Ordeal symptoms and conditions

Stopped smoking on Oct 27, 2009. I had began taking Wellbutrin about a week prior to quitting smoking. Then on Nov 6, 2009, that morning start to break out in red welts all over my neck, which fast moved to under my arms, on my sides and then to my face. I went straight in to my doctor and they gave me a benadryl shot and a steriod shot. My dr advised me to quit taking wellbutrin, because I was having an allergic reaction to it. I quit taking wellbutrin. But the rash just got progressively worse over the next 24 hours, I passed out on Nov 8, 2009 and was taken in to the ER, there I was given another Benadryl shot and another steroid shot. The ER doctor also wrote me a prescription for Benadryl and for a round of steroid pills. It is now Nov 12, 2009 and the rash has left for the most part, except if i get my skin hot, then the rash just appears and itches badly, but as soon as my skin cools it is gone. My chest was very painful the first four days of this ordeal, it is now only painful occasionally. My doctor says it will probably take about two weeks for all side effects to completely disappear. This is the only severe drug reaction that I have ever had in my life.

Hi all,
Well I got lucky.
The only doctor at my clinic that deals with IUD's is in on Thursday and can get me in.
Hopefully it won't be an ordeal getting it out or to terrible of side effects once it is out.
I know that getting it in was horrific....felt like he was trying to yank my uterus out when he put the clamp on. The whole procedure almost made me pass out.
For those of you wondering how it is to get it out, I will post once I get home.
Take care everyone.

I've had my Mirena out for nearly 2 weeks now, after 15 months of living with the side effects. I've posted before about fatigue, crankiness & irritability, low-grade depression, weight gain, poor sleep, headaches, etc -- same old story as everyone else -- that came on gradually over the months. I'm still SO grateful to this website for making it clear to me that this wasn't just typical exhaustion due to having 2 little kids (now 3yrs & 16mos) or post-natal depression. Anyway, getting the Mirena removed turned out to be an ordeal in itself -- the strings disappeared and the doctor couldn't see anything with a speculum, so I had to wait 3 weeks to get an ultrasound and it turned out to be in the right place (phew!). Then I had to wait nearly 2 months to have a hysteroscopy -- they dilate your cervix and poke a camera up inside your uterus so they can see where the coil is, then they can pull it out. The poking and prodding was a huge drag, uncomfortable but not excruciating. When they actually pulled it out it barely hurt at all. I was a bit sore for a day or two, like mild period pains but nothing serious.

So, here's the update so far: My sex drive came back the very next day after being completely gone for ages! That was such a nice feeling again, to actually want to be with my husband instead of just going along for the sake of the marriage! I haven't felt sick or achey in my joints since it came out either, and the headaches are pretty much gone after being a constant in my life. I'm sleeping easier, and generally feel healthy again -- such a relief! My energy levels are still really really low though; I sure hope they start to come back soon. I think it's going to take awhile since I'd pretty much stopped exercising due to feeling so ill and tired all the time. I'll have to build myself back up through eating better and getting back to the gym, so unfortunately I think the weight-gain and fatigue are going to take longer to 'cure'. But still, I'm so glad to have it out and know that whatever happens to my health now, at least it's not being caused by hormones that just don't belong there.

Hang in there everyone; and don't be afraid of the pain in having it removed.

I started taking Yaz since January. I did have to stop taking it, however, when my mother's health insurance dropped me on my 22nd b-day. The first three months I experienced were somewhat positive. I think a lot of it had to do with the expectations I had for this pill to be wonderful and altogether amazing. When I finally got health insurance again in April, I couldn't wait to start taking it again. This time, the experience was much different. My skin, which had started getting worse while I was off the pill, stayed relatively the same. I still get the kind of pimples I used to get when I was wasn't taking it. I started noticing a few months ago that my hair was falling out...!!! I couldn't believe it. It's localized in the frontal region of my hair line. It makes me very self-conscious and worried. In addition to these exterior symptoms, I have noticed I have uncontrollable anxiety. Most of the time, it's hard for me to stop panicking about every minuscule detail of my life. When I'm not excessively anxious, I'm depressed. I don't want to do anything but sleep. I often feel hopeless and worthless. Probably the most disturbing thing that has happened to me during this whole ordeal is two days ago, out of no where, this strange feeling came over me and all I wanted to do was kill myself. I have NEVER had a suicidal thought in my life. It made me sick to my stomach and panicked. I've always been slightly anxious, but I feel like this is exacerbating things to an extreme degree. I'm so glad to read that I'm not the only one.

