How can I get over my fear of...

[MissisBoot]

having my coil removed?

Or to be more specific - internal examinations.

My coil is due to be removed in 6 months time and I've missed a cervical smear test.

Since having dd I'm really panicky about having internals - it literally makes me feel sick the thought of having anything done down there and I start to feel real anxious.

Has anyone had anything similar? Will my doc think I'm completely mad?

(also posted in mental health)

[TheArmadillo]

what was the birth of your dd like?

[TrinityRhino]

is it fear of pain or embaressment?

I was in agony when I had my mirena put in but it was just like removing a tampon to have it out if that helps

if its embaressment I can't rewally help I'm afriad except I KNOW that the person doing it really does not care if you innner labia is flappy or you have the scotland flag in your pubic hair

[MissisBoot]

Not the best

I was induced, 24 hour back to back labour, 9cm dilated for about 6 hours ending in emergency c-section.

I had flashbacks about the birth for quite some time.

[TrinityRhino]

I cannot type tonight, sorry

what else is bothering you about it, if not the above or if more than the above?

[MissisBoot]

Neither fear nor embarrassment - I just feel physically sick at the thought of someone doing any type of 'procedure'. Even writing this out is making me feel quite anxious.

Sex is fine btw.

[TheArmadillo]

have you ever had any councelling re the birth?

TBH after a birth like that I don't think anybody would be keen on having anything done down there.

[TrinityRhino]

I would second the counselling, I am a recovering emetophobe. I was unable to go near my vomiting 4 year old at one time, crying into the phone to nhs 24 that they HAD to help me

after a cousre cbt I have just had a weeek of a vomiting gecko and not stopped eating ONCE, not had a single panic attack and even made a joke about it once or twice

A 3 million times improvement!!!
I even rubbed the back of a friedn of mine that fell ill whilst at my house!!

You can overcome any fear with help and time
Please ask for help and be hinest, noone is going to think you are stupid

[MissisBoot]

I was fine before childbirth - had no problems having a previous coil put in or taken out - but I just about managed to stay put when they put this one in and literally had white knuckles when they were doing it.

As time has gone by I'm just getting more worried about having this one taken out.

[TrinityRhino]

Do you use tampons??
Honestly, having mine removed was like removing a tampon, absolutely NOTHING

I didn't even reaslised she had done it right away

[TrinityRhino]

well the putting in is SOOOO much worse than the taking out

and you KNOW that the anticipation is worse than the actual thing

I'm not dismissing or belittling your feelings
BEleive me, I know what panic is but I also know that my panic was based on what I thouhgt was going to happen but never did or would

[TrinityRhino]

I'm sorry I'm babbling, sorry

[Niecie]

Have you always felt a bit like this? What was it like having the coil put in?

Does it make any difference if you think about having a male or a female doctor?

I don't think they will think you are mad but I think you have to tell them and let them help you. Perhaps try and get a sedative from them first.

Once it is done perhaps you could go down the counselling route.

[MissisBoot]

I did go through my birth notes with the midwife but no actual counselling. It is also a contributing factor to not to want to have another child.

Trinity - how long was your CBT course? Was it on the nhs or private?

[TrinityRhino]

it was nhs and it was a clinical psychologist that I was referred to through my hv

It wasn't so much a course as I went regularly to see him and he used cbt techniques to help me through my panic

I had a panic disorder, emetophobia and depression
It has helped so much it is UNBELEIVABLE

[MissisBoot]

ok - I'll have a chat with the doc and see what they can offer.

In the meantime I'm hoping they can give me some kind of sedative to make it a bit more manageable - would they do that do you think?

[emma1977]

Having a coil removed is a doddle compared to fitting one. I see lots of women you dread having internals and are very tense for the procedure itself. You're not the only one by a long stretch.

Firstly, have a chat with your GP about your apprehension. I think it would be reasonable to give you a sedative to take before the removal (and a test dose a couple of days beforehand to make sure you were OK with it). Just get someone else to drive you to your appointment on the day. Also, if you are worried about it being painful, take a couple of painkillers (ibuprofen ideally) 30 minutes beforehand- it really does help.

All the best.