Match symptoms and conditions

Mirena...WOW who would have known, that trying to prevent pregnancy would hurt so bad. I have had Mirena for 2 years now after the birth of my second child. Started out okay, within 3 months, I would only spot during my cycle, and before long no spotting. I thought it was great. Then I noticed myself becoming tired, no energy, just thought i needed more sleep. It didn't matter if i slept 12 hours I was still tired throughout the day. Then I noticed my patience going out the window. Every little thing irritated me, I would get so upset over nothing. Before long I was yelling at my kids, getting mad at them like I would an adult over something. Everything would be okay one minute and the next minute I would want to rip someone's head off. There's been a couple of times after an episode where i'm sitting there thinking what the hell is happening to me. This isn't me.

Then I got online to start doing some research and low and behold I find websites that are covered up with comments just like mine. My husband had just about been at the end of his rope with me just thinking I was being a b**** for no reason. Now that he has seen everyone elses reviews he believes that this thing has something to do with it. I have been depressed, I have basically lost all weight from my second birth except for my stomach. I look like I am 3 - 4 months pregnant and it will not go down.
I've been to the doctor's office asking what's going on and having test run and it all comes back normal. Nurses see my stomach and look at me saying "are you sure your not pregnant, because that's not because you are fat".

I am finally taking the plung and having this removed. The only thing I will miss about this thing is not having a period at all and no cramping. My kids and my life is more important to me than having to go buy tampons and deal with a monthly period. I've done it before and survived, and I'm so ready to have my mind back. Your gut lets you know when your not yourself and mine has been telling me for a while that I'm not myself. If you have been ingnoring your gut feeling start acknowledging it, it's trying to tell you something.

Will post later and let you all know step by step what happened after having it removed and whether or not my stomach went down and if I have a better mood about life.

Just wondering....has anyone started a civil suit towards Mirena? There's enough testimonies here that someone needs to listen.

Thus far my experience has been good. I've had it several months now and not much to complain about. Previous to Mirena I had the Paraguard and THAT was a nightmare because my periods were very heavy and I am anemic so it wasn't a great match, and oral contraceptives and I never got a long. So the low dose has been good so far..... The only complaint I guess would be the super uncomfortable insertion, but it hurt as bad getting the Paraguard. It's just not nice having things shoved through your cervix! LOL :-)

I hope I don't end up with any of the symptoms I am reading about here!

For those of your considering the Mirena, like I said, so far I've really liked it and I think something to keep in mind is most people who are on here are probably on here because they've had such a bad experience with it. Most people who are happy (like I am) with it wouldn't bother to post online about it. I just happen to be bored and my husband is watching basketball, again! Ha ha ha. Talk to your Dr. and decide what will work best for you. I think taking the pill is the easiest if it works for you...it just didn't for me!

i m 43 year old male, i took lipitor for almost 5 years(20mg) then on February 2008 my doctor increase my dose to 40mg and then my nightmare begin, i work in a company, very physic job, in end of June 2008 i start to feel bizarre, difficulty to walk, get up in the morning was very hard, climbing stair was more and more dificult, i didn't know at this time that lipitor doing that, i just work harder to compensate for my weakness, and continue to take lipitor until September 2008, almost 3 month after feeling the first sign, but i was blaming aging and my weight to be the cause of my sudden weakness. end of September i was unable to do my job anymore, my co-worker start to do my job for me..it was very humiliated, then i call my doctor and tell him how i feel, and he order a blood test, he said to me after that i have a CK result near 6000, he never speak of lipitor side effect yet, i was suspecting a disease, like poliosis or something else...on my side i search on internet for answer, then my girlfriend read about side effect of lipitor, reading the side effect, i saw rhabomyolisis, reading the sign, was like reading my life for the last 3 month, i stop lipitor, after 3 days my urine became normal, a lot of stiffness i my neck stop etc..but my leg and arm where almost destroy, i past two magnetic resonance + one Emg, that s was the test that tell me lipitor destroy my muscle very severely, i saw a specialist who told me that is the most severe reaction to statin that she ever see along some colleague, the most important thing to know is that you can take lipitor for many year an it s ok for you, but the change of dosage is very critical and had to be check,ck and liver tested, it s almost 4 month now and i still not return to work, they think i be ok at the end of march 2009. statin is dangerous don t take that, vitamin C do the same effect without the trouble...

Hi all! I just began taking YAZ two weeks ago and things were fine up until two days ago. I started experiencing itching on several parts of my boy an last night, realized I had hives on my waist at my back, near my underarms and have serious itching all over the rest of my body including the palms of my hands. Please, please, please if anyone reads this an has had similar side effects, please let me know. Furthermore, I did not take the pill last night as I knew this could be the only thing causing these issues. Does anyone know the reprecution of stopping the pill mid month? Please let me know and thanks for your help!

