Sunday, August 10, 2008

8/10 Update

Hey ladies!

Just wanted to write another quick update about me. You'll be happy to hear that I've lost almost 20 pounds, with diet change and 3 days a week of exercise. It's coming off slowly but consistently every week, a pound here, and 2 pounds there. I feel energetic, sexy, and good about myself.

I am doing a combination of Weight Watchers and reading these books by Gillian McKeith, who is a holistic doctor. She has this crazy show on BBC called "You Are What You Eat", and I started watching at first out of amusement and general "Wow this lady is totally crazy", but slowly got into it, and was inspired enough to read her books. I highly recommend watching, or even going to her web site to check her out. The run down of Gillian's lifestyle is no alcohol, caffine, red meat, refined sugar, dairy, or processed foods. I haven't followed it to the letter (I do like to relax with red wine on the weekends, and I'm a monster without coffee), but I have cut out the other things. I don't like red meat much anyway, and processed foods freak me out the more I read about them, so that has been easy. I am eating lots of fruit/veg, whole grains, beans, chicken, turkey, and fish. It's awesome, and I feel great.

Getting the IUD out has been the best thing I've ever done. I'm not sure where you ladies are in your life, but make your husband get a vasectomy and take out the IUD. I literally have just transformed slowly, not just to my old self, but a better self. I am much more conscious about my health and what I put into my body, be it medication or food. The experience taught me that doctors will keep information from you if it makes them the almighty dollar. I mean, most of you have experienced that, right? Doctors telling us, "Oh Mirena won't make you gain weight, have high blood pressure, or feel bad in any way."

Sorry for the ramble! :) I just feel really really good and felt like sharing!

36 comments:

Dugs said...

Hi there ladies, pretty much the same story here. I have had the mirena in for 3 years now. For the first 2 and a half years it was fantastic. I only experienced regular yeast infections. But for the last 6 months - I put on weight like crazy - 12kg in 6 months. My boobs got large and sensitive, my stomach I couldnt even suck it in, fatty deposits on my mid areas and a large giggly butt. Water retention like crazy, my arms and legs swelled up all the time, up and down. Emotionally I felt out of control one moment tearful the next agro. Smelly underarms even if I used deodrant (prior to IUD I never had to use deodrant). Visual migraines. Hair thinning. Eyes & ears very sensative to light. I did a pregnancy test, as I swore I must have been pregnant with all these symptoms. It was negative. I just couldnt understand what was going on. I have tried every diet under the sun, the soup diet, detox program, Atkins diet, etc.... I was running 5km 3x a week or more. And gaining more weight. Man oh man. I have been seeing a naturopath for 3 months, no weight loss and migraines still here! I have been to a nutritionist, she has set me on a kilojule restricted diet and exercise plan - still no weight loss. Migraines are less.
Anyway I went to my gp to complain that something was wrong. He asked me what method of birth control I was using, and he actually told me to remove the Mirena immediately as this was causing all the problems. So I looked up on the net weight gain and Mirena. Oh boy was I surprised to read everyones stories - I have seen a few other websites with ladies all experiencing the same problems!
I am happy to say I had my mirena out today. And I will keep you up to date with my progress.

Anonymous said...

Hi there ladies, pretty much the same story here. I have had the mirena in for 3 years now. For the first 2 and a half years it was fantastic. I only experienced regular yeast infections. But for the last 6 months - I put on weight like crazy - 12kg in 6 months. My boobs got large and sensitive, my stomach I couldnt even suck it in, fatty deposits on my mid areas and a large giggly butt. Water retention like crazy, my arms and legs swelled up all the time, up and down. Emotionally I felt out of control one moment tearful the next agro. Smelly underarms even if I used deodrant (prior to IUD I never had to use deodrant). Visual migraines. Hair thinning. Eyes & ears very sensative to light. I did a pregnancy test, as I swore I must have been pregnant with all these symptoms. It was negative. I just couldnt understand what was going on. I have tried every diet under the sun, the soup diet, detox program, Atkins diet, etc.... I was running 5km 3x a week or more. And gaining more weight. Man oh man. I have been seeing a naturopath for 3 months, no weight loss and migraines still here! I have been to a nutritionist, she has set me on a kilojule restricted diet and exercise plan - still no weight loss. Migraines are less.
Anyway I went to my gp to complain that something was wrong. He asked me what method of birth control I was using, and he actually told me to remove the Mirena immediately as this was causing all the problems. So I looked up on the net weight gain and Mirena. Oh boy was I surprised to read everyones stories - I have seen a few other websites with ladies all experiencing the same problems!
I am happy to say I had my mirena out today. And I will keep you up to date with my progress.

