I have only been on Nuvaring for about 9 months now, but I can not handle this any more. Since I have been on the ring, my periods have actually become more regular and shorter - yay - my problem is that since I started using it, I have been experiencing cyclic emotions, severe leg and foot cramps, almost constant sinus infections, and severe headaches.
The week before I remove the ring, I am a complete and total basketcase, thinking everyone hates me (including family and friends) and I almost constantly cry for no reason at all. The rest of the time, I am fine. I talked to the doctor and he told me it is not the ring and put me on an anti-depressant. Two months later, I talk to him again and he ups the dose on the anti-depressant and tells me I need professional counseling. I went, an was told these cyclic symptoms seem to be more hormonally related since it is at the same time every month.
After about the first month of use, I started getting HORRIBLE leg and foot cramps at night. I have had my potassium tested, it's fine, I was sent to a podiatrist who put me in leg and foot braces to sleep (which cost a bundle and did not help!) I have added additional potassium to vitamins and started drinking 64 oz of water a day (even put a bar of soap at the foot of the bed and a knife under the bed!!! I was willing to try anything). Still having problems.
As for the sinus infections, they have been almost constant, which previously I rarely got, but since starting the ring I am almost constantly have. Same with headaches!!! I REALLY don't get it.
Oh, and did I forget to mention that EVERY time my fiancee and I have intercourse I have to check to make sure it is still there?!? The first time I lost it, I got a call from him later in the day telling me I had lost my "braclet" (he had no idea about the ring). I didn't worry because it was the day to remove it anyway. As time has progressed, the ring will either end up in the bed or on him (!?!). I could understand if we were doing something odd, but we are pretty "normal."
I have now changed to a different doctor who told me I am not crazy, he has had other similar complaints about the ring, and is putting me on Depo, which I used several years ago with no problem). Three days and counting...