If I could share some wisdom...

Wisdom is gained through experience. Let me share with you a terrifying experience that has gained me wisdom.

*Warning: Graphic and TMI*

If you are a female, you've probably dealt with some kind of birth control. Whether it's the shot, pill, implant or IUD, most females have had some experience with one or more of these. I'd like to talk about the IUD for a moment.

In my early 20s, just after my first son, I was convinced by my doctor to get the Moderna 5-year IUD. It sounded great, you know? Five years of not having to take a pill daily, no shots every three months... sounded like a dream!
Fast-forward about 5 years and it's time to take it out! I go to the doctor to have it removed and, oh no... they can't find it. The doctor is digging around in my cervix with some long, pointy metal tools conducting practical torture to find this device that seemed to have vanished. After a few minutes of failure (and excruciating pain) the doctor gives up and tells me that I'll need an MRI to find the device in my body.
About a week later I go in for said MRI. "We've got good news and bad news" they told me. "We found the IUD, but it's under your left rib cage heading towards your heart." My IUD "migrated" through the wall of my uterus and into my abdominal cavity, just kinda hanging out... That's not the first or last time I faced death, but it was rattling. 
Another week later and I have surgery to remove the device. Luckily it had gotten caught under a flap of tissue near my ribs which prevented it from continuing to my heart. If this device reached my heart, I would have literally and immediately dropped dead.

Birth control is convenient, but it doesn't go without risks. This is a big one. So, ladies, if you have an IUD, PLEASE check the strings as you should be able to feel them. Do this in the shower, pleasing yourself, whatever. Just check! And if you don't feel those little strings hanging down from up there, go to your doctor and have it checked.

Be safe. Be smart. Love yourself. Take care of yourself.
<3


4 Kudos

Comments

Displaying 2 of 2 comments ( View all | Add Comment )

Dark Entries

Dark Entries 's profile picture

Oh my god. This was terrifying. IDK about you, but I have never had a doctor tell me that this could happen. They barely tell you any of the risks before pushing these products on us. Every year it seems there are a handful of new products like these. They’re miracles! You won’t have acne or cramping! And then a few months later the stories like yours start coming out. This is an important post, I hope both men and women read this so everyone knows about the dangers of these products. Especially as IUDs are often marketed as a safer, gentler (lol) alternative to other forms of birth control.


Report Comment



No one told me these risks. I wasn't actually aware until *after* the IUD "migrated". Now, I try to tell women everywhere, on all sorts of platforms. If you can, avoid the IUD.
Now, I am spayed lol tubes cut and burned. I'm so thankful that I don't have to fuck with birth control anymore.

by Heather Ashbury - Author; ; Report

Honestly, tubal litigation seems to be the way to go.

by Dark Entries; ; Report

Lord Byron Silverhand

Lord Byron Silverhand's profile picture

I didn’t even know that was possible! Super glad you’re still with us, though 💙


Report Comment



Right? That's some crazy ass shit... And if I can help prevent the death of someone by sharing my story...
This happened after my suicide attempt, too (when I decided that I'd like to live)

by Heather Ashbury - Author; ; Report

I...didn't know you went through that as well. It's definitely a scary scenario. I've never directly (as in actually) attempted it, but I've had ideations to the point of researching how to write a note.

by Lord Byron Silverhand; ; Report

The worst thing is, is if you survive your suicide attempt, the way people treat you about it. Like, because it didn't actually kill you, you weren't actually trying? Or the attention argument. UGH!
No one bothered to ask me why. Everyone made their own assumptions and came up with their own reasons. It's so fucked how survivors are treated.

by Heather Ashbury - Author; ; Report

Ugh, that is awful. One of my biggest fears is to die. I mean yeah, I think that's a big fear for everyone. But a few months ago I was extra paranoid about a falling-out with some long-time friends and how they would react to my suicide. I wouldn't want there to be hard feelings left behind or them to think "good riddance, that asshole was a sack of shit." And I extended this same thought towards my wife, too.

by Lord Byron Silverhand; ; Report

If you ever face those thoughts again, please don't hesitate to reach out. I know what it's like.

by Heather Ashbury - Author; ; Report

Fortunately, it's been a few months since the last time they happened. Thanks, though, I know I can count on you!

by Lord Byron Silverhand; ; Report

I don’t see anything

by Lord Byron Silverhand; ; Report

Oh whoops lol was supposed to be a heart

by Heather Ashbury - Author; ; Report

💕

by Lord Byron Silverhand; ; Report