I had Mirena in for about 10 months due to being 35, a smoker and...

I had Mirena in for about 10 months due to being 35, a smoker and in a fantastic relationship, and having children 7 and 5-just had it removed 2 days ago (Thursday Morning)...I met my boyfriend just before insertion and although he thinks I am wonderful (God love him!) I am looking forward to feeling and showing him the "REAL" me...I have always been very patient and calm and happy and emotionally and hormonally balanced (even before and during my periods!) But have progressively gotten worse over the 10 months and gained 10 pounds! I eat pretty well and am extremely active and the pounds just coming on!! So, between this crappy synthetic hormone and the weight gain...who can be happy??? I was the amazing most happy pregnant woman with both of my children for goodness sake, this shouldn't effect me this way!!! For the most part up until a couple of months ago, our sex life was still active, but started to subside (on my end) I've had NUMEROUS UTI's and some of them were just feelings of them but no bacteria so I decided enough was enough...now 2 days after removal I am bleeding heavily (heavier than ever, bled right through tampons and soaked my shorts...thank heaven I am off work this weekend!!) But the way I look at it is I am just getting rid of all the crap this Mirena has caused my body to undergo and I am excited to get back to myself again. My children noticed I wasn't normal and my boyfriend, well, I am looking forward to showing him the "true" me...if he thinks he loves me now then he's in for it...lol!!!! Good luck to all of you ladies who are also having the problems with this stupid thing...but keep thinking positive, I believe it will make our transition back to ourselves much easier and quicker!