Mirena and shape

okay ladies, I'm not sure what you all are experiencing since I'm not a doctor. But I will tell you that a huge amount of your symptoms can either be age related or post baby related. I have four children ages 15, 6, 5, 3.
The beginning stages of the Mirena granted are not pretty and can last for months. I was having a terrible time with my periods and was out of commission for the first three days of every cycle each month. I have had my Mirena for almost 2 years now and am going on 41. I had to wait it out for about 6 months before seeing any huge improvements. I will tell you this, over eating and NOT eating a healthy diet of fruits and veggies will aggravate bloating and mood swings. You could have these with or without the IUD. I never lost my hair unless I was 3-6 months post partum.
A diet rich in potato chips, bread, meats and cheesy pizza will show on your hair skin and nails. The typical American diet will leave even your special guy moody. As we age the expectation is that we will always feel 18 and I have had to come to grips with how my body ages and how I take care of it. A new baby whether it is your 1st or 4th will cause unwanted fatigue. I still struggle with fatigue because not everyone sleeps thru the night including my hubby so my sleep gets disrupted a lot. There are several things you can do to help your Mirena work for you and not scare you. I NEVER lose my sex drive unless I fail to exercise even a little each week and have fought back with a super charged diet. I'm not perfect at it but boy does it ever help. Sugar has a HUGE impact on your hormones and fatigue level. Limit it. Got to bed as early as you can and avoid late night TV. Don't give your precious zzz's to some silly show that won't help you be a better person any way. Get moving and add a little (or a lot) of weight training to your days- your sex drive will soar and your body will thank you. Pray for wisdom. God will help. Sometimes he uses fatigue to slow me down and focus on what is really important. Granted not everyone can handle an IUD. But if you try a little self care and be patient you might find that it works for you. I had heavy bleeding and at my age the doc said I got it just in time because from 40-50 I could expect more of the same. I am grateful for it because I felt like I was dying every time I had a period. A little fatigue is worth the benefits. Keep in mind that even your little ones get tired. They need naps and they are kids. We need rest in the afternoons too. It's okay to stay off the phone and rest a little if you can. My energy drainers are TV, negative people, talking on the phone too much, eating too much especially when I'm not really hungry, the wrong foods when I do eat, and not getting sleep or exercise. Start small and see if over time it doesn't make a big difference before you throw in the towel. Blessings to all and especially the new mommies.

I got my Mirena fitted about 5 weeks ago. I've had spotting since she put it in except for about 5 days a week after, which was great I was able to resume my sex life for a few days. But after those 5 days it's been non-stop. It's not a huge amount of bleeding it's just enough to not have sex. So I'm trying to wait it out but the weight gain is something that I've started to notice and the acne as well. I used a topical creme for the bumps on my face and they've since gone away. And for the weight gain I've noticed it's really just water weight. I started taking Diurex (NOT RECOMMENDED) and removing fatty foods from my diet. The Diurex worked within a weeks time just remember to drink gatorade with it. I'd have to say the worst side effect that I've had so far is the spotting/bleeding. I can't have sex with my fiance. My son is 8 months old and after talking about more children we've decided to try again after our wedding next July so I'm thinking of removing the Mirena to get back into tip top shape. I WISH I would have found this forum before I got my mirena fitted because I would've chosen some other form of BC. I've also had severe cramps (never had those before), migraine headaches, and I've been sleeping quite a bit and with an 8 month old that's not the best thing. UGH... The question remains... Should I take it out or not?

I just had Mirena removed yesterday, and could feel relief in my body with a half hour. Yes, truly-a feeling that I removed this "irritation". When I saw the size of the Mirena-and the shape of it, internally understood why my body was swelling. It scares me that so many of us are exhibiting the same types of symptoms. I had this inserted 4 !/2 years ago and have gained 30Lbs., experiences of depression and strong mood swings, changes in my skin-acne, and an increased libido.

What I notice the most after removal is the very distinct sensation that its out. I didn't realize that I just got used to this being in my uterus.The swelling was so obvious it looks like I am 5 months pregnant. I am 5'4 and when I first had this inserted I wore Size 6. I now wear Size10, 12. And its not my diet-I do not indulge in junk food,or large portions. I exercise 4-5 times a week, and have a great sex life..

I think that the Pharmaceutical community and Physicians are aware that this is a problem, They just aren't acknowledging it...YET. Who knows what the long term effects are.
I have had this out for about 36 hours and I feel a sense of comfort in my own body... It is not my imagination and I would call anyone in our "medical Community" ignorant for not standing up to the obvious fact that this IS A PROBLEM.

Wow! Can I just say I'm scared to death now after reading about all of your horror stories with the Mirena. I have two friends who have the Mirena and both absolutely love it. No mention of any negative side effects from either of them. I've had mine approximately one week and I will say it was a small form of torture having it inserted. I have a ten year old and was told it would be no problem! The first time they were unsuccessful so they asked that I come back on valium to help me relax. I went back and while I was relaxed it still took three different doctors to get it in. Apparently my cervix went back to pre-baby shape which is why it was so difficult. I will say since I had it inserted I have felt bloated and had slight abdominal discomfort. No bleeding though... thats a plus. Guess I'll keep a watch for the mood swings, weight gain, etc.

