare-ups just trying to deal with getting rid of the ones I had! The headache I still have, but I think it is because my period started 2 days after removal....28 day cycle like clockwork! Maybe when my period ends, the headache will go away. Unless I just have to wait for the Mirena to completely clear out of my system?? Anybody know how long that can take??? Those 2 weeks that were headache free were a godsend and I can't wait till it happens again! In my opinion the Mirena is HELL! For those of you that have gone through similar issues I am sorry and glad that you can understand what I have gone through. For those of you who have one and have had no side effects, you have no idea how lucky you are!!!
May 13th
2009
8:58 PM
DIDN'T WORK AT ALL & HAD BAD SIDE EFFECTS! This didn't help my severe 'painful red bumps' kind of acne. In January 08 the dermatologist put me on solodyn 1x daily, Rosaderm face wash, & Atralin topical gel, both 2x daily. Eventually she switched me from atralin to RetinA, b/c the atralin wasn't strong enough. I have many health problems, but the last few years I have been feeling absolutely awful- constant body & joint aches, constant fatigue, & mood swings due to the pain. It got so much worse in Jan 08. My doctor & I had been talking fibro for a long time, but she diagnosed me in early March 08. She suspected fibro, as well as an autoimmune disease (when your body attacks your own tissues by mistake) due to a massively high ANA (anti-nuclear antibody) count on a blood test, so she referred me to a pediatric rheumatologist (there aren't many) b/c I was under 21 at the time. The rheumatologist diagnosed me with myofascial pain, which is very similar to fibro. She explained, "It's the exact same pain as fibromyalgia, except it moves all around instead of staying in certain points." Then she told me something shocking: SOLODYN CAN CREATE CONSTANT FATIGUE, BODY PAIN, AND OTHER FIBROMYALGIA-LIKE SYMPTOMS!!! IT ALSO MAKES A PERSONS ANA COUNT SOAR, WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN BLOOD TESTS!!! So she told me to go off the Solodyn right away, which I did gladly because it had been weeks & it hadn't helped my acne. She told me to watch for changes in my myofascial pain/fibro symptoms. After about 1 week my muscle & joint aches started to lessen. Obviously the Solodyn had increased this pain. The weird thing is, after about 3 days after stopping Solodyn, my acne improved. It was almost like Solodyn was preventing my acne from going away! When the results from my next blood test came back, my ANA (anti nuclear antibody) count had dropped but it was still high, indicating an autoimmune disease. It appeared Solodyn had raised my ANA count to a level even higher then it normally was!! It turned out I did have an autoimmune disease, but my rheumatologist told me she's seen teens who take Solodyn & have an elevated ANA count b/c of it. Then they have to run hundreds of tests b/c they think they have some disease that they actually don't have. When they stop taking Solodyn, their blood tests normalize, & then it proves don't really have an autoimmune disease. But by that time they've gone thru dozens of unnecessary tests, not to mention the stress & worry of thinking they might have a disease that may potentially be life threatening. They wasted time, money, and sleepless nights, all because solodyn screwed up their blood tests!!
-- By charchar | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 12th
2009
8:17 PM
I have had the Mirena IUD removed Feb 14, 2009 after discovering, from this website, that it was the cause of all my problems. I had it in from March 2006 to March 2007, then again from Dec 2007 to Feb this year. My symptoms were:
depression
irritability
weight gain & binge eating
lack of energy
insomnia
lack of libido, zero sex drive
joint and muscle pain (especially wrists, knees, ankles)
My question is, my biggest problem that has been lingering since removal is the pain. It has gotten worse these past few weeks, and i have just noticed a weird crinkling of the skin on the inside of my wrists and forearms. This is where most of my pain and weakness is. I understand that it can take up to 18 months for progesterone to leave your system, but I am curious if this symptom is caused by the Mirena or if i have another underlying condition. All bloodwork has come back clear.
May 4th
2009
4:47 PM
My mother started on Avelox, along with a steroid nasal spray. After 3 days, she started having severe anxiety attacks, with hallucinations at night. We blamed the steroid spray, and continued with the Avelox. Big mistake. After 2 trips to the ER, which proved that her heart, lungs, and bloodwork were all OK, we investigated the Avelox, and immediately stopped the treatment. Benadryl seemed to quell the anxiety, and allowed her to sleep. The drug company downplays the side effect of anxiety, and hallucinations. Be on the lookout!!! This drug is dangerous!
