Essure Procedure

I had the Essure procedure done in 2009, shortly after having my second daughter. My husband and I felt our family was complete and my ob/gyn suggested this procedure because it was supposed to be simple, relatively painless and have a shorter recovery time than tubal ligation. The procedure was quite painful but I didn’t start having real problems until later.

I developed an allergy to polyester soon after I had the coils inserted, but it did not occur to me that it could possibly related to the coils. Last week I spoke with someone at Conceptus and found out that the coils have polyester fibers in them.

I have had multiple anaphylactic reactions to all kinds of strange things since I had the coils inserted. I was hospitalized on and off for two weeks due to the worst reaction. When this reaction started, I had to pull over on the side of the road while driving my kids and administer an epipen to myself. I have had other symptoms that don’t seem to fit with allergic reactions, such as numbness on the entire right side of my body. I had an MRI and the doctor’s were preparing me for the news that I probably have Multiple Sclerosis, but the MRI showed no abnormalities. Eventually, I was sent to Mayo Clinic and diagnosed with possible multiple chemical sensitivities.

Over the past year I’ve had horrible stabbing abdominal pain after exercising. That led me to do some research on the Essure coils and I found out that I am not the only person who has pain after exercise or who has developed multiple chemical sensitivities after having the Essure coils. I now have severe allergic reactions to soap, shampoo, lotion, hair dye, makeup, etc, and also to many foods. I have to be careful of what I touch when I go out anywhere and have had reactions from casual contact.

I weighed 115 pounds before I had the Essure procedure and now weigh 92 pounds. This week, I am being referred for a hysterectomy to have the coils removed and hope to have the surgery soon. However, my Doctor is very concerned about managing my stay in the hospital to make sure that I don’t have a serious allergic reaction right after having a hysterectomy.

Thank you so much for listening to women who have had problems with the Essure coils. It has been a battle to find doctors who will listen to my story and try to help. It means a lot to have a place where our stories can be heard. I just want to get back to the business of raising my family without being sick.