Hello! I have been diagnosed with chronic daily migraines. Yes, a migraine everyday for 5 months straight. Next comes swelling of fingers, hands, arms, legs, ankles and feet with major pain for the last 5 weeks. I have gone to the neurologist, ob-gyn & family Dr. I had 4 Dr/ER visits of testing to see what the problem could be. Tested for heart failure, liver disease, kidney failure/disease, lung, lupus, ms, chest x-ray, ekg and a brain CT scan...all to be negative THANK GOD! All of my Dr's including the ER staff said....hmmmm I think its the NUVARING! After some research my symptoms matched the nuvaring side effects exactly...the part that says...if you have any of these...then call the Dr. immediately. It has been approx a week and 1/2 of the removal of the Nuvaring and the headaches are no longer everyday or a "10" in rating. I was so busy typing that I forgot to mention that I match quite a few of your symptons as well...like no sex drive, depression, nausea, dizziness etc. I'm not sure about what happened and if my symptoms will go away without the nuvaring. I can say that it is worth a try. I also want to tell you all that no, you are not crazy and please listen to your body. Nuvaring came along when I really needed to regulate my periods...so I know the feeling of being relieved, but I wish I had taken a break from a 3 year run with the "Nuvaring". Please take care!

I have been taking OMEPROZOLE for around 9 months for Barretts Asophegus reflux.
In general I was beginning to feel I was very ill with symptoms mainly: hot flushes, my face was burning for a few seconds, dizziness, stomach cramps top right mainly, feelings of diareah, and dry mouth.
Has anybody else experienced any of these symptoms... my GP is sending me for a scan on my Gall Bladder, but in my mind all these cramps are associated with Omeprozole... I cannot stop taking it or I get severe pain between my shoulder blades with reflux burning.
Maureen.

i have been taking the nuva ring since april of 07 , i have recently been waking up in the middle of the night with severe back pain and durning the day gettting headaches this has been happening for two weeks now and all the other comments i have read dont match my symptoms except the diarrea i have that sometimes usually when i first put it in and i also have vertigo sometimes and am breaking out in pimples just about the time i get my period and take it out but see the thing is i still have these symptoms even when the ring is out . Does any one else have these symptoms please email me , i also have the nausea alot of you have talked about but does anyone else have the back pain?

Potassium

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Pronunciations









albuterol

aldosterone

angiotensin

dialysis

digoxin

electrolytes

Fanconi's syndrome

hyperkalemia

hypokalemia

polyp

spironolactone

terbutaline

theophylline

Most of the body's potassium is located inside the cells. Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of cells, nerves, and muscles.

The level of potassium in the blood must be maintained within a narrow range. A potassium level that is too high or too low can have serious consequences, such as an abnormal heart rhythm or even cardiac arrest. The potassium stored within the cells can be used by the body to help maintain a constant level of potassium in the blood.

Potassium balance is achieved by matching the amount of potassium taken in with the amount lost. Potassium is taken in through food and electrolyte-containing drinks and lost primarily in urine, although some potassium is also lost through the digestive tract and in sweat. Healthy kidneys are able to adjust the excretion of potassium to match changes in dietary intake. Some drugs and certain conditions affect the movement of potassium into and out of cells, which greatly influences the potassium level in the blood.

Hypokalemia
In hypokalemia, the level of potassium in the blood is too low. Excessive potassium loss usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, chronic laxative use, or colon polyps. Very occasionally, excessive loss results from excessive sweating in conditions of extreme heat and humidity. Many foods contain potassium, so hypokalemia is rarely caused by too little intake in people who eat a balanced diet.

There are several reasons why potassium may be lost in the urine. By far the most common is the use of diuretics that cause the kidneys to excrete excess sodium, water, and potassium. In Cushing's syndrome, the adrenal glands produce excess amounts of aldosterone, a hormone that causes the kidneys to excrete large amounts of potassium (see Adrenal Gland Disorders: Cushing's Syndrome). Excessive potassium is also excreted by people who eat large amounts of licorice or chew certain types of tobacco. People with Liddle's syndrome (see Tubular and Cystic Kidney Disorders: Liddle's Syndrome), Bartter's syndrome (see Tubular and Cystic Kidney Disorders: Bartter's Syndrome), and Fanconi's syndrome (see Tubular and Cystic Kidney Disorders: Fanconi's Syndrome) have rare defects that interfere with the kidneys' ability to conserve potassium.

Certain drugs (such as insulin

and the antiasthmatic drugs albuterol

, terbutaline

, and theophylline

) increase the movement of potassium into the cells and can result in hypokalemia. However, use of these drugs is rarely the sole cause of hypokalemia.

