Mirena coil

[ACEY]

I wondered if anyone else has a Mirena coil and could put my mind at rest that one day this pain will go!!

I had it fitted last Tuesday. Apparently, it was supposed to take a few minutes. After 35 minutes of excruciating jiggery pokery (the doctor managed to bend the 1st one...) it was pronounced fitted.

I can actually stand up straight now but am still in quite a lot of pain. I was on maximum painkillers and a hot water bottle for the first few days.

Is this normal? Will it ever end...?

L

[xxvickixx]

Unfortunatly it is a normal side effect. I thought I was in labour it was terrible so I really know how you feel. It does get better soon I promise. If the pain gets any worse I would say go to the docs to get it checked out.

I assume you don't have any other symptoms, temp, smelly discharge etc as those would be reason to go straight to your docs.

[ACEY]

Thanks, Vicki.

Its not a very good side effect! After my 2 sons were born, I made a quicker recovery than I have from having a coil fitted - its madness!

No other side effects - apart from getting ever so slightly grumpy...

L

[busiscoming2]

I have had a mirena for 12 years now (obviously not same one), When the last one was fitted it took a few attempts and was quite painful during the procedure, but I have never experienced any pains afterwards, did the GP say this was usual?

[Nicki]

I had a difficult time having mine fitted, and ended up having to have it done under GA after 4 failed attempts. One of the reasons why I knew they were failed attempts was because I was in pain afterwards. The pain was caused by the uterus contracting as it expelled it! There was no pain at all after the correctly placed one was installed.

I would strongly suspect that the reason you are in pain nearly a week after it was fitted is because it hasn't been positioned correctly, and so I would strongly recommend that you go back to the Family Planning Clinic or the GP to have it checked out.

FWIW - FPCs are generally thought to be better at fitting mirenas because they get so much more practice than your bog standard GP so if it was your GP who struggled to get this in, I'd think about trying the FPC next time round!

[oystercatcher]

Seconding what Nicki said.
It's worth just checking the strings are still there if you are likely to have a 'romantic moment' just in case your body has expelled it without you noticing.

OC

[Pooky23]

I had my second one fitted recently. It was painful for about 1 minute whilst they inserted it, and afterwards I suffered with period type cramps for about 48 hours. A hot water bottle and painkillers helped. Thereafter it has been fine, no pain whatsoever.

I think you ought to get things checked out seeing as though the pain is still there nearly a week on. Perhaps it isn't fitted correctly or there is a perforation in your uterus from the unsuccessful attempt. Good luck, I hope it is all OK.

[suki1964]

Go get it checked. My last one I was in agony for two weeks before I caved in and went for a check up. All was fine and as it happened the pain started to ease of considerably then. By the end of the month I was pain free.

The doctors do say up to three months of pain can be expected (rare) but it wont be consistent pain, it will ease and the contraction like pains will be further and further apart till they stop altogether. I still (year later) sometimes get the odd contraction at that time of month otherwise pain free.

And Im on number five - so they cant be that bad :D

[recovering spendaholic]

I had one fitted at the same time as I had a hysteroscopy last Tuesday. I didn't have anaesthetic and had a dull period type pain for the first two days - but nothing that 2 paracetomol wouldn't fix, and since then I have had no pain at all and no bleeding either. I was told that there shouldn't be more than slight cramping and anything else should be checked, so I would suggest going along and just checking that it is placed correctly.

Hope you feel better soon.

[ACEY]

Well, I have found one string but not the 2nd!

Erm... "romantic moments" have set off runs of terrible pains :-(

Over the last few days there have been gaps between the hours of pain so perhaps I'm on the mend.

It was fitted during the FPC by the way, although by a GP. She said she had been on the course to learn how to do it and had done hundreds and was accompanied by the FPC nurse. (In the end, the nurse spent a great deal of time taking my pulse and telling the doctor what it was each time I nearly passed out). I'm hoping nothing is perforated - I told the doctor at the start that I was worried about that but she was very confident that all was fine.

I'll give it a couple more days before phoning, I think :-S

Thanks for all the replies!
L

[Bronnie]

Honestly, had it fitted ages ago and never ever had to give it a second thought. Must be lucky!

[Milford_Cubicle]

My first one gave me horrible cramps, bleeding and diahorrea for a week. I've just had it changed and apart from it being really quite painful, the bleeding stopped after a couple of days and there was only a little cramping for a day or so.

I'd say hang in there, as long as there are no other symptoms. Once the pain has gone and your body is used to it, then it'll be the best thing you ever did :D

[oystercatcher]

If it had perforated you'd know about it by now as it would be 'REALLY' painful and you'd be quite ill .

Hopefully it is settling by the sound of it.

Oystercatcher

[VfM4meplse]

Agree with Nicki and oystercatcher.

It is not unheard of for inexperienced - or even experienced - clinicians to get this wrong. I would go back to a community gynaecologist (found at all FP clinics) if you had it fitted by a GP because you need an objective opinion.

[Jasper27]

When I had my done I had a couple of hours of really bad cramps followed by a couple of days of dull period type pain. After that it's been plain sailing. I had it done by a gynaecologist at the FPC. In fact she was so experienced she had someone in observing her (embarrassing but they've got to learn somehow!). I hope I have as good an experience when it's due to be replaced in the autumn. I did read that correct insertion is the key and requires experience. Your symptoms shouldn't be going on this long, you need to see a gynaecologist and get it checked.

