October 20th
2008
5:22 PM
okay ladies, I'm not sure what you all are experiencing since I'm not a doctor. But I will tell you that a huge amount of your symptoms can either be age related or post baby related. I have four children ages 15, 6, 5, 3.
The beginning stages of the Mirena granted are not pretty and can last for months. I was having a terrible time with my periods and was out of commission for the first three days of every cycle each month. I have had my Mirena for almost 2 years now and am going on 41. I had to wait it out for about 6 months before seeing any huge improvements. I will tell you this, over eating and NOT eating a healthy diet of fruits and veggies will aggravate bloating and mood swings. You could have these with or without the IUD. I never lost my hair unless I was 3-6 months post partum.
A diet rich in potato chips, bread, meats and cheesy pizza will show on your hair skin and nails. The typical American diet will leave even your special guy moody. As we age the expectation is that we will always feel 18 and I have had to come to grips with how my body ages and how I take care of it. A new baby whether it is your 1st or 4th will cause unwanted fatigue. I still struggle with fatigue because not everyone sleeps thru the night including my hubby so my sleep gets disrupted a lot. There are several things you can do to help your Mirena work for you and not scare you. I NEVER lose my sex drive unless I fail to exercise even a little each week and have fought back with a super charged diet. I'm not perfect at it but boy does it ever help. Sugar has a HUGE impact on your hormones and fatigue level. Limit it. Got to bed as early as you can and avoid late night TV. Don't give your precious zzz's to some silly show that won't help you be a better person any way. Get moving and add a little (or a lot) of weight training to your days- your sex drive will soar and your body will thank you. Pray for wisdom. God will help. Sometimes he uses fatigue to slow me down and focus on what is really important. Granted not everyone can handle an IUD. But if you try a little self care and be patient you might find that it works for you. I had heavy bleeding and at my age the doc said I got it just in time because from 40-50 I could expect more of the same. I am grateful for it because I felt like I was dying every time I had a period. A little fatigue is worth the benefits. Keep in mind that even your little ones get tired. They need naps and they are kids. We need rest in the afternoons too. It's okay to stay off the phone and rest a little if you can. My energy drainers are TV, negative people, talking on the phone too much, eating too much especially when I'm not really hungry, the wrong foods when I do eat, and not getting sleep or exercise. Start small and see if over time it doesn't make a big difference before you throw in the towel. Blessings to all and especially the new mommies.
June 13th
2008
8:44 AM
Not really sure what to say here. Had my Mirena put in March 2007, 6 weeks after the birth of my second daughter. I had taken the pill before this, and twice I fell pregnant on it. I took it religiously, so obviously it just wasn't for me. I decided on Mirena, having heard many wonderful stories about it. I didn't find the procedure for inserting it painful or uncomfortable, but maybe this was because I had given birth such a short time before.
Shortly after having it, I began to feel depressed, and ever since I have been moody, irritable and quite hard to live with. I put this down to post natal depression, and my doctor was reluctant to give me any medication for it, his explanation being 'you've had a baby, your hormones are all over the place, you'll be fine'.
I came on here yesterday, a friend of mine asked me to research whether she could have the Mirena or not, she's got 2 little girls, the oldest just turned 2 and both were C-sections. Anyway, not to babble on . . ..
For the past few months, I've been living with demons in my head, I feel no energy, don't leave the house much, am totally depressed most of the time. My relationship is suffering, I'm very short tempered with my girls & husband.
I've thought about seeing my doctor to see if he can help with the depression, but now I'm wondering if this little piece of plastic is the root of my problems.
Before falling pregnant, I had lost 42lbs, abd I kept it all off during pregnancy through healthy eating. I came out of hospital 1lb lighter than when I fell pregnant. But In the past year, I've put every one of those 42lbs back on, and about 10lb more. I haven't been overeating, and I know I've not been 'dieting', but even after a few weeks of quite intensive exercising, this weight will not budge.
I am also hoping my husband will stumble across this page if I leave it on the pc, I really want him to realize that the 'raving lunatic' he's been living with for the past year or more might in fact not be me being the 'negative, bad person, but maybe that something which I chose to have inside me is the cause.
