So, my body is taking the break up with Implanon kinda rough.
Within the first 24 hours, I became pretty nauseous, which impaired my ability to sleep, which caused me to miss class both from lack of sleep but also nausea. Now, the nausea is gone but I'm tired all the time. At first it wasn't so noticeable what with an upset stomach but now I'm really feeling it. I'm hoping that by Tuesday I will start feeling better has the hormones leave my body, I'm just thankful the weekend is coming up so I can recover a bit.
I've started the research process with Merina and of course, there are tons of terrible reviews but I have learned to just take those for what they are worth. I won't know until I try, so I'm just going to go with it.
That said, I am on the fence as to which IUD, Paraguard or Merina. Basically; hormones or no hormones? I want to wait and see if I can't lose weight in a more timely manner, then decide which one to get. My gyno really put the pressure on to get the IUD ASAP, especially if I want to stay period free, but I can handle a flipping period for the love of <insert less offensive term here>!! Right now, I'm leaning towards waiting it out. I'm not to thrilled with all the post Implanon side effects I'm having, so I want some space from hormones for awhile.
Showing posts with label Success. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Success. Show all posts
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Removal
Well, cyber space readers, I am writing to report that I just had Implanon removed.
First, let me explain:
The only reason I chose to get Implanon removed was because of weight gain. That is the only reason. And, to be fair, I have only gained 10 pounds, but after dieting for 5 months and getting into exercising 3 to 4 times a week without even being able to shed ONE pound is frustrating.
Also, 4 years ago, I lost 30lbs and had kept it off for 3 years straight (I even lost an additional 8 shortly after I got Implanon but that was because I was exercising). Granted, I am still over weight, but being able to keep that 30lbs off was really important to me, so when it came to be that I gained 10 and now can't lose it, I took it especially hard. I don't see my body as attractive anymore and I'm too self-conscious around guys in the first place, so to add the thought of my being too fat for someone to like me just makes it worse. Further, It's hard to be one of those people who lost a good portion of weight, only to gain it back. I do not want to be one of those people and there is no reason I should be that person. I know how to maintain my weight, so when previously and well known methods to lose weight don't work, I can only blame my birth control.
I also want to add that I hope no one lets my decision affect their decision to get Implanon inserted. It is only about 20% of women who experience the non-stop bleeding and I am proof that it CAN work successfully. My decision is so specific to me and my history that it really shouldn't make you or anyone rethink a perfectly effective (one of the most effective at that) birth control method.
Now, onto the actual removal:
Nearly painless! The worst part was the numbing shot which hurt SO MUCH LESS THAN GETTING IT INSERTED! I breathed through stinging, and it was over before I knew it. The shot that is. I guess some scar tissue built up around the rod, so she had some trouble wiggling it out. All I felt was pressure, so it was no worries for me.
My arm doesn't hurt, it isn't sore and it's well bandaged as I write this.
Now, my OBGYN wasn't going to let me off the hook without a through talking to about another form of birth control. To quote her "One of the most frustrating parts of my job is removing a perfectly effective birth control and not replacing it with another." I had to agree with her. I'm not a proponent of having sex without birth control, and as I hope you have read - I have few options on my plate.
After talking with her, she recommended (with confidence and vigor) Merina, an IUD with hormones (but much, much less than Implanon and the hormones are focused on your uterus). I asked her about my abnormal pap: not a problem. I asked about pain and it being more painful because I haven't had kids: most people say it isn't as bad as they thought. I brought up that I've never had kids, so would it be a good option for me: absolutely, she recommends them to most patients and quotes them as being one of the most effective methods. Also take into account that this was at the women's clinic at my University, so the majority of who she sees are college students like myself.
So, my next birth control adventure is Merina, which I will be happy to post about as well when I get it inserted. Possibly as soon as the end of this month (January).
WISH ME LUCK!
First, let me explain:
The only reason I chose to get Implanon removed was because of weight gain. That is the only reason. And, to be fair, I have only gained 10 pounds, but after dieting for 5 months and getting into exercising 3 to 4 times a week without even being able to shed ONE pound is frustrating.
Also, 4 years ago, I lost 30lbs and had kept it off for 3 years straight (I even lost an additional 8 shortly after I got Implanon but that was because I was exercising). Granted, I am still over weight, but being able to keep that 30lbs off was really important to me, so when it came to be that I gained 10 and now can't lose it, I took it especially hard. I don't see my body as attractive anymore and I'm too self-conscious around guys in the first place, so to add the thought of my being too fat for someone to like me just makes it worse. Further, It's hard to be one of those people who lost a good portion of weight, only to gain it back. I do not want to be one of those people and there is no reason I should be that person. I know how to maintain my weight, so when previously and well known methods to lose weight don't work, I can only blame my birth control.