[leiela]

Yeah i was in ALOT of pain for about 4 days and ended up taking a week off work i even went back to the doctor's because i was sure something was wrong, but was told it was normal for some girls.

It did go away though that it's been worth it in the long run at least i know "that" side of things is taken care of.

[ACEY]

Now going to the toilet (not for a wee...) is setting off terrible cramps too. Still sitting here with my hot water bottle. Anything pressing in that area sets it off - even getting up quickly or twisting.

Have found the 2nd string and its actually poking inwards (under the skin like a big ingrowing hair) and I can't prise it out. To be honest, I'm not brave enough. I'm sick of the whole thing.

[suki1964]

Sounds like you are expelling it :( Its common in the mirena because the implant on it makes it much bigger then a normal coil.

Go to the FPC or your GP tomorrow and get it removed. If you do want to try again ask to be referred up to the DCU. Because they can knock you out they can open the cervix wider to ensure a good fitting. Its not to say you still wont get some cramping but you have less chance of it being expelled

[ACEY]

Thanks, Suki.

After 5 hours of agony last night, its all gone quiet...

Haven't checked the strings yet (the school run and B and Q didn't offer an opportunity!) so either its fallen out or its settling down...

[xxvickixx]

I hope it's all OK hun, I was so worried about mine, I was sure it had perforated something as it was agony, I didn't want to mention that earlier but now others have said it I guess it is on your mind now. Mine is fine now, I don't know it's there, sometimes I wonder if it still is as the gynae who fitted it cut the strings so short that I can't feel them.

Anyway less about me. I hope that it is alright, please get it checked out, it has been a while and by the sounds of it your pain has been going on for longer than most. x

[Nicki]

Haven't checked the strings yet (the school run and B and Q didn't offer an opportunity!) so either its fallen out or its settling down...

See you over on the pregnancy club thread in a few weeks then!

Hope you've got it sorted by now. Even if the pain has now stopped you should still have it checked, just in case the pain has stopped because it is now out!

[recovering spendaholic]

I had one a Mirena fitted about 2 weeks ago now. I had no pain, and just a little post insertion bleeding. My normal period was due two days ago and I have now started, and whilst the bleeding is much less than I have been used to the period pains are worse than I usually get and I have been getting a couple of hot flushes. Did any of you get period pains when you had a period after getting it fitted and how long did it take for periods to stop altogether - or do you still get periods but just lighter ones? TBH just lighter ones would be fine after the terrible flooding I have had over the last year.

[suki1964]

I had one a Mirena fitted about 2 weeks ago now. I had no pain, and just a little post insertion bleeding. My normal period was due two days ago and I have now started, and whilst the bleeding is much less than I have been used to the period pains are worse than I usually get and I have been getting a couple of hot flushes. Did any of you get period pains when you had a period after getting it fitted and how long did it take for periods to stop altogether - or do you still get periods but just lighter ones? TBH just lighter ones would be fine after the terrible flooding I have had over the last year.


Period pains can be worse for the first few months but I have always found that come the third month the bleeding is so light its barely noticeable and the pain lessons.

Im one of the lucky ones,my periods do stop but I do still get the odd very painful cramp at that time of the month. Just a couple but they are very strong contraction type pains

[xxvickixx]

Don't know, I haven't had one yet, but that might be because I am still breastfeeding. Hope that I never have a period again, the Mirena is supposed to make them stop sometimes.

[Nicki]

I had one a Mirena fitted about 2 weeks ago now. I had no pain, and just a little post insertion bleeding. My normal period was due two days ago and I have now started, and whilst the bleeding is much less than I have been used to the period pains are worse than I usually get and I have been getting a couple of hot flushes. Did any of you get period pains when you had a period after getting it fitted and how long did it take for periods to stop altogether - or do you still get periods but just lighter ones? TBH just lighter ones would be fine after the terrible flooding I have had over the last year.

Mine stopped virtually immediately. I had one a few weeks after the insertion which was much lighter than before, and after that only the very occasional bit of spotting, maybe once or twice a year for a day or so at a time, until I reached the 4 year mark when the hormones started to run out a bit, and I got the odd occasional full period.

[recovering spendaholic]

Sorry to drone on about this Mirena, but can anyone tell me how long the strings are supposed to be. I am having my first period since insertion and it is lighter than normal but still a "proper" period IYKWIM. I am worried because I can feel the strings really easily and I am worried that it might be coming out. I have period type pains but nothing horrendous but I am panicking that I might have dislodged it with a tampon:eek: Should the strings be so far down?

[ACEY]

Thanks for all the new replies!

Well, tomorrow it will be 2 weeks since the coil fitting.

The pains are still there, but less severe and not caused by moving about. They are identical to bad period pains now (for the first 4-5 days they were more like proper labour pains!)

I had my normal period during the first week (quite light) then that stopped and for seven days there has been huge quantities. Well, huge by my standards!

One string is there so that's OK.

I spoke to the family planning clinic attached to the hospital on the phone and the nurse couldn't believe I was still in so much pain. She said either one "arm" of the coil hadn't sprung out when it was fitted or perhaps it is not in properly because of a fibroid being in the way. Although I don't have any fibroids (had a scan not long ago). She said one string is fine, you don't have to find both of them. She suggested going in to see someone and they will have a poke about and can tell if it is in the right place and has sprung out correctly.

I've booked a phone call with the GP who fitted it on Thursday. I can't bear the thought that I might have to have any more fiddling about done in that area after the last painful fiasco.

Whatever happens with this coil, I'm not ever getting one again!

