Mirena and dilema

Here's an update to my previous post from a couple weeks ago. After reading all the posts here, and talking to several close friends, I had mine removed last Tuesday, May 26, 09. Wow! I can already see and feel the changes. I do want to say one thing though, I did not gain weight with the Mirena. In fact, I lost weight. Now I'm concerned that it will have the opposite effect on me and I will start to gain. I hope not since I am very happy with my current weight and hope to maintain it. Tomorrow will be a week and I can already tell a difference in my sex drive. Plus, my partner could feel it. He said it hurt and was starting to leave a permanent "place" on the end of his penis. But here is my dilemma. I'm a smoker. Yes, I know, bad, bad, bad. Trying to quit but not having a lot of luck. I am also 41 yr. old. There are not a lot of birth control options out there for women over 40, let alone those of us who smoke. I would be interested in hearing from anyone else who is in the same situation as me.

Also, I'm sure that the Mirena is a wonderful thing for a lot of women. I agree with Kimboslice that it is an individual choice for each person. Don't let all the comments scare you. It's just not the choice for us. Do what I did, try it for a while and if you don't feel it is the right thing for your body, have it removed. But give it long enough to make sure. Personally, I think you should give it at least 6 months. Good luck to everyone!!!