This is in response to Cathie regarding post-removal bleeding. I have been pretty fortunate in that department. I am actually in the middle of my second period since the removal, and other than being heavy, everything is normal.
In your case, make sure you're monitoring the situation closely with your doctor. If you are having heavy bleeding and clots, I would also recommend taking iron supplements.
Keep us posted on how you're doing, and I hope that you feel better!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
I know I've been MIA!
Hey ladies!
I'm so sorry that I haven't been around lately. Things with work/life have been crazy, etc, and I haven't had a spare moment to work. They are getting really facist at work about personal websites, but that's a whole other story.
Update with me....well, things are going okay. I will sadly report that I have not had a dramatic decrease of weight, but a lot of that is on me I think. Due to being so busy lately, my eating habits have gotten sloppy, plus, the hubby and I both love sweets. I am still working out 3-4 days a week, and I have noticed a much bigger muscle gain in my arms and legs, which wasn't happening before. I do think I will eventually lose the weight. I basically am going to have to undo a year of the Mirena, which is no small feat. I gained all the weight around the stomach/hip area, which is the worst part to lose. I have lost a few pounds, I can tell, but I simply need to work my butt a little harder!
Other than that, I feel wonderful! My mood is mellow, my blood pressure is back to normal, and I am loving sex and life in general all over again. My husband got a vasectomy and we're finally all clear, so I will never have to use stupid birth control EVER AGAIN.
I do read each and every comment here, and I am still appalled at how crappy this birth control is. I worry about each and every person who tells their story, and I hope that you ladies have gotten your Mirenas out and that you're seeing results. Thank you for taking the time to write, and please know that you are being heard. I hope that those of you that have written are feeling better. :)
I will be better about writing. In the meantime, keep making comments, and keep spreading the word!!
I'm so sorry that I haven't been around lately. Things with work/life have been crazy, etc, and I haven't had a spare moment to work. They are getting really facist at work about personal websites, but that's a whole other story.
Update with me....well, things are going okay. I will sadly report that I have not had a dramatic decrease of weight, but a lot of that is on me I think. Due to being so busy lately, my eating habits have gotten sloppy, plus, the hubby and I both love sweets. I am still working out 3-4 days a week, and I have noticed a much bigger muscle gain in my arms and legs, which wasn't happening before. I do think I will eventually lose the weight. I basically am going to have to undo a year of the Mirena, which is no small feat. I gained all the weight around the stomach/hip area, which is the worst part to lose. I have lost a few pounds, I can tell, but I simply need to work my butt a little harder!
Other than that, I feel wonderful! My mood is mellow, my blood pressure is back to normal, and I am loving sex and life in general all over again. My husband got a vasectomy and we're finally all clear, so I will never have to use stupid birth control EVER AGAIN.
I do read each and every comment here, and I am still appalled at how crappy this birth control is. I worry about each and every person who tells their story, and I hope that you ladies have gotten your Mirenas out and that you're seeing results. Thank you for taking the time to write, and please know that you are being heard. I hope that those of you that have written are feeling better. :)
I will be better about writing. In the meantime, keep making comments, and keep spreading the word!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
"Hold on to your f'ing hat..."
After so much serious talk, I just thought I'd pass on something that gave me a great laugh. It was a skit that was on Saturday Night Live last week, and I know all you ladies will appreciate it. It's a spoof on all those stupid birth control commercials that tout how you will hardly ever have a period when you use their birth control pill. Considering all I've gone through this last year, I related and had a good laugh! Tina Fey rocks!
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=29020099
You don't need a Myspace account to view the video by the way.
Speaking of periods, mine has finally come. It wasn't really a "hold on to your hat" situation. Frankly I was really surprised. Since the IUD removal, I have had several "mini-periods", where I would bleed for 1-2 hours and then it would stop and not happen again for a few days. Some might call that spotting, but I say if you have to use a tampon and it's more than half "used", then it's a mini-period. On Saturday I was experiencing more of the same, and thought that it would just go away. Well, no, it's back and quite heavy. It's pretty non-eventful, no cramps, no mood swings, and no bloating, so that's good. I'm mainly all thumbs because I haven't had a period for a year, so it's weird getting used to it.
