Hi there
Wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this? I am nearly 47 and booked to have a mirena put in next week as everyone I know really recommends it.
It just occurred though that maybe with ra there is a reason not to. There seems to be some evidence -not sure if true or not-of it bringing it on. With me of course that ship has sailed but does anyone have any experience of problems with it ?
I am on 20 mg mtx, folic acid, hydroxychloroquine and intra muscular cortisone.
Thanks!
I'd talk to your Rheumy nurse before having it fitted.......
If you are having it fitted by your GP, I'd think a Gynaecologist would have more experience of side effects if fitted someone with RA.
Hope it all turns out OK.
I have one - had it a long time pre RA. Mine was to help control my periods which were linked to my hormonal migraines. It was fab for that.
Having this one removed in January as I’m now through the menopause and my hormones are OK.
Not very helpful re RA but the Mirena changed my life very much for the better 😀
As has been said I would seek advice from your Rheumy.
I'm just a about to get another one. Had one for years, then fell ill and eventually got it removed - it was coming up to five years and I thought maybe, just maybe, it might help. It didn't of course and all that happened was my love life took a nosedive! Anyway I asked my consultant last time I saw him and he said there would be no reason not to proceed.
I had one and it was the worst decision I ever made. I spent the whole time in pain, with weird symptoms of like being poisoned, all sorts of issues. I wonder if that didn't contribute to the autoimmune issue I now have. Some people have no issues with them, but for me I thin it led to everything kicking in to high gear my body, including hysterectomy and then bang! I think if you have any sensitives at all to any drugs, plastics, silicone, etc don't do it. There is huge amounts of info out there on the people who have had adverse side effects and it has not been used long enough yet to see the very long term effects.
My Rheumatologist persuaded me to have one. I have anaemia of chronic disease (from the RA) badly and she said I couldn’t afford to lose blood every month. It was the best thing I did. No pmt, no cramping and no bleeding every month.
I had one back in 2001-2006 no problems.
Thanks all. It looks like irl in that most people rave about it but the people who don’t have an awful time indeed. I think I will go for it as I can’t be bothered with periods etc if I don’t have to. Just one more problem to manage and I have enough of those already! I guess if it all goes wrong I can get it out again?
I’ll talk to whoever is doing it first though. I have an implant just now and that predates the ra and there’s been no problem with that. X
I had a succession of Mirena coils over 10 years. Difficult first 6 months, but after that fantastic, no monthlies and helped a bit with hormonal migraine, great!
I stopped having them replaced after I developed a womb infection while on oral steroids for RA. Gynaecologist said looked like I'd had a bit of infection going on for a while and there were no signs, I was completely unaware. I was told infection was a risk with a supressed immune system and a coil, so I decided not to replace it.
On the whole I had a really good experience with Mirena, definitely worth trying, hope it helps you.
Good knowledge thanks 😀.
I'm on my second, shortly to have third as this one is over due.
Best thing I ever did, I have endometriosis and suffered terribly for many years until a wonderful gyny suggested it and I've never looked back.
I had my first fitted 2006, diagnosed with lupus 2014, nothing to do with the mirena.
I know a friend who it didn't work so well for, but I think for the vast majority - myself very definitely included, its a godsend!
Thanks. I also have endo ! Glad it has worked well for you on that front too.
So, it’s in. Fingers crossed! And respect to all you ladies who have done this more than once-ouchy!
Do study the effects, mechanism of action and possible adverse reactions, before you make up your mind. I have understood that the effect is based upon synthetic progestin, which is quite different from natural progesterone and works differently in your body. Here is some reading on the difference.
RA and Fibromyalgia 
RA, Feeling Lousy and Down
Diet, Menopause and RA
Pregnancy and RA and ITP
