OP: Mirena (IUS) advice please

Well I am just back from the clinic. I am actually shocked by the opinion difference! The Dr here said there are no problems for me what so ever and in fact after discussing my problems she said an IUD is best bet. :O She has given me the number of the clinic that implant them and I should call them tomorrow and book an appointment for the next week. She did say that though the other Dr who spoke to me advice was probably somewhat based and "older" IUD's and what they used to do with them. Then said that the IUD's have very much changed (much like you said earlier Brandye) and are a lot easier to fit for non-parous women then they used to be (making me feel alot better!) She even said a local anesthetic wouldnt be necessary (contrary to what I have been told) and that painkillers taken an hour beforehand should ease the process making it less uncomfortable.

I feel alot better and I am soooo relieved I am not getting the implant. It really its creepy to me.

She also said that I could have it fitted quickly without a period as long as it is not after my 12th week on depo as it is a high form of protection and it would be unlikely my period or erratic bleeds would occur. I may get spotting but I may consult a Dr on it if I wish too. Which is so good.

Thanks for helping me and I hope this helps others too! :)

info_junkie

Posted: 29 Sep 23:07

You certainly evoked a good bit of discussion. I am somewhat embarassed by your treatment at the hands of my colleagues. I am also surprised you got such rapid response.

I will not say anyone is wrong but I cannot imagine a patient having difficulty adjusting to depo on the implant.

I do the IUDs in my surgery with nothing beyond a happy pill with some frequency.

Brandye

Posted: 29 Sep 23:08

See I thought the same. And I am not a medical student nor (obv) a dr! I though that was common sense...

I hope i am not seeing her so she can tell me I am just mildly anemic and it was nothing to worry about! (thats bad to be told on medication!) I am misfortunate this 2008 hahaha

Thanks so much with all your help :D

info_junkie

Posted: 29 Sep 23:09

There are risks with any birth control options...having an implant under the tissue which is supposed to last for approx. 5 years...observations? High infection risks and cellulitis. I have seen some real nightmares accompanied by the tissue implants. Personally? I would never do them for myself; I have seen too many have to be removed.

IUD? I would consider even if non-para. However no metal due to the use of MRI's and errors which can occur through forgetting its in...I would go for the plastic. During trauma we check for them; however, I have seen several forget. During a Multi-system trauma (such as severe auto accidents) all orifices require being checked even to he point of removing contacts lenses...many over look them, overlook IUDs, and tampons due to the nature of a rush.

Pills & Depo appear to affect you adversely...I would use the IUD. Just my two cents.

I give you much credit for your diligence and research on what will work for you best. You are informed; however, keep in mind all suggestions by those docs who have seen/examined you are health care are OPINIONS! The end choice needs to be your own and you appear to have investigated all potential options.

One thought, I do not know if they are used in the UK...they are antiquated to degrees here in the US...a cervical cap which is not removed. There were a few which stay in place with a one way valve to allow for your period to pass through. Add a vaginal spermicide? I would think this might work without invasive procedures and no hormones involved. This is not the same c. cap which is removed regularly, cleansed, & replaced. Mind you, I do not know what ramifications of such barrier would have being present all the time. I do know they are tough to obtain here but they can be ordered after a fitting. Have the become obsolete over the past years? I am not certain.

Best of luck!!! Keep us posted & make the best choice for you! Brandye works within the NHS and knows her stuff well!

sera300

Posted: 29 Sep 23:10

I wanted to know all my options. I never really got told bout them when I was younger as I went to a catholic school. I actually remember how I was told the IUD worked! "The coil prevents pregnancy. We don't know how, so its not the best option!" (I mean even I knew she wasn't telling the whole truth. My mum told me what she could.

Yep I am going for the IUD but the sounds of it all I have to worry about is the fitting... apparently spotting is not an issue as I was on depo... its all good. Just gotta make that call and Brave insertion some point next week I am nervous now but I know its for the best.

Cheers again.

info_junkie

Posted: 29 Sep 23:11

Good luck, I have heard from women who have had them inserted it's not a major issue, discomfort wise. I learned very little re: re BC options. Found info. while taking Maternal & Female health-care in the depths of my text books and found the most obsolete BC which was never mentioned...I did a great deal of research. Found Gyns were of little assistance with such---remember the IUD at that time was under scrutiny. The only real option offered to me was the "old" BCP's. I did poorly with them & set out on a quest to find a more favorable method for me. At that time the sponge was really the only non-hormonal method. Looking at the present methods and medical technology, I would consider the IUD, as you are, as long as it is a non-metal item.