I've also experienced some of the other symptoms mentioned by other women (inexplicable hunger, etc.) I've also been experiencing chest pain when I run to the point I need to stop running for a moment.

I'm done with Yaz.

I took Levaquin several months ago and have had on going foot pain. I was recently diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome following a Stress Fracure in my heel. I have had muscle aches, all ove pains, bone pain, insomnia, depression, irregular heart beat, headaches. irritability, dizziness,stiffness in my joints, stomach aches. This has all been a terrible ordeal. Do you think it is related to Levaquin. I have also taken Cipro several times for UTI and Diverticulitis. Thanks for listening.

I have been taking Geodon for roughly 2 weeks, and after the 2nd week my dosage was upped to 80mg's. Last night I had to be taken to the ER because I was suffering dystonic side effects from interactions with another medication. Basically my whole body was suffering spasms. No place was immune, it would go into my face and I had no control over it, it was a very sobering ordeal, and made me want to quit this drug immediately.

To all the women still taking this drug: I beg you to stop taking this medication and read all of the posts on this site!!!! Here is my story... I was on Yasmin for 6 years. About 4 years into taking the drug, I noticed a mass on my right side. It was a painful mass that I could easily feel, and it eventually because so uncomfortable that I could no longer sleep on my right side, and it affected basic movement. At the same time, I was beginning to show some side effects of Cron's disease (which runs in my family), so my gastro doctor told me to get a CT scan and an MRI. The tests revealed a gigantic mass on my liver and I was told to see a liver specialist right away. I went to KU Med and was told that I had to have emergency surgery right away, and that I was basically a walking time bomb.... If I tripped and fell, it could cause this mass to rupture and I could bleed to death. He also told me that if I had gotten pregnant while I had the mass, it would almost certainly lead to death for me and the baby. Nonetheless, they cut me open from the middle of my chest clear down to my belly button. They did a liver resection and removed my gall bladder and several lymph nodes. The mass on the scan turned out to be 2 grapefruit-sized benign masses, called Focal Nodular Hyperplasia - most commonly caused from the hormones in birth control pills!!!! Ladies, this was major surgery.... I was in the hospital for 9 days and out of work recovering for nearly 2 months.... and this all took place 2 months before my wedding!!!!!! The MASSIVE stress I endured caused me to have panic attacks and I thought I was going to literally die. Keep in mind that my CT and MRI were purely coincidental. If my GI doctor had not ordered the tests, I would have never known about the masses, and God only knows what would have happened to me.... Anyway, this whole ordeal has DRASTICALLY changed my life and affected all of the people I love, my husband included, who has to endure all of my pain and anxiety. BOTTOM LINE - IT'S JUST NOT WORTH IT! TELL EVERY WOMAN YOU KNOW!

Hi everyone. I posted on here in Jan. 09 about how NR ruined me. After two months of a-okay, I developed terrible yeast infections, constant bleeding, and a complete inability to orgasm- under my own ministrations or otherwise. I went off NR after the third month and left my system clear for 1 month. Then I got back on my previous method of BC: orthotricyclin pills. I am happy to report that after 7 months, I am finally able to orgasm again, nearly as often as before the whole ordeal. I was terrified that that joyous experience would be lost forever. IT'S GOING TO BE OKAY! Wait it out. Stupid evil nuvaring.

In late May of 2008 I had a pretty severe bipolar II crash. I was prescribed Lamictal but can not recall how much; it seemed like my doctor had a healthy fear of Stephens Johnson syndrome, Subsequently my dosage was slowly increased until, one day, I began to notice a rash. I went to the ER as directed and before I knew what hit me I was in bad shape. The good news: it wasn't Stephens Johnson, Bad news: It was something even more rare and almost fatal. Fortunately, I recovered in about 7-10 days. This ordeal seemed to throw my bipolar II for a loop, and I struggled with depression/anxiety for many months. Ever since I " came to" after the Lamictal event, I have had pain in both shoulders of all things. Imaging turned up nothing unusual

I got the Mirena in August 2008 after having our second child. We thought it was a great idea b/c I wasn't ready for my husband to have a vasectomy in case we ever did change our mind about having more children. Although, we definitely have decided that we won't have anymore. Anyways, I have had spotting ever since and the three months of spotting is a joke because it has been way longer than that! The last two days I have had SEVERE lower back pain through the tops of my legs aching. Reminded me of having back labor it was so terrible. I couldn't sleep at night good because it was awful. I called my doc today and I am having it removed tomorrow. Can't wait!!!! I just wished I had read this website before I had decided on Mirena. And the comment I read about the hurt you experience having it inserted is the darn truth! If I had knew that I wouldn't have gotten it either. Besides that, my doc had to clamp my cervix while trying to insert it...so needless to say it was horrible!!!!!!!

