Mirena T Effect, Having Intercourse, Free Birth Control, Regular Period, Giving Birth

I am so glad I found this website!! Here is my experience with Mirena. I had Mirena inserted in June 2009. I did some research before choosing Mirena and it seemed that it would be the most hassle free birth control for me. I had no problems with the insertion. Didn't feel any pain and my cramps were no worse than with my regular period. I did bleed heavily for the first several months, but around November 09/December 09 I stopped bleeding all together. I thought wow this is really great, until I went to the doctor's for a routine physical and saw what my weight was. I had gained 40lbs since giving birth to my daughter. 40 lbs in a little over six months! I didn't change my eating habits at all, and I was actually being more active taking care of my baby. It took me some time to realize that my weight gain started around the same time my Mirena was inserted. I feel awful, I am heavier now than I have ever been in my life. Also, I have been having terrible headaches since being on Mirena. I thought maybe it was my eyes, had a checkup and everything was fine. So I just thought it was me over thinking things, but I have been so moody and everything makes me mad anymore and I have no self esteem from all the weight gain, and the only thing that all these horrible things directly correlate with are Mirena. I am seriously thinking about getting it removed, but what is the best alternative to Mirena?? I want something just as effective, but something that doesn't make me hate myself either.