A young woman has described how her life was turned "upside down" by the excruciating side effects of her contraception which has left her unable to even use her phone.
Danielle Hayes, 24, had a contraceptive implant fitted in her left arm in October 2020.
But soon after she began experiencing a pinching sensation like "trapped skin in between two pieces of metal".
Despite having the device removed less than a year later in April 2021, the customer service worker from Prenton, Wirral, was left with a dead arm so painful she is unable to complete everyday tasks.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Danielle said it felt like her arm is "on fire " and can't even hold a cup of coffee or use her phone.
She said: "My arm was completely dead - I couldn't even carry a cup of coffee or hold my phone.
"I was just in ridiculous pain and could barely move it without being in tears.
"I thought maybe I was just being dramatic but I just couldn't take the pain and went to the doctor.
"I had countless appointments and was then diagnosed with chronic regional pain syndrome in December last year.
"It's just basically turned my whole life upside down."
Ms Hayes believe that few people realise or know about the crippling potential side effects of the implant, and claims that the only aftercare she was given after it was fitted was an information pamphlet.
She added: "I get a pulsating ache that runs down my whole arm to my wrist and back up to behind my earlobe.
"It's like an electrical shock going up and down my arm and I get a numbness in my hand.
"It feels like the worst sunburn you can ever imagine - I can't wear long sleeves because my arm feels like it's on fire.
"I have to push a shopping trolley with one hand and can never use a basket.
"I have to have a big bag to carry washing around the house as I can't hold it.
"I don't go out drinking anymore, firstly because I can't because of all the medication I'm on and secondly because I'm scared in case someone bumps into me.
"I just want to be a completely 'normal' 24-year-old as this has all been a nightmare."
Ms Hayes said her treatment options were limited and instead has to use pain management techniques to cope.
She has decided to speak out to raise awareness among other young people about the potential side effects of getting the contraceptive implant.
Ms Hayes said; "I don't want anyone else going through this.
"To be honest I don't really think there's enough research behind it.
"I've tried to look more into it and find case studies but there's not enough about it.
"I think they should just be offering the contraceptive patch and the pill - not things that go internally into your body.
"I just got told there might be bad cramps - not nerve damage.
"You can have this done from when you're 16, but I don't want any 16-year-old to be in the same situation as me.
"I find it terrifying this can be a side effect."