My daughter received her first vaccine in Dec. 2007 at 15 y/o. We really didn't notice anything out of the ordinary until she received her second shot in Feb. 2008. In March of that same year she began experiencing severe abdominal pain and an unusual rash on her feet and ankles. We have been through many different tests from acid reflux to testing for Ulcerative colitis to Crohn's disease. We do not have a diagnosis as of yet but I recently realized that all of her symptoms began following her second shot. Her symptoms are severe abdominal pain (more severe while on her period), nausea, diarrhea and spotting between her periods There isn't a day that goes by that she does not have pain. She developed the rash on her feet and ankles and itching under her armpits that comes and goes (one doctor states it may be eczema) Nothing is clear to us as to what is going on. She will not be receiving the third shot! There is nothing worse than watching your child suffer as I have watched her suffer! My heart and prayers to all you moms out there and children going through such a horrible ordeal!

My 17 year old son was diagnosed with MRSA after getting an injury on his knee from playing basketball.After the first does he had a loss of appetite, fatigue, nauseous and severe headache. By the third day he got a fever, chills, neck stiffness and a feeling of doom. We went to the ER because his blood had not been cultured and we were afraid of sepsis in the blood. The ER doctor said it was most likely viral and sent him home. The next night he had a fever of 103, sore throat, trouble swallowing, sun burnt look, swollen eyes and cracked swollen lips.The next day we went to the urgent care and they tested him for mono, strep and the flu...(all negative). He felt awful and was so tired and feverish. The next morning he woke up with a severe rash and itching all over his body and his skin looked like it was scalded. His blood culture came back negative for bacteria and his wound has healed. I have taken him off of this drug Bactrim. This is his first day. His rash is better and his fever was down for a little while. It is 101 tonight and he just feel so tired and achy. I know it will take time for this to get out of his system. Meanwhile he is missing school and is getting depressed because he feels like he will never get better. If someone told me that fever and chills were a side effect from this drug I would not have been so worried that he could die of a blood infection. Ask lots of questions or google this site before taking a new drug.

I am a 52 year old women , except for a yearly resistant sinus infection I would describe myself as very healthy and have only minor aches and pains for my age. I was prescribed Levaquin by a walk- in physician after 2 months of a sinus infection. Within a week I felt 100 years old . I could barely get out of bed, the pain in all my joints was excruciating the first 5 minutes and didn't improve a lot during the day . I didn't think my legs would hold me upon rising from any position. After one week of finishing the drug I started to feel better.......it has been two weeks now.... I'm still sore and weak , especially noted in hands and legs .

I got the mirena approx 2 and half years ago, i never knew until last Friday that mirena could be causing my depression, anger, mood swings, insomnia, joint pain, sore back, sore neck, brain fog, exhaustion and probably loads more that i cant quite remember at the moment.
i did some internet research on the Saturday and cried all the way through your stories as i realized i wasn't mad, insane, depressed, and just complete miserable cow to be honest.
I made an appointment at my doctors and had it taken out this morning,, i felt really tired after so came home and had a nap, i woke up really hungry after an hour and had what tasted like the best sandwich i have had in years... does anyone think that thier tastebuds could have been affected??
anyway, after my lovely sandwich i cleaned my entire house, it wasn't sore to bend over, i wasn't completely exhausted at the end of it, i remembered what i was going up stairs for, it felt so easy...
my breathing and muscles feel more relaxed..
i will keep posting on my progress here as i would love to hear your feedback and also to help me when/if i have the mirena crash..
Mirena stole my life for 2 years, it nearly cost me my relationship, thankfully i have the most wonderful fiancee who has been my constant support and never once called me crazy even though i was..
good luck to all of you going through this ordeal too..

