Around 10:00 am this morning I finally got birth control to make my hormone cycle a little bit less miserable. I was recommend several options two weeks ago by a gynecologist. Everything from pill to implant was available to help. I chose to go for an arm implant because it requires the least amount of human interaction long term. I was concerned about possibly losing part of the pill if my feeding tube ever got clogged or backed up. I receive all of my medications through feeding tube since my throat has issues with small solids on occasion. An arm implant had very few side effects that I considered horribly negative and did not increase the chance of a blood clot issue (yay!). It will not help with my PMDD but will greatly reduce the pain and bleeding of my cycle. If I’m lucky it might even stop it entirely.

I got an appointment faster than I expected. Only two weeks away from the initial visit and I was being checked in for my appointment to receive it. The nurse that received me did all the normal activities that you would expect like check my vitals and verify my identity/reason for coming in. I even got a compliment on my blood pressure of 107/70! I was taken to an exam room and the doctor arrived for the implant injection.

For this minor proceedure I was allowed to stay in my wheelchair to my great relief. I was made to recline my wheelchair as far as was comfortable. My left arm was held back above my head for easy access to my upper underarm. Betadine was applied to the area. After this point I averted my gaze since I have a major needle aversion. Two injections of lidocane were given to numb. Those were slightly sharp and burning but overall were not too bad. A couple minutes later the injector was used. I felt none of it until the end since the very tip poked outside of the numbing area on accident, however it was not any more uncomfortable than a mild poke. I barely had enough time to get out a warning for the pain before it was over.

My arm was given a bandaid and a gauze wrap for I assume pressure. My directions are to leave the wrap on for a day and the bandaid underneath on for two. It is very sore and feels bruised but it’s nothing a little Tylenol can’t fix. I expect it to heal quickly. Overall the implant injection took less than ten minutes and was very professional. My regards to my doctor for the excellent care and accommodation of my disability needs.