Did I just do something really stupid?

[blardydoctors]

About 3 weeks ago I got a coil fitted. I was supposed to be getting a copper one but when I got there she had the mirena ready and got all shirty that I wanted a copper one "nobody has a copper one these days you know, I don't even think we have one in the surgery" .

So I went with the mirena, cue two weeks of crap. I have bled really heavily ever since (and given that I am excl bfeding a 12 wk baby I am feeling conned at having to deal with that) and have had a constant low lying headache ever since it was fitted. So I just called up to get it removed and the ever so polite, kind and lovely receptionist said I can't because the gp doesn't have another coil clinic for 6 weeks!!

So I just pulled it out myself.

I am now thinking that given that I know nothing about coil removal or how they do it that I probably shouldn't of. It has also just occured to me that when I go back to get a copper one she is going to wonder where the bloody mirena one is.

I just did something stupid didn't I

well, I agree...but didn't it do your head in when you were a receptionist when people blamed YOU when you couldn't help?....

Ok medic here...am sure you didn't do any harm we do just pull them out and some cramping and bleeding is normal but please go see your GP just to check....
I am big fan of mirena both professionally and personally (I had mine in for 2 years)...you DO get some spotting initially and it can last for 3 months but most people after that will settle to very light or no bleeding at all..so saying as everything some people will not get on with it...as it does contain hormones it can affect mood/weight/headaches etc...though I think BF a 12 week old is enough on its own...I think you should have given it a little longer but whats done is done
Copper ones are occasionally used but honestly the mirena is better

aww FioFio , I was just pointing out something that's a bugbear of mine...I actually thought everything else you posted was really helpful and informative..no hard feelings

macdoodle, you're not the only medic around here

Gosh tissy I know I'm not was just identifying it as "medical" advice rather than just helpful comments as I prefer not to have a profile page to remain anonymous as possible....I am well aware there are lots of doctors/nurses etc on MN but hey ho won't bother am sure you lot can be helful all by yourselves then

I think Tissy was just saying that she is a medic too?

..with a friendly medic to medic type wink?

Can I ask why GPs seem so adament that we should have a coil fitted? I don't know why (maybe too many gynae exams over the years) but I really can't bear the thought of it, but every time I go to the GP to discuss contraception she never even bothers explaining other options to me, I just don't get it.

Sorry for hijack, and I really hope things settle down for you.

tissy -

My understanding is that the Mirena is a lot less hormones than the pill, so thats a big upside, plus doesnt have the risks of the other obvious contraceptions of user error -I was always forgetting with the Pill, or having a tummy upset, so worried it had gone straight through me etc etc, whereas the coil is no effort at all.

I'd recommend sticking with the Mirena, the long term advantages of reduced periods are so great, its well worth the initial problems.

Mirena is great - TBH it is a bit of a hassle for GP's - initial consult warn risks etc check exam and take swabs then fit it...so far more time consuming than just dishing out the pill....most GP's are offering you the best most effective option (at minimal gain to them yes there is a financial payment ut in our practice it doesn't really cover the time and energy)...sometimes guys really your GP does actually have your best interest at heart ( we are not all bad).....oh and medic

I had my Mirena removed 5 days ago. Thnk you're very brave to pull it out yourself! I went straight into a heavy period, which was a bit of a shocker.
Have already lost 3lbs! I KNEW it was making me gain weight.
I know lots of people love the Mirena, but I felt decidedly wierd with mine. I had it for almost 2 years, so I did give it a chance.

FioFio - definitely no hard feelings..we mums have it hard enough and should stick together

I've had the Mirena for about 3 months, have hardly had any bleeding, only side effect is a bit of weight gain. I'd recommend it - and couldn't even begin to think of trying to take it out myself - ouch! I think they do open the cervix for insertion and removal, that's why it hurts and they even offer a local anaesthetic!!