Diaphram symptoms and conditions

I've had my mirena for almost 3 years. I decided to get one when my last child was 6 months old, in Oct. of 2006. My CNM assured me that it was a good choice for me, even though I was breastfeeding. For the past year, I have not been able to find the strings. I read that sometimes they can soften up and curl around the cervix, but they are NOT there. I imagine they must have moved up into my cervix or uterus. This scares me a lot. Along with that, I have had many side effects, and I've noticed they have gotten worse as of late....

-Hair loss, oily hair, dandruff, weight gain, oily skin/break outs (I stopped having breakouts once I hit my early 20's and I am 29 years old with pimples again). Terrible mood swings, nausea (as of late), fluttering/spasms in my uterus (as of late), heavy breasts (as of late). I'm actually thinking about taking a preg. test tomorrow to make sure I'm not preggo, that is how bad my symptoms are right now. I have not had a period in so long, I'm not even sure when the last time was.

I'm going in a few days to see about having the mirena removed. I'm very nervous because I don't even know if it's still where it should be. As far as BC is concerned, it's great, because I can't remember to take a pill, but it isn't worth all the other things that come with this IUD. It's mindless BC but it's also worrisome for my own health BC! At this point, I'm thinking about getting rid of hormonal BC all together and using a diaphragm and practicing Fertility Awareness. I'd rather take my chances with something that is not going to make me crazy, sick, or put me at the possibility of major surgery/loss of my womanly parts.

Wow. Not sure what to think here. I was in the ER today with heart palpitations and chest pain - really bad pain. . . thought I was having a heart attack. Mine started low sort of in the stomach and worked it's way up and settled in my chest. I could breathe but the pain was overwhelming. I sat on my yoga mat in the park took a few pepto tablets, called the Dr. and after almost an hour of pushing on my diaphram and trying to breathe and ease the pain I had to get help. Guess what - like most of you I'm extremely healthy. The EKG, stomach and chest x-rays and blood work (all done today) are fine. And I've been on Yasmin for too many years to count. This is not the first time I've had tightness in my chest or palpitations. One night I thought my heart was coming through my chest for hours on end I sat straight up out of bed and went to the ER the next morning on the advice of my allergist. Again all was fine. I always thought it was some "allergic" reaction to some other test I'd had done with a reaction to dye or some other medical interaction since I tend to be allergic to many things and get allergy shots. This really makes me think about getting off this pill, and I just happened to stumble onto this when I typed "chest pain" in as part of my search. It has been less obvious for me since this has happened infrequently but twice now in a few weeks. And it is rather frightening. Best of luck to all - thanks for the posts.

I knew right off the bat that the NR was making me crazy, but I wanted to see if the side effect would go away. It did not. And things just kept getting worse. I was having some intense mood swings, angry about the most useless things. I would cry in a second. It got to be an issue.
The worst part for me was on the days i would put it in I would get such a bad migraine that all i could do was lay in bed and cry. No pain relievers could help. Also, I run and train for half-marathons and in the last month i have been putting weight on, especially my stomach, even though I have been running up to 3 miles a day.
I am done. today was the end.
Thank you all for your useful posts. It solidified my decision.

I am about to start Yasmin. I'm a little scared after having read all of this, but talking with my doctor today encouraged me greatly. I have been on two other kinds of birth control (Sprintec and the NuvaRing). Both gave me such terrible side affects that I have had to quit them. I have always been an extremely healthy person and I've never been an emotional person either (Im very even tempered normally). But since I've been on both of these, I've felt like I was going to pass out, been so tired but unable to sleep, nauseous, massive headaches, changes in every part of my body (dryness - everywhere - itchiness, hair growth changes, dropping sex drive, skin break outs, shortness of breath, heavy periods, extreme cramps and abdominal pains, muscle soreness and random shooting pains.) it has been terrible and my husband (while he's been an angel) is about as exhausted as I am. My emotions are across the board...I have cried several times a day and been angry and moody just as often.

My doctor told me today that my specific set of hormones may not be a fit for any type of birth control. He said there is a small percentage of women who are like this - our hormones will reject anything that messes with them. He suggested that I try Yasmin, because the hormones are supposedly more natural. He said they should match up with my natural hormones better so my body won't reject it and cause all those nasty side effects. He saidnif this one doesn't work, he's going to fit me for a diaphragm.

Did anybody else's doctor tell them something similar before they started this one? How has it gone?

I am a 31 year old mother of a beautiful 13 month old daughter. From the age of 15 to age 23 I was on a birth control pill (I do not remember which one...I think it was Ortho Tri-Cyclen.). When I decided to stop taking the pill at age 23, I noticed a HUGE change in my personality. I felt much better/happier and had an increased sex drive. Going forward, I decided not to take hormones if I could help it.

