Women- IUD/Mirena users?
#341649 - 02/04/09 04:31 PM
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Aly
Reged: 08/16/04
Posts: 669
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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Well, after a good year and a half of non-stop bleeding, my doc wants me on an IUD. I've tried every pill in the book and nothing is working. I had a D&C a month ago and that didn't work as well. I'm fed up and willing to try everything, but am worried about an IUD. I've never been pregnant, so usually they don't recommend that. I always heard you had to have a baby before they'd put one in. But, my doc says it's possible, but might be a bit more painful. Honestly, I'm scared out of my mind! Maybe I'm more of a baby, but I am scared how much it will hurt!
Does anyone use one? Any experiences to share? I was told that after 6 months, I shouldn't have a period at all and will be so glad I did it...but after on and off bleeding for a year and a half, I have little hope in anything! whew! 
Thanks!!
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IBS-A
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Aly,
I'm on my second Mirena, with over 7 years of total use (each lasts 5 years). I had my first inserted after my son was born and it was just about painless for me, so I was really surprised when the second insertion hurt. It was kind of a sharp pain during the actual insertion and a dull ache for a few hours afterwards. My doctor's office gave me 3 Motrin right afterwards. You might ask if you could take something before hand. For me it was well worth the brief pain though. I had a bit of bleeding right afterwards, but after a few months I almost never had any bleeding -- or PMS or period cramps or hormone related IBS symptoms.
I do occasionally get a bit of bleeding, but nothing like a regular period. I just use a panty liner for a day or two. It's most likely to happen when I'm losing some weight.
I hope you find something that works for you!
Lauren
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Like you, I've never had children. I'm on my second IUD (the copper, not the Mirena since I can't tolerate hormones). I'll be frank, it was probably the worst pain I've experienced. But the worst was over very quickly (it couldn't have been too bad - I went and did it again!  ). My doctor advised me to take 3 advil beforehand; also, it should be inserted during your period since your cervix is slightly opened and makes it a little easier, especially if you haven't had children. I had some cramping for about a day (no worse than with bad PMS). The convenience is totally worth it!
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IBS-A and GERD since 1983
Low FODMAP since 2012
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vettech,
Thanks so much for the response. From what I've read online, you seem to be about the same. Considering I've been bleeding for a year and a half, I suppose pain for a few minutes would be worth it to actually stop!
How long did it take to get put in? I'm kind of a wuss with pain, I believe, so I'm hoping it's quick...
I cannot thank you enough for answering! I really appreciate it:)
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IBS-A
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Thanks Lauren!
I'm hoping this will help me, and although I'm quite nervous about getting it inserted, I bet it'll be well worth it.
Thanks!
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IBS-A
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Aly,
I don't have children, but do have a Mirena - my second in fact. I was recommended it after I had an ectopic pregnancy and my periods were all screwed up. I can't take oral bc - too many side affects.
I won't kid you, you will be uncomfortable for a few minutes during the procedure. But you can ask the dr. for a prescription which you insert to relax your cervix (sorry, I don't recall the name), plus take Tylonel before you go. I didn't pass out or anything, but I did lay and rest for a few minutes afterwards. I found bringing something to squeeze in my hand helped me focus on something else. I have virtually no periods, a little spotting occasionally - every 6 to 8 weeks. It is an awesome little piece of plastic!! If you decide to go through with it I hope you have just as much success as I have had.
Best of luck, I can't imagine what you feel like - a year and a half!
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Cassandra
Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like you've never loved before.
IBS A 20+ years, Chronic Migraines, Chiari Malformation (decompressed June 22, 2010), Brachial Neuritis, and ??? the list just keeps growing, but I'm still shiny side up! 
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Thanks!
I actually posted this here b/c I thought you had an IUD... so I'm glad you responded! I think I've come to realize that a few minutes of pain really will be well worth it. I have to get it inserted while on my period, so I cannot really schedule it until I am on it, but I might call ahead of time to discuss it. I was only told to take advil and nothing about something to soften the cervix. So we'll see.
Again, BIG thanks!
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IBS-A
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The procedure was quick so the intense pain is very short lived. After that I just felt a little uncomfortable and crampy. I had no problem driving myself home. I just curled up the rest of the evening with a heating pad and a cup of tea. Not much different than a typical night, actually. 
Considering that even pap smears make me cringe with discomfort, if I can do this anyone can!
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IBS-A and GERD since 1983
Low FODMAP since 2012
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Aly-
I just had the Mirena put in November. The procedure was uncomfortable but not horrible. Take some Motrin before and after because you will have cramping. I just now stopped spotting since having it put in. But I also had really heavy periods so my doctor said that the process of thinning out the lining in my uterus might take longer. It did! But in reality it took only 2months. Which they say the average is 3-6months. I am hoping my periods will be lighter. I do like the freedom of having protection and not having to take something for it.
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Thanks so much!
I spoke with my doc today and even though I have to wait 2-3 weeks or some blood tests to come back, I can get it put in even without being on my period. I am anxious to get it in so I can get the 3-6 months of breakthrough bleeding over!!! a yr and a half is plenty by now!