A mild decrease in the potassium level in the blood usually causes no symptoms. A more severe decrease can cause muscle weakness, twitches, and even paralysis. Abnormal heart rhythms may develop, especially in people with heart disease. Even mild hypokalemia is dangerous in people taking the heart drug digoxin

. The diagnosis is made by determining that the potassium level in the blood is low.

Potassium usually can be replaced by eating potassium-rich foods or by taking potassium supplements by mouth. Because potassium can irritate the digestive tract, supplements should be taken in small doses with food several times a day rather than in a single large dose. Special types of potassium supplements, such as wax-impregnated or microencapsulated potassium chloride, are much less likely to irritate the digestive tract.

Most people who take diuretics do not need to take potassium supplements. Nevertheless, doctors periodically check the potassium level in the blood so that the drug regimen can be altered if necessary. Alternatively, potassium-conserving diuretics (such as triamterene

, amiloride

, or spironolactone

) can be added to the diuretic therapy, but only in people whose kidneys are functioning normally.

Hyperkalemia
In hyperkalemia, the level of potassium in the blood is too high. Hyperkalemia usually results when the kidneys do not excrete enough potassium. Probably the most common cause of mild hyperkalemia is the use of drugs that decrease blood flow to the kidneys or prevent the kidneys from excreting normal amounts of potassium. Such drugs include triamterene

, spironolactone

, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Hyperkalemia can also be caused by Addison's disease, in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of the hormone aldosterone, which stimulates the kidneys to excrete potassium (see Adrenal Gland Disorders: Addison's Disease). Kidney failure can result in severe hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia can also result when a large amount of potassium is suddenly released from the cells. A sudden release of potassium from the cells can result from crush injuries (involving the destruction of large amounts of muscle tissue), severe burns, or overdoses of crack cocaine. The rapid movement of potassium from the cells into the bloodstream can overwhelm the kidneys and result in life-threatening hyperkalemia.

Mild hyperkalemia causes few, if any, symptoms. Usually, hyperkalemia is first detected when routine blood tests are performed or when a doctor notices changes on an electrocardiogram. A high level of potassium in the blood is dangerous. It can cause the heart rhythm to become abnormal. If the level is very high, the heart can stop beating.

For mild hyperkalemia, reducing the potassium intake or discontinuing drugs that prevent the kidneys from excreting potassium may be the only treatment that is needed. If the kidneys are functioning, a diuretic may be given to increase potassium excretion.

For severe hyperkalemia, immediate treatment is essential. A resin that absorbs potassium from the digestive tract and passes out of the body in the stool can be given by mouth or enema. When this treatment is given, doctors also induce diarrhea so that the resin, with potassium absorbed into it, is quickly expelled.

When more rapid treatment is needed, the person may be given an intravenous solution containing calcium, glucose, or insulin

. Calcium helps protect the heart from the effects of a high potassium level but does not actually affect the potassium level. This protective effect lasts only a few minutes. Glucose and insulin

drive potassium from the blood into the cells, thus lowering the potassium level in the blood. If these measures do not work or if a person has kidney failure, dialysis may be necessary to remove the excess potassium.

I've been on simvastatin for about 8 years - recently increased to 20mg pd. Side-effects seem to match up very closely with other posters. Back and shoulder pain, often quite acute. Pain in left side under ribs. Various stomach pains and a general feeling of being unwell. Recently had treatment for trigger finger on right hand.
I'm fairly certain that the longer one takes this medication,
a/ the side-effects gradually get worse and
b/ the side-effects last longer when you stop taking the drug.

After reading this (I have been taking 25 mg. of Lisinopril for three years or more), I'm beginning to question whether or not it is right for me.

I have begun having strange side effects that match many of those written about here. Odd tension in my neck; occasional breathlessness; fatigue; cough; heaviness in the chest that is NOT related to my heart; inability to lay on my left side without discomfort; and this very annoying sensation as my heart "skips" (actually an extra beat) which started a week ago and has not left yet.

On top of everything else, now my blood pressure is very occasionally SPIKING.....the night before, it might be 137/72, then I wake up and it's an astounding 189/105!! If this drug is supposed to LOWER my blood pressure, why is it swinging so wildly?

The doctor's answer? He is pushing hard to get me to try beta blockers, actually arguing that at lower doses, I probably won't have the associated risks! That is pure garbage! If you take a beta blocker and then suddenly discontinue it without weaning off, or miss a dose, you risk a HEART ATTACK or a severe STROKE!!

Drugs, drugs, drugs.....there's got to be a better way. I'm looking for it right now.

