Hi, Ive put this message on other sites as there seems to be many probs with the Merina. Thought it would be helpful for others to here about my probs, if anything to make others realise ther're not on their own. Hope it helps!
I cant believe what Ive read about the side effects! Ill tell my story - as the stories ive read on other sites have certainly helped me and I didnt even realise I needed help!
For about 8 years now Ive put on nearly 4 stone - put it down to turning 30 and also still to this day blame it on pregnancy weight (my youngest son is now 9!).
Ive suffered bad back pain - doctor said on many occasions that is muscular, ive put down to weight gain.
Mood swings - and depression 6 years ago - tablets given and I think went away - I can never be sure really! Even the Dog knows not to approach me in the mornings! Didnt think I was still depressed just put it down to two beautiful but demanding, moaning children and an unreasonable boyfriend who doesnt do as I say!
Worst of all have been the Migraines, theyve been horrific. Never suffered them before being 30 so blamed all my ailments on age and change in lifestyle! Doctor perscribed me stronger tablets, which I am popping like smarties. Im constantly getting my eyes tested thinking it must be that. Im even scheduled to have a heart scan because she has now informed me that Migraines can be caused by Heart Palpitations!!!!!?????
After my first child (now 12) I had the Copper IUD Coil - no hormones involved, all was fine but decided to have have child No2 (now 9)so had it removed. The second birth caused many problems (he weighed 10 lbs but anoyingly he is now very stick thin!), including stress incontenence so had to have an op to correct things. My Gyno informed me after the op that she also found endometriosis (i wasnt aware of it!) and she cleared that and fitted the Merina, apparently keeps it at bay. Great, wanted another coil fitted so saved me the agro. I wasnt aware at the time that there were different coils.
3 years on I needed another op and again while I was under she renewed the Merina for me. So I have now had the 2nd one in for about 5 years. Ive been thinking lately that it must need changing, hence why I googled to find any info and came across this website.
I thought the Merina was the best thing ever until I read the stories! Havent had a period for 8 years, never suffered from heavy periods before but it was still a lovely break! But that was the only advantage I had.
All of a sudden it dawned on me - could almost see the tumbleweed go by! Weight gain, bad back, awful migraines (sickness and bedridden for 2 days sometimes) and mood swings so bad that the father of my children is no longer around! God I hope he doesnt see this, after all the heartache it could be down to the Merina! Anyway, new life and happy now - I think!!!
Im due for a smear next week and am seriously considering having it removed, give my body a break. Problem being Im not good with the pill and am not sure what else to do? Ive gently put this question to my long term boyfriend who obviously couldnt come up with a suggestion so, even more gently, asked him how he felt about the snip (nasty of me I know, but had to rule all possibilities out before I decided!!!) Well he instantly clutched his 3 piece and I thought he was about to cry! "You cant take my manhood away, thats barbaric, you might as well crush them with 2 bricks!"
Trust me, his reaction nearly had me running out to the garden to find some! Anyway, Ive now realised perhaps Im asking too much, maybe Ill try the IUD copper coil again.
I had never connected my ailments to the Merina. Will see what the nurse says next week, but im 99% sure its gonna come out.
So fingers crossed by next year ill be 3 stone lighter, migraine free, backache free and a bit more happier in the mornings!!
Failing that, Ill go on an even stricter diet which will hopefully get rid of the backache, keep popping the migraine pills, change the boyfriend to one that doesnt have an opinion and look into sending the kids to a sweatshop somewhere in India!
Joking aside though, thanks to everyone who has posted msgs regarding the Merina, good or bad, but Im looking foward to maybe starting life again with a painfree happy smile on my face. Wish me Luck!!!