L

[Dumbledore55]

Sorry to intrude with some questions of my own - but my first Mirena coil is due to be changed in October, I have had light periods throughout - an absolute blessing after the flooding and pain I used to get, but for the last 2 months I've had lots of pain when I get my period and instead of them only lasting 4/5 days, they are lasting 10 days.

Has anyone else experienced this?
Do you think I should be getting it changed sooner?
How bad does it hurt having it removed? I keep having visions of it having become embedded in the cervix over the years!!

PS I only had pain after it was fitted for about a day - I'd definitely have it checked out thoroughly, it dosn't sound right to me that you're still in pain now.

[ACEY]

One of my strings has disappeared but apparently this doesnt matter (!) The other is about 2-3cm long and I have no trouble finding it.

[ACEY]

And another thing! I get this sometimes at that time of the month but it is really extreme thing time - I'm hugely bloated! I look 6 months pregnant!

Surely this isn't yet another side effect?!

[recovering spendaholic]

And another thing! I get this sometimes at that time of the month but it is really extreme thing time - I'm hugely bloated! I look 6 months pregnant!

Surely this isn't yet another side effect?!
I think bloating from fluid retention is a common side effect - I have noticed that I have it and I had mine fitted two weeks ago too. Apparantly it is supposed to go after 4 - 6 weeks.....

[ACEY]

Oh dear! Still, only 2-4 weeks to go until I deflate....

[Milford_Cubicle]

If you're having heavy periods and it's almost at 'change' time, then yes, get it changed as the hormone can indeed 'run out'.

Getting it removed doesn't hurt in the slightest. Getting another one in is markedly painful, but the cramps are temporary and the bleeding stopped for me after 24 hours :)

[suki1964]

The coil does lose it effectiveness for stopping the bleeding as it ends its life cycle, but its still effective as a birth control.

The bloating goes in the first month

Removal pain? Well I had my first removed and new one fitted at the FPC with no pain killers. Its easier for the removal, you just have that awful few seconds of the cervix being opened and that's it- done. Pant through it like giving birth. Look and feel stupid but it helps

I have had one migrate and embed itself to the side of my womb and that was painful as I could feel it constantly and because it was so high all attempts of removal by GP. FPC and Gynae Op failed as I just couldnt handle the pain of that. Ended up with a GA

Acey, its a shame you are getting arough ride but please dont let it stop you from trying again. If you have suffered severe bleeding and painful periods in the past, the mirena really really does put an end to it all

[Dumbledore55]

Ok - went to have my coil changed at the GPs today. A bit of pain removing the old one but bearable. Then when the GP went to insert the new one, my cervix went into a spasm and it was impossible to do. "It's like hitting a brick wall" the GP said prodding at my cervix with some kind of instrument as I refrained from hitting her as pains akin to labour shot through my body!!

Needless to say, I failed to get a new coil, left with a bag full of condoms and now have to go to the hospital to have one fitted. It just made my day when my GP said, "and your periods will be all over the place and problematic again until that gets done"

Happy days!!

[craftyfox]

i'm on coil no 3:j and when i had it changed in january my doc told me that it should do me till i'm 50 :T i have had no problems and on periods for more year than i care to remember and i'm a much better person for it (bit of a physio with out it ) and very little pain when having it replaced but i have a couple of friends who have had nightmares with them - from severe back pain to heavy periods to having it come out before one friend managed to get home. sorry its not much help but my gp has always told me to come back in a couple of days if i don't feel normal

[recovering spendaholic]

I had a Mirena inserted last March and was fine with it at first - no bleeding, which was wonderful after a couple of years of terrible flooding and anaemia. After a couple of months with it I got a period which was still heavy, but nothing like the ones before and then have had a period every 28 days since. 6 weeks ago I had a period which wasn't that heavy but dragged on for three weeks after which time I got an excruciating pain in my lower back and the bottom of my stomach and then I flooded and the coil fell out! I went and got checked at the FPC and the gynae doctor said it had definitely come out and asked if I wanted her to fit another one. I said no because I had had fluid retention ever since I had it fitted and I wanted to see how I went on. Since then I have had the heaviest period I have ever had and I ended up going to the hospital last night because of the size of the clots. I had a scan and they said that I had fibroids (I knew that) but otherwise they thought it was just my hormones. I had a hysteroscopy (normal findings) when they put the mirena in in March. I am not asking for medical advice but wondered ifanyone had experienced heavy bleeding after removal or they had ever have a coil fall out? I was started on norethisteron last night so will give that a try. Has anyone tried norethisterone and how did you find it? I think I am going to ask for an endometrial ablation - has anyone had one of those?

[ACEY]

Strange to see "my" thread again!

My coil is still there (been about 7 months now) and still useless. Periods still 20+ days long, massively bloated for a week each month, still cramping from time to time.

I'm just scared to have it taken out now, after the agony of having the damned thing shoved in!

[Bronnie]

Had mine for ages and has been fantastic. Never had a jot of trouble with mine from day 1. Wouldn't know it was there, except that periods became lighter.

Just thinking about having it removed as I'm 52 now!

I know it's not for everyone, but just to show it works extremely well for some!

[suki1964]

Ive had two mirenas move, not drop out but moved enough they stopped working. The signs being the bleeding

There is a much higher incidence of the mirena being expelled then any other coil because of the size

I was on the norethisterone before the mirena, the meds didnt work - I bled six months solid

Acey - dont be scared, ask for removel and replacement under GA. Its a pretty normal request and is often done when you have had one move. Being under GA they gynaes can really go to town and make sure its really well fitted and less likely to migrate

[lexuslass]

Strange to see "my" thread again!