I started Lupron in April of 2008. The year before this I worked HARD to lose 80 lbs. I finally got down to my goal weight because I was tld my endometriosis symptoms could be relieved if I wasn't overweight. I had a laparoscopy in March of 2008 confirming my diagnosis- Lupron was a last minute decision because of my age and status the doctor didn't want to do the hysterectomy right away. My endometriosis is spread throughout the body- including the lungs. While Lupron helped with the pain I was experiencing, it caused other pain. Pain that I can no longer even deal with. I became lethargic, depressed, and angry. My hair was falling out in large clumps. I didn't gain weight right away.. except a pound the first shot and three pounds hte second shot but I figured that was alright if it was only like 15 lbs total. I oculd deal with that. Here I am almost a year later. my last injection was in August. I gained a total of 47 pounds. I am a fat slob. I couldn't work out because my bones hurt so bad while taking the medication. No one around me knows what I went through physically. They al think that it was just some excuse to be a lazy fat cow but it truly HURT to move. Just simply walking from my bedroom door to my bed killed me. It hurt my ribs, my knees, my shins, my back. There were times when I couldn't even get out of my bed ebcause I just didn't have the energy. Then the depression started shortly after losing a large amount of hair. By now I am thinking about how ugly i've become on top of how fat I am. Nothing went right but my doctor pushed the shot. I figured hes the one with years of experience he couldn't possibly be this wrong. I trusted him. When I would go to him with complaints of my weight gain he would tell me to stop eating. The problem was... I wasn't eating. I was too sick to my stomach to bother. Then when I would get hungry i'd over eat. I bled a lot through the shots and I still had pain here and there but I was too afraid of what he'd put me on next if I complained. I started to forget simple things. My career was going down hill because they were sick of me not being 100% commited to my job any more. I cried all the time. I finally got sick of the weight gain while I was on my shots and I decided to work out regardless of how I felt and three times I passed out in the gym and was transported to the hospital where I had to listen to their advice on being overweight WHICH WASNT THE REASON I WAS PASSING OUT TO BEGIN WITH but no one wnats to hear what I have to say. Every one just assumed that I was this pig who never worked out in her life and over did it this time. What no one understood was that three months before the incident i was my average weight. I was tachycardic all the time- my normal resting heart rate while i was on my shots was 162. During a work out it would get up to 220!

Ive been off them since August and I haven't lost a single pound. I get up at 4am every day and work out. I park as far away as possible. I use the stairs instead of elevators. I eat healthy. I cut out extra sugars and stopped rewarding myself when I deserve it. I started these shots at 155lbs and today I am 215. Ive been on a strict monitored diet, diet pills and work out regimens and I am still 215. My knees kill me nad sound like velcro when I walk- ive even fallen a couple of times because they hurt that bad. My back still hurts and my neck still wont turn to the right completely because of a nerve that pinches or what have you in there that sends the sharp pain through my face when I move. I still have the depression but i think thats more because of my weight now than it is anything else.. and I finally ended up losing my job.

I recently saw my OB for a follow-up where he stuck me on yet another birth control. This one makes me vomit and gives me stomach cramps so Ive decided im done. I won't take another pill because its making me worse. Id rather have my uterus fall on the floor than pop another drug.

I have PCOS, and was experiencing dysplasia of the endometrium. After some search, a doctor recommended the Mirena. This was November of 2008. The installation should have been a clue of things to come. I have never had children, and had a tipped uterus, and as a result they had to use the clamps that look like needle nose pliers to grab my cervix, and after 45 minutes of stuffing, got it in. It was excruciating. I was working out 6 days a week, 2 1/2 hours a day, and eating South Beach Phase 2- and had lost 80 lbs and had maintained for 1 year. I asked if it would in any way cause weight gain, and was told it would not. Within the first month my diet/exercise regimen failed, and despite working out 7 days a week and resuming Phase 1, I was gaining 10 lbs a month- which my Doctor would not discuss with me except to dismiss it. To make a long story short, after life threatening edema and bleeding 22 or 23 days straight and with my now discovered sensitivity to progesterone, I required a total abdominal hysterectomy to remove an enlarged, boggy, and fibroid riddled uterus. I am doing 200% better now, and I am sure there are some women the Mirena works well for, but I was not one of them, and I feel the Mirena actually endangered my life (that and the arrogant doctor who inserted it and told me to be patient. I had it in from 11/2005 to 7/2007- is that time enough?) Please, please,please. If something does not feel right, do not NO for an answer. I did not want children so I was okay with losing the ability to bear children, but having a TAH at 38 is a life change that most younger women would not want. Would I have had to have it anyway? Perhaps. But I could have been in a position to be navigator in my care rather than reactive as I was forced to be.

