Fibromyalgia: Dr says if I have the coil or implant, I have to change my migraine meds

[ChaosMoon]

Hi all. I've just had this call from my GP surgery and I feel really uncomfortable about it.

I take topiramate to prevent migraines. I know it causes horrible birth defects but I'm 40, I have a daughter and we're strictly 1 and done.

I've never had a pregnancy scare. I've used hormonal contraception before and it didn't agree with me. My husband and I have always used condoms. (Except when deliberately TTC.) Sorry if that's too much info, but now I'm being told that condoms aren't enough and that if I don't have the injection or coil then I can't carry on with the topiramate.

My migraines can last up to a month. I've tried so many different medications and this is the only thing that works. If I miss a dose, I get a migraine.

I don't want another hormonal contraceptive but I'm really worried about how my fibro is going to impact getting the coil fitted. That's an area that can already be incredibly painful, post pregnancy, and the thought of making things worse terrifies me.

I hate that I'm being forced into this.

What about copper coil? Or even better, a vasectomy ;-)

Sorry I glossed over the discomfort bit, any coil an issue. Apologies.

The vasectomy is such a good idea. All of his friends have had it done...

Get another GP. They can't force you to do anything.

Apparently this is new government guidance. Presumably from NICE?

I'm actually going to double check that now. Good shout

I had a similar issue when I opted for a uterine ablation. Post ablation, a pregnancy is dangerous and the gynae insisted that I had a mirena or was sterilised. I wanted neither. I suffer from aura migraines and hormones exacerbate them and frankly I don’t want my tubes tied.

I was in my 40’s have had two dc and both those pregnancies were planned. I’ve been having sex with my dh (with condoms) since we were 17 and have been pregnant twice and planned.

I stuck to my guns and insisted that I had neither the coil or be sterilised. They reluctantly agreed.

If those are the only meds from which you have relief then insist you stay on them without the coil. It’s your body and you know it best.

Myself and both daughters suffer Fibromyalgia and migraines and my daughters both have a coil to regulate their periods.
Not affected their Fibromyalgia.
Youngest daughter on same medication.
Hope you get some help and happy with the outcome.

Yes. Thank you so much for this ladies. My husband is on the roof and my best friend is over seas so I couldn't talk to anyone about it. I couldn't work out whether I was being logical about this. I think I am.

@Moier I'm glad to hear it's worked for you and your daughters, thank you for sharing.

Fuck that. Tell the GP you're not having penetrative sex so it's irrelevant.

There is a coil called Jaydess that only lasts 3 years and has less hormones in it. That might be an option?

Your title suggests that if you have a coil or implant they want you to change your medication ? But I think you're saying you want to continue with topitimate but they won't let you unless you change contraception?

Unfortunately it's because that is the most effective contraception. It's the one the woman is most control of and also can't forget to take.

Abstinence isn't an option. It's the same with isotretioin.

@summerdazey Your summaries are correct.

But here's the thing, I have one cousin who got pregnant with the coil fitted and one who got pregnant after having the injection. Because they aren't actually fool proof either.

Ultimately it's a patriarchal decree that women cannot be allowed to manage our own reproductive health.

It's partly because men rape.

I had to use two forms of birth control for isotretioin.

I have heard about this before with topiramate. The guidance was updated unfortunately but it is ultimately for your own protection.

That would explain why, when Occy Health suggested topiramate, my GP said "no" and gave me pizotifen.

Try pizotifen, works a treat for me.

I was told 6 years ago I wouldn't be prescribed it without contraception as it can cause birth defects. I am infertile but still had to get a coil as it was the only drug that worked best for my migraines. It was the second attempt at it after kidney stones and i got them again so i had to stop again. I'm now on a injection that works even better.

Tell your GP you're a lesbian, meanwhile get your DH to have the snip.

Tell your GP you’re Asexual. I am, and did. Xx