My coil is still there (been about 7 months now) and still useless. Periods still 20+ days long, massively bloated for a week each month, still cramping from time to time.

I'm just scared to have it taken out now, after the agony of having the damned thing shoved in!


I am so glad this thread has been 'bumped! because I didn't even know it existed!

I am the same as you.... I have had mine for about 6 months now I think (may be slightly longer), I still have 20+ days periods too...

the reason I had mine fitted were because my periods were a real drain... would use something and would be leaking 20 minutes or so after... not nice when walking round sainsburys!!

My 'periods' are no way near as bad as they were - they are now 'controllable'! I didn't go for my 6 week check on my coil (I know, that is stupid, but it was a bit embarrassing to go when I know I would be bleeding!).

I don't even know how to check if the threads are there!! I know the doctor said she took them quite short (??) :confused:

[elsien]

The fpc suggested one of these to me recently, but didn't mention any of these possible side effects. Glad I came across this thread - the answer will now be a resounding no.

[suki1964]

I am so glad this thread has been 'bumped! because I didn't even know it existed!

I am the same as you.... I have had mine for about 6 months now I think (may be slightly longer), I still have 20+ days periods too...

the reason I had mine fitted were because my periods were a real drain... would use something and would be leaking 20 minutes or so after... not nice when walking round sainsburys!!

My 'periods' are no way near as bad as they were - they are now 'controllable'! I didn't go for my 6 week check on my coil (I know, that is stupid, but it was a bit embarrassing to go when I know I would be bleeding!).

I don't even know how to check if the threads are there!! I know the doctor said she took them quite short (??) :confused:

If you are still bleeding then the chances are its moved

Hubby lets me know mines is still there - he hits the thread IYKWIM :rotfl::rotfl:

Dont be embarrassed ( they have seen it all before) go to you FPC and ask for a coil check

[lexuslass]

Hubby lets me know mines is still there - he hits the thread IYKWIM :rotfl::rotfl:



:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Thanks for that... I will book myself an appointment and go and get it checked out...

[moomin_white]

The fpc suggested one of these to me recently, but didn't mention any of these possible side effects. Glad I came across this thread - the answer will now be a resounding no.

problem is, there are side effects to all contraception! i'v been told i'm getting to old to be on the pill now and was given the option of the injection, coil, implant and another pill. But to be honest the coil looks like it has the least problems associated! Not looking forward to it being inserted though!

[elsien]

That was the problem - i can barely tolerate having a smear done, so it was a bit iffy when they said the coil would take a few minutes longer. If they're going to be fiddling around down there for hours there's no way I'm going to be able to stay put for long enough. I'm also too old for the pill I'm on - haven't yet decided which is the least worst option though.

[ACEY]

I have to say at this point - most people don't seem to have the problems that I have with mine! Most people seem to be in some discomfort having it fitted and for a day or 2 then have no more problems for 5 years.

Unlike me where one coil bent whilst being fitted and had to be thrown away... and the one that actually fought its way through doesn't seem to be helping much!

Annoyingly, the long term relationship I was in when I had the damned thing fitted, broke down about a month later so I haven't needed it on that front :-(

[fifi63]

Just a word of warning for anyone thinking of having it removed. I had mine taken out after 5 months of almost constant bleeding.

The removal itself was easy ( much easier than the 30 agonising minutes it took to put it in!) but for nearly the past three weeks I have had heavy flooding and been passing golf ball sized clots. I have spoken to 2 different doctors who have reassured me that this is normal but I am sure I am now anaemic and have no energy.

If I have known this was going to happen I would never have had it put in in first place. Ironically I was advised to have it to stop my heavy periods!

[Dumbledore55]

My first Mirena was great but had it changed and this one just doesn't seem to be working at all. I'm bleeding approx every 2 weeks and it lasts for 9/10 days. Heavy as before and incredible pain - I'm at the doctor's on Wednesday and I'm so tempted to ask for a hysterectomy - I can't live like this.

I work in a very male dominated environment and the flooding causes me no end of embarrasment.

[suki1964]

My first Mirena was great but had it changed and this one just doesn't seem to be working at all. I'm bleeding approx every 2 weeks and it lasts for 9/10 days. Heavy as before and incredible pain - I'm at the doctor's on Wednesday and I'm so tempted to ask for a hysterectomy - I can't live like this.

I work in a very male dominated environment and the flooding causes me no end of embarrasment.

If you are still bleeding six weeks after insertion you should go back for it to be checked and if needed removed as its highly likely that its moved and no longer working.

Do your doctors or nurses not explain this when you have them fitted?

Because of the hormone on it its bigger then the normal coil - and your body will do its damm best to expel it - the horrendous cramps for the first few days.The mirena has the highest risk of being expelled out of all the coils. But when its fitted correctly then its a life saver for many

[moneypooh]

Unfortunately, the posts on here have been fairly negative about the mirena. That seems about right as those without problems don't probably read these type of threads.
Well, I can give a complete opposite review.
I've had a mirena for about 14 months now. No problem going in and after a very light bleed for 3 days NOTHING since. I have a tiddy tummy ache every so often, I guess when I'm 'on', but no bleeding. I wasn't allowed to go back on the pill and heavy bleeding caused me to look at the mirena. I read the negatives but still gave it a go. It's been brilliant.

