May 24, 2014, 3:47pm
In 2009 I had the Essure procedure done. My husband and I decided that having any more children was not something we wanted for numerous reasons. I was raped in 2004 and contracted the HPV virus that causes genital warts and have been battling pre-cancerous cell growth since that year. Luckily my paps are now coming back ‘normal’. That is a huge relief after having surgeries and invasive procedures don’t to rid my body of unwanted, harmful cell growth. Every 6 months while awaiting my pap results I go through extreme fear and anxiety for up to a week, hoping and praying everything comes out okay. But, that is separate from the Essure. However this procedure was recommended by a gynecologist after explaining my situation and desires to not have any more children. I was told it was a painless, permanent, simple procedure and was basically guaranteed a normal life and routine without worry of pregnancy. Until recently, I was not able to put my symptoms together with the Essure procedure. My husband and immediate family have been worrying and going through extreme stress, along with my person, trying to figure out what is wrong with me. My doctors are floored and cannot explain my symptoms. I was not getting answers, until now. I came across some information, just yesterday, May 23rd, 2014, after 5 years of problems that lead me in the right direction. I am amazed and floored this device is still being used but also slightly relieved to know there are other women experiencing similar problems. Thank goodness I am NOT crazy. My menstrual cycles are horrible. Extremely heavy, all over the place with start and end dates. I have pain, in every part of my body, all the time, never ending. I’m having skin problems I have never had. Acne, sensitivity to sunlight. Nail funguses. Yeast infections. Reoccurring colds and flues. I am having to use stronger and stronger antibiotics for longer amounts of time. I am extremely irritable. I actually can be flat out mean, especially to the people that care the most about me, my family. It’s so hard to understand they are only trying to help. Then there is my heart. It started out as a fast pulse rate that was looked into by my primary care physician. Before I knew it I’m sitting in a cardiologist office, watching him literally pull out his hair, what little he had left, asking me how I’m still alive. I have been under the care of a cardiologist now since 2012 with an ongoing debate: to put in a pacemaker and defibrillator or not. I’m 34 years old. I have two amazing 13 year old sons that are exceeding in school and have extraordinary goals for their lives. I have a supportive and wonderful husband who I adore and would die for in a split second. I know the feelings are returned. Love is an amazing thing, with it, anything is possible. In June 2014, my first appointment with my gynecologist since coming across the Essure problems is going to happen. My husband will be there with me. I do not think I could do it without him. He is a wonderful man. No one comes close to the support and love he has given me and continues to give me through all my problems. Essure is TRYING to ruin my life that I have worked so hard to create. Notice I said trying. I am not going to let this ruin me or my family. I am just beginning this battle and I am anticipating many more problems to come. All I can do is stay positive and be what I am, a mother, a daughter, a wife, a sister, a friend and a strong person. Good luck with your journey, I have faith that you and I can do it. It will take some time but we can do it.