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Post by SunnySmile on Feb 12, 2018 18:59:08 GMT
I've looked online about endometrial ablation and it seems about 50/50 good and bad experiences. I have been bleeding every day since 1/3. I've been to the doctor for a previous 7 week period and had ultrasound and biopsy done to rule out cancer, etc. That one stopped on its own after 7 weeks. It's been 6 weeks for this one so far. I was put back on the pill. After 4 weeks they doubled the dosage, to no avail. I'm guessing my next step will be ablation. I'm a bit worried about how many bad experiences I've come across. It's also about 50/50 whether or not any anesthesia of any kind was given. I understand the procedure is pretty painful...??
What are your experiences of the procedure and recovery, and would you do it again?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 2, 2024 6:04:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2018 19:03:57 GMT
I don't know, but sending you prayers for a good recovery. I know ablation of the heart works pretty well for those with weird electrical things going on in the heart! My sister in law recently had that done, and it fixed her right up!
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Post by donna on Feb 12, 2018 19:08:16 GMT
I considered ablation but my doctor did not think it would work because I had fibroids. We ended up doing a hysterectomy instead.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Feb 12, 2018 19:09:37 GMT
I had an endometrial ablation December 2016. I have continued to have a period, although my periods are much lighter than they were. However, in the last 3-4 months I have noticed it getting heavier again. Still not to where it was, but heavier than it had been since the ablation. On another message board, there was recently a thread where people said that their ablation "worked" for about 3-5 years before they started having problems again. How old are you? I am only 42, so probably a long ways from menopause. I can deal with having periods like I do now, but don't want it to get like it was before, or worse. At this point I am not that optimistic about that since I never did stop having a period altogether.
I did have anesthesia when having the ablation. It was very quick and the recovery wasn't bad.
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Post by lbp on Feb 12, 2018 19:22:47 GMT
Best thing I have ever had done! Like you I was having a period non-stop! It didn't hurt at all as a matter of fact I asked not to be put under completely so she didn't and I watched her doing it on the monitor. I was back to work the next day and I haven't had a period since! That was 6 years ago!
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psiluvu
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,217 
Location: Canada's Capital
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Post by psiluvu on Feb 12, 2018 19:48:32 GMT
I had an endometrial ablation in 2012. No problems at all. In fact it was heavenly to no longer have such heavy periods. The surgery itself was fine I had it on a Thursday and was back to work on Monday after a quiet weekend. My periods gradually got less and less from the time of the surgery until Oct 2015 and I haven`t had one since.
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Post by withapea on Feb 12, 2018 19:49:54 GMT
I had one several years ago and it made a huge difference to my quality of life. I wish I'd had it done sooner. I still have bleeding periodically but it's light and very manageable. The procedure itself wasn't a big deal. I don't love anesthesia but that was the worst of it for me.
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Post by chirpingcricket on Feb 12, 2018 20:08:12 GMT
I had it done October 2015, and I was pretty scared, so I asked the Peas for reassurance. Got stacks of it! I had general anesthesia, so that was great. I was ... not sore, but *tired* afterward. I wanted to nap for the rest of the day, so I pretty much did. The second day was better, the third day even better, and by the time the fourth day rolled around, I couldn't even tell any more that I had had anything done.
As for the efficacy of the treatment, it has been life-changing and absolutely fabulous. I wish I had gotten it done years earlier!! When I think back to all the vacations and special events that were ruined by crippling cramps and excessive bleeding, I really wish I had known about ablation when I was 30 years old. I would have done it so much sooner!
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dawnnikol
Prolific Pea
'A life without books is a life not lived.' Jay Kristoff
Posts: 7,868
Sept 21, 2015 18:39:25 GMT
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Post by dawnnikol on Feb 12, 2018 20:11:38 GMT
In my situation, my doctor offered the ablation or a hysterectomy as an option. Since we already had 3 kids, we compared the costs vs the risks vs the rewards. I had a hysterectomy when I was 32 and have been grateful ever since.
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Post by alsomsknit on Feb 12, 2018 20:14:56 GMT
I had one done a few years ago. It was done under anesthesia. My doctor kept me on Depo Provera to alleviate the horrible pain from the endometriosis, though. Haven't had a cycle since.
It has been amazing!
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Post by katniss on Feb 12, 2018 20:36:56 GMT
Best thing ever. Just make sure to do it under anesthesia. I didn’t and it hurt so bad I almost passed out.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 2, 2024 6:04:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2018 20:42:36 GMT
I considered ablation but my doctor did not think it would work because I had fibroids. We ended up doing a hysterectomy instead. SAME for me. I had a HUGE fibroid that extended beyond my uterus. They didn't know until I had the hysterectomy. In any case, good luck with whatever procedure you need to have! |
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Peal
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,524
Jun 25, 2014 22:45:40 GMT
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Post by Peal on Feb 12, 2018 20:50:01 GMT
I had mine in 2010. Full anesthesia. I still get a very light period every month, which is disappointing, I really wanted to not have to bother with is anymore. But it was so life changing that I'm okay with it. Plus, I figure since I still get a regular period, it will be easier to gauge when menopause arrives.