There are positives and it's a shame that so many have had problems but there are more of us that don't. I just wanted to paint another picture.
I hope all those who had problems with it are OK now.

[Dumbledore55]

If you are still bleeding six weeks after insertion you should go back for it to be checked and if needed removed as its highly likely that its moved and no longer working.

Do your doctors or nurses not explain this when you have them fitted?

Because of the hormone on it its bigger then the normal coil - and your body will do its damm best to expel it - the horrendous cramps for the first few days.The mirena has the highest risk of being expelled out of all the coils. But when its fitted correctly then its a life saver for many

I did have it checked after 6 weeks and its in place. As I said this is my second coil. The first was fine, my periods didn't stop completely but they were light, regular and less painful. This time though it hasn't worked. I had about a month without one because my GP couldn't do the second one so had to go to hospital.

I was very grateful for the first one and my quality of life was so much better. I don't know if it's my age (46) but this one is not helping which is why I'm going to the GP tomorrow.

[ACEY]

I just don't know what to do :-( I had awful problems anyway with periods lasting for weeks on end. Now I have the Mirena I have.... erm.... periods lasting for weeks on end! So I can hardly blame the coil, I suppose.

L

[suki1964]

I did have it checked after 6 weeks and its in place. As I said this is my second coil. The first was fine, my periods didn't stop completely but they were light, regular and less painful. This time though it hasn't worked. I had about a month without one because my GP couldn't do the second one so had to go to hospital.

I was very grateful for the first one and my quality of life was so much better. I don't know if it's my age (46) but this one is not helping which is why I'm going to the GP tomorrow.

I sorry hun , misread your post

But do go back and get another one, I had three in the space of a year - it sometimes happens - it werent untill the last one was inserted under GA that things got sorted.

Actually thinking on I know I went back twice to get checked as I was still bleeding at 6 weeks - I think it took 3 months to the day to settle down to pain free no bleed.

I was 44 at the time

[suki1964]

I just don't know what to do :-( I had awful problems anyway with periods lasting for weeks on end. Now I have the Mirena I have.... erm.... periods lasting for weeks on end! So I can hardly blame the coil, I suppose.

L


Acey - go back to the FPC and get it out

Reading your original post it dont sound like the doctor who put it in was very familier with them, theres a good chance he didnt put this one in correctly.

The mirena confuses people, I had one removed, had one inserted. 6 weeks later I was in so much pain that i was sent for a US. Guess what the technician reported? TWO COILS in situ :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Actually having the flipping internal trying tp find the "second one" wasnt as funny

Turns out (after the indignity of a trans vaginal scan) the technician was seeing the shadow of the one coil

So get on the phone to the FPCs in your area and see if they are versed in fitting the mirena and if so get your butt down there. Every mess up I have had has been by someone whos not used to fitting them and only have history with the copper coils

[ACEY]

I can phone, but perhaps its just the way I am!? I was on norethisterone for a few months and bled through that as well! Going on the pill (have tried 7 sorts) means I bleed continuously (literally continuously - the longest I managed to stick it out was over 70 days).

It is *slightly* less than before the coil but still at the best 7 days off, 25 - 30 days "on".

I have had scans, blood tests, tests for all sorts of infections and a rather unpleasant meeting with a gynae. I've even been tested for thyroid problems and an early menopause. There is nothing wrong. Yet still it continues.

Had it for 5 years now!

[Sagaris]

I think I am going to ask for an endometrial ablation - has anyone had one of those?
I have a Mirena coil - GP couldn't fit it but the doctor at the FP clinic did it no problem - I'm now 51 and on my second, it's due to come out in 18 months time.

My sister has had an endometrial ablation, and again, no problems - she had it done several years ago, I think it was done using microwaves, overnight stay in hospital, bit of bleeding afterwards and that was it.

[oystercatcher]

Acey, I used to be like you. Awful periods. Bled continuously with the mirena, bled between periods. Got terribly anaemic. Horribly embarrassing flooding with no warning.

Had an endometrial ablation in March and now just have occaisional spotting. So weird to be free of all the problems. It really is life changing!

If you're not planning any more children it might be worth having a word with your GP.

[ACEY]

Well, thats a hard question to answer :-S I have 2 already and am watching the age gap between number 2 and any possible number 3 get larger and larger (youngest is 6 now).

Left my ex husband 5 years ago and not been in a decent long term relationship since which has put paid to "number 3" :-(

And I am 34.5 which seems old to be having children. I mean, I know it isn't really, but I was 24 and at Uni when I was pregnant with my first so I feel ancient now!

[suki1964]

I can phone, but perhaps its just the way I am!? I was on norethisterone for a few months and bled through that as well! Going on the pill (have tried 7 sorts) means I bleed continuously (literally continuously - the longest I managed to stick it out was over 70 days).

It is *slightly* less than before the coil but still at the best 7 days off, 25 - 30 days "on".

I have had scans, blood tests, tests for all sorts of infections and a rather unpleasant meeting with a gynae. I've even been tested for thyroid problems and an early menopause. There is nothing wrong. Yet still it continues.

Had it for 5 years now!

