Six years ago I gave birth to beautiful twin boys. Although the twins were the only children that my husband and I had together, they became the youngest of the 7 children in our combined family. Between that fact as well as some high-risk issues I experienced during my pregnancy, we decided that our family was complete. My husband, Ben, and I chose a permanent method of birth control called Essure. There were so many benefits presented by this method and virtually no risk according to Essure’s proponents. The procedure took place in my doctor’s office…simple enough. Little did I know that that was the beginning of my 6 year nightmare.
Immediately upon insertion the pain set in. Since my procedure, I have dealt with chronic pain in my reproductive organs – especially on my left side. I don’t believe that there is a day that goes by when pain is not present. It varies by degrees from slightly annoying to intensely debilitating. I’ve become so accustomed to the pain that the “slightly annoying” degree seems like almost no pain at all where it would have registered a bit higher on the scale years ago.
My overall health took a downward turn. I was left with more questions than answers as I searched for a cause and solutions from the medical community. How could a vibrantly healthy, young women suddenly be plagued with issues that mimicked autoimmune disorders down to the joint pain, extreme weakness (to the point of not being able to lift my own limbs and body at times), fatigue, dizziness and near fainting spells, nausea, unexplained rashes, body aches and fevers? How is it that I suddenly had unexplained gynecological issues that continue to remain mysterious to this day despite multiple tests? The doctors didn’t have answers me. In fact, whenever I would ask if my Essure implants could be the cause of certain symptoms they would respond with an emphatic “NO.”
After much research, I found out that I am not the only one suffering the consequences of choosing Essure. One major issue for me is that I was never told that Essure contained nickel. I AM ALLERGIC TO NICKEL! Never once was I informed of this fact, tested for or asked about a possible nickel allergy. This explains several of my symptoms.
Most doctors will tell you the only way to reverse an Essure procedure is to have a hysterectomy. Well, I am only 33 years old and am not willing or ready to have my reproductive organs removed for several reasons. That being said, I found that there are two facilities in the country that have figured out a way to remove the Essure inserts and restore the reproductive anatomy with great success. Many patients’ lives are dramatically changed after having the Essure reversal procedure done. I am currently trying to raise funds to have the reversal done (http://www.gofundme.com/rge29sc). I am so ready to get my health back!