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!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Friday, July 27, 2012
Small Update
Just wanted to report that everything is going well! My mood has improved a lot, the depression is totally manageable now, but I do have the occasional anxiety spike. This is probably more to do with my brain than Implanon.
One thing that had happened in the last month was a dramatic dip in energy levels. I had motivation, but no energy. I could sleep all day and it wasn't enough. Also, my legs would hurt so bad when I went to bed and they felt like I was about to get a cramp but it was like they were always just on the verge.
I no longer have insurance, so I couldn't go to the doctor, but my legs hurt so bad I thought about just paying in full. I started research first and really couldn't find anything to explain it. No Implanon warnings, no lamtical warnings. I finally just googled "leg pain" and a lot of possibilities showed up. One which I immediately dismissed was anemia. Honestly, I had no idea what anemia was but I knew it didn't have it. But, I was desperate and I clicked on it just to see. Turns out, I had almost every symptom! I honestly don't know if I have anemia, but it was probable that I was low on iron. So, I decided to take an Iron supplement and it fixed everything! I am amazed and now, I wake up totally refreshed and full of energy. My legs cramps are gone. I feel 100% better!
This probably has nothing to do with Implanon, but I really don't know why I would be low on iron. It's never happened before and no doctor has ever told me I need to watch out for it. But, I just wanted to post this, just in case someone else has experienced this with Implanon or in general. Love to hear anyone else's experience with iron deficiency.
One thing that had happened in the last month was a dramatic dip in energy levels. I had motivation, but no energy. I could sleep all day and it wasn't enough. Also, my legs would hurt so bad when I went to bed and they felt like I was about to get a cramp but it was like they were always just on the verge.
I no longer have insurance, so I couldn't go to the doctor, but my legs hurt so bad I thought about just paying in full. I started research first and really couldn't find anything to explain it. No Implanon warnings, no lamtical warnings. I finally just googled "leg pain" and a lot of possibilities showed up. One which I immediately dismissed was anemia. Honestly, I had no idea what anemia was but I knew it didn't have it. But, I was desperate and I clicked on it just to see. Turns out, I had almost every symptom! I honestly don't know if I have anemia, but it was probable that I was low on iron. So, I decided to take an Iron supplement and it fixed everything! I am amazed and now, I wake up totally refreshed and full of energy. My legs cramps are gone. I feel 100% better!
This probably has nothing to do with Implanon, but I really don't know why I would be low on iron. It's never happened before and no doctor has ever told me I need to watch out for it. But, I just wanted to post this, just in case someone else has experienced this with Implanon or in general. Love to hear anyone else's experience with iron deficiency.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
It's been a good long while
Hello, my random cyber space friends. I've haven't posted in ages and I'm sorry.
Not a lot has happened. For a long time, I felt the same as I had posted last time. Depressed and defeated. I figured it was the Implanon because I just couldn't get myself to be happy and it sucked! I have contemplated getting Implanon removed for so long. I go back and forth to this day. But, I still have it. Every time I convinced myself this is the last straw, I somehow talk myself out of it.
I do think my libido has taken a downturn, but not so terribly that it ruins my life. Granted, still single.
My hair is intact. I weigh more than I'd like to and it's a struggle to lose it, which is unusual. Perhaps its the bc, perhaps it's because I night binge. Maybe both. I have no acne and no periods. So, I'm keeping that sucker in. I'm scared to death of not being on bc, so I gotta stick this one out. Maybe I'll opt for something different next year or maybe I'll ask my neurologist if I can be put on a different medication that doesn't interact with the pill. Until then or until something dire happens, that implant is staying in here.
I'd like to say this is still a success story.
Not a lot has happened. For a long time, I felt the same as I had posted last time. Depressed and defeated. I figured it was the Implanon because I just couldn't get myself to be happy and it sucked! I have contemplated getting Implanon removed for so long. I go back and forth to this day. But, I still have it. Every time I convinced myself this is the last straw, I somehow talk myself out of it.
I do think my libido has taken a downturn, but not so terribly that it ruins my life. Granted, still single.
My hair is intact. I weigh more than I'd like to and it's a struggle to lose it, which is unusual. Perhaps its the bc, perhaps it's because I night binge. Maybe both. I have no acne and no periods. So, I'm keeping that sucker in. I'm scared to death of not being on bc, so I gotta stick this one out. Maybe I'll opt for something different next year or maybe I'll ask my neurologist if I can be put on a different medication that doesn't interact with the pill. Until then or until something dire happens, that implant is staying in here.
I'd like to say this is still a success story.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Update
Well cyberspace friends, I haven't updated in awhile and I have two very good reasons. One is that nothing has really changed and two, certain things have changed dramatically.
As far as physical things go, I'm 100% ok. My hair is intact, I still don't have periods, no sporadic bleeding. All is well.
However, I will say that I have gained about 15 lbs and I hate it. What is worse is being so depressed that I do nothing about it. I've struggled with depression throughout my life, however this bout seems to be insurmountable. I have a few good days, but then I have several not so good. I sleep constantly, I eat just about everything, and nothing is really pulling me out of it. The good days are never enough, you know?I feel like I'm just floating along, getting through each day. I have so many wonderful things in my life, but I don't look forward to them. They do not bring me the same pleasure anymore. I just got accepted to study abroad in Sweden and I just can't be excited about it. I used to get up everyday and just feel happy about the wonder that each day holds and I loved all the possibilities. That has changed and even on the good days, I don't feel that way. Also, when I was doing all the research I could on Implanon, one review stuck out to me and still sticks with me. This girl was writing how angry she felt while on Implanon and wrote (forgive me, it might not be verbatum) "I know how frustrating it is to feel so angry and not know why or where its coming from." I feel that way and for the first time in my life, I'm seriously considering anti-depressants.