I used to be like that ( and bled through the norethisterone) which is why I took the mirena. I was one of the fist wave of women for whom is was prescribed for heaving bleeding ( I had to go to boots to get it as my HA wouldnt pay)

My problems stem i think from never having settled periods, starting late in life, going straight on the pill, losing a baby,given the depo pravo straight after - never had chance for me hormones to settle. And of course now doctors trot out the " you never had children" as the biggest reason

Who knows what the reasons are but finding a sympathetic gynae is what got me sorted. Its the 21st century, theres got to be something out there that will work for you

[myrnahaz]

I've already posted this info on an MEA thread, so I'm sorry for repeating myself here. I just want to tell you all not to give up looking for a 'cure' to problem periods. I had anaemia for years because my periods were so heavy. The mirena coil fell out during the first period after it was fitted, so I had Microwave endometrial ablation 18 months ago and have never felt better. I actually have pink lips (I'd got so used to how I looked that I hadn't realise how white they were), I have masses of energy and have actually lost weight because I'm not constantly looking for food as a means of increasing my energy levels.
Please don't just accept heavy periods as a way of life - I did that and ended up with many years of wasted life.
Incidentally, my GP told me (yesterday) that I looked 10 years younger than I did last year.

[Dumbledore55]

OK - went to the GP this morning. She says as best she can tell the coil is in the right place but she's sending me for a scan to check. She has also done some swabs in case I have any kind of infection causing the bleeding.

So the way forward is as follows:

1. If it's an infection (I'll know next week) treat that and see if bleeding calms down
2. If scan reveals coil in the wrong place - try another one
3. If coil in the right place then its clearly not working for me so try endometrial ablation using microwave
4. If all that fails - hysterectomy

I feel better that at least we have a plan - however didn't feel so good when the 3rd year medical student had her first go at an internal exam!! I did agree saying it was probably better for it to be me who has had more internal examinations than most people I know rather than some shy young thing! I did regret those words when she was quite rough with me! Hey ho I suppose everybody has to learn.

I'm supposed to have yearly smear tests but I've not been able to have one due to the fact I never know when I won't be bleeding, about 6 months overdue now which is worrying.

[suki1964]

Im so glad that you now have a plan of action.

Hopefully the coil needs changing or you get the go ahead for the ablation.

Mind this thread has hexed me - just started the first bleed n a year :(

[Dumbledore55]

If I only had one bleed in a year I'd be ecstatic. I'm on day 10 now and only had an 8 day break since the last 12 day bleed. No wonder I'm always so tired!

[Dumbledore55]

OK - went to the GP this morning. She says as best she can tell the coil is in the right place but she's sending me for a scan to check. She has also done some swabs in case I have any kind of infection causing the bleeding.

So the way forward is as follows:

1. If it's an infection (I'll know next week) treat that and see if bleeding calms down
2. If scan reveals coil in the wrong place - try another one
3. If coil in the right place then its clearly not working for me so try endometrial ablation using microwave
4. If all that fails - hysterectomy

I feel better that at least we have a plan - however didn't feel so good when the 3rd year medical student had her first go at an internal exam!! I did agree saying it was probably better for it to be me who has had more internal examinations than most people I know rather than some shy young thing! I did regret those words when she was quite rough with me! Hey ho I suppose everybody has to learn.

I'm supposed to have yearly smear tests but I've not been able to have one due to the fact I never know when I won't be bleeding, about 6 months overdue now which is worrying.

No infections - scan next but not been given a date yet.

[LilMissM]

I had the Mirena coil fitted just under five years ago after being diagnosed with PMDD. It's abosolutely the best thing in the world for me, changed my life and I haven't looked back since.

I've recently been experiencing some rather uncomfortable symptoms though, such as very sore boobs, swollen stomach, tiredness, thrush on occasion etc, all symptoms which I would associate with periods I guess. I haven't had a period since I had my coil fitted (which has been absolutely fab!!) and am wondering now if I'm getting these symptoms because my coil is coming to the end of it's life?

Does anyone else have a similar experience to this? I'm gonna speak to my GP about it but thought I'd mention it here after seeing there was a thread for it :)

x x

[suki1964]

I had the Mirena coil fitted just under five years ago after being diagnosed with PMDD. It's abosolutely the best thing in the world for me, changed my life and I haven't looked back since.

I've recently been experiencing some rather uncomfortable symptoms though, such as very sore boobs, swollen stomach, tiredness, thrush on occasion etc, all symptoms which I would associate with periods I guess. I haven't had a period since I had my coil fitted (which has been absolutely fab!!) and am wondering now if I'm getting these symptoms because my coil is coming to the end of it's life?

Does anyone else have a similar experience to this? I'm gonna speak to my GP about it but thought I'd mention it here after seeing there was a thread for it :)

x x

Yep

I know as soon as mines running out ( as in the hormone) my sex drive goes and I get all the symptoms of PMS back again


Ive had mine changed at 4 years no bother. This one the nurse says will do me ten years as Im coming to the end of my reproductive life - who knows

[LilMissM]

Thanks for that info suki1964 :) I've only recently been having the symptoms (last couple of months I'd say) but they're defo getting worse, especially the sore boobs. I'm gonna ring my doctors in the morning and see if I can have it changed before next February, I can't bear my life going back to the PMDD days, it was just horrible. xx

[ACEY]

Well, I've decided - I'm having the horrible thing out! I can't believe it can be in the "wrong place" as the strings are where they should be and I have been told by 2 doctors that it is fine.

I'm really down about the whole thing, actually. 30 minutes of pain so bad they had to stop 3 times as I was passing out (and I never came near passing out in labour or with any of the broken bones or other scrapes I have had!!) 3 weeks of ridiculous pains that painkillers barely touched. Nearly 8 months of almost continuous bleeding with period pains - and I rarely got pain before!

