Painful experience symptoms and conditions

Ok, I have PCOS and had the Mirena put in 3 months after the birth of my last child in 2004 and thought it was great. No more fluctuations never knowing when or if I was getting a period...I just never had one, have not had one in 5 years years. The strings disappeared several years ago, had an U/S and they said it was still in place. I have had zero libido in that time, terrible mood swings, fluctuating weight and depression, thyroid problems, etc etc, all put down to depression. Well 6 months ago the headaches started, the vertigo... the ensuing DR trips have turned up an abnormal brain MRI and not much else no one has thought to think of the IUD. The MRI shows possible demyelination, vasculitis or sequelae to migraines...these are little white spots in my brain. If I find out these things are caused by this IUD there will be hell to pay. I am due to have it removed at the 5 yr mark in November..... I guess dig it out if they can find the strings. Will be interested to hear comments on this.

Hello, I had the Mirena inserted in May 2008 and have just had it removed, August 2009. I do not have any children and was 25 at the time insertion. It was a terribly painful experience. The doctor gave me multiple pain shots inside of my uterus, tremendous cramping, bleeding, etc. and, when she was cutting the strings, accidentally snipped the inside of my vagina. Needless to say, the thought of going through that experience alone was enough to deter me from wanting to have the Mirena removed.

Over the next year, I went through a significant lifestyle change (SF to LA). I attributed many of the symptoms associated with hormones to this shift: weight gain, depression, anxiety, aggression, fatigue, joint pain. I always had some cramping pressure in my uterus and my periods became cramping events that took me out for a few days each month.

In the spring of 2009, I became concerned that these experiences were not just a change in environment. In addition to the Mirena, I have a congenital autoimmune thyroid condition (currently hypo), that I monitor 2-4x a year. I took multiple tests and started exercising and adjusting my diet in an attempt to balance things out. Regardless of the exercise and diet changes, I kept on putting on weight. I have suffered from the flux's of thyroid my entire life, but was flustered by my inability to effect any positive change.

I didn't associate the Mirena to these challenges until I began to do research on the internet. I believe that an IUD may aggravate thyroid and autoimmune symptoms (foreign object in the body). I also think that it is compounding my weight gain tendencies. After a three week late period, terrible joint pain, extreme bloating, cramping, and blister like acne, I went to the doctor today and he removed the IUD without any question. (This is NOT the same doctor who inserted the device). He was extremely supportive and sympathetic. I simply told him that I did not feel well and he suggested the Mirena's removal and did it IMMEDIATELY.

Unlike the insertion, removal was a breeze and I was amazed that my uterus instantly felt relieved. My body has been relaxing since then...a little sporadic cramping, a bit of a headache and nausea, but nothing significant. Emotionally, I feel much more grounded (though I'm sure this will shift ...as always!). For birth control, I am going to be taking Yaz for now, starting immediately. He recommended not having sex for a few days and using a secondary BC method for a month.

I am going to start cleansing my body through increasing my water intake and sweating (exercise and sauna). I am also going to see a homeopathic specialist next week to help with the hormonal shifts. I will check back in and share my Mirena removal experience. Take care, and listen to your body.

I had the mirena inserted yesterday, it was the most painful experience of my life and I can handle pain. I took mesoprostol to open my cervix because I am 19 and have not had any kids. I felt so sick on the mesoprostol that I did not get any sleep the might before the insertion of the mirena. That morning I could not eat anything, I was on my period web I went in for the insertion because I had tried it once before and my canal was crooked and my uterus was tilted and my cervix was too small even on the mesoprostol. So, this time it worked, but it was the most painful experience of my life. During the insertion my legs were shaking and I got cold sweats after the gyno inserted the mirena into my cervix I blacked put for about a minute and web I woke up I didn't know where I was at. I laid on the table for ten minutes trying to get my composure and not feel so weak. When I got up I threw up everywhere, ad after that was when the gyno told me all of this is normal side effects ( yeah she tells me after) the cramping was so bad and the pain was so horrible is the reason why I blacked out. I sat in the recovery room for 3 hours with a heating pad on me to help with the cramping and took ibuprofen but through it up. I couldn't keep anything down. So after 3 hours in the recovery room the cramping subsided and I had a friend come pick me up because I could not drive and I went home and slept for four hours. Today I had mild cramping and it comes and goes I am bloated. And I am always afraid it is going to come out. I hope my side effects are
Not as bad as all of yours. But all this site did was freak me out so I'm praying this doesn't happen to me because so far I have had every aide effect imaginable.

