October 4th
2008
10:04 AM
I have had the Mirena implant for over two years now and I was so happy at first to find a way to have sex with my boyfriend without a condom or the risk of pregnancy. How many times and in how many ways must we realize that we cannot have our cake and eat it too? Sex was once something that almost always resulted in pregnancy. Now that we have the technology to have sex any time anywhere without the consequence of guaranteed pregnancy we forget what a striking contradiction this behavior is to the biological purpose of sex. Of course sex is incredibly enjoyable but, despite the theme of excess encouraged in our modern life, we must really consider the cost of employing these methods that allow us to have it irresponsibly. I speak from experience that my motivation to get the Mirena was not to have sex with anyone anytime anywhere but to have the freedom to do so, within the relationship that I was in, was something I found liberating. Now, two years later, I'm looking down at rapidly shedding hair on the keyboard as I write this. I have always had thin hair but in much more abundance. This, however, was not my first concern, nor was the acne, or itchy scalp. My first concern was that I stopped having my period completely within months of getting the implant. I made an appointment to see a Gynecologist at Planned Parenthood, where I had the IUD implanted for free, to discuss my apprehension that this was an unnatural side effect. She proceeded to define for me what "natural" was by retracing the history of woman and childbirth and how before birth control woman spent most of their childbearing and sexually active years in some state of pregnancy and so suffered this rather than regular periods. Surely I was thankful that this was not the case with my life and readily accepted her definition of "natural' as one who does not experience monthly periods. She went on to say that the body is exhausted by the duty of expelling unused egg after unused egg month after month. I left feeling that much more convinced I was doing the right thing for my body and my sex life.
Of course I was skeptical of her ulterior motives, working at a free clinic, her social responsibility is to get every woman that walks through her door on some form of birth control. Like every other pleasure we have the opportunity to enjoy in excess, condom free sex can become addicting. I do not look forward to using prophylactics in the future, what I do look forward to is having the drive to seek a mate. My sexual motivation has become as paper thin as my hair after two years with the device. I must admit that these side effects, along with acne, dry scalp, and depression, have not asserted themselves until now. One year ago I was in a very sexually satisfying relationship and cannot say that at the time I was lacking sex drive due to the implant. However, I was also not losing hair by the handful at that time. Is it my fear of going bald that is expediting the process of my IUD removal or is it that I truly believe the hormonal repercussion of suppressing my ability to become pregnant is directly related to my loss of sexual/romantic ambition? Surely it’s both since my chances of finding a mate as an asexual bald woman are highly unlikely, regardless of my ability to offer condom free sex. If my theory is correct and my drive to seek a mate with whom I can share the great human gift of physical and emotional intimacy returns along with my hair, after removing the Mirena device I will have to explore the alternatives to birth control. There is the cycle method where you map out the times of the month you are most and least likely to become pregnant. I hear there’s a male birth control out there, though I wouldn’t wish the side effects, such as woman experience, on them. The suppression of male sexual ambition might lead to the very collapse of civilization. And of course I will have to embrace the condom and I’m sure they’re getting thinner and more effective every day, or at least I hope so.
October 1th
2008
5:47 PM
hi there i have been on simvastatin about a year now and have felt so ill since taking them i am now due to have several blood test to see what they can find " as i suffer with nausea, pains in my legs and body /and terrible depression and i cant remember me feeling like this before i started taking these tablets i really don't feel like me no more / and i can easily sit down and cry because off feeling like i do / now i have been told to take double dose because my cholesterol is higher / i have spoke to others of these tablets and they have had same reaction so i have decided on my own thoughts to stop i will tell my doctor.and i am hoping i will get back to my old self i will try and keep my cholesterol in control and i think its well worth a try than to have all these side affects B.
-- By barbieanne | Reply | (6) replies | Private Message me
September 21th
2008
5:26 PM
My husband had been taking Lisinopril which he has stopped now for a few weeks . He is suffering from Bladder Stones not Kidney Stones Bladder stones . Had an operation for this last year took out 9 the size of garbanzo beans . Now they want to cut his bladder open again for more than the last time one is the size of a small egg. Does anyone out there know if the Lisinopril was causing this was taking it for 3 yrs.