Tony Sapore
Too Everyone on this devil drug get the hell off it..My wife is Dead because if it.. Its happened so quick.We are from arizona(mesa) It pretty much happend in one day.I was at work My mother in law took sandra too go see a (her doctor) she was really white out of breath weak and coudnt breath ..Rite away they told her to go straight to the emergency room.They thought she was bleeding inside.They took care of her rite away. They started to take alot of test cool everything came back awesome. Then they said we are going to run a Kat scan.Bam that was it.Came back to us said she had Pulmonary Embolism .They said they can treat it.Never said you can past from it.So they took her to her own room in the hospital ..Started treating her for the blood clots in her lungs ..Everything was looking good getting color back and thinking positive.You know were like cool 3 4 days in the hospital eat good food alittle vacation dont have to take care of our son Nick 12 years old .Her mother was with us up until 1120 pm she was tired and told sandra that she was tired no problem go get some sleep and I will take care of her.She was resting pretty good then around 1220 pm about a hour later BAM stood up Cant breath and she was at white as ghost.She was suffering I could tell I called a nurse.THat when it happend so quickly They gave her oxygen nothing couldnt breath its was like she was having A CARDIAC ARREST her body couldnt function she was really tiny(her Nickname was peanut) 130 pounds then one doctor came then another like it was ER the show.I couldnt do a dam thing .Then the took me out of the room I knew something was up that was the last time I saw her alive suffering.I was sitting in a chair about 4 rooms over.Lights going off over the door.There was about 10 people in her room.Lights going off red white red.THen I heard them say Go GET A SOCIAL WORKER.I knew in my heart she was gone.They tried to give her CPR for about 20 min nothing.Then they said they want to call any family .They called her mom and Dad.and said they are going to try 10 min of cpr nothing they came out of the room and told me she died.Wow 35 years old both of us .Then her parents showed up and I had too tell them their daughter died all in one day..So know we know it was from yaz..All the signs losing hair cant breath always nervous lots of head aches .Every thing was their signs .Just because of that stupid pill.. Thank you so much and sorry it was so long have a good holiday.. always TONY

My Mom (87) who was in great health given her age, was given Avelox for a urinary tract infection. She has developed severe side effects that include shortness of breath,chest pressure, (not chest pain)swelling of her esophagus & eye lids, confusion/agitation, dry mouth,complaints of twitching in her mouth.
The worse case of all the symptoms has been the swelling of the esophagus and eyelids. Her eyes are swollen shut and she labors to swallow & talk. Eating is a monumental task.
She is currently hospitalized and the medical team seems to be having a hard time accepting this as an allergic reaction to the Avelox. They have run series of tests to look for other things such as pnuenomina, heart issues and stroke issues. So far the tests have revealed nothing out of the ordinary. One would think that they would start treatment with steroids or another anti-allergic treatment but they seemed convinced that the Avelox is a non issue because she only took 2 doses @ 400 mg each starting Saturday & Sunday (11/29-30). This ordeal started Sunday early evening.
If anyone else has experienced specifically swelling of the throat & eyes please post!