First of all, a big thanks to all of you who have shared your experiences. I am a biochemist, with a background in pharmaceutical research...I chose the Mirena IUD after careful consideration of it's active ingredient, Levonorgestrel. The side effect profile seemed pretty acceptable...until I started to experience nearly ALL of them...I am 33 years old and had the Mirena IUD placed in October of 2008 after the birth of my second child in June of 2008. The initial reaction was to be expected...cramping, a little spotting etc...nothing to be alarmed about. I still have yet to have a period (which I really don't miss so no problem there) I never gave a second thought to this until now...for the past month or so (coinciding with the weening process, since I have been nursing the entire time, I believe the side effects were not as noticeable) I have been experiencing the following (that may or may not be related to Mirena as my OBGYN has so adamantly pointed out, but after reviewing your posts I'm willing to bet they're connected) and are in order of occurrence: Major, but temporary, hair loss after 2 months or so; Major respiratory infection lingering over a month with difficulty breathing, tightness and pain in the chest at around 6 mos; And in the past month, several instances of motion-like sickness/ nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, major impatience/ mood swings, loss of appetite (pregnancy-like symptoms...yep, I was thinking man I'd be pretty pissed if I was that 0.01% pregnant statistic), and as of this past weekend, my first aurora migraine with tunnel vision and serious nausea and vomiting, to the point where I went to Urgent Care...who referred me to the ER...who wants to perform a battery of tests including a head CT. I have an appointment with a trusted GP tomorrow to discuss possible root causes...but it is to coincidental that so many women are experiencing these same symptoms! I am certainly leaning towards having this removed. CAN THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE HAD THIS REMOVED PLEASE RESPOND IF YOUR SYMPTOMS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED OR WERE RESOLVED!!! THANK YOU!
These side effects seem to go well beyond a 5% rate of incidence according to all of you who have reported. I will investigate further and keep everyone posted. As someone who is highly experienced in the pharmaceutical industry, you bet your a$$ I'm going to get to the bottom of this! Good luck ladies!

i went in 4/15/09 to have the mirena put in...it wasn't scheduled with my normal ob...she was super nice but i wasn't dilated at all and i hadn't taken any ibuprofen or anything and it felt like i was going into labor...it was the most painful experience i had since i had my 8 month old daughter...anyways, she said she couldn't get my cervix to open enough and that my uterus was tilted and she didn't want to hurt me anymore so she said to reschedule for a week later with my doctor and to take 4 ibuprofen plus a darvocet before my appt...anyways a week goes by and I'm super nervous, i took the pain meds as i was told and my doctor came in and discussed the mirena with me and he actually took a tiny tiny needle and numbed my cervix which i didn't feel at all...i love my ob he's wonderful... anyways...two minutes later it was in...the process wasn't very painful...a little uncomfortable but no pain really...anyways, about six hours later the numbing agent started to wear off and the cramping was horrible, which I'm used to however because thats how i cramp with every period, but its been three days and i'm still cramping like i did the first day...not really bleeding, just like a yellowish thin discharge (that smells awful) its starting to make me feel dirty and after reading all of these comments I'm starting to wonder if the mirena is right for me...i'm 5'7'' and 125-130 lbs, i don't' want to gain weight, thats my biggest concern and the pain also...im not sure if i should have it taken out or leave it in for the first six weeks, till my check up appt...some of my other side effects are...very tired like wore out, i was moody and depressed to begin with but now its just worse...no acne or hair loss but like i said it's only been four days...does anyone have a suggestion for another method of birth control other than the pill....? please help i need some feed back...if you're going to comment back in response address me as sjm....that way i know you're talking to me...thanks much...sjm