Prior to the birth of my daughter, we tried the diaphram with spermicide and I had a reaction to the spermicide. My boyfriend would lose his erection any time we tried condoms. I did try the NuvaRing (hormones) and HATED that; it made me feel like my head was going to explode. I ended up pregnant, had my daughter and, after the birth of my daughter, tried the copper IUD. My body rejected that and it was a bad experience. I felt like I had no other choice, but to try the birth control pill again. I approached it with a positive attitude and was hopeful.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH LOESTRIN 24:

Dear women and concerned spouses,

Today is the sixth day I have been on Loestrin 24. I started taking YAZ and had diarrhea so bad that I had to switch after day two of taking the YAZ product. On day three, I started Loestrin 24 and (like I said previously) have been on it for almost a week. I went from being energetic, happy and sensual to the polar opposite.

The signs of depression and anxiety were almost immediate, but I was trying to give it a chance. It is not worth it to me any longer, as I have been upset with my boyfriend and crying almost every day. You might think it is coincidence, but it is not. I know my body and my mind; this behavior is not me. I have not been reacting rationally and I have been extremely emotional. I am an emotional person to some degree, but this is REDICULOUS. I have a constant feeling of irrational fear in our relationship and severe anxiety. I am aware enough to recognize that these feelings are not natural and that something is wrong and the problem is NOT with me.

The first day I took Loestrin 24, I had the shakes and felt very cold. Anxiety accomodated these physical effects. The second day of taking the YAZ product, I noticed a cramp in my right leg. By the time I was into my second day of Loestrin 24, I felt an aching in both my legs and lower back pain...both of which have NOT gone away. My periond stopped by the second day on YAZ, but started again with the first pill of Loestrin 24. This may be due to a change in pills, but it has not stopped since.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sadness and unusual behavior, or even a relapse in depression, the birth control pill may have something to do with it. I have been doing quite a bit of research on all birth control pills and the effects of depression that they have on women. I am speaking from experience and, so far, Loestrin 24 has been the worst at causing me symptoms of fear, depression, anxiety and just an overall helpless feeling. These leg cramps have me fearing blood clots, as well. Some of the other women on here have noted these leg and back pains, as well.

If I could find a non-hormonal solution to birth control (other than abstinence) I would use it.

Some women do fine on the pill and, obviously, some do not. I say, "Give it a try!", but listen to your body and that little voice in your head telling you that something might be wrong...it is usually right.

I am 29 years old and have SUPER heavy periods so my OBGYN prescribed me the NuvaRing. I have had trouble with pills and the patch making me feel crazy, she said this one would distribute the hormones much more evenly. HA HA HA, well I obviously don't need any more hormones than I already have. I put the ring in about 2 weeks ago and for the last 4 days I have been a raging lunatic. I am the most bubbly girl in the world, except when I'm PMS-ing. But this ring makes me feel like I'm PMS-ing 24/7. I feel irritable, sad, don't wanna get out of bed, i have hot flashes, headaches, wake up dripping from sweat, and now that I think about my sex drive has depleted. I just start crying for no reason, over-analyzing everything my sweet loving boyfriend says to me. Thought I was a freak because all BC i have tried does this to me. It makes me feel better to know I'm not alone, and I'm not crazy. I recommend talking with your Dr. before removing the ring. I'm calling tomorrow!!

Wow! Mirena hasn't been good to 90% of the people who posted. I am 21 yrs old. I have a 10 months old, and I had Mirena placed in November 2007. It wasn't a painful procedure. I did cramp and had spotting in the beginning. Long periods seem to come in spells for me though. At first I went 3 months without a period. By the third month, I was either bleeding too much, or wanted sex really bad. The bleeding stopped, so I was ok. Then it started again and was consistent for about a month. Whenever it stops I have sex, and within two says spotting starts. I also experience unpredictable bleeding. I think it's going to end, but it gets heavier. Buying tampons all the time is getting expensive. Not knowing what absorbency to buy is very frustrating. I can't go to the doctor much because MEDICAID will only pay to have it removed. I talked to a nurse and she said the spotting may be caused by a low grade infection. I can't wait till my benefits kick in at work, so I can see my doctor! The nurse did suggest taking a round of antibiotics. Since doing so, the bleeding stopped. I honestly think it's the hormones. I'm taking antibiotics my dermatologist prescribed to balance my hormones. I'm thinking about having it removed. I know I'm not good at taking pills, that shot made me gain 30 lbs when I tried it, and I won't go near the patch. Maybe an older mom who has experienced Mirena can give me a little advice. I'll be waiting for your response.