What a failure. I also learned today that mum and dad sort of called a conference with my sister because they were so worried about me. Obviously, I didn't have a chat with them about having it fitted because.... they're my mum and dad.... but they actually sat my sister down to have a serious word with her because they couldn't understand why I had been deathly pale and drawn for 3 weeks and had a swollen stomach!

How embarrasing. And what a vile contraption it is :-(

[Dumbledore55]

Well, I've decided - I'm having the horrible thing out! I can't believe it can be in the "wrong place" as the strings are where they should be and I have been told by 2 doctors that it is fine.

I'm really down about the whole thing, actually. 30 minutes of pain so bad they had to stop 3 times as I was passing out (and I never came near passing out in labour or with any of the broken bones or other scrapes I have had!!) 3 weeks of ridiculous pains that painkillers barely touched. Nearly 8 months of almost continuous bleeding with period pains - and I rarely got pain before!

What a failure. I also learned today that mum and dad sort of called a conference with my sister because they were so worried about me. Obviously, I didn't have a chat with them about having it fitted because.... they're my mum and dad.... but they actually sat my sister down to have a serious word with her because they couldn't understand why I had been deathly pale and drawn for 3 weeks and had a swollen stomach!

How embarrasing. And what a vile contraption it is :-(

Acey

My GP says the only way they can tell it's in the right place is with a scan - have you been offered one?

[ACEY]

Nope. But it'll be being taken out now even if they offer one! Because if it IS in the right place, its still awful :-S

Quite tempted to pull it out myself :-O

[ladysparklexx]

Sorry to just jump in and join in I hope no one minds. I had mine fitted five years ago under a GA to help with my endometriosis (not spelt right I know). I then had to take a course of danazol which stopped my periods immediately. I have had no problems with my and it has improved my life completely. Its now due to be removed which I am a little scared about as it was fitted under a GA and the strings trimmed very short I have always had to have yearly scans to check that its still in place, so my question is how on earth are they going to get it out????????

[Dumbledore55]

Nope. But it'll be being taken out now even if they offer one! Because if it IS in the right place, its still awful :-S

Quite tempted to pull it out myself :-O

It might be causing all the problems because it's in the wrong place.

[suki1964]

Well, I've decided - I'm having the horrible thing out! I can't believe it can be in the "wrong place" as the strings are where they should be and I have been told by 2 doctors that it is fine.

I'm really down about the whole thing, actually. 30 minutes of pain so bad they had to stop 3 times as I was passing out (and I never came near passing out in labour or with any of the broken bones or other scrapes I have had!!) 3 weeks of ridiculous pains that painkillers barely touched. Nearly 8 months of almost continuous bleeding with period pains - and I rarely got pain before!

What a failure. I also learned today that mum and dad sort of called a conference with my sister because they were so worried about me. Obviously, I didn't have a chat with them about having it fitted because.... they're my mum and dad.... but they actually sat my sister down to have a serious word with her because they couldn't understand why I had been deathly pale and drawn for 3 weeks and had a swollen stomach!

How embarrasing. And what a vile contraption it is :-(


Sorry to hear you have had such a rough time but its not a vile contraption - for so many of us its been a life saver. As Dumbledore has said, unless there is a scan done, they may well think its in right - and its not. ESP as you say you had so much pain on insertion. Yes its painful going in but for a couple of seconds - not 30 mins. It sounds like whoever inserted yours wasnt really experienced

So yes have it removed but please accept that for you its been a vile time but its not the mirena per se

[suki1964]

Sorry to just jump in and join in I hope no one minds. I had mine fitted five years ago under a GA to help with my endometriosis (not spelt right I know). I then had to take a course of danazol which stopped my periods immediately. I have had no problems with my and it has improved my life completely. Its now due to be removed which I am a little scared about as it was fitted under a GA and the strings trimmed very short I have always had to have yearly scans to check that its still in place, so my question is how on earth are they going to get it out????????

Dont worry - they will get it out unless the threads have embedded, You really dont want to see the metal work they use to root around in there but they do manage mostly. It can be pretty painful though so a few painkillers before hand help.

But usually if they have any trouble and you cant bare it then they will usually offer you a GA on the DCU

Thats been my experience. I too have the threads cut very short and only once needed a GA for removel and that was when the whole thing embedded itself in me

[ACEY]

Well, thats part of the problem :-( I was so depending on it to be the thing that actually helped me and it hasn't! I'm disappointed it hasn't worked and disappointed that the Dr and nurse who fitted it thought it was right that the nurse had to keep checking my blood pressure as I kept passing out - surely that isn't normal procedure?! Disappointed with the 2 GP's afterwards who made me feel breathtakingly awful, searing, continuous pain for WEEKS was normal too.

I KNOW it works really well for lots of people (the vast majority) and that sort of makes it worse still that I am the odd one AGAIN that has all the side effects and none of the benefits.

The mirena is a good idea but you'll have to excuse me if I give mine a good glare as it heads towards the bin!

The Dr who fit mine is in her 50's, specialises in women's health and said she had fit hundreds (I mentioned I was worried about having a perforated uterus and she said she had never seen it happen in years of fitting hundreds of them).

[Bronnie]

Yep

I know as soon as mines running out ( as in the hormone) my sex drive goes

Never had this problem either!!

Must repeat myself , to give a balanced view to this thread, never ever had any problems with my Mirena from day 1!
Contemplating having it removed as I am 52 and not really sure where I'm up to with the menopause, so would like to take the Mirena out of the equation!

:smiley: Not intending to diminish the probs others have had BTW.

