I'm sure Jon would categorize this in the TMI category but I've never been one to let Jon censor my blog. We have been talking about long-term reproductive production options because we do not want any more children, but we're still young enough that we hate to close that door early. I decided to get Mirena (hormonal IUD) about a week before my birthday.
It has been a really bad experience for me. I know a lot of people love Mirena but the hormones are wrong for me. I have been extremely emotional, both depressed and anxious. I have been exhausted every day. I have been short with Jon and the kids, even yelling a lot unexpectedly. I can't seem to control my temper and everything sets me off. I don't seem to take joy out of the things that I really love, particularly the kids. And the nightmares! I can't count the number of nightmares in which Jon or the kids have died.
I feel robbed of the last month because of how terrible I have felt. Fortunately Jon has not had to travel the past month or I'm not sure what I would have done. I can barely make it through bedtime routine with the boys on my own without losing it over stupid stuff, which is so unlike me. It feels like someone else is living in my brain making me into a person I don't like.
I'm getting Mirena out, but I wanted to share this here. I wanted to share this because if Nate and Alex ever remember me yelling at them during this time, I want them to know I couldn't help it and that I was a good mom by recognizing something is wrong and taking action. During this time, I've kept my blog positive because I couldn't face the reality that I've felt like I was completely losing my mind.
I'm glad I tried Mirena because I would always wonder if it worked for me. But for now it's back to my regular pills and eventually, a little snip snip for Jon!
27 comments:
Good for you for realizing the problem, and taking care of it. Sorry the last month has been so rough.
{{{HUGS}}} I'm sorry this has been such a bad experience for you, especially since I rave about my Mirena. I hope you adjust quickly one the mirena is removed. It's never fun to feel like you are taking the fast trip to squirrel city.
Oh that sucks, Laura. I've been thinking about Mirena, but while I've known tons of people who love it, I've also heard the horror stories. I'm sticking with the NuvaRing. Same hormones as the pill, but I don't have to worry about taking something every night. I only have to remember to take it out after three weeks, and put a new one in a week after that. LOVE IT! (Not that you were seeking assvice.) As for this post, I'm so glad you wrote it. While I love how positive and upbeat and "awesome" all of your posts are, I do sometimes feel less than human "around" you. LOL! This post makes me realize that we're all vulnerable. Hugs to you!
Thanks so much for this post. I forgot my birth control for a few days, and decided to stay off it, since Lucas won't be home for a while. I had seen a marked difference in my outlook, for the better, so I've been considering investigating alternate birth control methods. The more information, the better.
I am actually going to put on my doctor hat here for a minute. The Mirena is an ideal option for many women, but perhaps not you. Have you considered the Paraguard (copper IUD)? It can stay in longer, is equally effective, and has no hormones. The great thing about contraception, is that there are options. Good for you for realizing that Mirena is not yours.
Twin mom hat back on...
I also appreciate the honesty with which you write this blog. Thanks.
that sucks! i felt the same way when i went on the "low hormone" pill while breastfeeding. like a completely different, and mean, person. and the worst part about it was feeling like i had absolutely no control over it. it was part of the reason i decided against the mirena and just did a no-hormone IUD, which also has it's negatives, although moodiness is not one of them. i'm so glad you are being proactive about this and will be back to yourself soon!
I was a few hours away from getting Mirena before I chickened out. I really starting having bad effects from hormones the last time I was on the pill and didn't want to go through it again. I am sure it works great for some people but it is really just too scary for me. Good for you for realizing what the problem was - it's horrible to be that way (I get that way the first day of my period every month!) but I know it's coming and can recognize it now. Good luck with the removal!
Bravo! Husband may think it is TMI but you possibly are saving other ladies from the same experience. I will be praying you find the right alternative for you. Hugs & I enjoy your blog, ups or downs!
Sorry you have had a rough month. Jared and I are banking on the fact that we needed clomid to get pg. and hoping that we still can't. It is not the smartest method but it is working so far but I KNOW we need to look into something more long term because we too are finished. Ugh, this responsible adult stuff sucks sometimes. Hope getting off the Mirena is a Godsend for you!
Wow, I read back over my comment and it is a mess. :) I am a bit off today but I hope it makes a little bit of sense!
Thanks for sharing this...I've been debating between Mirena and having an essure procedure done. My postpartum was so terrible that I was pretty sure I wouldn't try Mirena, but this post helped me make up my mind. Of course, since I work for the state, my benefits AND pay are getting cut, so I guess it's just pills and condoms for now!
Thank you for sharing Laura because it made me wonder if maybe the reason I've been so on edge is the birth control I've recently started. I'm edgier than normal and anxious (although, I'm usually anxious) :) ...
Something to ponder and talk over with my OB.
Ugh, bummer that it's been such a bad match for you! But glad to hear you're going to ditch it and go to a different method.
I have been lucky and actually have liked my Mirena quite a bit (if that's possible?). The hormones don't seem to be a problem and (TMI alert!) I've managed to basically not have a period since before I got pregnant with the kids. Woot! :-)
Hope the pill works better for you.