-- By aggiele1 | Reply | Private Message me
April 23th
2009
5:21 PM
I was put on Lipitor 10mg 2 weeks ago after my bloodwork from my yearly physical came back that my cholesterol went up again. Levels are HDL 61 LDL 176. After the first week I called my MD to advise that I was having chest pain and muscle pain in my legs and forearm. He said to cut the dose in half which I did last Thursday. Yesterday all of a sudden I had heart flutters the entire day! I am a 43 female who goes to the gym 3 times a week doing 30 minutes of cardio and weights. I eat right and overall I am in great shape except having high cholesterol. My blood pressure is great, had a stress test and echo last year both negative for any problems. I called my doctor today and advise that I was still having fluttering in my chest and that I am stopping the Lipitor. What good is being on a medicine that helps with one problem but then causes others that you may need more medication for???
I have been feeling like crap ever since being put on Lipitor and I believe that it is the medication that is giving me the problems. Last year my MD put me on Zocor and I stopped that after having the muscle pains. I am now hoping that things will get back to normal and I plan on telling my doctor that these "statin' medicines are not for me and there has to be something else.
April 17th
2009
2:26 PM
a little update. i took 5 mg lisinopril for 3 days, had blood work done on Monday and afterward, took the 4th pill. so the bloodwork reflected only 3 pills of 5 mg each. my potassium level, which right before starting lisinopril, was 3.9- was suddenly 6.4.
doctor called Tuesday, told me to stop taking lisinopril, come in for an EKG and have more blood work done on Thursday, 3 days after stopping
he just called to tell me that my potassium levels are back to normal
March 24th
2009
6:44 AM
Hi,
I have had my Mirena since March 2007 and until Nov 2008 have not had any real complications. I do still have a period, it's lighter but lasts just as long. In Nov 2008, I started having problems with dizziness, stomach pain, nausea and at the time I was diagnosed with an inner ear infection, I also had a CT scan done which was normal. But after taking the antibiotics as prescribed the symptoms persisted for 3 weeks then went away. It all started again in Feb 2009, waking with severe nausea every morning, loss of appetite, tired and stomach pain. I went to the ER and had bloodwork which was normal, and a urinalysis, which showed a UTI infection. I was given antibiotics for this, but yet the symptoms persisted for 3 weeks. Both of these episodes followed my menstrual cycle. After the last bout, in which I feel completely normal, it started again. My period was two weeks late this month (March 09) it started on March 18th and on March 19th I started experiencing all these symptoms all over again. I have, bloodwork, preg tests, a colonoscopy, a stool sample, and a pelvic ultrasound, all of which have been normal. I am scheduled in a week to have an ultrasound of my gallbladder, but I really don't think that's my issue. I have lost weight, have no appetite, and wake every morning at the same time with nausea. I am seeing my family Doctor again tomorrow, he has discussed sending me to an ENT, but he is also removing the IUD tomorrow. He is doubtful that it is causing these problems after two years, but said strange things happen so better remove it to be safe.
-- By mommax2 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 23th
2009
12:09 PM
I've been taking Niaspan for about six weeks now; I started out at 500mg for the first three and I'm now on week three of 1000mg. I hadn't had any side effects and I was thrilled because I can't take statins (though I do take Lovaza with success). My doctor mentioned -- but did not stress -- the "take an aspirin ahead of time" or "eat something with it) thing, so I haven't been. Three nights ago I work up from a very weird dream about my house being on fire and couldn't go back to sleep, partly because I felt hot. I got up and looked in the mirror, and as others have described, I was beet red on my neck, chest, and arms, and very itchy and hot. The "rash" was mottled at the edges. It reminded me of sun poisoning. I wasn't sure what to do; it was 5 am and I knew my partner had a bad night with sleeping already, so I didn't want to wake her. I took a Benadryl. I was wide awake, so I got onto the computer to do some stuff (never thinking I should research the damn thing!), but about 20 minutes later, I felt itchy on my stomach. I went into the bathroom and looked again. My stomach and lower back were now getting it! Interesting. I went back to what I was doing, then about 10 minutes later, my stomach was hot, so I looked again. Now my stomach and all of my back were covered, and I noticed that my neck wasn't as red. Hmmmm... 20 minutes later I looked again, and now my neck and chest were pretty clear (but still itchy) and my butt and upper thighs were getting it (stomach and back still had it). I could actually feel it breaking out on my legs! 20 minutes later, my stomach and back were clear, and my legs were covered. about a half hour later, it was completely gone. I wracked by brain trying to figure out if it was something I ate, a new detergent, a drug interaction gone wrong, but I could think of nothing. I never associated it with the "flush" my doctor told me I could get. This was so much more than a flush. The next night I was so tired that I took a half an Ambien and slept through with no problems (and remember, I had no issues before this, at least that I could remember). I thought it was a fluke. I then spoke to my father yesterday about The Rash, and he asked if it could the the Niaspan, as he had taken it before (but the flushing had been too much and he stopped). I did some research and through that I found this page. Bingo! I had already taken the Niaspan, so I couldn't try the aspirin first. Last night, I woke up at 3 feeling hot and looked, and sure enough, it was starting on my face and neck. I took a Benadryl and went back to bed. I finally fell back to sleep. I'm still a little itchy, though nothing unbearable. Tonight I will try the aspirin a half hour before and eating something non-fatty with the Niaspan. I'll give it a week to help, then I'll call my doctor. I hate to give it up if it works because I am just about out of other options to lower my cholesterol.
