The Shot

The more I read up on the birth control shot the more afraid I become of getting my upcoming shot in January. From what I've read it says in some cases it can take up to two years to conceive again. I want my kids closer in age so has this proven true in anyone else's case? I plan on waiting the full 18 months before TTC again and wanted to take the shot up until then but I don't want to wait 2 more years for another child after that! Also, I've read that it's actually pretty harmful for your body. Is this true? I'm thinking of just switching to the pill again. I've had a negative experience with the pill before but so be it if it allows me to conceive when I want to conceive again.