Bodged Implanon Removal

[Goodsoulette]

I had implanon inserted 3 and a half years ago and 6 months ago a nurse practitioner removed it. When she was removing it she said that it was broken and that was unusual, but I suspect that was down to the actual removal process. I could easily palpate the rod previous to removal. During the removal process she chattered to me about women who decided not to have it removed at all and went on to conceive children etc etc I had phlebitis in that arm after the removal. So I was unable to have a good feel of the area for about 6 -8 weeks.

My periods remained as erratic as they were pre-removal. 6 months later and after more irregular bleeding, I had a good feel of the site, and there is a good portion of the rod left in there. I have researched implanon and it appears that implanon is studies prevented pregnancy for at least 4 years and continues to work when broken.

So after that long winded description, if I go and whinge will they actually remove it?

[murraymints]

I don't think there is any question that they won't ! Furthermore you are not whinging..you're pointing out a procedure not properly carried out...

[boxtops]

You certainly need to complain to the surgery if the implanon was not removed when you wanted it taken out - and particularly if it broke, this should all be recorded in your notes. Phone the practice manager in the first instance and have a chat - they all have a formal complaints process, but that's only part of this problem - if she left it in there, you should (IMO) have been referred to the sexual health clinic for the rest of it to be taken out. I'm afraid if it had been me, I wouldn't have left it as long as 6 months to raise the issue.

Don't whinge, this is about your body and your health. YOu have a right to have this sorted out.

[ummmm]

They really struggled to remove mine as well.

[Sqad]

You are quite correct.........the retained part will stop pregnancies.....go back and ask for it to be removed.................

[Goodsoulette]

Thanks, I thought it was just my body adjusting, and I hadn't thought to have a good feel originally because of the phlebitis ( i took the phlebitis as a given side effect).
Well I believe manufactures instructions are that to avoid tissue damage they should just leave there, but quite frankly I don't like it being there. Id rather be in control of my fertility rather than waiting for something to just run out.