-- By madwife | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 16th
2008
11:28 PM
I have been taking Lyrica for about 4 months (200mg total taken over 2 intervals per day) and have been having a terrible time with insomnia: I fall asleep but only sleep for 3-4 hours, then I either don't sleep, barely doze, or sleep extremely lightly with many awakenings for the rest of the night. I came online to research whether insomnia was a possible side-effect of Lyrica, but the information I am finding suggests the drug is used to *treat* insomnia... I am not certain my insomnia is linked to Lyrica, but in case there are more people out there experiencing similar problems and it's an as-yet undocumented side-effect, I thought I should add my two-cents-worth to mathews1965's comment. (No nausea; definite depression, although it's a bit of a chicken and egg thing considering the prolonged lack of sleep.)
-- By jtm2230 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 19th
2008
3:54 PM
Okay, I am 16, have never taken any birth control,and I am in my 3rd week of Loestrin. My doctor told me that if i started the pill on the first day of my period (august 1) that i would not have to wait to have UNPROTECTED sex, but to be safe, my boyfriend and I waited until august 7th to have sex, we also had sex on the 12th. Around the 15th I had some light pink discharge that lasted for 2 days...this worried me a little but i did not think much of it. Soon after that I started having back pains, cramps, nausea, headaches, my breasts are swollen, VERY tender, nipples are larger/darker, you can see the blue veins in them also. I have been picky about foods,discharge has increased, and have had terrible heartburn and have been extremely emotional. I have also had pains in my knees and ankles, and smells make me very sick to my stomach. I am very worried that I am pregnant.....but I am not supposed to get my period until the 28th so I have to wait...if anyone has been pregnant or had these symptoms on Loestrin PLEASE let me know....Thanks!
-- By maggiecc | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
August 11th
2008
5:00 AM
I've had mirena inserted about a month after my son was born he's now 15 months. I haven't had any side affects until now. Today is Monday Aug 10, 2008. On Saturday I was completely out of it. I was experiencing cramping, nausea, spotting, and the worst vomitting. What was wrong with me. Everyone suspects that I am pregnant. Not to mention that I slept for almost 7 hours on Friday. I have been searching every website to see if anyone experienced a pregnancy on mirena. I have found helpful advices. My husband says he's sueing if I'm pregnant, but I will be more concerned about having a healthy baby. At 22 this would be my third baby, it was unplanned nevertheless I will be happy. I pray that the baby is healthy and beautiful. I will see a nurse today to confirm if indeed I am pregnant. No birth control is 100 %. I don't know who to prevent pregnancy. I think it is Gods matter and man can not take it into their own hands. He said to be fruitful and multiply. Keep me in your prayers as I would for you.
-- By taylormakes3 | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
July 15th
2008
2:35 AM
i've had my mirena in for almost 10 weeks, i had my baby girl on April 2nd, and got mirena may 12th and everything was fine at first... besides the fact that i've been bleeding ever since i had it put in, and on 2 occasions have passed flesh colored blood clots, had severe cramping, weight gain, headaches, depression, paranoia, anxiety, anger, extreme appetite gain, loss of sex drive, and many other strange side effects... i never would've thought that these things were caused by this IUD, until i read how many other women were having side effects to... then finally i realized how this thing worked... it doesn't prevent pregnancy at all... there's a chemical that thins the lining of your uterus, therefor, an egg gets fertilized, travels to your uterus, and your body aborts it, so you are time after time becoming pregnant, it just makes it physically impossible for you to carry the baby in your womb... which raises this question to me... does this mean it could cause tubal pregnancy? which is a risk to your life?! hmmm...
-- By kaylynnsmommy | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
July 11th
2008
3:00 PM
Have taken 500mg Levaquin for 10 days on numerous ocassions to fight lung infections in between Cat Scan follow-ups for Lung Cancer since 2006.