All in all, it's a good thing. Having a period is a natural and normal thing, and I am pleased that my body is working itself out and trying to get in a normal synch again. As funny as that Tina Fey video is, it has a ring of truth to it. Not having a period really wacks you out. I'd much rather deal with it than not.
I suppose I am a little less bummed out about my weight. My stomach seems to bloat and unbloat at a moment's notice. My husband has been telling me that I've lost weight, but since he is a wonderful person, I just assumed he was being nice and saying the things he is supposed to say. However, my aunt saw me today for the first time since my Mirena removal and said, "Oh my gosh, you've really lost weight!" I suppose there is something to it, although the weight has come off on weird places like my arms and ankles. The waistband of my pants is still so tight.
Other than that, I am feeling great. I have felt so mellow since the IUD removal. I haven't had those gnarly mood swings, and the mood around the house is so much more relaxed. My sex life is back, and that has me in an even better mood!
I hope you ladies are having a good week. Keep posting, and to those of you who have gotten your IUDs removed, please keep us posted on how things are going.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=29020099
You don't need a Myspace account to view the video by the way.
Speaking of periods, mine has finally come. It wasn't really a "hold on to your hat" situation. Frankly I was really surprised. Since the IUD removal, I have had several "mini-periods", where I would bleed for 1-2 hours and then it would stop and not happen again for a few days. Some might call that spotting, but I say if you have to use a tampon and it's more than half "used", then it's a mini-period. On Saturday I was experiencing more of the same, and thought that it would just go away. Well, no, it's back and quite heavy. It's pretty non-eventful, no cramps, no mood swings, and no bloating, so that's good. I'm mainly all thumbs because I haven't had a period for a year, so it's weird getting used to it.
All in all, it's a good thing. Having a period is a natural and normal thing, and I am pleased that my body is working itself out and trying to get in a normal synch again. As funny as that Tina Fey video is, it has a ring of truth to it. Not having a period really wacks you out. I'd much rather deal with it than not.
I suppose I am a little less bummed out about my weight. My stomach seems to bloat and unbloat at a moment's notice. My husband has been telling me that I've lost weight, but since he is a wonderful person, I just assumed he was being nice and saying the things he is supposed to say. However, my aunt saw me today for the first time since my Mirena removal and said, "Oh my gosh, you've really lost weight!" I suppose there is something to it, although the weight has come off on weird places like my arms and ankles. The waistband of my pants is still so tight.
Other than that, I am feeling great. I have felt so mellow since the IUD removal. I haven't had those gnarly mood swings, and the mood around the house is so much more relaxed. My sex life is back, and that has me in an even better mood!
I hope you ladies are having a good week. Keep posting, and to those of you who have gotten your IUDs removed, please keep us posted on how things are going.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Weight SUCKS
I know it's only been 2 weeks since I've gotten my IUD out, but I am so pissed/frustrated/upset that I haven't lost a single pound. What is the deal, seriously?? I work my stupid ass off at the gym, eat salads when what I really want is a fat cheeseburger, and try to remain positive. Nothing still. I mean, is it the hormones? Are they still lingering around? Is my body still traumatized? I just don't even know anymore. That stupid inch and a half of plastic has just ruined my body it seems.
To those of you who have had the IUD removed...how soon did you notice weight loss results? A month? More?
To those of you who have had the IUD removed...how soon did you notice weight loss results? A month? More?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Frustrated
So, I am frustrated that I haven't lost any weight yet. I haven't gained, but haven't lost either. I know it's been only a week since I got my IUD out, but I am so frustrated. It sucks to work your ass off at the gym with no results, AND to have those stupid personal trainer guys come up to you trying to pitch training sessions (aka, we think you're a tubby woman that we can con into this). When I brushed them off, the guy snottily asked me if I was meeting my fitness goals (aka, you sure don't look like you've met any fitness goals). Men truly don't understand. Anyway, personal trainers are a WHOLE other rant for another blog!
I am also annoyed that my body can't make up its mind whether it wants to have a period or not. I will have a flow heavy enough for me to scramble for a tampon, and then it goes away in a few hours. It happens just about every other day. I guess I should be careful what I wish for, but I really wish my body would just follow through and have the period of the century and get it over with. It's like come on body, could we please start getting back to normal?!?!