Anonymous said...

Hi there ladies, pretty much the same story here. I have had the mirena in for 3 years now. For the first 2 and a half years it was fantastic. I only experienced regular yeast infections. But for the last 6 months - I put on weight like crazy - 12kg in 6 months. My boobs got large and sensitive, my stomach I couldnt even suck it in, fatty deposits on my mid areas and a large giggly butt. Water retention like crazy, my arms and legs swelled up all the time, up and down. Emotionally I felt out of control one moment tearful the next agro. Smelly underarms even if I used deodrant (prior to IUD I never had to use deodrant). Visual migraines. Hair thinning. Eyes & ears very sensative to light. I did a pregnancy test, as I swore I must have been pregnant with all these symptoms. It was negative. I just couldnt understand what was going on. I have tried every diet under the sun, the soup diet, detox program, Atkins diet, etc.... I was running 5km 3x a week or more. And gaining more weight. Man oh man. I have been seeing a naturopath for 3 months, no weight loss and migraines still here! I have been to a nutritionist, she has set me on a kilojule restricted diet and exercise plan - still no weight loss. Migraines are less.
Anyway I went to my gp to complain that something was wrong. He asked me what method of birth control I was using, and he actually told me to remove the Mirena immediately as this was causing all the problems. So I looked up on the net weight gain and Mirena. Oh boy was I surprised to read everyones stories - I have seen a few other websites with ladies all experiencing the same problems!
I am happy to say I had my mirena out today. And I will keep you up to date with my progress.

kacy said...

I had the Mirena put in only this past June after the birth of my second son. I am 36 years old and wanted to space out my kids and skip periods for a while as I do have horrible periods.
Anyway, my symptoms were constant 1st trimester like fatigue, unusual body odor in spite of a fresh shower and deodorant, weight gain, puffy face, craving sweets, headaches, moodiness...the same as everyone else...

I was browsing the web and found a video on IUD removal and I went into the bathroom and took it out myself.

(My Dr wanted to charge me $300.) It was painless and quick... I can't believe that device is on the market... Almost $1000 to put it in and $300 to have it removed. Doctors that refuse to believe your complaints... and thousands of women who are suffering...
I have itn in a baggy and it looks like a cheap piece of broken plastic from one of my kid's toys... there is something wrong here

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your blog. You and your readers have offered me so much comfort. I've had the Mirena since July '08 (6 weeks after I had my 4th child). I chose the Mirena because of the praises I received from the doctors at our base, as well as a husband of my best-friend (OB-GYN). I typically drop my weight fast, but I have yet to get back to anything in my norm. I'm usually 112# to 115# with exercise and eating in moderation. I'm currently at 135# -140# now and my daughter is 8 months old. Yes, this is a lot of weight for me, but not as alarming or disturbing is the "mood swings." I lash out at my teen-ager for the pettiest of things and I can't do it anymore. I feel like a failure to her, and nothing like the mother I've been towards her. My marriage has also been affected by it. I blamed my husband for a lot but when I took a step back I noticed that I was reacting to things that didn't bother me before. I've even gone to the extent of moving out only to return home in a few days, and have considered a divorce.

So, I made an appt to take mine out and get a tubal next month. I've been blessed with beautiful children but I have demanding career which leaves little time for anything/anybody else besides those in my life now. I realize the removal may not be a cure all; and am going into therapy. We'll just have to see. I'll keep you posted.

Thank you again for sharing. I really appreciate your honesty and the honesty of your readers.

Laura Beth said...

I feel like crying. I pretty much cut all of my beautiful hair out cause it was falling out. I have terrible mood swings. My pits are always sweaty. I did have bad skin rashes, awful. I'm nervous all of the time and seriously depressed. The mood swings. Seriously. I've gained so much weight, I've just stopped eating.

I want this thing out. I am about to pull the mother fucker out.

Unknown said...

The IUD is the worst.....I have gained a total of 40 lbs on the IUD over the 5 years and I have had the worst side effects. I find it very hard to lose weight no matter how mch you workout, or how less you eat. I would get my period every 3-4 months and worst of all besides the weight gain, I am 33 years old, never had a yeast infection, bateria infection etc....from the moment I got on the IUD i have had all of the above atleast 2 a year. I had the IUD removed his morning and I can honestly say I feel relieved and happy. I did notice mood swings while on the IUd. I was very bitchy.

Anonymous said...