I also want to add that I hope no one lets my decision affect their decision to get Implanon inserted. It is only about 20% of women who experience the non-stop bleeding and I am proof that it CAN work successfully. My decision is so specific to me and my history that it really shouldn't make you or anyone rethink a perfectly effective (one of the most effective at that) birth control method.
Now, onto the actual removal:
Nearly painless! The worst part was the numbing shot which hurt SO MUCH LESS THAN GETTING IT INSERTED! I breathed through stinging, and it was over before I knew it. The shot that is. I guess some scar tissue built up around the rod, so she had some trouble wiggling it out. All I felt was pressure, so it was no worries for me.
My arm doesn't hurt, it isn't sore and it's well bandaged as I write this.
Now, my OBGYN wasn't going to let me off the hook without a through talking to about another form of birth control. To quote her "One of the most frustrating parts of my job is removing a perfectly effective birth control and not replacing it with another." I had to agree with her. I'm not a proponent of having sex without birth control, and as I hope you have read - I have few options on my plate.
After talking with her, she recommended (with confidence and vigor) Merina, an IUD with hormones (but much, much less than Implanon and the hormones are focused on your uterus). I asked her about my abnormal pap: not a problem. I asked about pain and it being more painful because I haven't had kids: most people say it isn't as bad as they thought. I brought up that I've never had kids, so would it be a good option for me: absolutely, she recommends them to most patients and quotes them as being one of the most effective methods. Also take into account that this was at the women's clinic at my University, so the majority of who she sees are college students like myself.
So, my next birth control adventure is Merina, which I will be happy to post about as well when I get it inserted. Possibly as soon as the end of this month (January).
WISH ME LUCK!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
One Year Anniversary! Woooo!
Well, everyone, as the post indicates; it's my 1 year anniversary for having Implanon! I'm still doing great on it and the spotting never happens anymore! Overall, I'm quite happy!
I will say though, as I have in previous posts, I do suspect my sex drive isn't quite what it used to be before I got Implanon. Of course, there are other factors. I'm stressed out as HELL right now and have been for most of the summer. I'm taking 5 classes this semester, applying to study abroad, applying for Grad school for next fall, and I have 2 part time jobs. I have quite a plate full and I often wonder what the hell I am thinking half the time. Sorry, I know that is off topic, but I gotta vent! Plus, I'd like to think it helps others understand that Implanon isn't always the sole cause for common side effects.
Anyway, good luck to anyone else who wants to try Implanon! I'm so excited this HAS helped others and will continue to do so in the future. I promise to keep blogging as long as there are people visiting!
I will say though, as I have in previous posts, I do suspect my sex drive isn't quite what it used to be before I got Implanon. Of course, there are other factors. I'm stressed out as HELL right now and have been for most of the summer. I'm taking 5 classes this semester, applying to study abroad, applying for Grad school for next fall, and I have 2 part time jobs. I have quite a plate full and I often wonder what the hell I am thinking half the time. Sorry, I know that is off topic, but I gotta vent! Plus, I'd like to think it helps others understand that Implanon isn't always the sole cause for common side effects.
Anyway, good luck to anyone else who wants to try Implanon! I'm so excited this HAS helped others and will continue to do so in the future. I promise to keep blogging as long as there are people visiting!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Update: Month # 11
Ok, I haven't updated in awhile. Sorry! But it's a good thing because there is nothing to update about! Good news, yet it makes for boring blog time.
So, everything is going great! The spotting almost never happens now and I don't appear to be getting anymore PMS flares, as far as I can tell. I have gained some weight, but that is just me not eating and exercising like I should :(. Also, I've heard so much advice about hair loss and how we go through cycles of increased hair loss and then a more normal amount, which seems to have happened.
Overall, I'm very pleased with my decision. I still constantly thumb over the implant, it's an unconscious habit now. It is nice to not have to think about taking birth control, yet having that constant security of being responsible about birth control!
So, everything is going great! The spotting almost never happens now and I don't appear to be getting anymore PMS flares, as far as I can tell. I have gained some weight, but that is just me not eating and exercising like I should :(. Also, I've heard so much advice about hair loss and how we go through cycles of increased hair loss and then a more normal amount, which seems to have happened.
Overall, I'm very pleased with my decision. I still constantly thumb over the implant, it's an unconscious habit now. It is nice to not have to think about taking birth control, yet having that constant security of being responsible about birth control!
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