I got my Mirena in on 10/28/08. It was probably the most painful experience ever. I was in tears before they were done, once they got it in I fainted and woke up to someone taking my blood pressure. I had to wait about 30 minutes after they inserted it until I felt okay to stand. They told me I would bleed and cramp for about 3 months. The bleeding at first was heavy and constant. Now, I spot completely randomly...it does seem to be getting a little bit better but it's completely unpredictable. The cramps hurt so bad that I bought my own heating pad. Now I get cramping about twice a week...it's so bad that I have to lay in bed for hours. The summer prior to getting my mirena I noticed some weight gain. However, i am still gaining weight despite going to the gym and improving my diet. I also have bouts of acne, mostly around my jawline. I have been very fatigued as well. The past week or so it has been much more noticeable, around midday. Lower back pain has also been a side effect for me. I'm getting my mirena removed today in an hour, I will update when I return... I hope it doesn't hurt as much. I did however, love the sexual freedom that came along with mirena. I was awful at remembering my pill...hopefully I can find something else that will work as well without the side effects.

My experience with Lisinopril is brutal! I'm 37 years old and was prescribed this drug for high blood pressure. After 2 yrs. on a 10 mg. dose per day I started having numbness in both of my arms I also had sharp pain shooting down both arms at night to the point where I couldn't sleep.And when I did fall asleep I would just wake up an hour later in tremendous pain. Ive been to three doctors. They tested me for carpal tunnal and told me I had it. But didn't schedule any plan of action, so I thought with some rest it would go away but it didn't It got worse. Then I started to have severe back pain that went clear through to my So the doctor wanted me to get an ultrasound of my testicles to check for testicular cancer. The test was negative. Since the pain was on the right side in my lower ribcage area they then thought it may be my kidneys. They then sent me to a urologist who wanted to go up my penis to scope my bladder with a camera and check for bladder cancer. Which turned out to be a very very painful experience. There was nothing wrong he said. During this time the pain was as bad as ever. Then they wanted to do exploritory kidney surgery on my right kidney. I was thinking my god am I gonna die.....I went through the surgery and the doctor said there was nothing wrong.I could not believe I was in this much pain and they couldn't find anything wrong. I thought I was dying for real. Then I decided to go on web md and try to find out anything that it could possibly be. I couldn't find anything with all the symptoms that made any seance. A few months went by with no relief... I decided one day to google my medication (Lisinopril) and joint pain, w/ arm numbness well. This site popped up and I started reading and Im glad I did. I believe that for the past year that I thought I was dying and no one could tell me why is because of this toxic poisons pill Ive been taking for two years is the reason for all of it. Ive spent thousands of dollars, had two surgery's ,went through all this pain all because of a little poison pill for blood pressure. I have flushed my pills and I,m never taking the drug again. I warn anyone who has high blood pressure if your doctor mentions the word Lisinopril tell them no!!!!!!!!! It is poison for the body.I believe it would killed me if I hadn't stopped taking it and not one doctor mentioned it may be the pill I was taking everyday for my blood pressure.

Thank God for all of you who started this!!! It's been 2-weeks and right away I noticed a change in my body and my mood/emotions. I have been exhausted, I slept for 11 hours last night, I usually am a non-stop type of person. Every time I stand up I feel like I am going to pass out, I get light headed and I see little black dots. I have already started to gain weight that I just thought was water weight from the non-stop bleeding I have had. I have all the classic signs of depression, the dramatic mood swings, the unexplained crying, the feelings of self-pity, anxiety, and I don't ever get depressed. This morning I got fed up and I am so happy to have found out that I'm not crazy and I am just reacting to the Mirena. Everyone I talked to said that they did not react and it was not like the pill as far as emotions. I reacted worse than the pill and it was a painful experience. The Dr.'s pitch to advise me of Mirena was great and if this product does work for you, wonderful (I mean how great was it to hear NO MORE PERIODS) but for those of us that it did not work for I am thankful to have come across this site.

