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I had Essure put in almost four years ago. For those who don't know, coils were inserted into my fallopian tubes, scar tissue builds up blocking the tubes, and pregnancy is prevented. Since having the procedure done I've been miserable. After having multiple ovarian cysts, allergic reaction to the nickel (testing for this allergy isn't required before insertion), and a lot of pain (especially during sex), I finally went to my doctor and was referred off post to a gynecologist. Found out that the coils have basically fucked me up and they have to take out not just the tubes, but my uterus too. I don't want more kids, but for some reason this really bothers me. I'm 27 years old. I shouldn't have to have a hysterectomy at my age. I'm pissed that the doctor that put them in didn't tell me about these major issues. I'm pissed that I was too stupid to research Essure like I should have. I found a Facebook group full of thousands of women who have suffered far worse than me because of these damn coils. It's probably dumb, but it just makes me feel like I'll be less me when parts of my body are removed. Plus I've never had surgery, or even a broken bone or stitches, and this completely terrifies me.

((Frigidfire))

I'm sorry to hear this is happening to you, it does suck when an attempt to be responsible turns on you.

My mother had to have a hysterectomy at 35 because of fibroid tumors. She found the surgery fairly uncomplicated and her recovery went well. It's now been 30 years and hysterectomies have become easier to recover from than when my mother had hers.

Afterward she said sex was different but not bad...but I really didn't pay attention when my Mom would comment on her sex life.

I hope everything works out for you.

I'm sorry you have to go through this. Especially feeling duped by your dr. That's awful.
However. .... I had nothing but problems with my girlie parts after te birth of my first child and got much worse after number two. I struggled and fought with drs for 2 years. They wanted to put me in the pill for my condition. I refused. Mom had breast cancer, and theyade me crazy.

After D&Cs, an ablation and many ruined panties, sheets, and pants, I had a hysterectomy for my 31st birthday. It was the best present ever! I recovered very quickly and have never missed my parts for more than a second. I bought all new sheets and sexy panties. Sex whenever I wanted, no more feelin yucky from being anemic. It was wonderful.

So try to focus on all the positives you will have with this. Then look into any suits against the maker of this horrific product and see if you are eligible.

((( and strength)))

(((fridgidfire86)))

I'm so sorry. You will be free from worrying about ovarian and cervical cancers for the rest of your life. That's a pretty big bonus, even through I'm sure it's not much consolation right now.

(((Frigidfire)))

(((Frigidfire)))

((Frigidfire)) First off, I want to say how sorry I am that you have to go through this. it is so hard when medical "advances" turn out to be something that cause us major issues instead. I understand completely about feeling like "less than" yourself after a hysterectomy. I had to have one (along with an oovarectomy) when I was 43, only 2 years after I was married to my late H. I literally felt bereft at the thought of losing my womb. However, I had previously suffered from Cushing's Disease for 7 years, which often causes infertility and certainly was an additional factor to the fibroids that were the reason for my hysterectomy. My gyn finally got me to the proper viewpoint regarding keeping my womb by asking, "What are you saving it FOR?" It turned out to be the best decision I ever made - and I still feel quite as "whole" as I did before. Good luck on your surgery and swift recovery! BTW, I had never had a surgery, broken bones, or stitches previous to this operation either and I got up the next day and trudged around the wing of the unit for exercise! Just make sure to take a small pillow to hold under your stomach if they're doing an abdominal surgery - you'll need it if you sneeze. ((Frigidfire))

Frigidfire, this makes me so angry for you. I had a similar experience with the dreaded Dalkon shield in the 70s, and had my tubes removed after years of pain and scarring. I never wanted children, but the pain and suffering were something I could have done without.

There was a class action lawsuit and after years of waiting I received some monetary compensation.

Apparently the laws were changed in the 70s (after Dalkon) to exempt these types of products from litigation. Which makes me even more angry. It's just not right. We are not guinea pigs!

Erin Brokovitch is apparently all over this, good for her.

[This message edited by FaithFool at 8:52 AM, April 2nd (Wednesday)]

1. Are you able to keep your ovaries? If you can, do.
2. Please make sure you see a reproductive specialist about this before doing anything. Not to keep being able to reproduce, but because they have the most extensive experience in female anatomy and keeping parts. Have them refer you to a surgeon if necessary. A gynecologist oncologist might also be able to save more. Just a thought, but I find some obgyn's to be a little willing to throw out the uterus with any other repairs.
3. If you do end up having the uterus removed, it should not leave you feeling less than. If you keep your ovaries, it should not be a great hormone change,

FF86,

I would do as much investigating as you can. And you are young, would it be wise to freeze your eggs just in case?

(((((frigidfire)))))

I'm so sorry, honey. I know how you feel - I had to have a hysterectomy at age 23 - I had severe endo and it had to go as I was constantly bleeding - they took everything but my ovaries. I had two children (at 18 and 22) so I was very lucky. It was the 80s, so it was a full incision, hip to hip, 5 days in the hospital and 8 weeks of recovery. I am pretty sure that nowadays they can do a hysterectomy vaginally. Is that the route you are taking?

We did not want more children (I had my tubes tied), but the finality of it was difficult for me for awhile.

On a positive note, having no periods since 1988 has been wonderful (they were always long and painful) - my sex life improved dramatically. I am almost 49 years old and I still ovulate, so no menopause yet - so minus the periods, I have full hormonal function.

Lastly, IMHO, you should consult an attorney. There has to be some sort of compensation due to you given that your reproductive system was destroyed by the Essure.

Many hugs...please let us know how everything goes.

Lala

Well, once you've had a chance to do some research and think about it, you may find, like I did, that this is one of the better surgeries that you ever had! All my pain went away when I woke up from anesthesia. And it was at a crippling level before. My sex drive came ROARING back and I enjoyed sex again. No more periods! No more PMS! I should be the poster child for this surgery.

I had a vaginal hyst when it was just starting to be an accepted alternative. I highly recommend it as I recovered very, very fast.

(((hugs))) This doesn't make you any less of a woman get that thought right out of your head. In many ways, it will free you up to be more of one!

(((((frigidfire)))))

I so feel for you. Facing the thought of a hysterectomy is so scary. I just went through that scare.

I'm with the others....GET A SECOND OPINION ON HOW MUCH NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. Fight to keep your ovaries if you can. If it's just the tubes that are an issue, why not just remove them?

Good luck.

Get a second opinion do your research.

I had a hyster at 28, that was in 2003 due to cervical cancer.

Now on to the highpoints. I barely have a scar, felt FAB after the surgery. No more periods, cramps, BC worries. Sex wasn't any different for me or my partner other than no fears of pregnancy. The recovery wasn't terrible.

Hystersisters.com is a great website.

I had a uterus only hysterectomy at around 35 due to fybroid/prolapse. I've been nothing but happy with the results.

Very fast recovery and no scar because of having it done vaginally. No impact on sex life. LOVE not having a period, especially because they'd become ridiculous towards the end.

I realize no one wants to be put in this position, but there are some advantages.