I had been on different versions of the pill since the age of 15 ...

I had been on different versions of the pill since the age of 15 due to debilitating and horrific periods. After having migraines, a TIA (mini-stroke), and discovering that I have a small hole in my heart (PFO), my doc told me that I really should not promote estrogen in my body via the pill. So.... after nearly 20 years on the pill, I had to find an alternative. My ob/gyn suggested the Mirena. She told me she has one and that she doesn't have any side effects, I'd love it, it lasts for 5 years, no periods really, etc. I went for it! Not only was the insertion one of the most painful things I've experienced while being 100% awake and alert ---- Motrin and a light numbing cocktail --- and I've never had a baby!????! But the pain afterwards and for the following weeks was amazing. I have had several surgeries, stitches, broken bones, etc. in my life. I'm not a woosie girl. However, that pain was something I had not prepared myself for whatsoever. The first month was really rough. The second month was better. After 3 months of toughing it out, I started to be happier about having made the choice to go with the Mirena. Months 4-6 were pretty good actually. Virtually no period, pretty much no cramping other than once a month, and no glaringly obvious side effects. However... as time kept on, and my life continued to change, I can now look back at Months 7-13 to see how things truly did change albeit at a slow enough pace not to cause any red flags and make me consider pointing my finger towards the Mirena. Work was stressful, but I've always dealt with it... but it was SO much harder to shrug it off, suck it up, and just deal with it! I never sleep enough, but for some reason now, no matter how much I sleep, I'm ALWAYS still tired!! Being single was not as much fun anymore... because I apparently am depressed, even though I've never been depressed a single moment in my life! I freak out about deadlines, but have never had a problem hitting them so why? I clearly have anxiety issues which weren't there before... Lastly, I am BUSY BUSY BUSY, working out regularly, eating quite healthy for me, and consistently gaining weight instead of losing weight..... what the he**? I went to my family doc because I didn't feel "right" and was sick over the weight gain!! He ran blood work, which came back "perfect". He prescribed a med for anxiety and a med for mild depression to get me through "these stressful times". I went to my ob/gyn and she prescribed a diet pill. My sis found this site... I have read 7/14 thru 7/21 so far. I'll read more before making my decision... I will also read more on other sites and talk to my ob/gyn. However, I must admit that the mid-section weight gain, moodiness, anxiety, depression, etc. are all sounding oh so sadly familiar. I also must admit though, I am bummed out if this is the case because as I mentioned, I had high hopes for the Mirena and had enjoyed about 4-5 months of "good" time with it. It's the months after that and right NOW which is seriously in question. I do think it is right for many people, just maybe not for me. Good luck to you all... Oh, P.S. for those of you who have had it taken out, if any of you don't mind saying, had you had a child/children before? I'm really nervous about repeating the horrific pain of the insertion given I had not had a child. Thanks!!