Also, to be as frank as possible, my sex drive just isn't there. I'm not some crazy nympho or anything, but I do know that being this passive isn't normal. What I feel is a lot like how I felt on Yaz. I don't really get crushes, I don't really feel attracted to anyone, I get no sexual feelings from kissing or touching, and I really don't care that I don't feel those things. I really wouldn't mind the suppression of my sex drive because I don't need a relationship right now, but the depression is going along with it and that isn't ok with me.
I don't honestly know if Implanon is the problem. There is so much going on in my life, but that is nothing new. Ever since September, I haven't been the same. And that would mark about my 1 year anniversary on Implanon.
At this point, I don't know what to do. I feel very conflicted. Taking out Implanon is a serious decision for many reasons. One being it was my last option for birth control. Another is the procedure probably won't be covered by insurance. Another is that Implanon may not be the problem. On Monday, I'm going to make some calls, set up appointments and see what doctors have to say.
I'm so disappointed that Implanon might be the problem. I wanted this to work out so bad and everything was going so well. But now its not anymore. A few weeks back, I told myself that if things don't get better within a few weeks then I would get it taken out. I thought after getting accepted to study abroad, I would feel better. After I got accepted, I thought getting the all the information would help. It really hasn't. There is a serious problem and I gotta find out what it is.
As always, I will update the blog with what I find out, if things change, and/or if I decide to get rid of Implanon.
As far as physical things go, I'm 100% ok. My hair is intact, I still don't have periods, no sporadic bleeding. All is well.
However, I will say that I have gained about 15 lbs and I hate it. What is worse is being so depressed that I do nothing about it. I've struggled with depression throughout my life, however this bout seems to be insurmountable. I have a few good days, but then I have several not so good. I sleep constantly, I eat just about everything, and nothing is really pulling me out of it. The good days are never enough, you know?I feel like I'm just floating along, getting through each day. I have so many wonderful things in my life, but I don't look forward to them. They do not bring me the same pleasure anymore. I just got accepted to study abroad in Sweden and I just can't be excited about it. I used to get up everyday and just feel happy about the wonder that each day holds and I loved all the possibilities. That has changed and even on the good days, I don't feel that way. Also, when I was doing all the research I could on Implanon, one review stuck out to me and still sticks with me. This girl was writing how angry she felt while on Implanon and wrote (forgive me, it might not be verbatum) "I know how frustrating it is to feel so angry and not know why or where its coming from." I feel that way and for the first time in my life, I'm seriously considering anti-depressants.
Also, to be as frank as possible, my sex drive just isn't there. I'm not some crazy nympho or anything, but I do know that being this passive isn't normal. What I feel is a lot like how I felt on Yaz. I don't really get crushes, I don't really feel attracted to anyone, I get no sexual feelings from kissing or touching, and I really don't care that I don't feel those things. I really wouldn't mind the suppression of my sex drive because I don't need a relationship right now, but the depression is going along with it and that isn't ok with me.
I don't honestly know if Implanon is the problem. There is so much going on in my life, but that is nothing new. Ever since September, I haven't been the same. And that would mark about my 1 year anniversary on Implanon.
At this point, I don't know what to do. I feel very conflicted. Taking out Implanon is a serious decision for many reasons. One being it was my last option for birth control. Another is the procedure probably won't be covered by insurance. Another is that Implanon may not be the problem. On Monday, I'm going to make some calls, set up appointments and see what doctors have to say.
I'm so disappointed that Implanon might be the problem. I wanted this to work out so bad and everything was going so well. But now its not anymore. A few weeks back, I told myself that if things don't get better within a few weeks then I would get it taken out. I thought after getting accepted to study abroad, I would feel better. After I got accepted, I thought getting the all the information would help. It really hasn't. There is a serious problem and I gotta find out what it is.
As always, I will update the blog with what I find out, if things change, and/or if I decide to get rid of Implanon.
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!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Cramps... As Usual
So as of yesterday, I have had cramps and they are getting annoying! I'm also going through that usual food craving stage, however chocolate isn't at the forefront of my cravings this time. That of course doesn't stop me from shoving any other kind of sweet in my mouth though. If it's not one thing, then it's something else! Ugh!
Other than that, I am good. Weight is stable, mood is stable, hair seems normal, no spotting lately, no excessive acne. It's now been 9 months, so I am pretty happy that this has stayed consistent. Cramping and food craving once a month doesn't seem so bad when you think of all the other things that could happen.
I guess that is all for now! I hope you have enjoyed this post! (There is a bit of sarcasm there ; ) )
Other than that, I am good. Weight is stable, mood is stable, hair seems normal, no spotting lately, no excessive acne. It's now been 9 months, so I am pretty happy that this has stayed consistent. Cramping and food craving once a month doesn't seem so bad when you think of all the other things that could happen.
I guess that is all for now! I hope you have enjoyed this post! (There is a bit of sarcasm there ; ) )
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