Thanks in advance :)

I had my Mirena out now for 13 days and it is amazing the change in me! I had insurance, so for me it was a no brainer but I would highly recommend anyone who doesn't have it to suck up the payment (sorry, I don't mean it sound rude) But it is sooooo worth it! I have NO ACNE anymore, I have NO MOOD SWINGS (I am not hollering at my kids' over stupid things any more) My clothes fit nicely again and I feel like I look good again (which I am sure is all the effects of all the above!) I did bleed for about 7 days, but it was like a regular period except a brighter red and a little more clots yet no cramping and haven't bled since. When I got my Mirena removed, I got fitted for a diaphragm because I didn't want any more hormones in me yet..aside from the fact I am 35 and a smoker.
I suggest ANYONE who has it, with or without Insurance needs to remove this! I wouldn't have the $500 to remove it either, but keep in mind, your overall health is worth it!!

I have been on Femcon for one month and just started the second month. I have experienced many of the side effects that are mentioned in this post, but one other I have it a severe pain in my right breast. It is almost like a burning sensation when I move a certain way. I have been to the Dr. and tested and assured it was nothing but hormonal. The only change is the Femcon. Has anyone else experienced this? I am stopping Femcon tonight and hopefully I will finally get some sleep!!!!

Has anyone had vaginal bleeding because the NuvaRing irritated your vagina? I had a little bit of break-thru bleeding earlier in my cycle but now the blood looks more like it is coming from something else...I have used a diaphram before and that would really irritate my vagina during sex, I would lightly bleed for the next day or two. My bleeding now looks a lot like my vagina is really irritated similar to using the diaphram. I've had some mood swings--mostly deep lows and being incredibly impatient/irritable which I'm normally not like. Lots of breast tenderness, too. My gyno swore that the NuvaRing with finally be the BC that would work for me (I've been a numerous types of pills) but I've been on it for two months and so far things are not looking too promising...

Crikey - I've been thinking about taking the NuvuRing on advice from the Family Planning Clinic. Thank you for everyone for sharing their experiences. I definitely won't now! While most people probably have great experiences, there are countless examples of side effects listed below that are too extreme to even risk having a good experience (blood clots, black outs, migraines, numbness, insomnia, lower sex drive, depression/suicidal thoughts, body swelling, painful sex/sexual organs, candida, weight gain and the list goes on and on). It's incredible that this is on the market and has gotten through the testing stages.

I took the pill for about a decade and went off it three years ago, mostly because I was over taking something every day and felt I was gaining a bit of weight and had a slightly lower sex drive. After going off it, sex changed (slightly elevated sex drive and easier organsms but less intense) but no change to weight (damn those extra three kilos!). I did lose the horrible brown pigmentation stain on my forehead (which was my initial only conern with the NuvaRing can you believe!) and my skin has remained clear. I have been much more sensitive to thrush/candida though since going off the pill, which my Dr said was due to changed hormonal levels due to such a prolonged time on the pill (10 yrs).

Since '05, I've been using a diaphram which has been fine. It's annoying to have to stop for that 60 seconds and put it in before sex, but I've had no major problems with vaginal skin irritations (very minor) and can feel it slightly during sex, but no where near the extent of condoms and the feeling is about 90%+ as good as without. Noting the issues raised on this site, I think I'll stick with the diaphram as I think I want to stay away from hormone options and the fiddliness before sex is a small price to pay by the sounds of things.

Sounds like the decision to take use the NuvaRing should be a carefully considered one.

Heartburn; shortness of breath; feels like a huge balloon is inside me, from the bottom of my chest, to my throat. Have difficulty even talking. Now there's headaches at nighttime. I'm a very healthy 40-yr-old woman, yet I feel like I'm embarking on something very bad. I'm drinking bottles of bubbly water and rolls of Rolaids to get myself to burp and relieve the pressure. My internist doesn't think it's the Levaquin, but I thought it from day 1.