Now I'm at a point where I don't know what to do. Do I continue with the Mirena, or do I have it taken out? Can I live with the mood swings for another 3 years, indeed can my kids, can my husband? Or do I have it removed, and try find some other form of BC?
I would like to have another child or two in a few years time, so I don't want to do anything permanent, but I'm really in two minds on whther this 'coil' is worth the side effects. I have tears streaming down my face as I type this, tears of happiness that I've maybe found out what is wrong with me, tears of sadness because I don't know what to do .
May 29th
2008
9:30 AM
I've had my Mirena out for a week now and I'm very irritable and tired! I do feel relieved to have it out thought b/c all the bleeding, cramping, cysts and weight gain had been enough! I was wondering if anyone else has had the Mirena out and if you could email me and tell me what to expect for the next couple of weeks that would be great!! ******
Good luck to everyone!
February 16th
2008
12:11 PM
I have been on this for 1 month. The first two weeks was fine then I started feeling bloated big time. I do exercises for my stomach and I know I have good core muscles and I can't hold my stomach in. I'm not working right now need to be looking for work but I have been waiting for the bleeding to stop and the bloating to disappear. I am getting off of this. All of the head problems people are having are due to the extra drug in Yaz that deals with moodiness. I have been on tons of different anti- everything and usually it takes at least 3 to 4 weeks to adjust to your brain. If not it's not for you. I am completely off of meds now because I took the steps to freedom in Christ in a book called Breaking the Bondage by Neil T Anderson. I took ortho tri-cyclene before years ago and it did great compared to this stuff. Taking something to help with moodiness just causes a person to be numb to their feelings. The feelings don't go anywhere the pile up and that's why you find yourself at times crying uncontrollably. The only way to heal these things is to face them and the only one that can take that pain from you is Jesus. I know I tried everything. Exercise and changes in your eating habits will help with period problems. Water water water will help with acne.
-- By purpleangels240 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
February 6th
2008
8:54 PM
I think Femcon FE is definitely great. Yes i do get headaches and nausea sometimes, and sometimes a week before my period a little breakthrough bleeding, but it is the best birth control I've ever taken.
I've had the shot and i bled constantly. I also took other birth control , like ortho tri cyclen, and had bleeding as well.
Femcon has made my period SO much lighter, my cramps are virtually gone during my periods, whereas before they were unbearable. I have found it very hard to lose weight, but with exercise and healthy eating it is ok.
Plus this is the number one pro. NO PREGNANCY. I got pregnant on ortho tri cyclen low when i missed a pill.
Femcon is very reliable and i feel great on it. I haven't had one UTI or yeast since i started it 6 months ago.
I'll take the cons any day. Its worth feeling protected!
-- By frescodecacao | Reply | Private Message me
November 27th
2007
8:49 PM
I have been on Celexa for 4 months now. At first, I lost about 6-8lbs. But just a few weeks ago I began to put on weight fast. I noticed that my appetite was out of control. I was informed by my doctor that such a low dosage (20mg) wouldn't cause such a reaction. But unfortunately I have gained about 15lbs in a matter of 3-4 weeks. I exercise regularly, but find that I barely have the energy to get thought the workouts, and when I get home, all I want to do is eat. Does anybody know how to lose weight while being on Celexa?
-- By linzyjean17 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
September 19th
2007
6:57 PM
This is a great site for learning more on this subject where we can get the real facts from real experiences.( Vs. the deception from drug companies who are in the business for profit.)
Lipitor is pure poison, and Dr.'s hand it out like candy. All cholesterol reducing drugs that contain statins can trigger dangerous side effects. Not many of us are informed about the real danger of statins when we are handed the perscription. Inappropriate prescribing of medications will continue to be one of the leading causes of death. And we, the patients,do not always receive enough info. from our Dr.'s about the dangers and side effects from prescription drugs.
I'm 48 yrs. young. Female, small build, (was) healthy and active, happy, and an empty nester! My husband and I had moved to another province and hence had to find a new Dr.
I was prescribed lipitor 10 mg. daily after a routine check up by my Dr. because my cholesterol was a little high.
