In Feb 2004 I had the mirena fitted to reduce my painful periods, mood swings etc. It did wonders for that it must be said - However I had a reaction to the mirena that started gradually from about March and became worse with each month until it was unbearable. I had itching all over my body from the start, but much worse was that my face would swell up. My lips and the skin under my eye would swell to over 4 times the normal size. The swelling would last for over 24 hrs. In the end my face was swelling up 4 times a month and major swells were every 29 days! (my ankles and wrists also swelled and hurt) The swelling was so bad I couldnt leave the house on those days, it was very uncomfortable and made eating a problem. The swelling round my eye was blue black and looked like I had been punched, it was also quite painful. After being stuck at home for sometimes up to 3 days I was misserable, depressed, not to mention how much work I had missed. It was only after seing this site that I found other woman with itching, so I knew it was not a food allergy . However if anyone else is having swellings I would be keen to hear about it. And yes, I am certain it was the Mirena that caused my problems!
I had the mirena removed in October and have been free of it for 9 weeks. I am still on antihistamines for the itching, but the swelling now only occuirs when I have my period and is not as severe. (every 29 days)
My doctor is offering me no help and I doubt she will report my experience to Mirena, but I feel it is important to make it known, as it may affect others the same way. I hope that by writing this mail someone will take note of my reaction and add it to the long list of side effects Mirena is known to cause. Had I known my problem was due to the mirena I would have had it removed much sooner, but as this reaction was not listed as a side effect none of the 6 doctors I saw thought to remove it.