I had Mirena placed on Dec.31 and it was a painful experience,the cramping after was so bad I didn't want to mive after I drove myself home doubled over in pain.after 2 days of cramping it went away and everything seemed fine,until this week I have had extremely bad cramps .I have endometriosis so I didn't know if it was from that or the Mirena but it seems much more severe since Ive had the Mirena put in . I took a vicodin and it didn't help.I haven't gotten my first period since Ive had it put in but I am spotting very lightly off and on . I don't know if the cramps are due to the fact that my period is due and not coming or the endo or the Mirena .after reading this I think its the Mirena .Im not sure if I should wait it out or have it removed but I have an appt tomorrow .any suggestions or advice?

I had the Mirena inserted last September. It was the most painful experience I have ever had! I bled for about 3 months straight, and have not bled at all since. For the first 6 months or so, my boyfriend experienced pain during sex. The wires were actually scraping him! I called the doctor and they said that the wires would soften with time - GEEZ! Since about January, I have been losing hair like crazy! I have to clean my brush every day and the bathroom floor is covered when I blow-dry my hair! I am also getting cystic acne, mostly on my chin. I have been severely depressed and angry all the time. I snap at everyone, and I don't know why. To add to the frustration, I am so bloated and I feel disgusting! As far as my sex drive, it has always been strong. However, half the time my body doesn't cooperate with proper lubrication. Anybody else have this problem? Let me know!

I posted about a year and a half ago about how Yasmin was doing all the things described by many. Lost my hair....zero sex drive...and if we DID have sex...It was the most painful experience ever....heart palpitations.....severe anxiety attacks for the first time ever in my life...and even suicidal feelings. I got off of it as I quickly realized I was essentially poisoning myself with this awful drug. And got a non hormonal IUD. The IUD has been excellent. But I must say...I have never truly stopped getting the panic attacks. They still come and go. I've tried detox teas....even seeing a therapist to help with it. I'm not on any anti anxiety drugs...I've been meditating and doing yoga to help with it. But honestly.....I wonder sometimes if I'll ever get my pre-Yasmin body back. :(

I had the Mirena put in May'08. I've noticed increased acne, cramping in my legs, and spotting. I am also dealing with symptoms of bladder infections, however, there is no infection. My OBGYN says there is no correlation between the Mirena and my bladder problems, however, the urologist said that the Mirena could cause problems to other organs around the uterus (including the bladder). He stated it could be traumatic to our bodies, causing muscles in our pelvic area to tighten, nerve damage, etc. My OB diagnosed me with Interstitial Cystitis, a disease of the bladder lining that is without a cure, but my urologist didn't buy off on this and so now I'm having other tests done to make sure it's not bladder cancer, etc. Again, my urologist believes it's related to the Mirena. All I know is that I didn't have bladder problems until I had the Mirena inserted, which was the most painful experience aside from giving birth to my children! After reading the postings on this website, I'm definitely removing this device from my body ASAP! Good luck to all of you women who have had similar experiences. I pray that our bodies will return to some sense of normalcy.

I suffered with pre-menopausal symptoms for 2 years before having the Mirena inserted in May 2007. My symptoms included bad menstrual cramping, heaving bleeding, hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness and lack of libido. But since having the Mirena all those symptoms have gone away. My OBGYN is using it for Hormone Replacement because I am too young (34 yrs old) to have menopause. I felt a lot better after about 3 months, I still have some side effects like hand numbness (mostly when I wake up in the morning or at night). Every couple of months I have some mild break through bleeding and I have PMS symptoms before it happens. I would have gone crazy without Mirena. I do have 1 symptom that I haven't heard anyone mention. Increased bladder infections, I don't know if this is caused by the Mirena or maybe its something else. If anyone has had this symptom can you post it?

Is anyone out there experience pelvic pain has mine for 3 weeks now since fitted

I had my Mirena inserted 3 weeks ago to help me with the pain and extended bleeding I have with two fibroids. I have not had children. My insertion was the most painful experience of my life and the GY had to give me a local before I passed out and screamed the practice down. For women who have not had children, insist on a local and do not experience what I went through. Since the insertion I have good days and bad days, in regards to cramping and really feel that the IUD moves. For a person with fibroids when the IUD moves and touches these, it makes you whole lower back and gut ache. I have had reduced bleeding but the pain associated with it moving outweighs the benefits.I also have nausea associated with the cramps. I go back to my GY this week to see whether it has actually moved and discuss my options. I really feel it is poking me.