However, If I had been given the choice between ablation and hysterectomy, I would have chosen hysterectomy.
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AmandaA
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,501
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Post by AmandaA on Feb 12, 2018 21:17:46 GMT
I was given the choice of ablation vs hysterectomy, and chose the latter. But that being said, we knew what my diagnosis was and not just generic dysfunctional bleeding. The ablation would have been a temporary help for the bleeding, but nothing else. I am only a few weeks out from my surgery, so I am not yet a good cheerleader to tell you it was the best decision ever. However, I will say that my obgyn told me after the procedure that she was really happy with the decision I made once she saw my uterus with her own two eyes. I share all of that in case there is any doubt about what is causing your bleeding and if this will be a true fix or a bandaid for another problem. Having a big surgery wasn't ideal with 3 young kids to look after, but spending $5k for a deductible twice and living with the rest of my symptoms for an additional period of time wasn't a great choice either. You also need to consider if you are okay with being on some form of birth control for the rest of your days (unless you've already had a tubal); that was a deal breaker for a friend of mine who was recommended one. Lots of pros and cons IMO.
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Post by beachhappy22 on Feb 12, 2018 21:30:07 GMT
Best thing ever for me! I had very heavy periods my whole life. I did have sedation and was very comfortable during the procedure. Recovery was minimal, I was back to work in 2 days, mild cramping if I remember correctly.
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Post by sudie on Feb 12, 2018 21:38:08 GMT
I had one done in 2016. General anesthesia, no pain after. 2 weeks later, my heavy bleeding came back so I had a hysterectomy. Best decision ever! No more surprises.
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Post by bessieb on Feb 12, 2018 22:09:27 GMT
Worse thing I ever did. No anaesthetic, no problem, walked 3 miles to get lift home straight after procedure. 8 weeks later crime scene periods were back but only 3 days instead of 6/7- but the pain for 10 days before and during each period was the worst I have ever experienced- worse than childbirth, worse than anything- and I’m really good with pain. This left me curled up on the floor in agony. Eventually consultant said that she didn’t think it was going to work before I had it because Mirena hadn’t helped either and so I had a hysterectomy- what a blessed relief! Wish I had been allowed to go straight for that in the first place- would have saved 3 years of hell!
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eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on Feb 12, 2018 22:13:45 GMT
Best thing ever. Just make sure to do it under anesthesia. I didn’t and it hurt so bad I almost passed out. Holy mother of God! This is actually an option?? I'm about to pass out for you. WOW! I had an ablation and it helped SO much. And, because of the ablation I got to have pathology done that showed my problems were "not in my head" or even fixable or possible to make better with the much beloved "exercise more." Having that pathology was worth everything! I was down the day of and went back to work the next day. I had been bleeding so heavy for so long that it was nothing. Sadly, my periods did come back and I will be having a hysterectomy very, very soon. But! Because we had the pathology from the ablation, this was a known entity and getting the hysterectomy approved was simple. Silver linings!! |
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scrappinspidey2
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,511
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Mar 18, 2015 19:19:37 GMT
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Post by scrappinspidey2 on Feb 12, 2018 22:22:39 GMT
I have one in 2015. We did discuss the ablation vs hysterectomy and the doc was leaning more towards the hysterectomy at time. We went with the ablation and I have been ever so happy. I had a lighter period (considering the bloodbath I lived with, this was nothing) for a few months and then nothing since. He did say that if the periods did come back the hysterectomy would be the next step. I wanted the ablation because it was less invasive and my mom and sister had very very good luck with theirs. That said....The recovery was not what he said it would be. He told me I could be back to work in 24 hours. I should have taken an extra day at minimum. I was under a huge amount of stress at the time so that probably didn't help. I ended up driving to work the day he said I could (one hour one way) and ended up leaving an hour after I got there. It was probably one of the more painful recoveries I have had...which says a lot because I have a high tolerance to pain and rarely complain. Again Im guessing the stress was a factor. As for anesthesia vs non...It wasn't really an option for my ablation, but I did ask a hand surgeon if I could watch them remove my ganglion cyst. He said no the first time and when I had to go back again he offered to let me watch. I decided to sleep instead  |
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Post by SunnySmile on Feb 12, 2018 23:14:48 GMT
Crime scene, bloodbath, these are both words I use describe what's going on for the last 38 days straight. Called my doc today, she wants another pelvic ultrasound and bloodwork, then an appointment with her, to discuss options I'm assuming. If given the chance, I think I would choose hysterectomy because I'm 51 and have 100% insurance coverage through my dh's retirement only for one more year. I don't know if they'll give me the option though.