I started taking it in the winter 2005. I stopped taking it in mid June 2007... My side effects were progressive , drug induced, and it escalated to near disabling.
I knew something was terribly wrong. Was it A.L.S., M.S., West Nile, Lupis, Alzhiemers Disease, or a new designer disease? I did not suspect that the drug lipitor was the cause until much later.
At first, my Dr. said it was menopause. I should mention; since I've quit taking the drug 3 months ago, I have no symptoms of menopause !
At least my Dr. has acknowledged and diagnosed the cause of these profound symptoms." Myopathy as a result of statins."
Signs & symptoms I experienced are as follows;
Severe stomach pain.
Muscle pain, aching , weakness, stiffness, tenderness esp.to the lower extremities. Eventually, I could only shuffle to walk.
Pain in the palms of hands.
Stiff neck, shoulders, arms and lower back.
Trouble getting up from a seated position, and climbing stairs.
Extreme fatigue.
Hot and cold sweats
Night sweats
Fevers. High and low grade fevers.
Ringing in the ears.
Difficulty swallowing, and fear of choking.
Pain in the esophagus.
Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness.
NO appetite, yet a lot of weight gained around the abdomen area.Bloated.
NO taste buds.
Speech affected, slurring words and mispronouncing. Tongue felt swollen.
Trouble breathing at night, would wake up coughing ( and I was not smoking then).
Trouble sleeping.
Loss of balance and coordination.
Blurred vision esp. in the morning.
Sharp shooting pains in the Rt. thigh.
Most of the symptoms have now subsided. I still have some foot pain and leg cramps and muscle stiffness... and poor concentration. Putting this together has been done with great difficulty, as I seem to pause a great deal and forget what I was trying to say. The recovery process is slow but at least it's progress. My Dr. has not prescribed any more medication. I've done my own research, after the fact, and started taking coQ10. and I've noticed a big difference!
Quality of life? Well, I'd rather have high cholesterol and die from that, than be poisoned again by statins. What quality is there, to live an extremely painful, useless and unfulfilling life? We were all guinea pigs, and we paid a terrible price for this! I hope we all can recover from this with no long term side effects.
If you are considering taking cholesterol lowering drugs do some careful research on statin drugs before you take them, and read the testimonies from those effected by them.
sj.
October 7th
2005
3:20 AM
Hiya. I was on prednisolone for 8 months 40mg a day. I have been of the steroids for a month now and cnt beliveve how much weight i have piled on. I don't eat excessively but have put on a stone and half since taking this horrible drug and it wnt shift regardless of excercise and healthy eating. I'm defo going to try some of your suggestions, hopefully the moon face and swelling may satrt to decrease. Fingers crossed eh!!
-- By rebecca.lake | Reply | Private Message me
August 16th
2005
4:13 AM
I have been on Yasmine for 8 months after being on Dianette for years. At first I thought I had found the perfect pill, lost a few pounds, light periods and not as moody as when I was on Dianette. Time seems to tell. Started to notice in the last three months,
I had a few heart racing episodes. Pins and needles sometimes. Muscle spasms now and again. TOTAL loss of sex drive. Sudden bloated stomach and weight gain even though I was on a healthy eating diet and go the gym. AND the biggy, my nerves are shot to pieces. Looking on the dark side and feeling tired with muscle fatigue.
Am I going nuts?
Last week I like some of you went on the internet and it all started to click in. My husband although supportive of me coming off the pill still thinks my symptoms are 'just one of those things'. Well after reading this site and others I'm taking the last pill in the pack tomorrow and lets see. I will keep a diary and after being on BCP for years I know it could take time. Thank you all for taking the time to post, we can't all be imagining it!!
August 8th
2005
4:23 AM
WOw...Ive been depressed about weight gain, despite healthy eating and exercise. More alarming my finger joints ache so much I've been worried aout early arthritis or Lymes. We thought this was our family miracle after moving to the farm. My daughters seem fine, but I'll be back to the allergist anyway. Most disturbing, the "SIDE EFFECTS LIST" w/ the perscription is very short and lists none of these. I almost didn't even type the search, thought it was all "in my head"! Anyone know if it passes through nursing? My son is high-energy/hyper, but only nurses once daily now. I'm labeled "problem mom" at the peds, guess I should have been more vigilant w/ my own and older kids meds
-- By jbingaman152 | Reply | Private Message me
January 23th
2004
9:48 AM
i took it for 6 months i did gain weight about 5 extra pounds , regardless of healthy eating and being very active, i felt bloated and depressed a lot also no sex drive, but i didn't even notice how much it affected me till i was off the birth control . Hope this helps!