It's so encouraging to hear everyone else's views about this "device"!! I've had my Mirena since 16th March 2007 (yes, I remember the day like it was yesterday as inserting the thing was the most painful experience I have ever had, although I haven't had children!!).

The literature says you will get cramps and bleeding for up to about 3 weeks (I think) ... yes, try about 6 months.

Then, just when I thought things were settling down, I got sciatica over Christmas for no apparent reason. It was mild to begin with and then after £100 and 3 trips to the chiro, I am now on physiotherapy and have been for a month. I've also starting having cramps for about a month yet, but no sign of a period, so I got to thinking I wonder if this sciatica has got anything to do with the Mirena. I googled and sure enough, people are suffering and also from a whole host of other things I now recognize is happening to me. The blurred vision is interesting as when I went to get the Mirena removed this morning (it has got lost up there!!), the nurse said I've never heard of anyone getting sciatica. Check the internet love, the uterus is very close to the sciatic nerve and bearing in mind mine (the Mirena not the uterus) has gone walkabout, I'm pretty certain this is the root of my problems.

Someone had asked for the Mirena to be removed because it was affecting their contact lenses, so there must be something in the rumour.

Anyway, hopefully the doc can remove mine tonight or I can get a scan quickly and have the damn thing removed. Only 12 weeks until I get married and I refuse to walk down the aisle on crutches!!!!!

I had my Mirena inserted about 4 months ago and I have felt like I'm falling apart ever since. I have experienced the following symptoms: numbness/tingling in arms and legs, EXTREME fatigue, depression, anxiety, acne on back, my hair is thinner, bloating, sore stomach, lower back pain, etc. Most recently, I have had a lot of heartburn and my voice is kind of hoarse. Also, when I went to the doctor, they did a urine test and found that I have a trace of blood in my urine. Along with this I feel like I need to pee all the time, but I seem to have no bladder infection. I am fed up with this device and feeling like total crap all of the time. I have no energy and can't seem to get enough sleep. The only thing good about this thing is that I don't have a period. Of course, my doctor swears all of these symptoms can't possibly be due to the Mirena, but I don't see how it could all be coincidental. Please let me know if anyone else is experiencing these weird symptoms like the bladder issue or the heartburn/hoarseness.

Hi ive been on yasmin since i was 13 now 18. Was orginally put on in beacuse i have v.bad period pains. Snyway about 7 months ago i started getting really heavy discharge, i was giving meds for thrush etc tested for stds all normal. the gp then told me it must be hormonal or in my mind! I was not statisfied and asked to be refered to a gyneo. She told me it was more than likely an ulcer in my cervix cuased by the hormones in yasmin, I was horrified. I have since been in hospital for an operation to get the ulcer burned off which was quite a painful experience. That was 3 weeks ago and since then i bleed everyday i am sore, and have the worst period I have had in years. To make it worse I have to stay on yasmin and could stay or end up in this situation again. Just think carfully before you go on the pill. Its not as simple and straight forward as you may think.

I am 28 and just suffered a pulmonary embolism (P.E.), very unusual for someone my age. I went into the hospital three times before they found it. I had severe pain in my upper left back, shoulder blade and neck when I first went in and the doc told me I was just having muscle spasms...I played Division I basketball for 4 years and am now a coach...I told him it wasn't a muscle spasm, but he sent me home with Ibuprofin....The second time I went in, I had worse pain two days later and told him it wasn't going away that something was really wrong. They did lung ex-rays, MRI and didn't find anything. They did no ultrasound or CT...hmmm. The third time I went in, I had terrible pain in my right side as though someone was stabbing me in the side. Couldn't catch my breath and was in absolute agony.
Finally they did a CT and ultrasound and found it at 6:30am on a Monday evening. I am very lucky that the third time I was admitted into the ER after a week, that they did a CT that found the P.E. I very easily could have died.