Worked fine for my lungs, and I've been LC free for some time. Two months ago rt elbow swelled up, first like a mushy sack, now more firm, size of an egg, no pain then or now. Few weeks later Lt elbow began to swell but not as large and no pain. Dr. said wait few weeks and he'll refer me to surgeon. Now this FDA report on Levaquin has me wondering. I have full motion and no pain. Could this be a pre-cursor to possible tendon damage from Levaquin. Your input would be appreciated. Bill B
-- By fumesy | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
July 10th
2008
2:31 PM
I forgot to mention in my last post, iud's or iuc's do not prevent pregnancy, the fertilized egg is aborted after conception. Had I know this, an iud would have never been considered.
-- By cooper | Reply | Private Message me
June 18th
2008
8:05 PM
I got Mirena put in on July 5, 07...never had a child but Dr. said since I was 36 and not planning on having children, Mirena was a good alternative to the pill which I had been on since I was 19. On the pill I had very light 2-3 day periods and with diet and exercise, could lose weight. Now, almost a year on Mirena...the only good think that has gone away from when I was on the pill is the migrane headaches that I was starting to get on a monthly basis...but, in their place...I have gained weight, tired, have acne, cramps erratically throughout month, never know when my period will show up...some months it does not, some months it lasts 4 days (like last month), and I always feel bloated - esp. in the abdomen. I've even wondered on occasion...am I pregnant?? why do I feel so bloated?? One other weird thing, since I started running this year, I get this weird sensation that I have to go empty my bladder...this also occurs while doing intense stomach crunches...but it is not incontenance..nope never have bladder problems...it is just this funky feeling - sometimes almost a burning feeling around my uterous. Have not seen anyone post this - but it did not happen before Mirena when I ran or did sit ups...now it does - doubt this is coincidence.
Some of these symptoms truely could just be simply the result of ovulating again - that is what my Dr. told me...that on the pill I never released an egg...so now my body was getting used to ovulating again. Well...if that is the case, I just can not stand it anymore...I get it removed June 26th - next week so hopefully I'll be able to post back that these symptoms are gone or have removed. Going to go on the pill again...which has its own side effects...but I sure did not have as many when I was on it. Husband has offered to go under the knife to take care of him...but I'll see how the pill does again. Hoping to reclaim my life and actually lose weight as I've been dieting and exercising while on Mirena to no avail!
-- By nc1 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 14th
2008
12:20 PM
mirena DOES NOT prevent ovulation!! meaning you will still ovulate, but the sperm and egg cannot implant themselves which in turn will cause a miscarriage!! This is the same for all iud's, For some unknown reason docs will not tell you this, but my doctor did and strongly advises not to use iuds!! You will get pregnant! You may think your having a heavy period but really you could be passing a dead fetus! Sorry to be so blunt, please do research before you choose this method of birth control
-- By danielledavis1 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
April 13th
2008
8:33 PM
Concerned Citizen Do you have a life? Quit scaring people and libeling a company. You don't know your science. Quit pretending you do.
Wait till you see the things that come out about the 15 year old in Upstate NY who committed suicide. You will wipe plenty of egg off of your face. Give it up.
April 10th
2008
11:48 PM
I've been on this drug for almost two weeks. About one week in I noticed my ankles were swelling. They look like an egg has been cut in half and applied to each side. I rarely have any swelling. It's not painful but looks bizarre. I've also been having tingling/numbness on the bottom of my feet - mostly the ball of my foot and up into my toes. In addition I'm having tingling in my forearms and hands, also my thighs, and a bit in my buttocks. It's bizarre. At first I just thought I'd pulled a muscle somewhere but as it has progressed I've decided it must be associated with the doxycycline. I have two more pills left and I'm hoping everything subsides once I'm done with it. The only painful thing was a neck crick, which I'm not sure was associated with the drug, but could have been. Also, I've had charlie horses in my legs probably a half dozen times since I've been on it. I haven't had one in probably 10 years prior to this. I've never noticed this kind of side effect with a drug. It has certainly cleared up the infection that wouldn't go away and as long as all these side effects go away it was worth it - no question - but these are odd side effects.
