Tamara Pimentel didn’t want anymore children, and had heard about Essure, the latest permanent birth control for busy women who wanted a quick recovery. Pimentel was excited to be up and moving around within the next few days after her Essure was implanted, but just the opposite unfolded.
Tamara developed a skin reaction rash on her hands, that soon spread to other parts of her body, including the area of her torso in the vicinity of her fallopian tubes. Pimentel went through over three years of torture with her skin condition and random bleeding, until she came to a realization that it could be because of Essure. Upon further research, Tamara discovered that the Essure coils contained nickel, and that women have had severe reactions to the metal in the past.
After discovering Essure contained nickel, Pimentel immediately called her OBGYN and thankfully, the doctor took her seriously and she was scheduled for surgery six weeks later. Pimenetel described waking up after surgery:
“You don’t wake up from surgery feeling fantastic, but I did, I woke up from surgery feeling like a million bucks. I didn’t realize, I guess, how bad I had been feeling overall until I got them out.”
Pimentel also stated that after she had the Essure coils removed, the rash in her fallopian tube area was gone. She said, “my hands were not as red, I wasn’t itchy anymore.” At the end of her interview, she confidently says:
“There is no doubt in my mind that my skin nightmares were caused by Essure.”
If you would like to see Pimentel’s full interview, click here.
What is a nickel allergy?
A nickel allergy is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, which is an itchy rash that appears when your skin touches a usually harmless substance. Nickel allergy is normally associated with earrings and other jewelry, and can be found in everyday items such as coins, zippers, and even cellphones or eyeglasses.
Nickel allergies can affect people of all ages and usually develops after repeated or prolonged exposure to items containing nickel. Approximately 10-20% of the population is sensitive to nickel. Once a nickel allergy is developed, you will always be sensitive to the metal and need to avoid contact.
Symptoms
If you have a nickel allergy and you’re exposed to a nickel-containing item, the allergic reaction, or contact dermatitis, normally begins within 12 to 48 hours after exposure. This reaction may continue for as long as two to four weeks. Some nickel allergy signs and symptoms include:
- Rash or bumps on the skin
- Itching, which may be severe
- Redness or changes in skin color
- Dry patches of skin that may resemble a burn
- Blisters and draining fluid in several cases
How is a nickel allergy linked to Essure?
The Essure insert is made of materials that include a nickel-titanium alloy. Once the inserts are placed inside the body, small amounts of nickel are released from the inserts. Women who are allergic to nickel could potentially have a severe allergic reaction to the inserts.
According to a study reviewing reported adverse events associated with nickel hypersensitivity in patients with Essure implants, the suspected nickel hypersensitivity is small, but is reported as very painful and severe. Reports were reviewed from 2001 through July 21, 2010 and over 650 patients results were tested.
Tamara Pimentel’s story is just one of thousands where women have suffered from this dangerous device. How many more women have to suffer from Essure for the FDA to listen and recall this device?
If you or someone you love is suffering side effects from the Essure Implant, contact our Essure lawyers today, click the banner below to access the Essure Claim Evaluation form.
Source: Mayo Clinic
