I have been through the BC ringer. Went on the pill before I got married in 2009. Developed a DVT as a result of obesity and BCP. I weighed about 265 at that time (at 6' tall). That precluded me from ever taking the pill again. While in treatment for the DVT, they said "Whatever you do, don't get pregnant." Bam! First cycle after quitting the pills. I had thought fertility would be an issue for me due to PCOS...? I had to take high doses of a blood thinner (Lovenox) throughout my pregnancy. Cost? $13,000 per. month.
Fast forward to 8 weeks after the birth of my little boy. My obgyn said an IUD would be great for me, because hormones (from a Mirena) would be "completely contained" within the uterus, with low low risk of side effects.
I had about 5 months of bleeding, pain, and heavy menstrual-type cramps before I went back to the doc (trying to be tough). When I finally made an appointment, I went through a 45 minute vaginal ultrasound before finding the Mirena had slipped out of place and was causing constant build up and shedding of my uterine lining. They took it out and put a new one in its place. Worst doctor visit of my life. I had to be wheeled out in a chair.
The new Mirena was a totally different, but also horrible experience. My periods stopped altogether (nice), but after a few weeks I sunk into suicidal depression. Both my GP and my obgyn said it was PPD, that I should see a psychologist, go on anti-depressants, and stop nursing. No personal or family history of depression. Through this time I gained 40 pounds.
Through my own research (on Bayer's website) I found that nearly 8% of Mirena users experience serious mood disorders, and weight gain is the most common side effect. I was mad at my providers! Ended up navigating through the protesters at Planned Parenthood to get that IUD out of me.
Two weeks later, I stopped thinking of taking my own life. I'm slowly but surely starting to lose weight through LC eating habits and daily exercise.
I know your experience may be totally different, but if I can help ANYONE else avoid that disaster, it's worth pecking it in to my iPhone. IDK if the PCOS made me a higher risk Mirena user, but I do know I will do my best to avoid subjecting my body to fake hormones. My body no likey.
Last edited by hez; 05-30-2012 at 01:01 AM.
Reason: Autocorrect typos :(
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