Then & Now

06.19.12



"Then" is March of 2011. "Now" is June of 2012.

My Health Profile "Then":

• KIDNEY STONES

My Health Profile "Now":

• KIDNEY STONES
  
• OSTEOARTHRITIS
  
• ASEPTIC NECROSIS OF HEAD AND NECK OF FEMUR
  
• HIP REPLACEMENT
  
• HYPOGLYCEMIA
  
• WEIGHT LOSS
  
• TROCHANTERIC BURSITIS
  
• AVASCULAR NECROSIS
  
• ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS
  
• SWOLLEN LYMPHNODES
  
• OTHER DISORDERS OF BONE AND CARTILAGE OTHER
  
• ANA POSITIVE & ELEVATED ESR

What in world happened between "Then" & "Now" to cause such a radical change in my health profile, you ask (you are asking, right?)? I'll tell ya.

• March 2011: My 3rd child was born (no complications)
  
• May 2011: I had Mirena IUD inserted
  
• August 2011: I started experiencing hip pain in my left hip
  
• September 2011: Saw doctor and was treated with a cortisone shot for bursitis (inflammation of my hip, thought to be from childbirth)
  
• October 2011: pain worsened, spread to my right hip, difficulty walking
  
• October 2011: Was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis in both hips (after MRIs)
  
• November 2011: Pain spread to my right shoulder, I could not lift or use it
  
• December 2011: Had Mirena removed
  
• January 2012: Was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis in my right shoulder, my left shoulder was beginning to deteriorate, but the damage never continued
  
• February 2012: Had core decompression surgery on my left hip and right shoulder, in a wheelchair for 6 weeks
  
• March 2012: Had core decompression surgery on my right hip, in a wheelchair and on crutches for 6 weeks
  
• March 2012: Met with a rheumatologist, had dozens of blood tests done -- results revealed "some type" of autoimmune issue
  
• April 2012: I began gait training (learning to walk again)
  
• April 2012: My left hip collapsed
  
• May 2012: Full hip replacement on left side
  
• June 2012: Walking with a cane as I continue to recover

Honestly, it wasn't until November that a light bulb went off in my head that this could be because of my birth control and when I mentioned the possibility to my orthopedic doctor, he told me to have it removed right away, and I did. For my body to deteriorate so quickly, I just knew that something had to "trigger" these issues. Once I received the blood tests results that indicated "ANA positive," meaning there is an autoimmune issue, I immediately started researching and finding answers. I often wonder how much of my body I could have saved had I had my birth control removed earlier. Physically, the most difficult things for me are picking items up from the ground or floor, stretching, lifting and carrying my children, and walking. Mentally, the most difficult things are dealing with my knowledge and anger about the obvious links between Mirena and autoimmunity (learn more here, here or here), not being able to do things for my family, and feeling sad about where I was "Then" in comparison to where I am "Now." Hard to believe this little thing could do all of that damage, huh? "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." -- Psalm 90:12 Please read, sign and share this petition for more testing on Mirena IUD/Skyla IUD: http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/mirena-iudskyla-iud-clotting/