To worry about getting the implant?

[shouldnthavesaid]

I promise I am not a troll with a menstrual fetish or anything odd like that.

I have a history of horrendous periods - been hospitalised a lot and been taking prescribed painkillers, anti sickness stuff and tranexamic acid since I was 13. Missed exams, uni, work etc. It's developed into a chronic pelvic pain disorder which anaesthetist said is because nerves and muscles aren't responding correctly to stimulus, so now take painrelief daily and have been since June last year.

I have tried combined pill, mirena, progestogen tablets , decapeptyl and the mini pill. Mini pill probably suits me best as I only occasionally have a period. The rest had bad side effects , mirena wasnt placed correctly etc.

My new GP surgery have suggested I get the implant and I've made an appointment with sexual health clinic to have it fitted in 4 weeks. I'm a bit concerned.

A little bit worried about the fitting itself, I know it's in my arm so they wont have to do any sort of internal at all will they? Won't make me have a smear etc? Last smear was a year ago and was fine. I'm on placement for uni the next day so hoping it isn't hugely painful either.

GP also said it can make periods far worse - and also said she isnt very happy that I have been prescribed cocodamol/anti inflammatories for such a long time , said it shouldn't be needed for period pain. Worried if it makes things worse and they won't prescribe effective analgesia I will struggle hugely.

I will talk to the FP clinic when I see them , but just wondered of others' experiences? Would really appreciate . Gynaecology etc and I arent good friends (I don't cope with it well) so going to FP clinic is a big step in itself.

[hula008]

You can have it taken out easily if you don’t want it :)

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Fitting is pretty easy, but you will have steri-strips put onto your arm and some bruising so take it easy with your arm for a couple of days.

And keep an eye on your mental health.

[Monoblock67]

I know people who have the implant who never get a period, and I’ve known people with it who had non stop periods. The best thing to do is to go ahead with it and if it’s not for you then it’s an easy removal. If it does suit you though it could be life changing, it’s definietly worth a try!

[shouldnthavesaid]

Yes that's true - although they said that with the coil too, I had to black out at work 2 years later in severe pain before they agreed to remove it !

[SaucyJack]

I have one. I won't be getting it replaced once it runs out. I've felt heavy and sluggish most of every single day since having it put in.

No internal needed to fit it.

[Ditsy1980]

Really easy insertion, bit of a dead arm feeling the next day but nothing too bad.

Be careful about removal though. It is very straightforward procedure but it's advised you have it in for 12 months before removal to make sure all side effects are worked through. So don't go in thinking if it doesn't suit me I'll get it out, you'll have to wait.

I'm on my third one now and I'd recommend it.

[shouldnthavesaid]

itsall well this is the thing .. That's on a seesaw at the moment and not great . Was hoping hormone would be just like the mini pill that I'm taking just now. I've had very good and very bad times on that so couldn't say it makes me any worse.

[gubbygubby]

Itsallgoingtobefibne
What about mental health?
My DD has it and is having terrible anxiety and panic attacks . I think she should have it out but at the clinic she was fobbed off . I think she's worse with it

[IHaveBrilloHair]

gubby, my Dd had a similar experience and they took it straight out for her, she finds the patch best.

[BakedBeans47]

I am going to get mine out it’s turned me into a psycho.