Mirena coil?

[olddragon1]

I'm new here.

I would be grateful if anyone could tell me their experience of a mirena coil.

I am 46 and was finally diagnosed with endometriosis 2 weeks ago after 30 years of trying to get doctors to take me seriously, despite the fact my mother had endometriosis.

I was told that I would have a hysteroscopy (I have fibroids) and that i would be fitted with a mirena coil to reduce the bleeding. I was presented with this as a fait accompli with no discussion or offering of any alternatives.

My mother had progesterone treatment 35 years ago and it did not suit her at all, making her very depressed.

I am not happy about having this coil but feel I have no alternative.

I had an MRI which showed I have an inflamed bowel.

The consultant I saw was dreadful- glaring, abrupt and uncommunicative, not wanting to explain anything and being rude and impatient when I got upset.

I am guessing that this inflammation is endometriosis growing on the bowel and this course of treatment is meant to treat that as much as ovarian cysts, heavy bleeding and anaemia.

I already have been given an appointment for this procedure, so I would be grateful for anyone's experience of the coil.

Thank you for your help.

[Denandnelly87]

I didn't particularly want a coil although it was discussed as an option if they discovered endometriosis when they did the laparoscopy, unfortunately there was a lot of endometriosis so the coil was put in, I have had it two days now lol so not exactly experienced, all I can do is let you know how I go on with it if that's any help! X

[Fabbird]

Hi, you will hear mixed reports of the Mirena coil. The good part is that it delivers a relatively low dose of progesterone just where you need it. Clinical trials are positive. However it can be difficult to tolerate initially. When I had my first one I got quite bad cramps for a few months - it felt like my body trying to expel it. I haven't had kids and so assumed that is why. Friends who have had children seem to have an easier time with it, although I've never heard that from a specialist.

My experience was that the cramps gradually settled. After about 3 years symptoms began to return and I got a new one. This time no problems tolerating it. I'm now on my fourth.

I'm so glad that I persisted with it because it had given me about 10 years of very good control over symptoms. I'm in pain again now but I think that's menopause-related. A specialist has told me that symptoms can break through like this.

Are you under an endo specialist? If not, look up your nearest and ask for another referral. You do have options and you certainly deserve respect and time to consider them.

Good luck!

[olddragon1 in reply to Fabbird]

Dear Fabbird,

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me, you are very kind.

Would you mind telling me how old you are?

I have not had babies either, so what you said is especially useful to me.

Thank you again.

[Fabbird in reply to olddragon1]

You're welcome

I'm 50. I was diagnosed in 2003.

I hope it goes well for you!

[Jessjesssophia]

You do get mixed reviews but my personal experience was that the insertion was not great but I was really tense. The next few days were just bad cramps but a hot water bottle really helped. Since then I can honestly say it's been the best thing I've done. I've had mine a year, barely get any spotting and the pain is (mostly) bearable day to day. Intercourse is still very sore but for the most part I'm so glad I got it after years of using the pill followed by the depot injection. Take a couple of ibuprofen before and you'll be fine. Hope it goes ok for you! X

[Jo-Jo1106]

hi. I've had the coil fitted twice. The first time I was 23 and had not had any children. My body rejected it - I had painful cramps for 6 weeks before my consultant removed it. The second time was this February where I had it put in after my 12th operation on my endometriosis. My consultant asked me to persevere with it for a minimum of 12 weeks.

I'm now 37 and have had two children so pain wise my body didn't try and reject it this time. However,I bled every single day - sometimes so heavily it leaked through my clothes at work! I also suffered from the most horrific depression. I have never experienced anything like it but it felt like nothing would ever get better. I gave it 12 weeks (although I'm not quite sure how) and when I had my follow up appointment my consultant was horrified by my side effects and took it straight out. I'm now facing the prospect of a hysterectomy as I end up having operations every two years - my endometriosis even grew when I was pregnant (apparently as a lot of GPs will tell you it ISNT a cure for endometriosis!) coupled with the pain and heavy bleeding I'm hopeful it will be the right decision for me as I don't want anymore children.

I think a lot of people react differently to the Mirena but for different reasons it just didn't suit m. Hope that helps you a bit. x

[maeline]

Hi

I have the mirena inserted too and I was very against it and hormones in general .

I had it inserted while I had an hysterocopy and laparoscopy too .

I had experienced severe cramps afterwards like a week after the op. The cramps were really really bad .

I had my first period and it was lighter but lasted about two weeks .

I am now about a month after the op and mirena . I am hoping the bleeding will be shorter in my next period .

I am trying to stick with it .

I have felt worse mood wise, a bit irritable at times .

I have experienced very bad consultants too , horrible arrogant who don't listen, make you feel like you are nothing , like you have no choice of what you want..

I am 42 and I have been suffering from endo more than 20 years .

The consultants have been forcing mirena for years but this time he said it is that and you are heading for hysterectomy .

Hope it helps .

Feel free to message me .

Big hugs

[Faith2017]

Hi - probably a little early to tell but right before my laparoscopy on the 19th June, the surgeon recommended I have the mirena coil fitted. I had not considered it before so had about 20 seconds to decide. Given that I was adamant that I did not want zoladex or equivalent, I thought that I would go with the mirena on his recommendation on the basis that it would make my periods lighter and hopefully less painful as well as the fact that if I did not get on with it then I could have it removed. Fast forward two weeks - I have had virtually no pain post surgery - have had light bleeding after surgery and a few days of dark spotting. Having been in a bad PMS style mood yesterday - I think I have started a light period - possibly 1-2 weeks early. BUT no pain. So fingers crossed so far I am happy with it. I do however think that you need to get a referral to an endometriosis specialist so that they can treat you properly and know what they are dealing with before settling for this mirena alone. Good luck xx