I decided today that Mirena is coming out, asap. I had it inserted Jan...2008.
After having an ablation in 2007 that did not seem to work I thought Mirena would be a good b/c alternative...it has helped with the break through bleeding. Virtually, not period or bleeding. But that is about it. I have experienced some weird side effects...to include face and back acne; extremely oily skin; always tired and sleepy; bloating and weight gain...12lbs so far in just a few months; dizziness; cramping; and breast swelling. I dont even feel or look like myself anymore. I've been working out; cutting calories and bad carbs. And yet I gain. Whats up with that.
Thank goodness I can still have orgasms or life would be over. Although, my hubbie can feel the string. And the friction is not pleasant.
But after seeing my regular md today and seeing that I gained 12lbs in just a few months...the red flag went up. I love looking beautiful and in shape being nearly 35. Everyone thinks that I am 25. And thats the last thing I feel right now. I would rather have the bleeding than these weird effects. At least my weight was good. This is too, much to deal with right now. Going to have try something different. Any suggestions? Did anyone else out there have an ablation? Please comment.

Wow ladies!! First off, thank you, all of you, for taking the time to share your stories.

I had my Mirena inserted mid March 2008. It is April 3rd today, and so far I'm not a fan.

Insertion was easy. I barely felt anything. Minor cramping afterwards, some spotting. The worst part was the black gritty sand like discharge. (previous poster compared it to coffee grounds) Every time I sat down or stood up I could feel the grit rubbing inside me. It was the most AWFUL feeling in the world.

I have been spotting every single day since insertion. I did have a full period (started a few days before Easter) and it lasted about a week and a half. It was moderate to heavy. I did have more than usual cramping for me. And with every cramp I felt a sharp stab in my uterus. I imagined it was my uterus pressing down on the IUD. It was very uncomfortable. Now my "period" is over and I am still spotting! Its strange though. My discharge is clear, but with streaks of purpleish/brown blood. Its not typical spotting. But i've ruined one too many pairs of good underwear so its starting to get on my nerves!!!! I thought this was supposed to STOP bleeding. I've bleed every day in some shape or form.

My one month checkup is on the 10th. I am going to express my concerns with my doctor, but I know she'll blow me off like everyone else. I am getting a lot of pressure from my husband to keep it, despite the side effects. We already have 4 children, and dont want any more for a few more years.

Other side effects I am experiencing that I can only assume are from the Mirena (they might not be, but I cant explain them any other way):

- I feel stupid! Im spacey, i cant think straight. Very forgetful. Simple jokes go over my head.
- my vision is wacky. I feel like im staring through a haze. I have a hard time focusing on objects or fine print. I have never had a vision problem before!
- i feel weak and woozy occasionally.
- extra crampy. and often feel pings and pangs in my uterus.
- increased thirst
- slight paranoia. I actually feel like all my friends are mad at me, when i know they arent.
- I sweat at night.
- moody.
- my nails are all dry and splitting. I normally have very healthy nails
- a general feeling of laziness. It takes a ton of motivation to get up sometimes. I have 4 kids and I work full time...I'm not a lazy person! I cant be! So this feeling is very frustrating!
- I'd rather sleep than have sex. which for me is abnormal. I am more of a hornball than my husband usually. hahaha

wow this list is longer than I thought!!

I'm going to give this thing more time. But so far I am not a fan. I know it works for some women....but these things were not in the little pamphlet they pass out! I guess if they were no one would get this thing!

Thanks for listening!

I had the Mirena IUD inserted in September 2007... BIG MISTAKE! I paid $550.00 for the stupid IUD & another 225.00 for doctor fees!!
Okay here's my story.. I have three children, 26 yrs old, married, 120/122 pounds.. can stay in shape/get in shape easily, happy, VERY short 3-4 day periods.. BEFORE Mirena..
Now.. its been 7 weeks.. And even though I keep to the same diet, I have gained 8 pounds! I have been on a period & constantly spotting for 15 DAYS~ oh yeah.. AND bad, bad, bad, BLOATING!! Yesterday I had Severe Cramps- my doctor is out of town so the nurse actually called in muscle relaxers to help with the pain.. I was in TEARS yesterday. I NEVER EVER had menstrual cramps before.... to make things worse..I am so moody & I hate my quick temper. I have never had acne, but now I get a few spots.. not so bad, but I shouldn't have any. I feel like I don't have control over my body.

My appointment is for this Thursday.. I am getting this thing removed, so I can return to normal!

Before getting this awful thing ( which hurts when inserted & bad cramps afterward) I was using NuvaRing for two months.. I did not have any of these bad side effects with NuvaRing... I am going to try that again.

IN SHORT.. I PAID over $800.00 for severe cramping, 15 day long periods, constant spotting, brown discharge, EXTREME BLOATING, huge weight gain, and acne!! WHAT?!? I want a refund!!

Is anyone having chronic shortness of breath with their Mirena? I have been tested for everything under the sun, and all tests have come back negative. I was even checked out for cancer! I am 22 years old, previously very healthy. I have no other symptoms, except the spotting and longer periods.

Frustrated,
Darla