Katie - Cardiff

I would like to comment on the comment of Oct 15th. I am exactly the same. I train 6 days a week run 7 miles a day and do weight training. i have only had the coil for 2 months and i have already put on 8 pounds. I totally put this down to the coil as my eating habbits are really good. I even paid extra money for a personal trainer to ensure me i was doing everything right with my eating. I have booked for it to be removed next week and i cant wait to get back to normal - i just wish i had other alternatives i have tried everything but i am affected terribly with my monthly cycle.

Anonymous said...

Katie - Cardiff

I would like to comment on the comment of Oct 15th. I am exactly the same. I train 6 days a week run 7 miles a day and do weight training. i have only had the coil for 2 months and i have already put on 8 pounds. I totally put this down to the coil as my eating habbits are really good. I even paid extra money for a personal trainer to ensure me i was doing everything right with my eating. I have booked for it to be removed next week and i cant wait to get back to normal - i just wish i had other alternatives i have tried everything but i am affected terribly with my monthly cycle.

Anonymous said...

I am having my Mirena removed after having it 4 years. I cant take it anymore. For those of you who have has yours removed what did you experience after the removal?? . I am SOOO excited to be back to normal!!

Anonymous said...

I have had the worst time with mirena. I have had mirena for 2 1/2 years and in this time I have gained 45lbs increased Acne(never had as a teenager) constant back pain migranes poor skin condition and depression. I lost almost all of my baby weight within a month of having my daughter and then had mirena put in. I have gained way too much weight since and my mood is just plain nasty. I took my Mirena out by myself and it was way easier than i thought. I hope i start feeling normal again soon.

citychick27 said...

Had mirena in for 5 years less one month. I got some symptoms really bad (55 lbs unmovable weight gain, 5x increase in facial hair, uncontrollable acne, scattered unpredictable periods, big tell tale pooch, no will to have sex, unsociability), but did not get some other symptoms like I did not get the incessant bleeding, cramps/pain, lodged in uterus/cervix, palpitations, BV, or hair loss).

I have always had problems sweating, but while on Mirena it has got so bad I have to take a towel with me everywhere, even to bed! Much worse in the last 2 years of it. I also had a rise in BP. My whole life it has been 115-120/70-80, and my readings while on mirena had people asking me if I knew it was high. Everyone said 'lose weight and it will go down' but I was this heavy a few year before Mirena with no change in BP. I am mortified because I can't get dates, a job, or even anyone to talk to me in a room or at a table because I look like a fat blob now :( . I had it out at Planned Parenthood 2 days ago, no bleeding yet. I had it out like 6 weeks early, they were asking me why I wanted it out so early, what the heck?? Why should they care when someone wants it out, shouldn't they just take it out if that's what someone wants? They also denied that the weight gain was anything to do with mirena. How ignorant they are!! I am 41.

citychick27 said...

Day 3 and I am down 6 lbs and acne is gone. Will post again in another week or two.

Anonymous said...

I am having my Mirena out October 17th. I have had the same issues. NO sex drive, major hair loss, not major weight gain in 3 years but can't lose and I was already extra curvy to begin with. I have been seriously trying to lose for 3 months. Exercising, 30 day shred, watching my food intake, etc...no luck. I hope I see some positive movement on the scale after removal. In the meantime I am not giving up on exercise...want to have the habit in place following removal. City chick..anymore weight loss?

Anonymous said...

I didn't like the idea of something being up in me, especially something as weird looking as the mirena, lol. I have had it about a couple months and I haven't ecperienced any negative symptoms but am afraid of what the mirena could do. I wasn't losing weight when I actually tried but I've noticed that I have lost lately and I eat what I want and stopped working out so I think it has to do with the fact that I'm breastfeeding mt 6 month old still.

Anonymous said...

Okay...wish me the best. I had the Mirena out today...about 3 hours ago. Already having some major bleeding and no surprise my Dr. completely disagreed that my symptoms are related--which I respectfully said, "I knew you would disagree", but I still want it out. He did say that he and his female partner were having a disagreement about Mirena, just yesterday--she was more of the "these things are possible" side and he of course feels medically there is no way that I could be holding on to weight, losing hair, and not having a sex drive, etc.

Any way, he didn't put me on a different form of birth control, says give it 6-8 weeks to let my body adjust and then we will look at medication.

Here is to hoping.

Gail said...

I can't believe with all the experiences people are having with this device, that there hasn't been some kind of official investigation into it. I had mine in for 2 years, but it was only a couple of weeks ago that I started researching the side effects. It just never occurred to me to do so before, as I was assured by the family planning clinic that the hormones would be completely localised and not enter my general bloodstream, I had never been on hormonal b/c before getting the Mirena. Well if something seems to good to be true then it probably is, as we are all discovering.

