Mirena

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2003
Mirena
5
Tue, 06-29-2004 - 8:59am
Hi,

I normally post on the iVillage UK message boards, but was wondering if anyone could help here too.

I had Mirena inserted 4 days ago as a last resort for treatment for heavy, painful periods (been on 8 different pills, patch, implant and other medications before to no avail). I was expecting to be in pain as I have not ever been pregnant.

However, I am in so much pain I can barely move. (It's pretty much the same as my normal period pains, just a little more intense). I have tried paracetomol, ibuprofen, co-dydramol and codeine, but nothing is alleviating the pain. Does anyone know how long I should expect the cramps to last or any tips on making the pain easier to deal with?

Thanks,

Lys
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: nemo01
Tue, 06-29-2004 - 9:34am
I had cramps that "came and went" the first few weeks after it was inserted.I've had the mirena for about 11 months now and I love it.The first 3 months I had periods that lasted 2 weeks and were 2 weeks apart and were heavier than usual but they tapered off each month after that.Now basicly I spot for a few days each month-with just a few twinges of cramps.I went from using a double pack of kotex overnights pads to using a handful of pantiliners each month.It's great.I used ibuprofen (600mg every 6 hours) for my cramps.If they don't get better for you soon,I'd put a call in to your dr.....I hope you get to feeling better soon.....
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2003
In reply to: nemo01
Tue, 06-29-2004 - 9:39am
Hi,

Thanks for your message.

Thankfully so far the only spotting I've had has been a few hours after insertion, and no bleeding at all following that (although I'm still expecting to start bleeding soon, but I have PCOS so I don't really know when I'm due to have my next period anyway).

When I'm not having the cramps Mirena seems wonderful, but when I have the cramps it makes me wonder whether it's worth it. I understand that I need to be patient and give it a chance, and I will go back to my doctor if the cramps don't ease off.

Thanks again,

Lys
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
In reply to: nemo01
Tue, 06-29-2004 - 8:08pm
I have the paraguard IUD, and I had bad cramps on the first day. Try taking Motrin, that helped me a lot. My first period was more painful than usually but that is to be expected according to my doctor. She said the first few months they should get better. Since you have the one with hormones they should get better after your body adjusts. If you can predict your period try taking Motrin starting couple days before you are expecting it, it will reduce the cramps and the amount of bleeding (according to my doctor).

Stick with it, it is great not having to think about BC.

I hope you feel better soon.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2003
In reply to: nemo01
Wed, 06-30-2004 - 4:45am
Thanks for your message.

I'm sorry, but I don't know what Motrin is (I'm in the UK)! I've tried basic paracetomol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and also various codeine and paracetomol preparations. I would take mefenamic acid, but I am allergic to it (I understand this may be more effective).

The cramps are coming less frequently now.

Also, I don't suppose anyone knows, I was told to leave my Evra patch on a couple of days after insertion (I had Mirena inserted on the Friday, took Evra off on Sunday). I normally have a withdrawal bleed 3 days after taking off the patch, so I'd expect to start bleeding today (normally). Does having Mirena mean I won't have this withdrawal bleed? Also, could it be contributing to the cramps (I get very bad period cramps anyway) if I'd normally be having a withdrawal bleed?

Sorry for all the questions!

~Lys~

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2004
In reply to: nemo01
Wed, 06-30-2004 - 8:27pm
Motrin is just ibuprofen, it is the brand I prefer and seems to work better for me. I am glad that you are feeling better. I felt better about 12 hours after.

Not sure about the patch/mirena combo, it could help or it could have made it worse. I would think that you would have withdrawl bleed around the normal time as Mirena has such a small dose of hormones, but I really don't know.

Expect your first few periods to be more painful, and probably irregular since your body will have to get use to the lower hormone levels.

Sorry I don't have more answers. Maybe someone with Mirena experience can help.