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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

absolutely terrified of getting this out ... and i know AIBU!

62 replies

airelle · 21/01/2019 13:15

Hi all,

I've had the contraceptive implant for nearly 18 months now. I have previously had an eating disorder as a teenager and have always maintained a low weight (around 8 stone at 5ft 6). I have recently been sensing that my clothes are getting tighter. I plucked up the courage to weight myself over the weekend and I've put on 11lbs without any change in lifestyle!

I am really scared of weight gain - I have purged all weekend because I can't bear the thought of it. I know this is unreasonable and I'm ready to be flamed, but it's just what I have experienced in the past.

So along with the weight gain I've also been massively anxious, moody and CONSTANT periods (maybe 1 or 3 days a month not bleeding).

So I've decided to have it out. I've never liked needles (dont think anyone does), but I am MASSIVELY freaking out. I think because my ex partner came with me to get it I am scared of going alone?

I have diazepam for panic attacks, so I was wondering if this would help?

I also read somewhere about elma cream - anyone got any experiences with that?

I'm ready to be told YABU about the dramatics! So in anticipation AIBU to ask for any positive stories of removal...

OP posts:
Pachyderm1 · 21/01/2019 13:36

Anyone who flames you for an illness you’re battling is a prick Flowers no experience so no advice, but have a hand hold!

honeycrumpet · 21/01/2019 13:38

I found the removal MUCH easier than the insertion. When I had mine inserted I had an enormous bruise that covered half my upper arm and it was really sore, but when I had it removed after 3 years there was no pain and no bruising. I couldn't believe it as I'd braced myself for a massive bruise again!

To be honest I can't fully remember what happened at the removal appointment as it was over a year ago but I'm fairly sure the nurse used numbing cream before injecting the anaesthetic - you should definitely ask about having this, and let the nurse (or whoever's removing it) know how worried you are about the needle.

I'd say if you feel that the appointment might cause you to have a panic attack then taking diazepam might be a good idea - maybe ask about this at the clinic before your appointment to check whether they'd recommend that or anything else?

It sounds like the implant isn't working for you given the effects on your mood and period as well as the weight gain, so I'd say definitely a good plan to try a different contraceptive. I've got the copper coil now and am really enjoying not being on hormonal contraception for the first time in over a decade!

Good luck! Flowers

Littlebluebird123 · 21/01/2019 13:40

I don't think YABU to be worried, that's not something you can control.
I don't know where you got yours done but the people who did mine were really friendly, supportive and calming. I didn't find insert or extraction bad. (Although I bruise really easily so I did look like someone had attacked my arm for a bit!)
Could you get a friend to come with you? X

Claw001 · 21/01/2019 13:40

My son is petrified of needles, he has Elma cream. He doesn’t feel a thing.

Calvinsmam · 21/01/2019 13:41

I’ve had three out, it’s scary but ultimately fine.
The thought of it is way worse than the actuality of it.
One of mine was more complicated but even that one was fine.
Unpleasant because it’s your body but it doesn’t hurt at all. You just don’t look and there’s a bit of tugging and then it’s over. Really simple.

Ive had blow drys that have been worse.

3boysandabump · 21/01/2019 13:43

It's way easier getting it out than it is getting it in.

CuriousaboutSamphire · 21/01/2019 13:45

I've had mine out and replaced at he same time. I only felt a tugging, no pain, very very little bleeding and it was really quick. I did have a bruise, but I m anaemic, so that wasn't at all unexpected Smile

As the GP said, the time it takes for the skin anaesthetic to take is the longest part - and yes, they can / do use numbing cream. Make sure you ask though, just to be sure!

I'd also tell them how anxious you are. They may be able to offer suggestions we haven't thought of!

Good luck with keeping calm enough to get it done!

Celebelly · 21/01/2019 13:46

I barely noticed it being removed. I was just so bloody grateful it was gone (it sent me batshit insane and I almost cut it out of my arm myself as I couldn't get a doctor's appointment for it. In the end, I went into family planning clinic drop-in and begged them to take it out!)

Lovemusic33 · 21/01/2019 13:52

Yes, you can take diazepam before your appointment, ideally it would be better if someone can go with you in case you feel light headed or sleep after taking it.

