I had the Essure procedure performed in December 2012 by an OB in my clinic. I was looking for something permanent and wanted to avoid a hysterectomy. After discussing the options with the OB, she recommended the Essure procedure. I thought about it, did a little bit of research and discussed with my husband. I had the procedure done and really can’t complain about the procedure itself. Had the 3 month follow up to ensure tubes were blocked and all was good.
A month or so after, I noticed my period was heavier for the first couple days – heavy enough to wear a tampon and pad – which is not typical of how my periods were before the procedure. My periods were fairly light and only lasted 3-5 days. The length didn’t change but they were much heavier for the first day or two. About 4-5 months after having the procedure done, I started to notice a little bloating and some pain just under my belly button around the time of my period. I started to track it the second month. If I pushed on the area it was extremely painful and hard. Bending over was painful, getting up was painful, etc. Felt like a I had little knives just under my belly button stabbing me anytime I put pressure on it. Over the next 4-5 months, the pain got worse and lasted longer. I would notice it a few days before my period started and by the time I went to the doc, it was lasting until a week or so AFTER my period ended. When I finally went to the doc she said it felt like I had a hernia (based on how hard my belly button would get) and referred me to a surgeon. Surgeon said yep, feels like a small hernia that maybe was only an issue during my period because of scar tissue and bloating. ( I previously had my Gall Bladder removed laproscopically so likely have some scar tissue from that). So, he suggested having the hernia repaired, which I agreed to in the hopes it would help the pain. Had that done in December 2013. Pain was a little better for the first couple months but now the pain is back and just as bad. Now, in addition to having the pain start a few days before my period and lasting until well over a week after my period ends before it subsides, I also get random little poking/stabbing pains just under my belly button. They’re not extremely painful but strange feeling and painful enough to make me notice them while I’m just sitting here typing. When I try to suck my stomach in, I can feel the pain as well. I’ve also continued to gain weight that I just can’t lose.
I have been trying to avoid going to the doctor (again) because of copays but I’m getting to the point (again) where I feel I need to go in before something worse happens. I’ll be curious to see what my OB has to say about the procedure. She did not perform the original procedure becasuse I saw someone else in her office as she was not available and I wanted to get it done by end of 2012 for insurance reasons. REALLY regret having this procedure done and hope that Essure is pulled off the market so other women don’t have to go through this same crap!