On a positive note, getting the Mirena removed will cure any libido problems you have. When I had the Mirena, I went from having a better than healthy drive, to being almost annoyed when my husband initiated. I couldn't get turned on at all, which sucked, because the hubby does everything right and then some. Well, without elaborating, I am just about back to normal, and I am loving it! It's the one area where I feel like I'm succeeding, and it makes me feel like a real woman again, if that makes any sense.
I started taking Vitamin D supplements, and I think that has helped with my mood, as well as the IUD removal. Vit. D is proven to help depression, plus your body needs it for calcium absorbtion. So ladies, make sure you are getting enough Vit. D, especially if you've been feeling blue lately! I am trying to go as natural as I can, and thwart off the pesky Rx meds the doctors think are so wonderful.
That's all for now. Hope you ladies are doing well, and that post-IUD life is going well for you.
I am also annoyed that my body can't make up its mind whether it wants to have a period or not. I will have a flow heavy enough for me to scramble for a tampon, and then it goes away in a few hours. It happens just about every other day. I guess I should be careful what I wish for, but I really wish my body would just follow through and have the period of the century and get it over with. It's like come on body, could we please start getting back to normal?!?!
On a positive note, getting the Mirena removed will cure any libido problems you have. When I had the Mirena, I went from having a better than healthy drive, to being almost annoyed when my husband initiated. I couldn't get turned on at all, which sucked, because the hubby does everything right and then some. Well, without elaborating, I am just about back to normal, and I am loving it! It's the one area where I feel like I'm succeeding, and it makes me feel like a real woman again, if that makes any sense.
I started taking Vitamin D supplements, and I think that has helped with my mood, as well as the IUD removal. Vit. D is proven to help depression, plus your body needs it for calcium absorbtion. So ladies, make sure you are getting enough Vit. D, especially if you've been feeling blue lately! I am trying to go as natural as I can, and thwart off the pesky Rx meds the doctors think are so wonderful.
That's all for now. Hope you ladies are doing well, and that post-IUD life is going well for you.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Update
First of all, I want to thank those of you who have visited so far and commented. Just knowing there are other women out there with similar situations has been so helpful. I hope that other women can stumble on this blog and have a place to reference if their Mirena is giving them problems. I think keeping a dialogue going is so important.
According to my scale, I'm the same weight, but I don't think that's accurate. The shape of my body has changed very subtly, and my clothes are fitting slightly better. I pulled on a pair of pajama pants that I haven't worn in a long time last night, and they fit for the first time in a long time. Although I know that it may take some time for the hormones to flush from my body, and that things won't return to normal in mere days, I am so impatient! I want to start losing weight and get my life back. I guess all I can do is work hard in the gym and be patient. I suspect it may take a month or so for my body to regulate. I still am trying to remain positive. I have hopes that soon, with hard work, I will feel sexy and good about myself again.
Most of the changes I have noticed have been very subtle. I had no idea how bloated I truly was. I couldn't lean forward without feeling smothered, and it was also slightly painful. Now it feels like normal, and my stomach isn't hard.
I reported the other night that my period started. I did have some bleeding, but it stopped within a day. It was enough for me to need tampons though. Since then I have been spotting on and off. I really honestly want to have a period, just to regulate my body and get it to a normal stage.
I have noticed that my mood has been a little calmer, and I felt a twinge of my good old sex drive returning. It has taken me much less time to get "warmed up". I hope the full drive will return soon. I am just really thankful that my husband has been great and supportive throughout this. He's been nothing but awesome, and thank God he got snipped so that I never have to worry about body altering birth control EVER AGAIN.