I was a healthy 59 year old woman until my doctor prescribed Levaquin for a minor eye pain. I was taking 500 mg. a day for 6 days and on the seventh day I broke out with thousands of hives all over my entire body.I also had severe chest pains and a terrible pain in my back and jaw. I thought I was having a heart attack. The doctor examined me and took an EKG. I had a normal EKG it was not a heart atatck. My physican precribed benadryl and sent me home. A few days later I started with a terrible burning in my esophagus and stomach , and the terrible hives continued. I went back to my doctor and he precribed Zyrtec. The Zyrtec helps the hives to "sleep". I find that 22hours into the 24 hour pill I start to see all of the hives popping out and itching. The doctor gave me a fat free .diet and sent me on my way. Two days later back to see my physican. I told him I was still in severe pain. My stomach and esophagus were on fire and that I was having terrible pain in my diaphram when bending over. I insisted that he refer me to a gastointerstional doctor as an emergency or I was going to the Emergency Room now. He sent me to a Gastro Doctor and upon examining me he said I had GERD. He also precribed a Fat Free Diet, and gave me a pill called Zegrid. This did not help at all. I than made an appointment for an Endoscopy. The findings are acute inflamation in the stomach and inflamation in the esophagus. I also have a hiatal hernia. The doctor told me to double up on the Zegrid.. The Biopsy will be back in two weeks. My pain continued so I called the gastro docor and he gave me Carafate. I continue to have the burning, the hives, pain in my diaphram and back, and now a feeling that I have something stuck in my throat. I never had any of these issues prior to taking Levaquin. I am going back to the doctor today as I have added naseua to the list of my complaints. I eat very lightly and drink very little as when I drink I sometimes get terrible pain in my diaphram. I have been to my primary physican 8 times, gastro 2 times, I have had about $500. in prescriptions, EKG's , Sonograms, Endoscopys, and Biopsys. I am starting to wonder if the medical profession set me up. Levaquin is poison to some people. Why did my doctor give me this medication for an eye ache.? It may be too late for me to debate the use of this medication that I took blindly,but maybe someone out there will read my story and think before they blindly take a medication that may change there life forever. Does any one out there have any of the same issues from Levaquin? Thanks for reading my story. Cheri

I had severe hives, spasms and severe pain in the chest and diaphram, reflux,acute gastritis of the antrum.

Surprisingly i have been ok on this pill. i was on yasmin, then switched to yaz (which was the worst pill ever! i had my period for over 3 weeks on that pill). I've just started on Femcon, and it immediately stopped my breakthrough bleeding. the only side affect i think im experiencing is the headaches! i've been really stressed lately so i dont know if it has to do with that or the pill. also i have been REALLY tired a lot. i seem to wake up, do something then want to crawl back to bed for a few hours. anyone else get tired on this pill? other than that, the pill is actually working. now if we could just fix these headaches...

My doctor prescribed nuva ring to help with perimenopause symptoms, and excessive bleeding. (I previously used a diaphram -14 years -which i loved by the way)
He advised me to replace nuva ringevery 3 weeks and not have a period. Happily I tried it. I was ok for the first 6 weeks but have bled continously for the past 2 weeks. I also have had a killer headache for weeks now.

I have found relief from perimenopase symptoms such as anxiety and depression however.

I have been on Yasmin for two months due to sever cramps. Though I don't have any more cramps, I am always depressed, anxious, no libido ( great for a new marriage right) and have been really light headed lately. After hearing about the side effects of Yasmin I realized that it was really making me sick. Effective today I am going to stop taking it. So for birth control I am going to use a diaphram and the new female condom by durex (launched last week). I just feel it is not worth it.

I have been on the Nuva ring for 8 months, I cannot take it any longer. The effects for me have been horrible. Here's the list:
Extreme mood swings
Anger for no reason or petty reasons
Any excuse to vent the anger, fights with loved ones.
Severe Depression, I have actually had sucidal thoughts.
Severe headaches and Migraines
Extremely hightened emothions
Crying all the time and for little or no reason.
Weight gain, and that's just a few!!!
As an insight of who I was before I started using the Ring. I was happy and fun, my moods never lashed back and forth with such force. I have never been depressed and for me to think of suicide is absolutely absurd, I have always been against, I think that is the most selfish thing anyone could ever do. As far as emotions go...I have always been an insecure person, as much as most women. But, like this..no way. Every emotion known to human kind was just magnified to the 1000th power. It's insane what these hormones can do to a womans body!!! They can make us think we're crazy. We should all be warned. I have stopped the Nuva Ring and am now using a diaphram and spermicide. It has only been a short while and I feel so much better, I smile now. To anyone who is using the ring and feels the way I felt, in my opinion...take it out NOW. Don't wait it only gets worse.

Went on June 6 for a medical test and was given an IV dose of Levaquin as a precaution. I did not know I was being given this antibiotic. Within a few minutes I was in anaphylaxis. Also had very high blood pressure and heart rate. Muscle spasms throughout my body including my diaphram. I had two major "attacks" and one minor. I was given losts of drugs to counteract the symptoms. Had my procedure done and went home. Did not sleep that night and heart problems started up again. Ended up in the ER and in hospital for four days. Sleeplessness continues to be a problem 9 days later. No sleep again tonight. Lots of aching joints and muscles. Can't do much yet and can not concentrate enough to read a book. I had no problems like these prior to being given this ONE dose of Levaquin. I previously fell asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow.
I looked up this drug on the Web when I got home and found this site. I am very angry to have been given this drug without my knowledge and approval.