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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

grown up crying at the thought of an injection!

26 replies

planthead · 13/09/2018 23:05

I am literally having the biggest freakout ever. I'm so embarrassed, but I'm in my 30s and I'm panicking about having my contraceptive implant removed.

I need it removed for several reasons; firstly, I am constantly bloated, my once flat stomach swells every day so that I have to undo my pants to feel comfortable. i have started having visual migraines, and a sensitivity to light. My sex drive is zero! I have no periods, which has been beneficial but 2 weeks ago I started bleeding again and have not stopped (the periods stopped completely when I had this put in 15 months ago). I am tired all the time, and i think the implant is to blame for my 8 lb weight gain !

I am booked in tomorrow at 10am. I have been sick with fear of getting it out. I feel pathetic, I have already cancelled once and I am so aware that cancelling wastes an appointment. I am literally terrified and I don't know why!

I was sort of okay getting it in - it felt uncomfortable afterwards, but the overall experience wasn't horrendous. I've watched videos however and removal looks so much more painful

AIBU to ask you to share your experiences to calm me down?!!

OP posts:
Iruka · 13/09/2018 23:11

I have my implant replaced twice now and it didn’t hurt at all. Tiny needle with painkiller and then no pain for the actual removal.

Neshoma · 13/09/2018 23:15

Please try to pull yourself together - some of us have to regular ( 3 week for me ) blood tests and injections.

MadamePeony · 13/09/2018 23:18

I remove implants.
Tiny scratch of local anaesthetic and 5 mins max to remove the implant. Just look away and think pleasant things.
Honestly you will be fine!

FireBrick · 13/09/2018 23:20

I was also freaking out about getting mine removed. It really really wasn't that bad. OK there is a small injection, but after that there is no pain. And it hardly hurt at all afterwards. You can feel a bit of tugging while they get hold of the implant but if you can distract yourself during it it really is OK.

You shouldn't watch videos!! Why would you do that?! Just look away during the procedure and you will be fine.

You can do this!

Bobbiepin · 13/09/2018 23:21

No offence but get over yourself. You'll have had papercuts that hurt worse.

FireBrick · 13/09/2018 23:22

If I had wanted another one (I didn't!) I would have no hesitation in getting another put in and taken out again.

Aprilshowersnowastorm · 13/09/2018 23:25

I had a steroid injection in the thigh when ds's prem birth was immement.
I called the one holding the needle a fucking bastard!!
Blush

Changednamesorry · 13/09/2018 23:27

I'm another one who has to have an injection every 2 weeks... I have to give it to myself and it takes a few seconds to go in. I'm grateful for it. It's a little needle you'll be fine.

Ohb0llocks · 13/09/2018 23:34

I had it removed and I'm MARD. Didn't feel a think.

nokidshere · 13/09/2018 23:52

Please try to pull yourself together - some of us have to regular ( 3 week for me ) blood tests and injections.

So because you have to have regular injections no one else is allowed to be worried about them? That's ridiculous in the extreme.

bootsandsocks · 14/09/2018 00:02

Op, you’re allowed to be nervous and apprehensive, but honestly it’s not bad, one little needle then they whip it out and it’s over :)

my sisters (worse case scenario apparently) grew into its little pocket with scar tissue forming so it had to be cut out and stitched up but even then she said she felt nothing.

Just remember to not look and take slow steady breaths, it’ll be over before you know it :) Good luck!

9amtrain · 14/09/2018 00:09

Yes OP pull yourself together, some members have to have frequent blood tests!! (Blood tests!!!)

Original poster
planthead · 14/09/2018 00:32

i do realise i am being quite pathetic and other people have it worse.. i did mention i was being over the top in my OP.

I was more asking for experiences.

Thanks for replies.

OP posts:
GhostPerfume · 14/09/2018 00:35

So sorry op that there are so many insensitive twats tonight.

Someone can't be upset about a husband being ill because someone else's husband has died?

Can't be upset about a sprained ankle cos someone else has a broken leg?

Maybe try some relaxation techniques. Could Google for some? Plan a treat for after? Come back and update us.

