Mirena Users out there???

[Rainey]

About two months ago I had the Mirena IUD implanted (not using for birth control but for painful, heavy periods as I approach menopause). I was told that the Mirena would end my periods which sounded like a BLESSING to me. However, since having it implanted, I have gained ten pounds (yes, in two months), and it's uncomfortably around my mid-section (already overweight). I found my ankles swelling a couple days ago and I'm very fatigued. I also had to sleep partially propped up last night because I felt like my breathing was a little labored laying down. To make matters worse, I have bled more days than I haven't since having it put in. Does anyone else have any problems with their Mirena?? I'm thinking it might be time to have it removed. I've emailed Dr. Day for her recommendation but thought I'd see if anyone else has experienced the same thing.

[Frosty]

Re: Mirena Users out there???

I seem to remember that after advertising for a while that there was either a recall or some kind of problem -- might have been a class action lawsuit (modern day ambulance chasers). Google it, you may find something.

Personally, if I thought it was causing me problems I would have it removed.

[Colorado213]

Re: Mirena Users out there???

I do not have HCM, my husband does, but I do have the Mirena. I'm on my third one. I haven't had a menses in 7 years (2 of those due to being pregnant and nursing). For me, it works exactly as advertised. But I have had three friends try the Mirena and they had break-through bleeding (that is bleeding in between cycles) and discomfort. Each had theirs removed and went on BC instead or had their husbands' get the Big-V. Mirena is not for everyone it seems.

And once you have it removed, your body should return to "normal hormone" range almost immediately. I was able to get pregnant (on purpose) within a month of removing my Mirena.

That's just my experience though.

[I am Darlene]

Re: Mirena Users out there???

I know nothing about Mirena but have been reading like crazy about HCM, especially HCOM, since I was diagnosed in July. From what I've read, swollen feet and difficulty breathing when laying down that resolves shortly after sitting up are some of the more serious symptoms of HCOM. You might want to check with your cardiologist.

[JillC]

Re: Mirena Users out there???

Agree Darlene , whether it is the hormones involved with the IUD that are leading to fluid retention or something else causing it....PND....paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea ( intermittent difficulty breathing at night) or Orthopnea (the need to sleep with head elevated to breathe) are both signs of possible heart failure and should be reported to cardiologist.
"Heart failure" sounds more drastic than what it often is......the heart hasn't totally "failed" it just is not able to keep up with the workload and leaves excess fluid in limbs and/or lungs. But definitely needs to be paid attention to.
Rainey: Hope you hear back from Dr. Day soon!

[j1plante]

Re: Mirena Users out there???

I have HCM and I'm on my first merina (implanted 4 yrs ago). It took a few months before my periods went away completely and I will get a very light one a couple times a year. No side effects at all. I love it! I tired to blame weight gain on it but honestly it was probably just eating more and not an increased appetite from the hormones. Just count your calories for a few weeks with an app like the live strong one and you'll lose what you gained recently It's normal to want to blame changes to your body on the last change you've made to it so it's good that you're asking.

I was told by doctors that the merina has little hormones and that it pretty much stays in that localized area and that is why it is safe for heart patients who would otherwise had side effects from oral contraceptives.

Good luck with it and I hope you feel better soon!

Jen