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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Coil Fitting

121 replies

LittleRen · 15/04/2018 10:40

Sorry I am posting here for traffic really but it is kind of an AIBU. I have an appointment to get the coil fitted tomorrow AM, still not decided which type (any advice there - I don't have heavy periods and don't like extra hormones so my current preference is probably copper). My Husband was hoping to work from home so he could come with me but he is just too busy in the office now so he can't, although he has said he will if I really need him to, but I am not that bothered. However I have heard some horror stories about people going into shock after, feeling faint etc and I am worried I won't be able to drive home.

Generally I have a pretty high pain tolerance, have had three babies, so I wasn't too worried but now I have a niggle in my mind about the whole thing.

Have any of you had such bad experiences with the coil fitting that would mean you wouldn't have been able to drive home?? I have waited a month for the apt, and to rebook would be late May unless I go private but the places that offer it privately seem to be so limited.

So AIBU to go on my own, or do I need someone there? Mum can't come as she is minding my two youngest. It's about a 20 minute drive.

PS DH will be getting the snip at some point but it's just too final for us right now.

OP posts:
Beyond11cisRetinol · 15/04/2018 10:45

I have a mirena. Putting it in was fine and I haven't had a single problem with it since it went in :)

DH has since been spayed, and I get on so well with my coil that I kept it in anyway!

Averyyounggrandmaofsix · 15/04/2018 10:47

I have never had a problem with having a coil fitted and my second one (the Mirena) changed my life so much for the better.

Original poster
LittleRen · 15/04/2018 10:49

Thanks so much :) The Mirena is very tempting, do either of you still have periods?

Good to know you didn't have any problems after fitting, I think I will just go for it - better to get it out of the way isn't it!

OP posts:
firstbornforbread · 15/04/2018 10:50

I've had mirena fitted twice. Uncomfortable pinch or two when fitted. Got period type pains in the later evening (coil fitted at 4pm) so I was fine to get my own way home on public transport.

Take 2 ibuprofen at leat an hour before appointment. They never tell me that but when I get to the appointment ask if I have. Hmm

MadeForThis · 15/04/2018 10:50

Had the mirena fitted 2 weeks ago. Not sore at all. Similar to a smear test.

Felt fine afterwards. Haven't really thought about it since. So far so good.

WineAndTiramisu · 15/04/2018 10:51

I've had 2 mirena coils, both before any children, and drove myself both times, did feel a bit faint after the first one, but nothing serious. Friends who have already had children had no issues at all

roselondoner · 15/04/2018 10:51

Had the copper fitted, was quite uncomfortable basically having someone inducing period cramps but it's over pretty quick. My blood pressure absolutely plummeted and I almost passed out when I tried to sit up but doctor was so nice and made me some sweet tea to bring me around.

I then had an absolute nightmare with the coil and got it removed less than a year later, it gave me ovarian cysts! And awful painful heavy periods when I barely had any pain or anything beforehand. I would consider the mirena if I were you as I've heard much better things!

Don't want to put you off but wanted to be honest!!

firstbornforbread · 15/04/2018 10:52

Oh the first time I had mirena I had periods for 6 months, however I had it fitted primarily to stop long term bleeding so I had a problem there anyway. For the rest of the 5 years only small light bleeds during periods and I only needed to use a pantyliner.

Second time I had two periods and some bleeding immediately after but I'm now back to the small light periods. It's changed my life so much, I wouldn't try anything else.

piraterach · 15/04/2018 10:54

I had quite a bit of trouble getting my coil fitted (the dr took nearly 45 mins and told me I had the "weirdest cervix she's ever seen!" After quite a bit of pain during the fitting I only had mild cramping for the rest of the day. I would have still been able to drive, I think you're going to be fine OP. Smile

Allthewaves · 15/04/2018 10:54

Iv had three fitted - one pre children. It's uncomfortable but never had any side effects on fitting day. Last one was very twingy for good month. Last one came out so advise check strings every couple of days.

ThomasShelbysBunnet · 15/04/2018 10:55

I hope it goes well. I drove myself home and was in tears with the pain. I probably shouldn't have been driving, but had to get back to pick up the dc from school ten miles away. I couldn't sit properly from the pain, and had to drive with my bum almost lifted off the seat, but trying to press the small of my back into the seat.
However I wasn't prepared for it, had gone to see about being sterilized. I would take some painkillers beforehand and you will be fine, especially with a high pain threshold (which I freely admit I don't have)

Ohforfoxsakereturns · 15/04/2018 10:56

No problem either he fitting 10 years ago, and no periods since. I had a migraine once after it was fitted (can only put it down to that).

Had it changed 5 years ago. Also have low blood pressure and hadn’t eaten before I went. Changing it was uncomfortable and was fed tea and biscuits for a good 30 minutes until I was allowed to leave.

Debating whether to keep it or have it out now. The prospect of starting periods again doesn’t thrill me, so will probably keep it although don’t need it for contraception.

ShadowWeaver · 15/04/2018 10:57

Hiya here's a link to my thread I wrote last year about my experience.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/family_planning/3016406-Copper-IUD-my-experience?msgid=77078639

Mydoghatesthebath · 15/04/2018 10:58

Mirena here too. No issues had fitted for constant bloody foooding. Changed my life. Bloody brilliant.

