Three Weeks Out

Today makes exactly three weeks since my procedure. I've entered this entire experience with an open mind because I didn't necessarily know what to expect, I've heard mixed reviews, and you just never know how your body will react.

Cramping - I experienced super mild, pretty much just there but not painful cramps for 7-10 days after the procedure. I did find that they got worse if I was having to sit for a while, like when I took a two hour car ride. Overall not bad at all. Now I haven't had any cramps whatsoever in at least a week.

Bleeding - I did experience spotting for about two weeks after the procedure, then I started ovulating and the spotting went away. At its worst I spotted maybe a teaspoon of material, if that. Most days it was a few drops a couple of times a day. Not bad! I don't know if my spotting is just stopped because of the ovulation or if it's stopped completely, but we'll see.

Ovulation - I find it so interesting that I can feel when I'm ovulating. I've been on hormonal birth control pills since January 2001 and the only time I can recall feeling ovulation was one week earlier this year when I skipped a week of pills. Sore boobs, excessive gooey discharge, a little twinginess, SORE BOOBS. I swear, my primary symptom of ovulating is the boobs. OW. I tried running that week and wanted to die. This time the boobs were not nearly as bad, maybe because I still have a small amount of hormones in my body? Hopefully ovulation doesn't prove to be too bothersome going forward.

Strings - I cannot feel my strings. My doctor did trim them twice - one before insertion, once after - so maybe he made them too short and they curled up into my uterus? I know that while I have it in this isn't really an issue, but I do wish I could feel them for reassurance. I can guarantee you that my Mirena is still in my uterus though. Occasionally I can press just-so on my lower abdomen and feel a little pressure/soreness there.

Side Effects - So far the only notable side effect is oily hair. Oh my god, it is a grease ball. I've always had moderate hair and I could easily go 2-3 days without washing if I didn't get it gross or use a lot of product. Even at that point it was more of a "have" to wash than a "need" to wash. Now? One freaking day and I feel like I've rubbed oil in my hair. It's not intolerable, but I do have to remember to wash my hair every night or deal with it the next day. I hope this will even out, but if not it's certainly not the worst side effect to experience.

Overall I'm still very happy with Mirena. I'll continue to update regularly as I have more to share.