-- By zummol | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
March 18th
2009
12:37 PM
This morning I had the Mirena removed. Hooray! Before the removal, my doctor asked me why I wanted it removed. I explained the side effects I'd been experiencing. My doctor ordered a blood test before I left. She said a lot of the side effects from the Mirena could be associated with my thyroid. Great! Something else I have to worry about. The removal was painless and quick. The doctor told me to cough. When I coughed, she pulled it out and she was done. She showed the Mirena to me. Also while she was up there, she found a piece of a tampon. I couldn't believe it! Why didn't she see that last year when I had my annual gyno exam? I was so grossed out.
I already feel so much better and it's only been a couple of hours since removal. I don't know if it's a mental thing or not. I have a little spotting. I don't know when I'm going to get my first period. I feel like I'm going to be on stand-by until it finally happens. I've decided to stay away from hormonal birth control for a while. My annual women's exam is at the end of the summer so hopefully I will have come to a decision on what I want to do next.
-- By bootyfulgirl | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
February 25th
2009
1:24 AM
Mirena removed in October. Has a period in December have not had a period since. I am 51 year old. Did the mirena put me into menopause. Any one else have a similar case.
-- By cherylkeim | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
February 23th
2009
2:43 PM
I can't believe I didn't find this sooner! I was on the Nuvaring for about 4 years and just last month traded it in for the Mirena.
At first, I was thrilled to find the Ring as I have a very hard time taking pills because I've always had a sensitive stomach. The patch was messy and sticky so I was excited to find the ring. For the first couple of years, the only problem I had was keeping it in place (it would continuously fall out) so I just got used to having to push it back into place every time I used the restroom. Every. Single. Time. But it was worth it because it made my periods much, much lighter and more manageable (i usually am down for the count for a few days). I also did the ring continuously without taking a week off because I still had some pretty terrible periods.
About two years ago, I started gaining weight uncontrollably, became very depressed, lethargic and achey. One day I came down with a terrible case of bronchitis and was put on a heavy duty round of antibiotics and steroids. After, I started having terrible heartburn and IBS symptoms which lead me to a gastroenterologist. Every test imaginable was performed, but nothing was found. I was told I had a nervous stomach. Unsatisfied, I got some bloodwork done and had abnormal blood glucose levels. My diabetic husband gave me a glucometer and I realized my blood sugars were totally out of range. I ended up at an Endocrinologist and all tests came back normal. I was also referred to a Rheumatologist for my achy body and joints. I found a list of symptoms of hypothyroidism and was convinced this is what I have, so I was put on a very low dose of Synthroid. At the same time, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and put on a whole mess of anti-inflammatories and pain killers.
Unsatisfied with my diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and totally unwilling to admit this is something I have to live with for the rest of my life, I began working with a nutritionist who has helped me get off all the medications (except Synthroid). But still, I hadn't slept through the night in years (getting up 3-4 times a night to use the bathroom), I was terribly achy, irritable, nauseous, constipated and still gaining weight.
Recently, my insurance changed and I decided to get the Mirena. Within a few weeks, most symptoms have drastically improved, my family notices a major change. I actually slept through the night last week, only 3 weeks after using the Ring for the last time. I haven't lost any weight yet, but the fact that I even CAN exercise is monumental. More than anything, I'm thrilled at the prospect that everything was caused by the Ring, the one constant no matter what I tried, and maybe I won't have to live with Fibromyalgia for the rest of my life.
I can't say with total certainty that the NuvaRing caused all my problems, but it is absolutely astounding that all of us are experiencing the same terrible symptoms and none of our doctors have bothered to think that it could be the Ring. I'm angry about this. Why don't they know about these side effects??