Needle phobia is horrid but you can do it. X

9amtrain · 14/09/2018 00:38

Btw mine was sarcastic in case that didn't come across. Just because someone has if worse doesn't mean nobody else is allowed to complain.

SkintAndConfused · 14/09/2018 00:41

Op Yanbu I have a severe needle phobia and I would genuinely no word of a lie rather give birth again than say have a tetanus jab or something

People don’t understand it’s not really about the pain but just the overwhelming anxiety of it all

The best thing I’ve found (but it might be coz I’m a chatterbox) is to talk about really mundane things while it’s being done, either to the nurse or someone you’ve took with you

Sitting in silence gives you too much time to think about it, hope it goes well, you’ll do fab! Flowers

GhostPerfume · 15/09/2018 00:29

Sorry @9amtrain I misinterpreted yours

yorkshireyummymummy · 15/09/2018 00:40

I’m about to have my third or fourth implant removed.
I find it hurts more going in than coming out.

Tell them you are very nervous.
Maybe 5ake your phone and some earphones with you - listen to a bit of music?
If you are lucky they might have some of the ‘ magic cream’ that they rub on kids to numb the area before they inject- worth asking anyway.

It’s no good people telling you about how many injections they have ( and when pregnant I had to have a fragmin/clexane injection daily and blood tests three times a week plus many many cannulas to get drugs into me sharpish so i top trump you neshoma ) - utterly ridiculous comment. Like saying to an anorexic ‘ but some people overeat every day’!

Your fear is real but you know you need to have this minor procedure done so - get your big girl pants on - ensure you get there on time and do everything you need to try and make this as painless as possible for yourself. Promise yourself a huge gin /wine / pizza / whatever your ‘ treat’ is afterwards.
You will be fine . Maybe listen t9 some meditation beforehand ( make sure somebody drives you there though if you are doing that!
Good luck!

MiddleClassProblem · 15/09/2018 00:47

Focus on the outcome, it being out rather than how it happens.

When you’re in the room and it’s happening look at things around the room, maybe there’s a picture or a poster in the wall, maybe the nurse’s shoes, even the type of flooring.

I know it soy DS silly but really focusing on something else can distract your brain.

You could even set yourself a challenge to see how many blue things you can spit from your whole visit etc so even when you walk in the room you’re thinking about “oh a blue paper towel” etc

MiddleClassProblem · 15/09/2018 00:47

*spot

hadenough · 15/09/2018 05:37

I also hate needles, ignore the insensitives.

It's not a fear of the pain, but psychological, relating back to when I was quite ill as a child and had to have operations/medical treatment.

I am better now, but the thought of a blood test makes me feel ill. I always tell the person inserting the needle beforehand that I'm nervous about it and usually they're lovely. I had to go to a hospital in Brazil earlier this year, and they got 3 staff to distract me/block sight of the needle. It was very kind.

polkadotpixie · 15/09/2018 05:43

You'll be fine, honestly

I totally understand the needle phobia, I hate them. I've been having to give myself Fragmin anti-bloodclot injections for the last week since my c section and I've absolutely shit myself every time! I'm hoping it will have helped with my fear though 😂

Coldhandscoldheart · 15/09/2018 06:29

Don’t spit blue things at the nurse! They frown on that. I took my own one out and it really wasn’t that bad, it’ll be miles better with someone else doing it for you, they’ll have two hands free and everything.

explodingkitten · 15/09/2018 06:38

Jeez some people.... I have type 1 diabetes and ivf and absolutely don't care about beedles or any pain they might cause. I still can feel some empathy for people who are scared of needles.

OP, try to do some breathing exercises. I find that they help me when I am anxious about things. Concentrated breathing (breathe in tgrough your nose, hold it and breathe out through your mouth. Keep doing it no matter what happens. It really can get you through this.

sulflower · 15/09/2018 07:14

I feel for you OP, I don't have a needle phobia thanks to monthly blood tests and injecting myself twice a week but totally understand why people get nervous about injections. My veins are shot, tough as old boots, permanent dents on the inside of my elbows and it now hurts when I have blood taken and I literally dread it. Hope it went okay for you.