One day a light suddenly went on in my mind, and I instinctively knew it must be the Mirena that was causing all my health problems, and hence my internet search and the discovery of thousands of women who have had problems with this device. My symptoms were similar to other peoples: Inexplicable weight gain no matter what I did/ate (I was so desperate I even tried the hypnotic gastro-band which of course did not work), sore heavy breasts that went up two sizes in two years, night sweats, strange smelling sweat/odour ‘down there’, foggy thinking, dry eyes, dry itchy skin, over-emotional, blotchy complexion and puffy face, random single growths of hair on my face, headaches, and probably other issues that I have missed out.

Anyway, the reason for me writing this post is to let people know that these things are highly reversible. I had the device out 6 days ago, and I already feel a lot better. Within a couple of days, the foggy thinking had lifted, my stomach is already noticeably smaller, my face is more defined, the strange odours have gone away, my eyes are more comfortable and I just feel in a better mood generally. If you are reading this forum then I presume you are having side effects from the Mirena. Please do your self the biggest favour you will ever give yourself and have it removed ASAP.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Gail...I am confused by the whole thing too--and lack of acknowledgement from Doctors that there may be legitimacy to so many women's claims. I am only one day post removal, but I hope to find the same positive results as you. I plan on writing again in a week or so to give an update--I find lots of complaints but far fewer updates. I would like to be a success story and share with others that there is hope after Mirena for normalcy.

Unknown said...

Good post. I would advise you to get your blog better especially by adding up the matching eminence articles.mirena iud side effects

mirena iud side effects said...

This side effect may be an indication that a more serious problem is present such as uterine perforation or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Anonymous said...

I'm getting my Mirena taken out on Monday and cannot wait. I gained 30lbs in a year!!! The past 4 months I have been eating healthy by tracking my calories on the Lose it app and running miniumum 3 times a week using Map My Run, AND gave up red meat but nothing is working.
My only hesitation is that I do want a form of birth control seeing that me and my fiancee are in a committed relationship but don't want kids yet because I am just starting my Ph.D. Does anybody have any suggestions?

Anonymous said...

Had Mirena in for 5 weeks. Got it taken out when I was at the point of not being able to care for my 4 year old due to increasingly worse migraines and constant headaches. I also got nausea and went a bit loopy emotionally. 6 days after having it out I am back to normal. I actually wanted it out after 3 weeks but my Dr said to give it a chance. My sister has it in with no side effects which is why I gave it a go. If you suspect something isn't right, then get it out and see. You can always put another one in if it turns out not to be the Merina.

Anonymous said...

Not sure if peeps are still reading this...I got a Mirena 2 years ago. I was 54 and still terrible bleeding that just couldn't be controlled. I'm thankful that the Mitena stopped the bleeding, but I'm so fed up with the weight gain, as I had just lost 18kg, and the Mirena piled the weight back on in the first 6 months. I am wishing I could just get it out, but afraid of starting the bleeding thing all over again. My joints are really suffering with the extra weight, so it's a toss-up. But I'm really thinking I'll bite the bullet and get it out. I also have migraines for about a week amonth, so it would be good to get rid of them, too.....

Anonymous said...

For a few months now I have been experiencing the worst body odor (under arms) that I have ever smelled... And it's on me!! I apply deodorant 3 times a day and shower 2 times a day and it doesn't go away! I have never had a problem and I have had Mirena for almost 2 years. Is this a side affect? It's the only thing that I have changed about me, ever. Also, the acne on my face. Never in my life have I had that. Facial hair? Reading all of your comments has made me really think about what this is doing to my body. Using the Mirena for me wasn't really for preventing babies, however for making my period lighter and taking it away.. I was having it all of the time, for weeks at a time. In that aspect the Mirena has helped tremendously. Nothing I tried before had helped.. However, I have gained from 25-30 pounds in the 2 years since I had it put in. I have night sweats almost every night. I am sort of irritable and never thought it could be because of the Mirena. Of all of you women who have taken it out, really, do these symptoms go away? I want to stop smelling myself during the middle of the winter like it's 90 degrees.. If you all have had success with removing the Mirena and can tell me another way to mask the pain from my cycle, please share. I am open to suggestions.

NikkiR6688 said...

