Mirena IUD Removal Issues: What to Do If the Threads Can't Be Found

Question
hi iv had the mirena coil fitted for nearly 6 years, i wasn't given instructions on self checking and haven't had it checked since it was fitted. i recently went to a family planning clinic to have it removed where several staff, nurse and doctors, tried to locate the threads with no success, how common is it for the coil to "fall out" as suggested to me? would i have not have noticed? if it has not "fallen out" where could it have went? will this cause any damage?
thanx  

Answer
Dear Rosie,

So what did they tell you at the clinic? Weren't they worried about it at all? I would be concerned to know if it was in me-I will do some online research and see if that is possible. I really don't know how it could fall out. Please email me at DWooley97@aol.com and we can talk more privately. Hope to hear from you soon.

Diane W.