I've had the Mirena since Oct. 2008. It was recommended by my do...

I've had the Mirena since Oct. 2008. It was recommended by my doctor who stated that it would be great for me since I had PMS, heavy periods, cramping and I needed birth control. I told the doctor I didn't want anything with hormones due to side effects I've had before and the fact that my mother died from breast cancer. My doctor assured me that the progesterone would not be systemic, it would only be in the uterus. So I had it inserted. It was great for about 4 months, then I started to get the bloating, sore and swollen ankles (pitting edema), irritability. Same symptoms I had when I took the Mini Pill (which is progesterone). And now I'm getting cramps! I just made an appointment to get this thing out of my body! No more hormones!