-- By pt61 | Reply | Private Message me
April 9th
2008
11:40 AM
I have a herniated disc L5S1. I had my first of six injections in September of 2006. for three months I had problems with my periods. After my third shot my husband and I decided to start trying to get pregnant. We wanted to try earlier but my back pain stopped us from trying. Ever since I received the first shot I have had problems with fertility. I do not get the cervical mucas anymore. This mucas keeps the sperm alive and helps them travel to the egg. I also had an ectopic pregnancy a year ago in April of 2007. I know that Kenalog has had something to do with both of these issues. I have been trying to get pregnant again for about 9 months with no sucess. My husband has been checked out so we know that it is not him. I have a son so I know that everything was fine before these shots. When I talk to my doctor about my problems they tell me it is not the Kenalog because it does not stay in your system for that long. I say that this is a steriod and you always here how bad they are and the horrible side effects. I know that this stuff is the reason that I cannot get pregnant and it is probably what caused the ectopic pregnancy that almost killed me.
-- By kawill36 | Reply | Private Message me
March 16th
2008
11:26 AM
I started taking Lamictal about six weeks ago for epilepsy. Now keep in mind, I was on Dilantin which worked great for 17 years and then suddenly stopped working. I have been in medication hell since then. First Topamax made me dumb as a rock. I would space out all the time. Worst drug ever. Then Keppra which was better in that my memory/ability to speak came back but I had these intense ups and down. I had rages constantly. Now I'm on Lamictal. So far, it's better than the Topamax and the Keppra, however the dreams are very intense as are the night sweats. I'm also experiencing much hair loss. Fortunately I have a full head of hair but I'm afraid I will eventually lose it all.
-- By lintriago | Reply | (9) replies | Private Message me
December 5th
2007
4:47 PM
Have been taking 400mg of Topamax for 7 years for severe chronic pain condition. Currently experiencing some new issues. Originally had only wonderful things to say, never had any complaints and thought Topamax was doing it's job for me. Tried going off once after developing kidney stone (thought was only side effect), but new med made liver enzymes escalate. Doctors just exploring which of these troubles may/may not be attributable to Topamax. Currently taking several other meds, as well. Which came first, chicken or egg?
-- By rsdlifer | Reply | Private Message me
December 4th
2007
8:41 AM
I am getting mine removed FRIDAY!! And Friday can't come soon enough. I am kinda bummed tho for having to go back on the pill but I can't hack this ANY LONGER!!! One of my friends works for a GP and I went to him because of some of my side effects. The flu like symptoms minus having the flu (had it for at least 2 to 3 mos now) NO sex drive (causing trouble with my marriage. Hubby is taking it WAY to personal), swelling in my hands, feet, legs, and face. (my face will feel flush and BAM I'm swollen!!) VERY BAD MOOD SWINGS!!! Very Bad isn't the word for it!! There are no words to explain my moods!! ANYHOW..... I sent this to my friend to read and she pulled it up at work. Well the GP said that this isn't a reliable place to go for information on the side effects. "There are NO positive side effects to anything." Which is true BUT he seems to think going to Web MD or some sight like that is more reliable than here. And that this sight shouldn't scare me and he wouldn't urge me to have it removed after reading this. (OH YEAH I forgot to mention joint pain, I have HORRIBLE joint pain in my hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. The worst of it is in my wrists and elbows) Back to what I was saying. To that (this sight not being reliable) I say go to Web MD and post there too! I pray that I can get back to me after this comes out!! I hope it don't take too long either! I MISS the old me and HATE the new me!! But FRIDAY HURRY UP AND GET HERE. And for anyone who has had it removed........ anything I should be repaired for??? Thanks for your time!
-- By angi13425 | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
June 13th
2007
7:02 PM
Like everyone here I have a lot of the same symptoms. Since starting zocor, I am on medicine for depression, gained weight, can't sleep well, tired all the time, legs egg when walking. My biggest concern and I didn't notice anyone having this problem; I am wondering if zocor can make your blood pressure rise. I stopped taking zocor about three weeks ago and my blood pressure (yesterday) was 128/68...perfect for me 55 year old woman. Prior to stopping the zocor (and taking blood pressure med's) it was 140/88. I stopped the b/p medicine too.
-- By judyhelene | Reply | Private Message me
February 17th
2007
12:30 PM
I am shocked. Several days ago, I noticed the indention on my hip (egg like). I couldn't figure out what caused it. It really freaked me out. Then I remembered that I had a nasty rash in Nov 0f 2006 and my doc gave me a shot. In addition, I have had bleeding in between my periods. I have been thinking that something was ghastly wrong with me.
