No, I don't want a patch, or a pill, or a ring.

I just got one in on Monday, and the cramping is already gone, but now I'm getting headaches. I've been researching and hardly anyone seems to have anything good to say about IUDs, specifically Mirena. It apparently can cause acne and weight gain, etc. I know these can also happen with the pill, but I'm starting to get nervous. Anyone have any thoughts?

It's so good to hear that your insertion went well!

Liz Rizzo ( http://www.blogher.com/blog/liz-rizzo )

I blog at Everyday Goddess ( http://everydaygoddess.typepad.com/ ) and On The Lot ( http://community.thelot.com/blogs/lizriz ).

Yesterday was the day! I got my Mirena. I woke up ate some breakfast and took my 800mg of ibuprofen. Was pretty nervous...brought my mom with me to drive. Did the usual stuff then went with the nurse so she could explain the procedure agian. After that she did a "Wet Prep" which was very much like a regular pap smear. She then got the metal speculum, inserted that, swabbed my vagina with antiseptic and then checked the lenght of my uterus. That was painful, nothing close to what I expected...but i still needed to do the deep breathing. The nurse took that out and exclaimed "Heres your little white one!" and Inserted it. That was the most pain I experienced through the whole day. I yiped a lil wimper and she yelled "Were done!" Snipped the strings and there it was!! I started shivering and my blood pressure droped alot. My mom came in said i looked white as a ghost. They kept me on the bed for about 20 minutes to get my pressure back up and for me to have some juice. I was a little dazed and confused but it all came back to me. The nurse said I did better then any woman she had seen in her many many years of IUD insertion. She couldnt belive that I did so good without having children. 20 minutes later i was back to laughing. I checked my strings and got out of there!

Yesterday after the procedure we went to the store and i walked around a little. The cramps I had felt like the ones i get the day before and 1st day of my period. Ate a good lunch and went home to relax.

Today I am feeling really good. I am really surprised. I just take 3 ibuprofin every 6 hours just in case. Tomorrow I am not going to take any medication and see how it goes.

I felt for my strings last night and felt them but i dont know...Its still alien to me lol! I go back for a check in 4 weeks!

Yay (so far) for IUD!!!

Thank you so much for all the information on IUD's! I have my IUD insertion next monday, and have been searching for actual women talking about it! These blogs have eased my stress and concern!

Thank you!

Suzanne, that was a total pisser! :)

I don't have an IUD, but I wrote a rant about the ring after being insulted by one of its annoying commercials in early Jan.
We Interrupt to Bring you This Important Announcement ( http://cussandotherrants.blogspot.com/2006/01/we-i... )

Glad to see that others are saying no also! :)

Suzanne R.
http://cussandotherrants.blogspot.com

And you know you want to see a sill y photo of my ex-IUD ( http://badgerbag.typepad.com/badgerbag/2006/02/my_... ) (it's a Paraguard).

I really loved the idea of having an IUD, and tried dealing with it for over a year, but... well... cramps.

-----------------
Liz Henry
lizzard@bookmaniac.net
http://liz-henry.blogspot.com

Life is just so not fair!! Where were blogs and IUD Divas when I had my IUD way back in the '70s??

Debra
A Stitch In Time ( http://astitchintime.blogspot.com )
Simple Still Life ( http://simplestilllife.blogspot.com )

Well, thank you so much, Maria!

You know, the IUD was one of the many things that started me blogging. We have such power when we can talk directly to each other, and not just get all of our information from established authorities.

And I was so excited to find all the discussion on LiveJournal - the IUD is secret no more!!!

Liz,

I don't think I've ever told you but I think your IUD post is one of the best blog posts I've ever read and a terrific example of the power and promise of blogging. Thanks for sharing it here and for this guide to the topic in the blog world.