I find myself getting so angry at hearing all the stories of women's doctors who tell them "Your symptoms can't be because of the IUD." There is no way that the situation hasn't come up to them before with other patients. Logically, you would think they would start putting a pattern together. That leads me to believe that doctors are aware of side effects, and there is information being withheld from patients. There has to be some kind of study or research out there with the truth. How could hundreds of women have these symptoms, and NOT be taken seriously? Forget weight gain even, the Mirena seems to cause depression, or aggravates existing depression. It causes wide mood swings. That is so dangerous, why aren't the doctors taking it seriously? If it's for monetary gain, that's pretty piss poor. Not only is the Mirena expensive, but doctors are prescribing medication like Synthroid to control weight gain, anti-depressants, and even prescription acne medication. That is a lot of money. I know that for myself alone, it was around $100 out of pocket for a thyroid test (yeah my "false normal" test), and then $20 for the medication. Think of all the tests women are having run to figure out what's wrong since the IUD supposedly doesn't cause any symptoms. Think of the unnecessary medication women are having to take. Sounds borderline conspiracy to me, and I don't know about you ladies, but it really pisses me off.
Anyway, enough rambling for now. Keep the comments coming, and keep passing this blog along to other ladies in our situation. Hope you guys are having a wonderful week!
According to my scale, I'm the same weight, but I don't think that's accurate. The shape of my body has changed very subtly, and my clothes are fitting slightly better. I pulled on a pair of pajama pants that I haven't worn in a long time last night, and they fit for the first time in a long time. Although I know that it may take some time for the hormones to flush from my body, and that things won't return to normal in mere days, I am so impatient! I want to start losing weight and get my life back. I guess all I can do is work hard in the gym and be patient. I suspect it may take a month or so for my body to regulate. I still am trying to remain positive. I have hopes that soon, with hard work, I will feel sexy and good about myself again.
Most of the changes I have noticed have been very subtle. I had no idea how bloated I truly was. I couldn't lean forward without feeling smothered, and it was also slightly painful. Now it feels like normal, and my stomach isn't hard.
I reported the other night that my period started. I did have some bleeding, but it stopped within a day. It was enough for me to need tampons though. Since then I have been spotting on and off. I really honestly want to have a period, just to regulate my body and get it to a normal stage.
I have noticed that my mood has been a little calmer, and I felt a twinge of my good old sex drive returning. It has taken me much less time to get "warmed up". I hope the full drive will return soon. I am just really thankful that my husband has been great and supportive throughout this. He's been nothing but awesome, and thank God he got snipped so that I never have to worry about body altering birth control EVER AGAIN.
I find myself getting so angry at hearing all the stories of women's doctors who tell them "Your symptoms can't be because of the IUD." There is no way that the situation hasn't come up to them before with other patients. Logically, you would think they would start putting a pattern together. That leads me to believe that doctors are aware of side effects, and there is information being withheld from patients. There has to be some kind of study or research out there with the truth. How could hundreds of women have these symptoms, and NOT be taken seriously? Forget weight gain even, the Mirena seems to cause depression, or aggravates existing depression. It causes wide mood swings. That is so dangerous, why aren't the doctors taking it seriously? If it's for monetary gain, that's pretty piss poor. Not only is the Mirena expensive, but doctors are prescribing medication like Synthroid to control weight gain, anti-depressants, and even prescription acne medication. That is a lot of money. I know that for myself alone, it was around $100 out of pocket for a thyroid test (yeah my "false normal" test), and then $20 for the medication. Think of all the tests women are having run to figure out what's wrong since the IUD supposedly doesn't cause any symptoms. Think of the unnecessary medication women are having to take. Sounds borderline conspiracy to me, and I don't know about you ladies, but it really pisses me off.
Anyway, enough rambling for now. Keep the comments coming, and keep passing this blog along to other ladies in our situation. Hope you guys are having a wonderful week!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Interesting Link
In my crusade to find women with similar stories online, here are some interesting links to peruse:
http://www.lawcash.com/search/searchComplaints.asp (type in "Mirena" as the search term on the lower left hand bar)
http://www.womens-health.com/boards/birth-control/3667-iuds-nightmares-read-before-you-get-one.html
http://patientsville.com/medication/mirena1_side_effects.htm (LOTS of suicide/depression cases here)
http://www.lawcash.com/search/searchComplaints.asp (type in "Mirena" as the search term on the lower left hand bar)
http://www.womens-health.com/boards/birth-control/3667-iuds-nightmares-read-before-you-get-one.html
http://patientsville.com/medication/mirena1_side_effects.htm (LOTS of suicide/depression cases here)
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