Hi girls..I have had Mirena since March this year and since have put on 11kg in 8 months despite no change in diet. Have also had major body odour from arm pits no matter how much I shower or how much deodorant I put on. Have also noticed that my breasts will randomly increase in size and be really painful for a few days (not with period) and have also had regular infections and a constant discharge. With my weight gain I have noticed a distinctive "puffiness" look and have actually had people ask me whether I have fluid retention. Getting the thing removed TOMORROW!

nikkijr said...

Hi Ladies.. since having Mirena put in in March this year I have constantly had terrible body odour from armpits that returns shortly after showering and applying LOTS of deodorant. Have also gained 11kg in 8 months despite no change in diet or activities the weight gain also has a distinct "puffy" look. Have also randomly had my breasts increase in size and become really painful for a few days (not with period) and a constant discharge and infections. Getting this thing removed TOMORROW!

Unknown said...

Hello
Im really worried. Ive only just last night had the miren fitted and it was the worse pain ever . Even tho ive had 3 children. Since ive had really bad pains and felt light headed. Ive also read you gain weight which is a great deal to me as just loosing weight nicely and attend 3 classes a wk. I go away july . Now from reading all these posts not sure if i have done the right thing. I only went on it as i was getting mood swings from the mini pill .

Unknown said...

ok so I have been reading through all these post. I have just recently had my yearly exam and my mirena has been in for 5 yrs. well since I have had mine placed. I have developed what the doctors think is fibromyalgia. gluten sensitivity. I also have headaches a ton. cramps, bloating, mood swings, and horrible weight gain. I work out I eat right and nothing except depressing weight gain. I have chalked this all up to the fact that I was about to be fourty. I have never had belly fat. yep. I do now. and all over just feel pretty horrible on a daily basis. very tired. I do roller derby so I skate at least 4 hours a week and if you don't loose weight doing that then something is obviously wrong. so today I am having mine removed. praying that this is gonna make me feel better. wish me luck

Anonymous said...

I posted a couple of years ago and we usually don't hear a whole lot from people once they have had their Mirena out. Mine was removed a couple of years ago and since I have lost over 30 pounds. I have not begun exercising more, changed my diet or anything of the sort. It took about a year for all of the weight to come off, but I have been at the same weight now for a year. Best of luck.

Anonymous said...

Yipes I am sp glad I'm not the only one... I've had my Mirena inserted a 3 months after my daughter was born. Sad to say after 2 weeks on Mirena I gained 20 lbs. I NEVER had any weight issues before. I went down to 135-140 after my second baby. That was almost 3 years ago.. I've been very active ever since my 2nd rpegnancy, wnet to the gym regularly, have my own kickboxing trainer-STILL NOTHING.

I am 5'3, my "skinny weight" is around 115-120. From July 2012 to first week of september 2012 I went down from 180 (prenancy weight) down to 135 to 140. Extreme mood swings, EXCESSIVE weight gain, depression, fatigue, always angry.
I have always been the happy-smiley-all-the-time type. Not on Mirena.

NOW... I am bordering 180. HWAT. THE. F____. Right?

Can't wait to get mine removed tomorrow. I can't take it anymore. having no period is like Christmas everyday,but I rather get my periods back. I hope I am making a good decision turning to Paragard.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

So I'm 5"9 weight 161
I had Mirana for 5 years no issues other than I bleed for the 1st 3 months straight
After 5 years I was told about a cropper iud.
I was on depo while I waited for the iud to be ordered
A week after the depo shot I got up to 168!
After 3 months on the short I was up to 180!!!!!!
I got the iud placed in and within 2 months I was up to 188
So I started a diet well 3 months later I was up to 192!!!!!!! The biggest I've ever been !
I'm going next week to have it taken out i feel the creators should pay for damn weigh loss surgery !

Anonymous said...

I was 145 and got up to 197--I had gastric sleeve surgery at 16k out of my pocket.

Unknown said...

I had Mirena for 7 months. Period lasts for two weeks every two weeks. Dr suggested I get Depo to help with period. Result? Got period everyday and flows varies everyday. Got off Depo and IUD last week. The result was awful! Got a big blood clot, it actually went though my jeans. Two days later had another blood clot. I will be scheduled for a hysterectomy next month.
When I was on IUD, my armpits smells and sweaty all the time. My weight stays almost the same. I had AWFUL mood swings! No sex drive. My hair started to thinning out.
I was very frustrated for the whole 7 months!

Unknown said...

Mine was perforated for 7 years. I was told it was removed 7 years ago but it was still inside me.

Unknown said...

Mine was perforated for 7 years. I was told it was removed 7 years ago but it was still inside me.