Mirena? Time to come out?

[backza]

I am a 30yo mum of 6. I had MIRENA inserted in February 2007 and experienced mild cramping etc after insertion and very minimal bleeding.
I was having 1 or 2 days of slight spotting every 3months and no side effects.
Until the last 2 days.....
I have had nasty cramps and my first "real" period in over two years.
My question, would it be so heavy (and dark) because it is old blood?
(This may also suggest why I have been even more cranky and just feeling yuk!)
Is it possible it needs to be changed?

[backza]

Thanks for the reply.
I cant feel the strings, mind you I have only felt them once in the whole time I have had it in.
Just an awful feeling!

[WarriorMomma]

It could be that. My periods were INSANE when I had paraguard. Without any BC, my body "cleans itself out" every three or four months. BROWN blood and goop come out. GROSS. Told my best friend (she's a nurse) and she told me it was normal. Confirmed it with my OB.

Can you still feel the strings? It probably doesn't need to come out if they are still in the same place.