I was on Yasmin birth control for a year, unusual for a clot to occur after taking birth control for that amount of time, so they are not sure if that caused it and are still uncertain of the cause for my P.E. Maybe a blood disorder that I have not yet been tested for.

At the beginning of my warfarin treatment, I didn't experience headaches. Now though, after about 3-4 weeks...I am experiencing headaches in the middle of my forehead that are driving me crazy. I'm wondering if it is stress from all that I have gone through...an extremely painful experience...or a side effect of the drug.

Also, pain in my legs have been a problem. They feel heavy, like carrying around lead and I don't feel like I have much energy. I don't have much of an appetite anymore either. I have always been extremely active, stay at a healthy weight and have wanted to eat meals! Not so much anymore.

I'm not a smoker, and eat healthy foods...This is all very uncharacteristic for me and I'm extremely frustrated. I understand that it will take a while for me to recover from all of this, and inpatience with the matter could be a problem causing stress.

If you have any feedback, please let me know.

I had Mirena inserted in Feb. 2007 and it was the most painful experience of my lif (and I have 2 children). I cramped and bled for weeks. All of which I was told was normal. I would have sharp pains that would come and go as well. On or about December 17, 2007 I was having terrible pains and became nauseated and was vomiting uncontrollably. I told my husband something was wrong and that I needed to go to the hospital. As he was trying to get the kids ready to bring me to the hospital I fell on the floor in pain and could not walk. My husband called the ambulance to have them bring me to the hospital. When I got there they thought I had a stomach virus or a ruptured appendix. After completing an MRI they found that the MIRENA was lodged in my fallopian tube and I needed to have emergency surgery to have it removed. I had to wait in agony and pain until the next day for them to perform the surgery and I am still recovering. DO NOT GET MIRENA!!

We need to file a class action suit to get this product off the market. It is harmful and they lie and say there is a less than .1% chance of this happening which just isn't true.

My Mirena Removal....
So i posted here a few weeks ago after I found this site. I had EVERY side effect listed and was so freaked out that i immediately made an appointment for removal.
For those of you reading and wondering what the removal is like..
Well, NOTHING like the insertion. I was so so nervous and it was over before we actually started. The DR was surprised that i was back in his office to have this removed. He then proceeded to do an ultrasound to be sure it was placed properly before removal. And yes, all was OK on the position of it. I explained to him my reasons and he looked at me like he had never heard this before. I honestly can not imagine with all the women he sees that NONE of them have complained. But...as I was getting dressed afterwards, I took a good look in his office. There was Mirena literature ALL over the place. In fact, that was the ONLY thing he was advertising. Not to mention...they made me pay up front with the insertion back in Nivember...billed my insurance and I still have yet to receive my reimbursement. Oh yeah, and that...they charge more than the actual Mirena costs, then they bill your insurance for the price they know they will pay and the DR then makes about $150 profit. Nice.
Ok, back to my side effects post Mirena. The removal was not painful at all. I did spot for about a week- nothing too heavy but it was clotty and def there.
A couple of days after the removal it felt like I was coming out of my skin something terrible. I figured this was my body adjusting to the lack of hormones. I also had some headaches.
It has now been 2 weeks and the spotting has disappeared. I also can see the bloating of my stomach is starting to go away. It looked like I was about 4 mos preggo while I was on it. I also have an increased sex drive. And sleep-- well let me tell you, I have not slept this good in a very long time. I am actually sleeping more than 6 hours now and the night sweats have also discontinued.
I can't believe EVERY time I come to this site and look up Mirena ALL the people that have posted their experience as being negative. Yet, the DR looks at me like I am crazy! I have been seeing him for years and I have never complained about something like this. I really am so happy that I have it out and wish I would have done my research on this prior to insertion (which was one of the most painful things ever!)
So..for those of you out there that are either contemplating having it inserted...I say NO WAY. And for those of you out there that are nervous about the removal or not sure..I SAY YES, DO IT! For our bodies to be reacting this way, it is clear to me that it should not be inside of us. Listen to your bodies...they really do speak to you and let you know when something is not right. Forget about the DR saying it is safe or he has not heard of any of these side effects...YOU be the judge.
Good luck! And I promise it gets better once you get that lil' demon out!
Mona

