Mirena Fury!!!!

[louby99]

Hi all, I am looking for fellow sufferers and thought Mumsnet a good place to start. I had the device inserted May 2009 after finishing having a family. I recall a lot of pressure from my GP but initially I noticed no problems/reactions to device. Six months later I started experiencing sporadic intermittent migrating joint pain and swelling... Feet, knees, fingers, wrists, shoulders.. this went on but as I have been very active I believed it was self induced. Other symptoms include fatigue, and increased allergies (yeast especially). Finally diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in May 2012 and was put on Methotrexate (an immunosuppressant and highly toxic, used also for chemotherapy). Since then the pain has lessened but recently worsened. During a flare up i require high strength anti-inflammatories and have to undergo 8week blood test monitoring to check my organ health. I generally feel unwell, and am exploring the possibility of silicone toxicity. This is usually attributed to leaking breast implants but I am shocked to discover that many ex Mirena users in the US are trying (and struggling) to get tested. The symptoms of toxicity are very similar to RA. The Mirena coil is made with Silicone. To clarify further I am not suggesting that I am being poisoned but that I have a silicone sensitivity that has sent my body into an auto immune response. I have arranged to have the Mirena removed asap and am starting a process of investigation with my GP and Rheumatologist. I am also furious to discover that Mirena should not be used by people with an auto immune problem and taking immunosuppressants. At no point since my RA diagnosis did anyone ask me if I was using the Mirena. My long term plan is to rid my body of inflammation and to be able to come off this medication. So far I have come up against a brick wall with regards to the silicone sensitivity test from the nurse at my GP clinic but intend to look privately, thank goodness for the internet. There seem to be several women making this connection between the Mirena and RA ... I am both shocked and relieved to discover that at 40 years old and with a history of excellent health and fitness I might be able to get my life back.. I would love to hear from anyone else in similar position?

[Mosschops30]

Sorry for your current problems but don't forget you can link anything with anything on the Internet.
Several women in the world is hardly indicative of a problem

[JulesHum48]

Hi. I know you posted this a long time ago. Just wonder if you have had any joy with your endeavours? I had my coil taken out a few years ago... Had it for 13? years and just assumed my psoriasis had led to the psoriatic arthritis that developed 3 months after having this coil
..taken methotrexate for 15 years now. I just decided to look for blood tests and your post came up...
Where did you read that people with autoimmune conditions shouldn't use the mirena coil?
I hope you are well and have found a way to good health :-)

[GlitterEverywhere]

Hi Jules, I have just started Methotrexate and had a Mirena fitted yesterday, as recommended by my GP. I also read the leaflet (for the Mirena) and it didn't mention immunosuppressents.

[JulesHum48]

Hey Glitter,
I got arthritis symptoms after having the coil fitted and then started methotrexate which did seem like a miracle as I was able to walk etc. Hope it works for you. :-)

[GlitterEverywhere]

Thanks Jules. Fingers crossed, horrendous side effects last week but armed with anti nausea this week so hopefully not so bad xx