-- By ashleymiller02 | Reply | Private Message me
Yasmin (3) Mirena (3) Singulair (2) Celexa (1) Cyclessa (1) PredniSONE (1) Azathioprine (1) Femcon FE (1) Lipitor (1)
November 3th
2008
1:06 PM
I am a new poster & am excited to be a part of this discussion !! I feel to close to this discussion because I have been experiencing the same issues.
-- By billie12345 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message meI too have been having major chest pain issues for almost 2 months now. I started Yasmin (much to my dismay!) about 6 months ago. I haven't taken any b.c. since I was about 19, I am now 30, I started because my periods were absolutely unbearable anymore, intense cramping, heavy flow & in incapable of work/activity for the first 2 days. My doctor always pushed b.c. on me for the pain relief. Finally I agreed. I started in February, 2008.
Almost 2 months ago (7 months into Yasmin) I was getting a bit of chest pain along the ribs/inside of the side of the breast, mainly the right & sometimes on the left. I wasn't too worried as I am a healthy eating, yoga/work-out doing, average weight, no health issues what-so-ever except for my intense period kinda gal. About a month went by with increasing chest pain & I went to the hospital (up north at my moms when I was visiting, only an hour wait to get in as apposed to the 6 here back home!). My fear was heart problems. They did blood work & (I am not sure what this is called!) they hooked me up with tons of little stickies & monitored my heart. - I mentioned to the doctor I was taking b.c. & he said it wasn't an issue, they usually pose blood clot risk....not my issue here.
They said everything was normal & because of the sensitivity of the chest pain (it is sore to the touch!) he said it was costochondiritis, the inflammation of the chest wall. So I thought that was it, I would just take the Advil the suggested 3 times a day for inflammation & it would go away. I did this for 2 weeks & nothing changed.
I was getting some shooting pains in my chest & went back to my doctor, explained my visit up north & what they concluded it was. She said that the costochondiritis has made me sensitive to acidic foods, prescribed me with previcid for a week. That didn't make any difference at all.
Here I am another month later & my chest pain feels worse, my chest still feels tender to the touch, I am short of breath going up the stairs, heart racing/palpitations, gas (burping & passing gas), some upper back ache, I am feeling helpless & beat down !!
By now I'm sure there is a bit of anxiety mixed in there, I have been so sad, scared & worried!
I went back to my doctor & she sent me for an upper G.I. to rule out acid reflux & it came back normal. I also did some blood work again (which have since came back normal) & am waiting for the results. She said she doesn't think it's costochondiritis now. I am scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound & with a cardiologist (I go tomorrow) for an EKG for my heart.
Last night my hubby & I were talking, my co-worker was really upset to hear I've still been taking the pill, she thinks it's poison. I told my guy that & we got out the information booklet from my Yasmin & there were ALL of my symptoms, there was a list of 12 & I had 8 of them !!! No vision or numbness problems but all of the chest pain/breathing issues.
I took my last pill 2 days ago (it was my last before my period) & I have no plans to start again. I am going to follow through with the scheduled appt.'s just in case but my hubby & I have our money on the pill being the cause for all of this.
1 thing that gets me is when I went to my doctors with this issue in the beginning, not once did she bring up the pill or say to stop the pill. In the booklet under all of the symptoms I've been having it says to immediately stop taking the pill. ;(
After taking my last pill I felt a bit better (it's only been a week/my menstruating week), the sharp pain on the inside/side of my breast/chest has not been as sensitive to the touch. I still have had palpitations (minor, not lasting long - to lasting up to 4 hours until I just go sleep to try to get rid of it) & sparse shooting/dull/aching pain in my chest/armpit.
YASMIN SHOULD BE BANNED !!