Getting a coil... help!
So Ive got to get a coil fitted but for a women this is hard enough without having to deal with the fact I was assaulted and have no idea how Im going to get through the appointment. Im scared of stirrups, people touching me, the pain, everything.
Has anyone has a coil fitted after an assault and how did you approach it ?
I didn't want to read and run. I'm sorry you have had the dreadful experience you have had and unfortunatley I cannot offer any advice about that - I hope someone will come along to help soon.
I have had the coil inserted a few times now and can offer a few tips to deal with the discomfort of the coil insertion itself. Try taking some paracetamol and ibuprofen an hour before your appointment as it can take the edge off the ache. It is not a pain free procedure but it is over in seconds and it's not unbearable. If you take long and deep breaths during the proceedure it can help you relax your abdomen as tensing can make it worse.
I don't know where you are but in the UK you abuse victims can have the coil fitted as an outpatients procedure in hospital under sedation - could this be an option for you?
I have the mirena coil which has the hormone in too and it is brilliant - stopped my periods and also improved my mood.
Feel free to message me if you want to chat. You're not alone.
@loralo12 - Hi there, I wanted to check in and see if you have done this yet and how it went, or if not, to offer some support. It can definitely feel overwhelming to go through something like that after an assault and I don't think there's a simple way to make that feeling go away, but there may be some little things to make it just a bit easier. For instance, you could consider telling the doctor about what you've been through so that they know that you may be extra tense. Would it help you more to have them let you know what they'll do before doing it, or to not know? It's okay to express what you need. Is there someone that it would help to have with you to help you feel more at ease? That may be an option that you could ask about, or if not, having a comfort object of some kind - a stuffed animal, something from home - something to feel more grounded and connected.
My last thought is just that with most situations that are likely to feel scary or overwhelming, I think it can help to think about what you can do before, during, and after to help yourself through. Beforehand, what can you do to feel calmer going into the process? Is it something calming like meditation or perhaps a distraction like seeing a friend? During what will help you get through? Is it listening to music or taking deep breaths? Afterwards, what can help you move back to a steady state? Is it having plans to see someone you trust, or no plans so that you can curl up at home with a blanket? Having a plan for each stage can take away at least a little of the fear of what I know feels pretty scary right now. Good luck!
@Anomalia Thanks for reading my post and for taking the time to write. I did manage to go through with it but was so scared to say anything it was awkward. She obviously noticed and said I looked nervous then got a nurse to help and Im pretty sure they knew cause I heard them talking outside. To be honest I was so scared l, I was already in the stirrups and on the table before I started panicking. I was shaking and she had to try three times to get things in the right place and I had to stop myself crying.
i felt so violated afterwards even though the nurses were so nice and professional, it just felt like I had no control again but I did do it, so Im kinda of proud but it was nearly impossible, nice to know that I can go through with things that might trigger now
@loralo12 - I'm really proud of you for getting through it despite how hard it was, and I'm happy to hear you giving yourself that credit, too! Getting through this is an excellent sign that you can keep moving forward even when triggers do come up.