Now, after finding this site I learn that it's all about a shot that I had several months ago!!!
I already had a huge scar from past surgery. I would never have agreed to further disfigurement.
Is there anything that can be done to minimize the indention? This is horrible!
-- By bettles | Reply | Private Message me
November 16th
2006
7:18 AM
g
uest 31828
to guest 31828
the doctor may be trying to stall you from being able to file a claim against her.My doctor told me that it would go away in 6 months to a year but 2 plastic surgeons told me that the atrophy is permanent.The state that I live in has a medical malpractice statue of limitaions of 2 years but only six months from time of discovery.The day that you walked into her office about the atrophy has been documented in the medical records and that would be time of discovery.You should contact an attorney immediatly if you were not warned of the side effect.Also the atrophy happens when the drug is not injected deep into the gluteal muscle,it will destroy the fat tissue.The drug company warns doctors about this and also gives instructions on how to properly inject kenalog to prevent it."Unless injected deep im local atrophy is likely to occur''.It may also get worse over time,mine is as big as a large egg and still growing after 6 months.Good luck
-- By michelle343 | Reply | Private Message me
August 2th
2006
11:22 AM
The indentation in my hip is as large as an egg and getting bigger.Has anyone been successful at getting compensation or at least getting the atrophy repaired ?This is the only body I've got and it deeply sadens me to have this huge disgusting dent in it.It looks like I have a disease of the flesh.Also,how big does the atrophy get before it stops growing?
-- By michelle343 | Reply | Private Message me
September 27th
2004
7:15 PM
I am 21 years old and was on Lupron for a couple of weeks because i was donating an egg. While I was taking it I had insane cravings for sweets and I never really liked sweets before. Chocolate was my best friend. I gained a bit of weight, my breasts increased, incresed heart rate, and I was moody. Now, a week and a half later, one night I became so dizzy, sick, and disoriented that I had to hold on to walls in order to walk to the bathroom. That was frightening. I am in the WORST pain now for my lymphoid in my armpit swelled to a size of a mature grape. I cannot even lift my arm and it just gets bigger. I read somewhere else that this was also a side effect and it is terrifying. I've read all of your comments and it scares me even further just thinking of what may be because I was not informed properly and trusted the doctors too much. If anyone else has had the swelling side effects please e- mail me and tell me how you feel now or what you did. I'm going to the doctor but moral support is neede here too. I am very scared.
-- By annakinz1 | Reply | Private Message me
August 24th
2004
6:45 PM
After the 3rd 500ml dose of this med. I felt like it was all over for me. I had just finished my period about two weeks before taking, but after taking Levaquin I was BLEEDING all over the place. I was so scared, the Blood was bright with cloggy lumps, my stomach felt as if it was about to fall out (I couldn't bare the Pain. I may have gotten pregnant while on the 2nd dose. If so did it damage the egg or sperm, will it affect the unborn born child?
If you are on this med. Please, PLEASE STOP!!!!
Mirena (8) Kenalog (4) Levaquin (2) Yasmin (1) Jolessa (1) Lupron (1) Zocor (1) Singulair (1) Lyrica (1) Simvastatin (1) Doxycycline Hyclate (1) Topamax (1) Lisinopril (1) Lamictal (1) Loestrin 24 Fe (1)
November 19th
2008
10:46 PM
I was so amazed to see so many people having the same side effects as I am. I thought I was just stressed out from working full time, being a full tine student in college and a single mother of a 3 year old. I have not had this much acne on my face since I was in high school and I am 28 years old. I have gained so much weight that most of my old clothes don't fit anymore and I don't have the money to buy new clothes. My mirena was inserted in May 2008. After reading these blogs, I think I will get it taken out, but I would hate to get back on the birth control pill and I had a bad experience with Nuvaring too. I read in a magazine that what Mirena does is make the uterus uninhabitable for the fertilized egg to grow, so this means we are pregnant every month and pass the fertilized egg out with our menstrual cycles.
-- By pippy2008 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me