I am a 62 yr. old female and in good health. In January 2007, my doctor ordered a cholesterol test and the results indicated a number of 237..."bad" cholesterol was not horrible, "good" cholesterol was very good. The doctor put me on 20mg of Lipitor without any hesitation... After a week or so, I started having horrible leg and muscle pain, so when I went back in 3 months (cholesterol 181), I told him I couldn't take this med, so he put me on Zocor. Really bad joint pain with this one, so I went back again in 3 months(cholesterol about the same) and told him again that this one had similar side effects and diarrhea. He then put me on Crestor...took this med, but was so lethargic and in a fog, my family told me to get off of that one. Went BACK to the Dr. in 3 mos., told him I couldn't take this one...he put me on prescription strength fish oil (6 per day) saying that this one should not have side effects. Other than some gastric/intestinal rumblings and some diarrhea, it was ok, but when I had my cholesterol checked it had gone up HIGHER than when I started this whole ordeal, so he put me on Welchol...saying that this one was not absorbed in the blood...blah,blah, blah... Still had the gastic/intestinal issues, SO when I went back 3 mos. later in March 2008 (cholesterol 200)and having already stopped this one myself, I told him I was NOT going to take any more meds for this "issue," and I would manage it with diet and exercise. I told him that this was supposed to be the best time in my life, and I was tired of feeling so poorly. He blatantly told me that if I did stop taking the cholesterol "you'll probably have 10 good years and 10 "crappy" years, and he was visibly angry about MY personal health decision. I had at one point during that the 1 year + mentioned to him about the information that I had been reading online...he pooh-poohed the whole "internet" thing, indicating that he had better information (I"M THE DOCTOR" syndrome!). Needless to say, I don't trust him, BIG PHARMA, or anyone else who says that these statin drugs are NOT harmful...My husband has since stopped taking Lipitor, due to our children and me noticing lapses in his memory. These drug companies and doctors are totally ignoring the side effects and health issues of the unsuspecting public. Hopefully, the truth will emerge, but how long it takes...who knows??????? I am glad I'm not on them anymore...I feel GOOD, and I know that whatever aches and pains I have ARE from aging and not drugs!!

I have been on 20 mg Lipitor for years, and as I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis, all my symptoms have been blamed on that. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and put on Lyrica because of the muscle aches and depression. My lower back, hurt in a car accident when I was 17 years old, had gotten so much worse that I had 12 steroid shots in my lower spine a couple of years ago. They didn't help my back at all, but my blood sugar went from normal to diabetic levels, and I am now on Byetta to try to lower it.
I am a 56 year old woman who was the math specialist in a school district until last December when I had to retire early. My back pain was so severe that I could no longer go from school to school carting materials. I could barely make it from the parking lot to my office. Mentally I was not ready to retire, but physically, I was (and am) a wreck. I have severe muscle pain in my shoulders, sometimes one or the other, but always present. I have tingling in my right hand, especially in my fingertips, and have trouble gripping and drop things easily. In the last few months the pain in my right thigh and calf has gotten unbearable. I thought at first it was sciatica, but I have had sciatica before, and this isn't the same, although there is tingling, burning , but the pins and needles is so deep in the muscles I have just sat and cried, or wanted to scream. I have wished I could just cut my leg off. And...I am on some pretty heavy duty pain killers for the RA: a small dose of prednisone plus Enbrel, Methotrexate, and Vicodin, and this pain is cutting right through all these meds. I get severe headaches, I went off Lipitor for 5 days and seemed a little better, but then went back on, and it came back.
Since I no longer work, I sleep longer, am exhausted ALL the time, have terrible mental fog, am clumsy, cannot stand for more than a minute or so without wanting to scream, cannot walk more than a few yards...just getting to the car is an ordeal. I tell people that I can only shop in shoe stores and furniture stores...the only stores with places to sit down.
I no longer cook or clean, cannot play with my granddaughter, even holding a book to read can be too much, and I love reading. I feel I am just dying bit by bit as I lose parts of myself.
My doctor is really into lowering cholesterol, and has put me on Zetia in the past few months...and it has been in this time that the pain in my leg has gotten unbearable. He wants my cholesterol to be between 50-60, and has said that the Zetia along with the Lipitor will do that. Is this normal or in any way reasonable??? I am having a full blood workup done tomorrow morning, and I want to go off the Lipitor starting the day after.
I came across this web site tonight while looking up Lipitor side effects, and I am shocked. I have so many of these symptoms, and there are so many I had no knowledge of at all. I knew about the muscle aches, but that's all. I hope someone can help me with what supplements and vitamins I should be taking. I started taking CoQ10 a month or so ago. What else should I be taking for my health? I know vitamin C and fish oil, but don't know how much or anything else. Right now I am just stunned with the thought that all of these problems that have left me unhappily retired, exhausted and in constant pain can all be caused from a drug I have been taking to help me be healthier.

As many here many recognize, I had tremendous problems after taking Levaquin. This included: distal bicep tendon rupture, a full range of psychological symptoms, extreme and long lasting fatigue, etc. Even after going through this ordeal and still dealing with the fallout almost 2 yrs. later I am once again in disbelief at the medical community. My 18 yr. old daughter just visited a nurse practitioner and came home with a prescription for Levaquin. This alone was enough to make me angry but the fact that it was prescribed for a cold sore (no, I'm not kidding) is just beyond belief! And we wonder why we have the problems we do. Trust no one!

