Posts Tagged ‘Mirena removal’

Here’s my account of today’s gyn visit and removal of Mirena IUD.  The tech tried twice with the automatic blood pressure checker, but it failed to get my blood pressure.  She said we’d get it later in the treatment room.  Then in the treatment room, the tech tried once more to get a blood pressure but the manual checker she used had a hole in the tubing.  FAIL again (3rd time).  I made a comment that perhaps she needed to check and make sure my heart was still beating…  three failed attempts to get my blood pressure.

Then I had to give a urine sample.  NOW is it just me, or…  it seems like every single time I “do” the urine test, I do not have the urge to use the restroom.  But suddenly, in the midst of trying to get the stupid anesthetic clean wipe packet open, I have to use the restroom so bad that I can’t hardly hold it~!  I think it’s a psychological thing…  knowing you CAN’T, but have to!  (Ok, maybe it is JUST ME).

The doctor came in, explained a little about the removal, and asked if I had any questions.  I didn’t at that time; I saved them all up for later.  I was just a bit anxious wondering if this was going to hurt.  So up in the stirrups (and I ain’t talking ’bout stirrup pants).  He asked me to slightly cough, then cough harder.  The hard cough was his cue to yank the strings.  It didn’t feel like I thought it would.  It wasn’t pain and agony like the insertion!  But it did have some feeling and was almost just like a built up pressure.  The cool thing is:  he asked if I wanted to see what the Mirena looked like.   OF COURSE!  I wanted to say “You dang little booger!  So you’re what’s been causing all this hubaloo?”  I should have asked to take it home with me for a souvenir.  He probably would have let me…  but that is gross.

I grew a little nauseous and my abdomen hurt.  They asked me to lay there a few minutes just to make sure I was ok.  He wanted to know if I had breakfast.  “No, I didn’t eat but I drank a protein shake.”  Now in my book, to a weight loss surgery patient, that equates “breakfast” but evidently not in his eyes.  He asked me which I would rather have:  juice, coke, or a granola bar.  He preferred me to eat something before I left.  Choices, choices, choices!  None really wls friendly…  but I opted for the granola bar.  I figured if it was loaded with sugar, I’d take a small bite and throw the rest away just to appease him.  Luckily it was 7 sugars, fat free, and low cal.  So, I ate half very slowly cause I wasn’t hungry.  BUT, I might as well get my money’s worth while I’m there, right?

He gave me a prescription for an anti-biotic to prevent infection. And, we discussed birth control.  Where to from here?  He asked about my absorption issues, and finally I made a decision:  Ortho Evra hormone patch.  I had used it before, and it seemed like a hassle free process to me.  I reminded him of my employer’s insurance plan:  I work for a Catholic company which means NO BIRTH CONTROL coverage.  As in years past, I had him write another letter of medical necessity, explaining that it was for hormone issues and nothing to do with actual birth control.  Sigh. I grow weary sometimes of insurance “hoop jumping”.

The pharmacy informed me that this birth control would not be covered by insurance at this time.  I usually end up purchasing the first month and fighting all month long until they decide to cover more.

I’m at home now.  I about cried on the way home. Not sure if that’s hormones or relief.  I think it was relief.  I am hopeful that this might alleviate some of the symptoms that I’ve experienced, especially strongly in the past 2-3 months.  More to come.  Oh yeah, and the cup of Joe for a job well done….?  I drank a cup of strong coffee BEFORE the appointment.