Have a cuppa afterwards actually thry made me one and don’t worry you will be fine.

Mydoghatesthebath · 15/04/2018 11:00

Thomas

That doesn’t sound right at all. Hope you got sorted Flowers

Follyfoot · 15/04/2018 11:01

I've had a difficult Mirena insertion. I lay down for a few minutes afterwards then was absolutely fine.

I've also had a vasovagal attack during another similar procedure. Despite this, after resting, I was fine to drive.

Cant really help you choose as the Mirena cured my heavy periods so I'd always opt for that over anything else.

SmallestInTheClass · 15/04/2018 11:02

I have mires, discomfort for a few minutes like a smear and a sharp pinch for a few seconds for me. I took paracetamol beforehand. Was fine afterwards but they do make you lie down for 5-10 minutes afterwards as it can lower blood pressure and make you faint. I had some bleeding for a few months but 8 months in I have regular spotting once aonth and that's it. I'd definitely recommend.

HungerOfThePine · 15/04/2018 11:02

Have had mirena coil fitted twice now.
It's not the worst pain in the world. I would put it in the category of uncomfortable and not pleasant.

There will be a spare nurse there to look after you by talking to you or holding your hand etc so you won't be on your own necessarily while the coil is being fitted.

Just don't try get up straight away, just relax for a minute or two after it's done and get up and dressed at a relaxed pace.
It's mostly so if you feel off you can react in time.

The long term result is great, last time I did sit in my car for ten minutes before driving off as although I was fine I just needed to decompress, it's still quite invasive and a vulnerable position.

holdmybeer · 15/04/2018 11:03

I had the copper coil in twice, the removal was worse than the fitting and even then I was fine to drive home. You should expect some cramping though so the suggestion to take some ibuprofen before your appointment is a good one.

Like you I had never had heavy periods and didn't always react well to additional hormones however my periods with the coil were very heavy and I became quite anaemic due to that. Realistically you need to consider whether that's a risk you're prepared to take. For me taking iron supplements and dealing with heavy blood loss a few days each month was fine but it's not for everyone.

howiseverynametaken · 15/04/2018 11:04

I had a mirena for 5 years...very straight forward having it put in (although quite painful as I've not had children) and I was able to go out for lunch and take public transport home. I bled for 6 weeks and then didn't have periods for the next 5 years! I would definitely have one again! Good luck OP...as you've had children, you will be absolutely fine!

MargaretCavendish · 15/04/2018 11:06

I had my Mirena fitted when I had never been pregnant (which is supposed to be considerably more painful) and it did really hurt BUT it was a very sharp, immediate pain, followed by much more manageable period type pains - so even though I would describe it as a painful experience, it didn't affect me enough to be disruptive for more than about 10 minutes after. I'm pretty certain I cycled home!

My periods were a bit heavy, but by no means debilitating, but I LOVED not having any. Had it out two years ago to TTC and my plan is to have another one put in asap after this baby comes out!

mirime · 15/04/2018 11:07

Had the Mirena nearly four weeks ago. I was going to walk home but came out to find my DF waiting for me as my DM had sent him to pick me up. I'd have been fine walking home, the cramps only really kicked in about 20-30 mins after I left the surgery.

I did feel a bit faint after it was inserted, but only for a few minutes. Don't move to fast to get dressed would be my advice. Get up slowly, have a drink. Then take the rest of the day easy if you can, I certainly didn't feel like doing anything too energetic for a day and a half.

Thisisanewbeginning · 15/04/2018 11:08

I’ve got the copper coil. I had the Mirena but it killed my sex drive! It’s uncomfortable in the same way a smear is. Perfectly fine to drive. Took 2 paracetamol and have no side effects.
Periods are no different than they’ve always been in terms of flow and pain. They last maybe a day longer? That could also be age related as I’m early forties

KnobJockey · 15/04/2018 11:10

Copper coil fitting here. Not the most comfortable experience putting it in, but nothing ibuprofen and a few swear words couldn't handle. Afterwards had period like cramps and a little bleeding, absolutely fine to drive home afterwards. Cramps and light bleeding lasted a day or two, and annoyingly had to avoid Tampons at first if I remember rightly. Periods are a little heavier and last a day longer, now 6 days long with heavyish day 3&4, when originally they were 5 days and very light. Slightly more crampy too.

I absolutely didn't need my partner with me, and would happily do it again without him. If you do need to make an appointment, try going to your local family planning clinic if you're not already using them. In my area my doctor's won't even talk about coil fitting, it's all at the family planning clinic.

It's a great plus in my opinion to get rid of the hormones. Lots of people I know chose Mirena to try and get rid of their periods, but then still had them anyway.

ComtesseDeSpair · 15/04/2018 11:10

I had a copper coil fitted and wouldn't have wanted to drive home afterwards, to be honest. The actual fitting wasn't so bad but for a few hours afterwards I had the most intense abdominal cramps of my life, like the worst period pain on earth, which made me feel nauseous and lightheaded. Also have a very high pain threshold. Sometimes you just don't know how you're going to respond. I wouldn't change the date, but don't be too hasty in leaving the clinic after, give yourself time to see how you feel and call a cab if necessary.

Actual experience of copper coil is fantastic, I couldn't have made a better contraceptive choice. Have had it for 8 years and it's just so hassle free.

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