Let me know how you do! You have certainly been persistent & are well informed!

sera300

Posted: 29 Sep 23:11

Its really not that bad, its just a bit more uncomfortable than a PAP. Its the cramping after that hurts, make sure you take some pills before insertion...whatever ones you use when you have a bad period. Oh and don't plan a big day...like walking/shopping/etc, give yourself the day to relax in case the pain is really bad.

curious_woman

Posted: 29 Sep 23:11

I understand, and respect, sera's issues with metal IUDs. I do not consider it a big deal. The copper plated IUD does have some advantages and some disadvantages. These are issues to be talked out with the doctor.

MRI is not compatible with iron content anywhere in the body but the only IUDs that contain any iron are in the form of stainless steel which is non-magnetic. Some IUD have a silver core, some nickel and some plastic. None of these present any danger with MRI. Copper, itself, is non-magnetic and presents no danger.

The NHS guridelines in the UK say onlythat a woman with with an IUD should advise the radiographer. In most cases, except the very highest magnetic levels, this is a non-issue.

sera is right in that emergeny procedures often do not consider the possibility of an IUD. In practical terms, this almost a non-issue.

Brandye

Posted: 29 Sep 23:11

It's something which patients need to keep in their mind; we use high imaging machines/magnets. I have had pens, paper-clips, & "lighters" pulled clear out of my pocket into the magnet while in w/a patient during sedation measures or monitoring (glad they were sedated!!!). Down to even slight metals in the new "permanent cosmetics" can cause a reaction of burning--talk about feeling heat. Stainless & Titanium are not issues...the remainder? I would be leary of unless the Radiologist reviewed an x-ray (like done with certain cardiac stents) & done for certain ID'ing devices. Such as technique we use to "find" info. on pacers and to trace the manufacturer or log number!

The main point, is people being careful to mention & not forget to practitioners & for all exams, so often patients take it for granted. Much like asking "do you take any meds daily? women say no, ask if they take the pill? Yes. Practitioner's here in the US (Doc's) do not even know when to or not to order IV contrast for MRI's! Sort of scary.

A patient needs to remember and to tell people what you have in and the device.

sera300

Posted: 29 Sep 23:12

I will keep that in mind. I think the Mirena is plastic and not the coil one. As you know I am sure :)

I shall let you know what happens and what gets said as I am sure it will help others possible looking at the thread. :D

info_junkie

Posted: 29 Sep 23:12

Right 2 weeks trying to get an appointment I have now been told I cant get it in as now there isnt any appointments and my depo runs out today! I have bee telling them this every call! And if there were appointments I wouldn't get it fitted as not apparently its now too late. WTF is up with the NHS! I mean seriously I feel like I am being jerked around! I have been trying for ages I havent had sex in 3 weeks! As I wont without a back up method. What do I do now. They said get another depo. I cant I told them and why then told the everything. And their insightful response was well either just use condoms or dont have sex. DUH I figured that out.

Grrr I hate the NHS!! my god!

info_junkie

Posted: 29 Sep 23:13

Info:

I do not know fully how the NHS system works. But get the appointment for the fitting; until the date use condoms & spermicide. Another depo? No way not with the symptoms you have had. Is starting BCP's an option until you can get the IUD in?

What if you just make an appointment with a private doc and pay out of pocket? See if you can get the ring? Brandye did say there are ways around that.

sera300

Posted: 29 Sep 23:13

I have no money to pay out of pocket at the moment. I i tried making an appointment.. I am going to call again. grrr

Cant go on BCP. on low dose trimethproine (Its spelt wrong sorry). I have been told now 3 times I cant get the ring under any circumstances buy 3 people. I really have tried. I am so annoyed!

info_junkie

Posted: 29 Sep 23:14

What if for now you use the VCF & a condom? Or the Sponge and condom? Forgot about the BCP issue with medication interactions. I know you are younger...so condoms are a must have v. using spermicidal methods alone.

