Period after IUD removal?

I got my IUD removed last Thursday. Provider told me in a couple weeks to look out for my period. Yesterday (Sunday), I had cramps and heavy bleeding. Today (Monday) no cramps but still bleeding. Idk how long this is going to last as she said my period might be lighter the first time and then will get normal after that (if I’m not pregnant already). Should I count this as my first period or not? This was my first IUD experience I had it in for about a year and a half.