Oh My Gosh - as I sit here with abdominal cramps typing my experience - I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I started taking Lisinopril in late April 2008. On May 2 I had severe abdominal cramps and massive vomiting for 8 hours. Finally got myself to ER after I sent my family on to our vacation (I joined 2 days later). The ER attributed it to food poisoning. Lo and behold, I had another "attack" on May 9th. Back to ER I went (my husband witnessed my attack and insisted I go). They took X-rays and MRI - found intestinal inflammation but didn't know why. My internest send me to gastro dr. Third attack hit on June 5th and gastro doctor sent me to major hospital ER. They, too, did MRI & blood work. Looked at gall bladder, pancreas, stomach, intestines, etc. They found intestinal inflammation. Gastro Dr. took more blood and did more test (CT, MRI, Colonoscopy, Endoscopy). He couldn't find anything so he sent me to rheumatologist. She did add'l blood work and genetic testing. She though I had an auto-immune disorder - like Mediterranean Familial Fever! Please...! But all her tests came back negative. She too had no answers, only treatment for symptoms - Colchicine and Prednisone. Yuk. After having my 8th debilitating attack yesterday (since May), I've had enough. I went to the Web and found this wonderful site - along with some others with helpful info. I don't have confirmation that the lisinopril is causing this - but it sure sounds like it. I am a 49 yr old female and I've had no "life changing" events in my life (except for this nastiness) and have been on no other meds. I find it interesting that out of all the doctors I've seen - and all knew of the lisinopril - that none suspected this as a side effect.

I just wanna cry.I had mine put in on April 9th 2008. I thought for sure I was crazy and I was making a big deal out of nothing. I have it all the depression, lethargy, extreme irritability, mood swings, cramping, back pain, stabbing pain in my abdomen, bloating, abnormal and irregular bleeding, headaches, nausea, dizziness, lack of motivation, reduced interest in sex, continuous yeast infections, sore breasts, weight gain, itchy flaky oily scalp, joint pain, continuous gotta go feeling, and I so could go on.......... I just wanna give up. I have 4 children and can't afford anymore. I can't deal with the way I feel all the time. I want to get it removed but I don't want to end up pregnant and I'm just at a loss I don't know what to do.

I've been taking Yaz for the past 5, almost 6 months. I was struggling with PMDD symptoms. There were times when, for a week or more, I would become incredibly depressed, full of rage and anger, I craved anything within chomping distance, and felt like the ugliest human being in the world. My periods were so painful, and I would bleed so much, that all of this just began to control my life. I was literally planning my life around this time during each month. The YAZ has really made a difference in helping solve a lot of these problems, but now I've new problems.

My husband and I have always been very sexually active. We try to make time for sex during the week if we can squeeze it in (we work different shifts), but whether we do or not, we always make up for it a lot on the weekends. However, now, I find myself with no interest. I even encourage him to just skip the foreplay and get down to the deed so I can get it over with. I dry up halfway through, become frustrated if he loses his erection (usually due to my personal lack of interest. I can't imagine that's very arousing. lol) because that just means we will have to work harder to get through this ordeal, and I don't want him kissing on me or doing much of anything to me while we are in the act. It's really damaging our relationship. We are 30 and 31 years old...way too young for this nonsense. I dare say I've even thought a time or two, "Why can't he just have an affair like every other husband and leave me alone?" Yeah, I don't mean that at all, but it's crossed my mind.

That's my biggest issue with it, well, that and the monthly cost. The other side affects I had were dry mouth, dry hair (?? - not sure if this is directly related), lower abdominal pain, mild weight gain, and a rash that broke out on my lower legs and left forearm. These are the CONS so far. I'll list my pro's, too, just to be fair.

PROS" Periods, while still very painful, last about 2 to 2.5 days. The painful part only the first day. The food cravings usually only a couple of days instead of a week or more. Mood swings, if any, are not as severe and are shorter in duration. I feel like a normal woman just having normal PMS mood swings now instead of mood swings you see in those crazy women on those Lifetime for Women movies or something. lol I also suffer from migraines, and these pills don't seem to have affected them one way or another. This is actually good enough for me because usually BCPs have caused them to worsen over time.

So there you have it. It's my own long, personal experience with YAZ.