Yes these side effects are listed in the package, but they're the same side effects from pretty much every medication... and I don't know about all of you but this thing came damn near close to ruining my life. I couldn't work, sleep, eat, exercise, clean my house, etc. etc. It's no heart attack or stroke, but definitely life altering.
I think health care providers need to be alerted to these symptoms and the possibility that the Nuvaring could be causing it all. It would have saved me thousands of dollars in medical bills and despair. Patients should be warned that the side effects are very real and can be debilitating. I'm almost sorry I found this so late (after I already got rid of it!) but I'm glad I found it nonetheless.
Good luck to all of you!
-- By ladyluck5785 | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
February 17th
2009
2:15 PM
To those of you questioning whether to keep your IUD because of what it costs: In my experience, the symptoms did not go away, they got worse and worse.. until I was so depressed I didn't want to live anymore... my jojnt pain was so bad i thought I had some kind of disease or horrible arthritis... all my other symptoms indicated peri-menopause, but bloodwork came back normal. It doesn't get better, you just think you're going crazy, and people around you think you're a hypochondriac.
Would you keep a $500 pillow if you found out it was made of asbestos?
(sorry for the cheesy analogy, but it's all I cold come up with)
February 5th
2009
9:40 AM
Hi everyone, I just came upon all this yesterday and can't believe it! I have been thinking I am going crazy and have been going down a shame spiral! I have had the Mirena for about a year after the birth of my twins. When I first got the Mirena I really didn't seem to like it...I had weird bleeding, cramping, headaches but my doctor told me there were really no side effects except for the on and off again bleeding so I didn't think much of it. Soon, I started having heart palpitations and weird panicky feelings when I would be out places which I have never had before. I wrote it all off due to the rough twin pregnancy and moved on. Soon, I really started worrying something was wrong with me because of all these weird things, the headaches and heart palpitations and panicky feelings, also I started feeling foggy like I was walking around feeling out of it and sometimes a little dizzy or something just having weird head feelings. We always had in the back of our minds that it could be the Mirena but never really took action. Just for the past couple of months things have gotten much worse. Those panicky feelings really got worse and combined with anxiety and sad and crazy depression thoughts and feelings. I also have been feeling this weird nervousness.....even in my quietest moments of my day. This is so out of my normal character and I feel like I can't even remember what I used to feel like. I have been to my PCP who gave me medication for anxiety and have had a hard time adjusting because I just can't believe all of this craziness and I just keep thinking is the problem really my IUD? Then my mom came upon this because she just felt that me feeling this way is just to weird and I feel like I relate to all of your stories! I have truly been feeling like I am going crazy...and I have never felt this way before...ever. I called my doctor yesterday to talk with her and I am going to have this removed...although I am a little nervous about the after effects. I just keep thinking a year ago I was fine.. and now look at me...I am on anti-depressants...how did this happen?? I know that I have stress but there is no reason for me to be feeling this way. I would love to hear about anyone else who felt this way and got the IUD removed and how that went. I know that I probably won't feel better right away...but I am hoping with time I can forget all of this and move on.
-- By poppygirl1121 | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
February 4th
2009
12:12 AM
After reading all the comments that have been posted, I feel compelled to add my story. I have been on advair for approximately two years. One of the first comments I read a week or so ago was about the person that had horrible foot pain for over two years and felt it could have been from the Advair as well.
I have had severe foot pain for over 2 years. I had plantar faciitis in both feet and had surgery on both to fix that. Several months after surgery I still wasn't healed as much as I thought I should be and my doctor felt the same way. I then began a series of more cortizone shots, physical therapy, ultrasound therapy plus an on going slew of blood tests to rule out everything we could. I even went to a Neurologist and had an EMG done. Newest diagnosis is tarsal tunnel syndrome, so I was put on yet another drug (Cymbalta) I wouldn't recommend that one either. And still the pain exists. In fact the pain went from the heals to the tops of my feet. It feels more skeletal than nerve related. I have had stress fractures in both feet and ironically the same exact bone approximately 6 weeks apart. Is all of this coincidence, or linked to being on Advair?
I also have gone through most of the symptoms that others have posted; fatigue, insomnia, blurred vision, sore muscles, headaches, water retention, weight gain (40 pounds in 2 years), slow healing, bad scaring, easy bruising and many more I'm sure I've forgotten.