Wow that's good to know. I've been fortunate to have minimal effects from the Ring (I was horrible at remembering to take a pill), but at some point I think I'll want a long-term option. Hormonal BC can have such crazy side effects! I'm glad you were able to quickly recognize the issues it was causing, and thanks for being so open with your experience.
I've had the Mirena for almost exactly 1 year to the day. Although I have my doubts about it in the beginning, I still decided that the positives outweighed the negatives...at least at this point.
I have major mood swings, bloatedness, etc. with it...yet I have NO period...so I never know when to expect these mood swings. Whereas when I was on the pill for 10+ years, of tracking my cycle (after I got off the pill to get knocked up), I knew exactly what my body would be doing WHEN. Now, I have no clue.
But, I haven't had to buy feminine hygenine products for nearly 9 months, which is AWESOME! And it took care of my horrible, horrible periods post-pregnancy.
I am glad though that you realized the problem and made the decision that was right for you. There are so many pills on the market these days that hopefully you'll find a good fit!
I've always had a lot of difficulty with hormonal forms of birth control, so I feel for you!
It's also a big part of the reason why I'm not feeling too bad about another c-section with baby 3...the doc can tie these tubes while he's in there, and then we won't have to worry about the issue again. I know my husband is dancing in the streets that he dodged the snip-snip bullet (though he is already on notice that if for some reason, they can't do the procedure during the delivery, he better just get right on the phone to his doctor :)
Hope you're feeling more right soon! Hang in there! And I don't know if it'll help, but the few times I *HAD* to be on bc pills, high doses of b-vitamins seemed to help a little. You may want to check with your doctor to see if it'll help ease your transition (or at least not hurt!)
Ugh! Your comment about being robbed of time is exactly how I felt after my birth with Seren. The hormones and I were a complete and utter disaster. Once I took myself off of them, I felt like *I* was back. I didn't like being gone! I hope you feel better soon. Messing with all our biology, while necessary for many reasons, is really challenging. Thanks for sharing. And since when is there such a thing as "TMI" on mommy blogs! :)
Go with your instincts and get it removed. Doctors will tell you that it couldn't possibly be from the Mirena. At least that's what they told me when I had tons of headaches after getting the Mirena. Hope you feel better soon!
I'm sorry to hear that the last month has been rough for you. I'm so glad you posted this because my twins are now 8 months old and my doctor recommended Mirena at our last visit. It's been on my mind a lot lately and I just don't think it's for me. I will stick with my gut and look at other options (the Copper IUD perhaps). Hope you feel like yourself soon.
All birth control pills make me feel the way you described. I am so sorry you have been so "off." It is no fun feeling like a crazy lunatic.
Hope you are back to yourself soon!
Sorry you've had such a horrible experience. Hope you feel like YOU again quickly after you get it removed. LOTS of other options so I'm sure you'll find something else. (And just to add to the unofficial poll, I've been happy with my Mirena. However, I do have periods and I never know when they'll come so that's kinda annoying.)
Good for you for recognizing the problem. To add yet another opinion: I had a lot of luck with "the patch". Not as much hassle for me as the pill. I did have a square red mark on my hip and/or butt from where it was, but it was easier in the long run for me.
As always I appreciate your honesty and admire that you recognized that there was a problem and took action. I just hope you don't beat yourself up too much. We all go through times like this for whatever reason. I had a similar experience with the Topamax I was taking for migraine prevention - made me feel agiated and irritable and short with the kids and I felt horrible so I quit taking it even though it did help with my headaches. I have since found other options.
I hope you find the right BC for you - as PP stated there are so many options. I for one however, am glad that DH got snipped so I no longer have to deal with it b/c some of those side effects are no fun. Good luck to you.
I totally appreciate your frankness about this! Sorry to hear you've been having a difficult time. My ob really wanted me to go this route but I decided to stick it out with the pills for awhile longer. I know people who have had success with Mirena and people who hate it. Good Luck!
j
Thanks for sharing!
Even though Brian had the snip-snip, I am SO afraid to get pregnant with #5 (or, 5 AND 6 - ha!) that I'm looking for a back-up plan. I was considering Mirena. I'm glad you posted about this. I have a hard enough time with anxiety without hormones, I think I'll stay away from this.
I'm sorry it hasn't worked out well for you. My Mirena saved me from horrific peri-menopausal symptoms and I absolutely love it. But it's not for everyone, and there are a lot of other options out there.
It's not TMI. Look how many of us have opinions! Seems like a topic a lot of us are interested in.
i was just working thru posts and i had to comment, albeit late. i cannot take anything, never have and apparently never will. any pill makes me spin out of control so (TMI) the only way for us is good old fashioned condoms. for 14 years. yep. any it only took a few times to get the twins so i know i am a hyper fertile just like my mama.
so, when your snip snip comes, let me know and tim will no longer have an excuse (if jon survives. hee)
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