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I have had my Mirena since 6/5/06, three weeks after giving birth...

Posted at 9:37 AM on Aug 28, 2007 by ashleysmom06, #23248
I have had my Mirena since 6/5/06, three weeks after giving birth to my third child. I only opted for it because a paperwork fiasco at the hospital did not get my authorization for the tubal ligation after delivery in time, then went I went for the pre-surgery consult, the doctor highly recommended the Mirena instead of a tubal and even though I told her that I had horrible problems tolerating the pill, I was told that the hormone level was low, and localized, and not to worry about any side effects. I didn't have pain or cramping initally like a lot of the other posters, and had very light spotting for the first few months, to the point that I couldn't really tell "Is THIS my period, or am I still just spotting?". I thought that would subside, but here, 15 months later, I still "spot" up to 20 days a month. I have tender/swollen breasts almost every day of the month (to the point where even an accidental brush against them is painful and I have to wear my bra even to bed, something I never did before). FORGET about my husband even wanting to touch them! More on that later.... I go to my PCP tomorrow and am asking to have it removed. To help her, I made a list of my symptoms, and have divided them into Physical and Emotional Categories. I am hoping she does not give me a referral to a mental health specialist when she reads it, cause its quite extensive. I am NOT a hypochondriac by any means, just someone who knows my body and knows these are not normal: bloated stomach (still look 6 mos pregnant), weight gain (I am 7 lbs over my weight when discharged from the hospital after delivery. 7 lbs is not alot, but consider that is on top of a considerable pregnancy weight gain that has not come off, add another 7lbs to it despite a rigorous exercise and diet plan, including Alli (orlistat) that resulted in a 2lb. gain). Headaches, blurry vision, acute insomnia in spite of prescribed sleep aids, fatigue, achey muscles, joint pain esp. in wrists and hands, acne, cramping, night sweats, pain during intercourse (when I'm coaxed into having it), a worsening in my hearing and ringing in ears, sometimes a burning sensation in the top of my right foot. The worst part is the emotional effects. Depression and dispair beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Wild mood swings. I thought "maybe I'm bi-polar?" but no, I don't have manic episodes, I'd say I have two moods: Despair & Self-Loathing and RAGE. I have destroyed almost every relationship I have. I have lost friends, family members that I have alientated with my wild temper, and last week, my husband walked out on me, saying "I just can't take this anymore, what is WRONG with you, you aren't the woman I married". My rage is 99% of the time directed towards him. It can be over something as simple as he didn't push his chair in after leaving the dinner table. I have anxiety attacks, severe daily crying spells, and the thought or suggestion of sex sends me into severe panic attacks. A sexual encounter, formerly a much enjoyed and daily event, has become a MAYBE twice monthly event that ends with me in tears and my husband frustrated and angry beyond belief. I just hope and pray I am not met with "It's not the IUD" when I see my doctor (not the doctor that put it in, as we have moved across the state). All I can say is NONE of these symptoms were present before Mirena, it just took my husband walking out on me to sit and think and make the connection that maybe there is a coincidence. I started to see a connection to wild behavior while pregnant and years ago being on the pill and then, duh, light bulbs went off in my head. "This is hormonal". Sorry it took me so long and cost me so much pain to figure it out.
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Reply over 2 years ago on Aug 29, 2007 by ashleysmom06, #1457

Update: I went to see my PCP this morning, armed with my list of side effects, and fully prepared to hear "It's not the IUD" and ready to do battle. Oh and gained another two pounds in spite of kicking up my diet and exercise. Surprise, surprise. When I told her I thought it was Mirena causing my problems, she kind of made a face and held up my list. "I have two other patients that could have written this same list. Both were on Mirena". She is scheduling me an expedited appt.with the gyno to have mine removed. What a relief! She is continuing me on the antidepressants (and was sorry to inform me that the low sex drive could also be caused by them, as well), until the hormones are gone from my body and then we'll re-evaluate. For those already off Mirena, how long did it take before you felt like yourself again after removal?

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Reply over 2 years ago on Aug 29, 2007 by mommabear, #1458

I had Mirena put in back in June of this year. The first month I felt fine. I didn't notice anything. Eleven days ago my mood fell like a rock and I have been crying non stop! I have anxiety attacks pretty much non stop. My PCP gave me Xanax and encouraged me to "ride out" the Mirena for another 6 months. I fear I will have to be hospitalized (either for Xanax addiction or mental health) if I have to continue this emotional roller coaster. I have also experienced a weird sensantion in my wrists and my breasts always feel like they are on fire. My sex drive too is nonexistent. I go to the doctor today to request mine be removed.

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Reply over 2 years ago on Sep 26, 2007 by mushroom22, #2049

It seems with most people it gets worse before it gets better....I have pretty bad mood swings, acne etc, but was hoping they'd improve with time. bUt maybe I should remove it before it gets worse! Have had it about a year and a half, I think.

What are you going to use instead? I really don't know what I will use. Im only 23, at uni and ultra senstive to hormones....

Have you thought about going to see a herbalist? I am a herbalist in training and have seen alot of people's pms improve by use of herbs. I haven't gone as I think the coil has to be removed first. But when I have I will go see someone. I don't think its right to have to be on anti-depressants for such a thing-its not getting to the root of the problem, just medicating with more meds!
Good luck, Ashley Edinburgh

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Reply about 1 year ago on Feb 04, 2008 by kjk5500, #4589

To everyone posting here! This is ALL symptoms of systemic candida!

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Reply 2 months ago on Sep 07, 2009 by alwaysinpain, #22801

I know what you are going through . I have had my MIRENA for 13 months now and i have lost a mariage and all around life, i was always a happy wife and mother but about 2 months after getting my IUD everything changed.

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