I got Mirena put in December 20, 2007. Getting it put in was the most painful experience of my life and I handle pain really well. I'm 21, no kids. I spotted all day and had the worst cramping and searing pain all day. I took pain relievers constantly all day and it did NOTHING!! I suffered through the night and had to go to the emergency room to have it removed. Apparently the doctor told me my body was rejecting it and it was forcing its way out. Well getting it out was a relief. That is until the next day I still had the swollen stomach and severe cramps still. I also started bleeding heavier than I ever had in my life. It's been three days since I got it removed and I'm still bloated, swollen, in pain, and miserable. This was the biggest mistake of my life!! I wish I had found this site before I got it because the pamphlet I got on it didn't even touch the severity of the symptoms. I would NOT recommend this to anyone. It will be the biggest mistake of you life!!!

I had my mirena inserted back in May 2007. The insertion was the most painful experience of my life. The Dr. could not get in on the first 3 tries! She said, "well, one more try," and got it in. I almost passed out from the pain. I can count on one hand since then the days that I haven't bled or spotted. I get mystery "shooting pains" in my abdomen a few times a week, sex hurts because of cysts on my ovaries, I have acne on my entire face, scalp, hairline, chest and back. I used to get a couple of zits (maybe) before my period, before Mirena. Now I have full blown acne that leaves scars, and I am never without zits. And to top it off, now I am getting cysts on other parts of my body, too. I don't even want to get started in on my lack of sex drive, or being always tired. I tried to let the staff know that I wanted the copper IUD instead, but they told me it was too late to change my mind. Getting Mirena was a huge mistake, and I can't even afford to have it removed, so I am stuck with it until I get insurance again. My advice, DON'T get Mirena!!!

I have been taking Lamictal for just over a year. Some of the side effects have been noticable for a few months, but others seem to just be appearing and getting worse. I have loss of balance and coordination, my vision is gettng worse, I have a hard time concentrating and finding the right words, I forget how to spell common words, I have short-term memory loss and feel spacey. I can always figure it out, but it takes longer. I began doing Pilates every day about 3 months ago and still cannot get the routine down and it is just as hard for my muscles as it was in the beginning. I can't seem to lose weight and have horrible acne on my face. I had 2 seizures before beginning Lamictal and am suppose to be on it for 2 years before trying to go off. Without insurance though, I am unable to do follow-ups w/ my neurologist and she seems unconcerned and unsypathetic to my situation, not giving me the time of day. She never even told me all of these side effects could develop, much less that they might begin long after I started taking Lamictal. Has anyone had these side effects after having taken the Lamictal for so long then stopped taking the Lamictal? Will these side effects go away after I stop taking it??

I have posted several times, first my side effects from Levaquin, which have been horrible muscle, joint and tendon aches. My other two posts have been inquiries as to how long the side effects last and if there was anything that could be done to hlep rid them. It has been over an month and a half since I stopped taking the medication and my symptoms have subsided, somewhat. One day I think I am making real progress, the next I feel the effects, but am not hurting as bad as I was even a week ago. One of the frustrations is that doctors don't seem to know what to do - my pharmacist was familiar with the side effects and said that it has to "work itself out of your system" - the prescribing doctor said he has heard of people over 60, who had taken Levaquin, have achilles tendon tears (how bad is that!), but most doctors seem to think you are making the side effects up definitely don't offer any solutions. What I have done, is go to a very good health food store and they had me take A.M. and P.M. Zyflamend, an ionic liquid magnessium and a liquid cal/mag/zinc dose. I have also started taking the "odorless" 1200 mg fish oil twice daily. I don't know if this has all helped me to feel better, or if it is coincidence with the side effects running their course. I am still not back to 100%, but at least I am feeling better. This is such a frustrating, painful experience that no one should have to go through from taking an antibiotic. Why this medication is still on the market is a mystery to me. Can only be attributed to "big pharmaceutical" money. For those suffering, the above health food recommendations might be worth a try. If anyone else has some good suggestions for eliminating the side effects, please post!!