The day after being on this site and reading everyone's comments, I went and threw my Advair away. I don't have asthma, just bad allergies, and right now my breathing has been fine being off of the Advair. I still use my inhaler though as needed. The one comment that scared me the most was the side effect that several posted about rotting teeth and jaw problems. That's one side effect I haven't had and that's the main reason I stopped using the Advair. I have perfect teeth and don't want to ruin them.
I don't have any answers either, but just know that we as patients have to take control of our health. Don't feel bad if you disagree with your doctor or ask for a second opinion. We as a society have become quick to fix our ailments with drugs that have yet to be "proven" as safe over a long period of time.
Im in the process of weaning my self off of two other drugs that I was taking besides the Advair. I'm doing more on-line research regarding natural remedies for some of my ailments. I still have some side effects but that could be due to the detoxifying process. This is a process that takes a few weeks. Make sure you consult with your physician first before trying any of this.
-- By doxiemoxie | 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 26th
2009
4:49 PM
I was prescribed this drug in hopes of keeping thyroid nodules and goiter from growing larger. My TSH levels have always been in the normal range throughout my life, so the theory that "normal TSH' means a working, normal thyroid is absolutely untrue. I am a prime example of a person who's numbers have always remained normal and yet their thyroid does not work properly. I have decided to discontinue this drug after 3 months of use. The weight is packing on faster than I can diet and exercise it off. My face is puffy, my stomach bloated and looking pregnant, and now retaining water. Anyone who does not believe that Synthroid causes weight gain, I welcome you to try this drug. It does the exact thing it claims it is combating. I am not hypo with levels of 1.07 and yet something odd is occurring within my body with this synthroid. I'm praying that if I stop the drug I might return to some form of normalcy soon.
-- By debs661 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
January 26th
2009
10:16 AM
I am a 30 year old nurse and know first hand how birth control pills are individual. I was on many before Yasmin. 6 months ago I started Yasmin because it was the new hype in birth control medicine since it reduces length of period, flow of period, and reduces acne.
I don't think the ingredient drospirenone that's included in Yasmin (a potassium sparing drug, and diuretic, another form of the same type is Spironolactone) works for me.
Ever since I had experienced these symptoms:
Anxiety-heart palpitations, suspiciousness, racing thoughts.
Headaches-tension, leading to muscle spasms in neck and shoulders.
Dizziness-Vertigo type spinning sensations
Ear fullness-popping and cracking without losing hearing.
Fatigue-no motivation, especially for an early riser and a person who works 12 hr shifts.
Chest tightness, lump in throat feeling, could be due to increase in stomach acid (HCl).
If anyone else has vertigo, or dizziness, I would love to know!
Thanks,
Good luck with trying a different form of birth control.
Yasmin (32) Mirena (22) Lisinopril (9) Lipitor (7) Levaquin (5) Advair HFA (5) Synthroid (5) Singulair (3) NuvaRing (3) Doxycycline Hyclate (3) Toprol-XL (3) Gardasil (2) Omeprazole (2) Bactrim (2) Levoxyl (2) Kenalog (2) Solodyn (1) Loestrin 24 Fe (1) MedroxyPROGESTERone Acetate (1) Avelox (1) Aricept (1) Niaspan ER (1) Depo-Provera (1) Desogen (1) Detrol (1) Remicade (1) Maxidex (1) Advair Diskus (1) Cipro (1) Diovan (1) Depo-Medrol (1)
October 25th
2009
12:19 AM
I have been on Lisinopril 20 mg for the past 9 years. I can't believe I have taken it for such a long time. I noticed some strange chest sensations 2 years after taking it but pushed through it. Then I developed breast cancer and went through the chemo and radiation while continuing to take it. In the last 2 years and more recently in the last 3 months, I felt so many skipped beats that I had to check it out and I also have had significant hair thinning. I had a holter monitor, resting EKG, lots of bloodwork and was told that everything was normal. Normal???? Then why was I feeling so rotten and scared every time my chest decided to heave or get funny sensations in my throat. Doctors do not want to hear these types of complaints especially when you think it is related to a medication that they ordered.
-- By mhs53028 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message meSo I decided to try an alternative approach. I have been taking fish oil, coenzyme 10, cholesterol nutritional supplement, Vit C, Vit E. I started these about a month ago while still taking Lisinopril. I finally stopped the Lisinopril yesterday so I'll see if I have any improvement of my symptoms.I also went to a website that showed 1% of people can have skipped heartbeats while on Lisinopril Here is the URL
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Hope this helps many of you who have similar episodes. MHS