Thanks!
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IBS-A
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Hi Aly,
Please don't think I am trying to put you off the Mirena, but unlike other posters here, I had a negative experience with it.
I am in my late 40s and was prescribed the Mirena as hormonal treatment for endometriosis. The good news is that for me there was only minor pain on insertion and it did virtually take away my periods, therefore reducing my pain considerably. My IBS symptoms also improved. However...the side effects crept up on me, and included nausea, anxiety, increased palpitations (I have mitral valve prolapse), and after six months, severe depression. I had the Mirena removed after ten months - again, very little pain involved. And, two weeks later, my period came and the extreme symptoms just disappeared. My gynae consultant said that the hormone in the Mirena (levenorgestrel) does affect some women with the side effects I described. I am sensitive to meds and hormones anyway.
As I said, don't let my story put you off. Many women love the Mirena and have success with it. But the reason I suffered the side effects for so long was because my doctor (and others) assured me that the hormone was localised in the womb and couldn't be affecting me. My consultant (the top man in the department)was the only doctor to tell me the truth.
Also, be aware that if you do an internet search on the Mirena, you will read mostly negative comments, as women who have bad experiences with it are more likely to write about it.
I hope that, whatever you decide to do, you get relief.
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to get my mirena!
I have such mixed feelings about it, but I am hopeful this will work for me. I am quite nervous about the insertion, but the doc called in a pill to use to soften the cervix. I take it the night before. Hopefully that will help.
Thanks so much for all of the 'real life' reviews! It helps to hear how each person feels about it.
Wish me luck! I'm VERY lucky that my dear sweet husband has taken Weds off b/c he doesn't want me to go by myself. (I am a bit prone to passing out bc of super low blood pressure..lol)
Thanks:)
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IBS-A
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Good luck & I hope that the insertion is as pain-free as possible!
Would you mind following up and letting us know how the insertion was, if you like using the Mirena, etc. My doctor has suggested that I switch to it but I'm a little nervous about it.
Thanks!
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Aly, how did it go??
#343429 - 03/18/09 06:15 PM
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Toady
Reged: 04/06/06
Posts: 1299
Loc: A small city, Northwestern Ontario, Canada
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Hope you made out alright my dear - update us when you're ready!!
HUGS!!
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Cassandra
Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like you've never loved before.
IBS A 20+ years, Chronic Migraines, Chiari Malformation (decompressed June 22, 2010), Brachial Neuritis, and ??? the list just keeps growing, but I'm still shiny side up!
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Not Bad!
#343439 - 03/19/09 05:25 AM
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Aly
Reged: 08/16/04
Posts: 669
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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It really wasn't bad! I got a call from the doc in the morning cancelling my appt. I cried my eyes out on the phone (lol) and they rescheduled me same day just with a different doc. I was proud of myself for being OK with that since I was so nervous and really wanted my regular doc.
Anyway, the actual insertion was quick! I thought it was probably not much worse than a regular pap! I was expecting much more pain. Don't get me wrong, it was uncomfortable and I would have been shocked if I wasn't expecting anything, but I was waiting for the bad pain...and then he was done!
The funny thing is, my way to deal with pain is to count. I do this during my IBS attacks too. I was told it would take about 90 seconds, so as soon as it was all set up and ready to insert I started slowly counting.....
and got to 6!! haha.
Thanks everyone for all of your help. I'm pretty crampy today and spotting, but SO glad it's done!
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IBS-A
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is this normal?
#343622 - 03/25/09 04:44 AM
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Aly
Reged: 08/16/04
Posts: 669
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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It's now been one week and I think I'm doing well with it. One problem is that I am getting quite a few bad cramps. Some of the waves are so rough I get a little sick to my stomach. It's on and off, and I'm still spotting. I know the spotting is normal, but is the cramping? I'm assuming it is...but wonder how long this side effect lasts! It's not easy!
Thanks
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IBS-A
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Hi! I have had a Mirena IUD since Dec. 2005.I got it because after my last baby my periods were AWFUL-I had to sleep on a "chuck" pad at night! I do remember some cramping in the beginning, but nothing worse than the cramps I have always suffered with (Midol has always helped those).I also bled for about 2 months-non-stop-until my body adjusted. Otherwise, I haven't really had any problems with the Mirena to speak of. As I get closer to the 5 year mark, I am noticing my periods getting heavier and heavier. I'm hoping I can get another one when this one "wears out"! I would advise you to stay in close contact with your doctor-or his/her nurse. There is NO such thing as a stupid question-especially when your health, safety and comfort are the question! I hope the Mirena works as well for you as it has for me...it has been a blessing!-and that's not even counting the birth control "side effects"! 
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I have noticed more cramping in the past few months that i had mine in. I got mine in November and have only had 2 weeks of no bleeding. Mine has been very light but still. I also notice I can feel when I am ovulating more. I get sharp little pains. I am ready to call my doctor because it is now going on almost 5 months and i wonder why I am still spotting all the time. I always go with my gut feeling and call the doctor if I have any questions and concerns. HTH!
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