I am the same with weight gain, I no longer weigh myself (got rid of the scales), I know when I have gained due to my clothes not fitting and I do freak out a little even though people tell me I look more healthy. I have come off the pill and have been looking at alternatives but I’m prettified of gaining weight.

ButtonMoonLoon · 21/01/2019 13:56

Emla cream doesn’t work well for everyone, try ametop which we find works much better

Houseonahill · 21/01/2019 13:57

They numb your arm with a local anaesthetic, locals hurt for about 20 seconds and then you don't feel a thing except for a slight pulling but absolutely no pain, I was terrified getting mine taken out but it was honestly not a big deal I had a bruise about the size of a 5p and that's it! Not pain afterwards either.

Original poster
airelle · 21/01/2019 14:08

thanks everyone for being so lovely Flowers

i have made 2 previous appointments but cancelled a week before as I was so anxious, so I'm determined to get it done!

I booked the earliest one tomorrow morning so there is no waiting around, I just keep telling myself "this time tomorrow it will all be over". I've also added some clothes to my asos basket that i've said i can order if i have it done ... such a big kid!

I was going to go to superdrug after work to get some elma cream in case they don't have any there...

Uggggh I'm really excited to get it out I just don't want my stupid nerves to interfere.

OP posts:
Claw001 · 21/01/2019 14:14

Elma cream needs to be applied about an hour before. Good luck Flowers

KrispyKremes · 21/01/2019 14:18

They'll use plenty of anaesthesia before they remove it, you won't feel it.

I had mine swapped last year and it was fine, and trust me I was nervous!

Hortuslover · 21/01/2019 14:20

I’ve had 3 implants and found the removal Better than insertion. Flowers

Kko1986 · 21/01/2019 14:23

I'm so sorry for how your feeling op I have no experience with the implant but please be kind to yourself x

wildone03 · 21/01/2019 14:24

I was the same as you before i had mine out, was shaking in the waiting room... it was FINE not painful in the slightest

Drum2018 · 21/01/2019 14:29

I'd put the cream on before you even leave the house. Hope your hormones calm down asap and that you stop bleeding - that must be such a pain.

maras2 · 21/01/2019 14:37

40 odd years ago I was given 2mg Diazepam prior to removal of a copper 7 IUD.I think it was the done thing in those days.
Boy, did it relax me?.
So much so I pissed myself as the doctor inserted the speculum Blush
Had to go back another day.Smile
Best of luck airelle Flowers

Barreleyefish · 21/01/2019 15:12

I’ve not had the procedure you are wanting done but think you can buy emla cream from the chemist. It really helps. Ask how to use it because I seem to remember it having a dressing over it to keep on on or help it work? The diazepam also a good idea as it will help you with anxiety as well as relaxing muscles.

Often the things I’ve totally dreaded have been nothing like as bad as I’d thought they would be. Good luck.

Missingstreetlife · 21/01/2019 15:17

Maybe complete red herring but will it still work if you are purging, I know the pill doesn't if you vomit. Please be kind to yourself op.
Is the weight gain temporary or will it be permanent? Pharmacist may help.

honeycrumpet · 21/01/2019 15:19

missingstreetlife pills don't work if you vomit because you've vomited them out. The implant can't be vomited out so OP's purging won't have any effect.

Gushpanka · 21/01/2019 15:22

I mean this kindly and certainly not flaming you (and if anyone does they're an arsehole)but what ed did you have? Because if it was anorexia, it sounds like it's still quite active. Before you had your ed were you very slim? 8st at 5 ft 6 is just underweight. Your reaction to weight gain which still has you firmly on the slim side would suggest maybe there still is an ed there and maybe this is an opportunity to get help or support. Flowers for you. Eds are awful diseases to deal with.

maras2 · 21/01/2019 15:29

Am I thick or what?
Just realised that the implant is the one in the arm not an IUD Blush
Ignore my inappropriate post.

statetrooperstacey · 21/01/2019 15:43

I have had several implants the only one I had any bother with was the first one I had put in. It was about 25 years ago and there were 5 or 6 rods , some if which were difficult to find! This doesn't happen now, they have improved a lot. Haven't had any bother having the other Ones removed. A sting from the local and that's it. I have had many dentist appts that were far worse. You will be fine. 💐