I had Essure placed on 10-5-2009. There was actually a representative from the makers of the device that were present for the insertion. Once the procedure was over I experienced what seemed to be excessive stabbing pain. I had been informed that any pain should be mild cramping but this was much worse. I had no weight gain, but I was extremely swollen for about 6 months. When I had the HSG test done I was actually able to see the screen and the technician showed me where the dye had stopped, showing that the procedure had indeed worked. Time passed and I was still experiencing pain, especially during my period. I went to my family doctor who referred me to the clinic that performed the procedure. At least twice I was basically dismissed. The staff attempted to see the coils with ultrasound and declared that there was nothing wrong. I had been fatigued and during this time I was also diagnosed with Osteo-Arthritis (at the age of 30). In Novemeber of 2011 I began to feel extremely sick. Knowing that I had seen the test proving I was sterile, pregnancy did not first cross my mind. I decided to take a test just to get the notion out of my head but it was positive. The first business day that my clinic was open I called to make an appointment. It is customary that women are not seen for pregnancy until they are at least 12 weeks unless there is a complication. I had to explain that I had permanent birth control and that I needed to be seen. There was not a lot of information available for other cases of pregnancy and because of this there was a lot of testing and worry. Thankfully despite all of the odds, the pregnancy was not ectopic and there were no serious complications or defects. During my prenatal care I was under the care of a different doctor, one who acknowledged that obviously something was very wrong with the coils. On 12-2-2013 I had to have surgery to completely remove my fallopian tubes along with the coils. Once the surgery began it became quite clear that one of the coils was completely out of the track of the fallopian tube, it had settled beside the tube in soft tissue. Shortly after the surgery I noticed that my joints were no longer swollen and I did not need any medication for the pain and stiffness. To the best of our knowledge on top of the coil being placed improperly, I also had a reaction to the device.
I am glad that it has all worked out in the end. However, years of pain, an unplanned pregnancy, and ultimately another surgery that never should have been needed and my journey with Essure is done. I hope that my story helps remove these potentially dangerous devices that were so cleverly marketed as safe and permanent from hurting other women.