Here the monthly premium for Health insurance in my state for an individual is about $450/month. Add on the copays? Currently I wind up with an additional $600/month for daily IV Rocephin. Meds? They will not cover BC at all not even if needed anymore due to cysts. Hormone replacement therapy? they decided not to cover any longer since they [insurance companies] deemed them not necessary! As they stated...you can just go through menopause like everyone else. Our system is really no better.

I give you much credit for sticking with it...I battled with BC methods for years...finally when in a stable relationship (marriage) opted for the Cervical cap with a spermicide applied inside of it (the old types) but still need to be fit for one much like a diaphragm. But there is no protection against STD's and they do have failure rates. Had to choose the depo when the cyst issue became too much--resulting in surgery.

Just keep on them...at times if you annoy them long enough they will get in you to keep you quiet.

sera300

Posted: 29 Sep 23:15

All health systems are screwed up - some are just better than others: France, Germany, Sweden.

Given what little I know of the US payment system, I think I prefer the UK NHS. But, we have enough problems such as junkies, that I cannot recommend.

Secret: This NHS physician (with dual citizenship) gets all dental care and most medical care in Germany. Do not tell Gordon Brown that!

Brandye

Posted: 29 Sep 23:15

Thanks all. I am just staying sex free until I get a back up method to use with condoms. I am very very paranoid about pregnancy (personal issues that may have been transfered from my mother now i think about it).

lol Your secret safe with me Brandye. I have triple citizenship but I dont think it would help me (as american I need health insurance and Irish and British pfft! At least the NHS has more options without me shedding a lot of money out!)

Terrible about what you have been told Sara! And the money yikes! I think my family was lucky there were on a show called miracle workers... i think. My uncle got his foot fixed and a bionic arm for free. Even though it looks real he doesnt use it as they rushed it and it doesn't fit properly. Still worth $10,000 and is sooo very creepy. And it was free. lol

Will let you how tomorrow goes (sorry about my poor spelling in previous post as a VERY quick post!) Hopefully good results eh?

info_junkie

Posted: 29 Sep 23:16

The US system I do believe is the worst...many Americans have no access to health care insurance. If you private pay as part of a individual plan...it's about $1200/month. No dental or vision with that either.

Even here, if you are an admitted addict; you get better coverage! Methadone for free, and many go to the ER's for their Demerol shots or Percocet for their "highs. Cannot turn them away, they do not pay their bills, and drive the costs up more for everyone. I long gave up on trying to "cure" the addiction issue. I will only write a script for about 10 pills to someone known since they will go to the next hospital in 24 hours and get another. Private patients with addictions? Sorry, no meds...they get referred to "pain control" specialists---I refuse to take the liability. If one has a broken arm? Fine, discharged with 6 pills and a referral to the Orthopod. the next day.

The DEA has controlled substances so tightly; the patients who require a med legitimately have a tough time. Have back surgery? Your are fortunate if you can have 20 Vicodin. Why? The DEA flags the prescribers & visits questioning every....every move you make. Better off living on Advil or Motrin here in the US. Missing one dose of a med in the ER? DEA is on the step...how to handle narcs...when 3 days later you found accidentally someone forgot to sign out IV Valium for a patient which was seizing. Yes, we did find it, but that nurse was off for a few days and on vacation. Have to reconcile & make a report to the state. Government here has controlled meds too much & insurance companies run the system to deny paying for legitimate treatment. Just to get IV Rocephin? Was a battle with demonstrated positive tests & results; still they tried to deny the claims.

So ask for BC? HRT? It's an option, not a covered expense. Yes, at 41 I should just go through Menopause as the woman in her mid-fifties. They forgot the benefits of HRT for some women....

Teens with emotional issues? Get put on anti-depressants (sorry to often prescribed here) when a small dose of Xanax for a short period of time would have been better treatment if given to the parent, monitored, & used carefully.

sera300

Posted: 29 Sep 23:16

"Teens with emotional issues? Get put on anti-depressants (sorry to often prescribed here)"

Reminds me so much of a dr I had. My mum went in with a sore neck and she prescribed Prozac. My mum asked if her neck was depressed. She has done this more than once (the dr i mean)

Booked in for the coil monday evening. FINALLY.
Nervous now haha

info_junkie

Posted: 29 Sep 23:17