Been on Zoloft for 7 years - from 100mg and now 200mg daily for depression and mild anxiety. I have terrible headaches when I miss two days or more (my fault, of course!). I also found that my depression and mood swings were TERRIBLE when I first tried birth control pills (as someone else mentioned). However, different BC pills will have different effects and I have now found that Lo-Ovral is a a good match for me (after my Dr increased my Zoloft daily intake by 50 mg).

I began taking this medication at 100mg twice daily for a sinus infection and have experienced negative side effects. I actually experienced side effects and then decided to check the side effect listings for the drug online and they defintly match. I have experienced extreme dehydration, nauseau, headache, disorientation, drowsiness, and stomach pain. I have not experienced vommitting but have felt close to it. I have also experienced a loss of appetite.

I don't have any problem with Celexa. It's been great for me - I lost almost 50 pounds, my depression and especially the anxiety are way down. My problem is with the generic for Celexa, Citalopram. I tried taking it once before, a few months ago, and I started getting sore spots in my mouth, mostly on my tongue. I was in agony, and finally talked my doctor into changing the prescription back to Celexa, although she argued that generics are virtually the same as the name brand, and it would be impossible to have a reaction to the Citalopram and not the Celexa. I did go back on the Celexa, and after a couple of weeks all the mouth soreness was gone.

Recently, after a meeting with my doctor, she came to the conclusion that although the Celexa was working, for various reasons, she changed the dosage. When I got the new medication, it was the generic, but I thought this would be a good way to test whether the Citalopram really caused the mouth sores. After 3 days, my mouth hurts so bad, i can hardly eat or talk. I haven't found anyone else that has had the same experience.

I had a heart attack in April 04 during a squash match. My business had been on the slide for about two years and two days earlier it had ceased trading. It was the two years of stress dealing with this situation that was the cause of the attack. There was a 90% blockage of the main right artery and a stent was inserted to open it up. Straight away the doctors proscribed a cocktail of drugs including Lipitor. After a three months I was only taking the lipitor. At the same time I was determined to get back to full fitness. I am 56 years old and very fit from the squash and I also used to race a bike at a high level 20 years ago so I started to train in earnest with a view to race again in 2005. It was frustrating as I seemed to fatigue easily. I naturally put this down to the after effects of the heart attack. Anyway I persevered with the training and got fitter. At the same time a pain started to develop in my upper left arm and my neck became very sore and stiff. I ended up going to see osteopaths and physiotherapists for teatment but nothing worked. On a spur of the moment decision I decided to stop the lipitor and rely on my diet to reduce my cholestrol. Out training with the guys I was getting back to my old self and was at the front on training spins and leaving them behind on the climbs. About four weeks later I was still suffering from the neck pains then I got my check up at the doctors. They told me that my cholestrol was elevated from the last readings and that I should definitely be taking the lipitor 40mg a day. I told him about the symptoms which he said were nothing to do with lipitor. Like a brainless idiot I took him at his word and started to take the 40mg a day. That was in February this year. There was no immediate change in my fitness levels. I raced a few events and did quite well but nothing like the standard I had been used to. Other muscle problems started to appear. My right foot on the pedal was now at a funny angle. My libido was now non-existent. At night in bed I was getting palpitations and my heart rate rhythym was very irregular with the heart stopping for about two/three seconds about six times a minute. My performances on the bike were getting steadily worse. In May I raced a 25 mile time trial and barely finished the distance totally exhausted. It was then that I researched Lipitor on the internet. I am very very angry to think that the medical profession can proscribe a drug with these side effects. Of course I stopped taking Lipitor immediately. That was 41 days ago. My heart rhythym is now normal, the palpitations stopped and libido back to normal, the soreness and stiffness in my neck almost gone. When riding my bike the foot on the pedal is now OK. My bike training is still suffering as my recovery is not very good though so it is unlikely that I will race agin this year. I am taking CoQ10 120mg L-Carnitine 500mg Lysine 1000mg Vitamin C 2000Mg plus Vitamin B supplements daily.
Please please do not take Lipitor as it is poison. It will proabaly take me anything up to six months to fully recover.

Wow! I have been on Yasmine for a year now. I am 34 yrs old and really liked this pill. I have had no depression or anxiety. I came on this site to see if anyone experienced weight gain. I was shocked to see all the people complaining about IBS! I have not been to the Dr for my symptoms, but they match those I've found for IBS. Now seeing this site, I'm comvinced it's this BC pill. I've never had problems before. I am going off BC for now, but would like to know how long before I lose this damned weight. 10lbs in the last 2 months. I have not changed my eating habits, or workout habits. Strange all of a sudden I am jsut gaining like crazy! HELP!