Bron
x

[Dumbledore55]

I can actually give two sides to this. My first Mirena was a god send, had it for 5 years and although the bleeding didn't stop all together, it was much lighter and only 4/5 days per month instead of the 21 I was experiencing. The pain lessened as well so I was quite happy. When it got to near the end of its life cycle, I started to experience some breakthrough bleeding and longer periods.

Had it changed and this time it's no real help. I'm back to bleeding 21 days out of 28 I might get 4 days without and then it starts again, starts and stops all over the place, really heavy again and the pain is unbearable at times.

Got a scan on 6th Nov to check its in the right place. If not, it'll be changed if it is then I'm afraid its the ablasion as my next option.

I understand how demoralising and depressing it feels when you really wanted it to work and it hasn't but it is worth asking your GP for a scan. I don't want any more children so the ablasion is fine for me, I'd prefer not to have it though but if you want children the Mirena, when fitted correctly, can be a life saver or at least a sanity saver.

Good luck.

[oystercatcher]

Acey, just to warn you that around 24 hours after I had my mirena removed I had a HUGE flood in the middle of Tesco's, thought that was my normal period but then that turned up on cue around a week after the flood had stopped :mad:! Obviously due to hormones all over the place but just so you can 'be prepared' as it were !

I hope you find some sort of solution to all these problems.

I've mentioned somewhere, not sure if it's this thread. Endometrial ablation was the answer to my problems which were similar to yours!

I know loads of people who love their mirenas but it wasn't the answer for me !

[fudgecat]

Acey, get the damn thing out. Why anyone would want such a contraption I have no idea. The pain and discomfort you have been fobbed off with for such a long time beggars belief. And I though we had moved on since the 70s.
The menopause is eagerly awaited in in the fudgecat household. In the mean time a combination of wine, fags, stress, a poor lifestyle and a seriously negative attitude to pregnancy seems to be doing the trick.

[janet6267]

Oh dear, I had one fitted a few weeks ago, glad I did not read all this before or I don't think I would have had it done!! I did find it painful and had labour pains for the rest of the day, they were much worse than the period like pains I had been told to expect. I felt really hot and almost fainted and was tempted to run away but I couldn't stand up straight. Took painkillers and led on the sofa for the rest of the day and evening, after that everything seems fine, no sign of a period yet and having it checked early December so fingers crossed. I did say if it has come out then I won't have another one fitted. I felt like I had an alien being inside me for about a week and then I seemed to forget about it. Not the best experience in the world I think.

[ACEY]

I forgot another side effect!!! I had this after pregnancy number 2 as well - a lovely brown splodge in the middle of my forehead from the hormones.....

[Dumbledore55]

Had my scan today - had to have an internal one! coil is in the right place so they have no explanation for my constant bleeding. I'm waiting for the doctor to ring me back because I want her to refer me for the ablasion asap, I don't want to have to wait for the results to get to her and then make an appointment and then get the referral. Had enough now and I just want the bleeding stopped.

[suki1964]

Had my scan today - had to have an internal one! coil is in the right place so they have no explanation for my constant bleeding. I'm waiting for the doctor to ring me back because I want her to refer me for the ablasion asap, I don't want to have to wait for the results to get to her and then make an appointment and then get the referral. Had enough now and I just want the bleeding stopped.

Hopefully now you are on the path to getting sorted and the ablation works for you


Good luck xx

[alessev1]

Had that one too fitted in april last year! Extremely painfull while fitted and never felt any any string...until in october i found that i am pregnant and my 3rd child was born!
It came to the end that the coil apparently fell out without me feeling or might not been fitted properly at the first time.
So, be careful and use condoms as well!

[SUESMITH]

just to try and balance some of the negative things thats been said here. ive had one for nearly 15 years, well a few cos ive had them replaced as the hormones needed replacing. one was very painful to have inserted but apart from cramping pains for a few days its been wonderful. taking them out was easy, just a quick tug and out they came.

the delights of no pmt or the inconvenience of periods is hard to describe - a true money saving benefit as no tampons etc. to be bought.

i can't take the pill and would forget to take the minipill. i dint want to be sterilised and we had used condoms and we both wanted something neither of us had to think about.

[ACEY]

Well, I've made the appointment and mine is coming out the Tuesday after next! No more bloating, no more constant bleeding and pain, no more greasy horrible skin and hair and weird brown patches on my face! I'm really excited!!

[morocha]

Hi girls, glad u are here.. i dont have the mirena coil.. i chose one without hormones, i have the copper one... i had it fitted yesterday afternoon.. she tried a couple of times to get it there so i thought oh my god i am gonna be in terrible pain tomorrow... but no. I was in pain afterwards, period like but today i took some painkillers and the pain is almost non existant, i was bleeding yesterday a bit but today everything is clear... i hope everything goes well for everyone !.

[LilMissM]

It's really interesting to read other people's experiences of the Mirena, especially the bad ones. I have had my Mirena in for five years now and have never had any problems with it, quite the opposite in fact, it's the best thing I could've done and it's improved my life tremendously. The only 'problem' I'm having is that it is coming to the end of it's life and I am feeling the side effects of this. I'm having it replaced in the next four weeks though and will continue to have it for as long as possible. It's a shame that it doesn't work this well for every girl who has it, I guess it's like everything though, different things affect people in different ways. But for me it's been a Godsend :) x

[ACEY]

When it works, it seems to work well for people.

Only 4 days to go before I wave it goodbye!!

Have had 2 days with no bleeding in the last 3 months....