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Post by Sparki on Feb 13, 2018 0:10:53 GMT
Add me to the list: crime scene bleeding, etc. Offered ablation or hysterectomy....chose hysterectomy. Dr. said it was the right choice after surgery - said ablation would not have taken care of it. So happy to be done with it!
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Post by JustKim on Feb 13, 2018 0:50:50 GMT
worked well for me. I was put under and it was done as an outpatient day surgery procedure. easy for me
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Post by scrapsuzy on Feb 13, 2018 0:51:23 GMT
I probably had mine longer ago than anyone who has responded, 1996, and had it work completely until I had an unrelated hysterectomy in 2012 (for uterine prolapse.) I think partly it worked because of the technique used (like a hot roller ball vs the more popular method used today) and the addition of the LUNA procedure. They suspected I had mild adenomyosis, which is like endometriosis except the tissue grows inside the walls of the uterus and not outside of the uterus (normally, it would only grow in the uterine cavity itself.) If I'd had it really bad, the ablation wouldn't have worked as well as it did.
I had it done under twilight sleep (same as when I had a tubal ligation and exploratory surgery.) I went to a scrapbooking crop where I was one of the hostesses that night and was on my feet a bit too much, but I was still fully recovered soon a couple of days after.
I did not regret it at all, but had gone into it with the thought that I wanted to try it before hysterectomy at 25. I was 41 when I did have the hysterectomy, but even then, with the same circumstances as 25, I would've made the ablation decision. There is so much we don't know about the uterus, mostly because it is relatively recently that women's anatomical differences are taken into much consideration at all. So many hysterectomies are done unnecessarily, and I didn't want that.
Ultimately, you have to make the decision that you are good with. I'm glad you are researching it so that it is a really informed decision, where you've considered the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Would that we all do that whenever making a decision!
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Post by genny on Feb 13, 2018 1:11:50 GMT
Not a bad word from me about it. I had it done in 2010 and would definitely do it again. I believe the name was Novasure.
It was a painful but very quick procedure, less than a minute. I had mild discharge for about 5 weeks after it and was starting to get really worried that it would never stop by the time it finally did. I have not had a period (I have spotted a couple of times after sex, but nothing heavier than that) since. I still get a little icky around my period time - slightly bloated and a little bitchy, but smooth sailing for the most part. I've said for years it's the best thing I ever did for ME.
When I finally had it done I was bleeding through a tampon AND a pad used together within an hour for the first three days of my period and the whole period would last about 10 days by the end. I had become slightly anemic and just felt like shit all the time.
On the flip side, my SIL had it done a few week after I did for the same reasons I did and had an awful experience. Different doctor and different brand procedure (sorry I can't remember the name of the one she had). She said she would NOT do it again. So here I am giving you another 50/50 - sorry! I will say that SIL is sick A LOT and everything she gets (flu, bronchitis, kidney infection, etc) she gets it worse than anyone I've ever met. And it's real, not like she's a hypochondriac and making it up, sista gets deathly ill with everything she catches and she catches everything. So I don't know if her health issues would cause her to have a worse time than others?
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hannahruth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,612
Location: Adelaide, Australia
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Post by hannahruth on Feb 13, 2018 10:07:25 GMT
Underwent this surgery for similar reasons, it was quite successful for several years and then things went to pot and ended up having a hysterectomy.
The ablution was not at all painful and experienced no pain in the days following. Certainly worth it imho.
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Post by katiejane on Feb 13, 2018 10:44:50 GMT
Novasure done in 2016. Periods went from 10 days heavy bleeding, to three days barely there periods.
Was offered to have it under a general. But went with sedation. I was given morphine after, but reacted badly to it. So I don't know if the labour type cramps were down to vomiting from morphine or the procedure.
Had the procedure on a wed, back at work Friday.
I had discharge and bleeding for about 8 weeks that got lighter and lighter. Then settled into a regular 3 day period.
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None
Full Member
Posts: 453
Sept 17, 2017 13:10:30 GMT
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Post by None on Feb 13, 2018 10:58:22 GMT
I had one about 8 years ago. I went from being anemic from bleeding so badly to no bleeding anymore at all. The first few years was literally a spot each month. It is the best thing I could have ever done.
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Post by peace on Feb 13, 2018 12:50:29 GMT
I had meds before and after the procedure. I remember nothing of it- and the only thing afterwards was some mild cramping. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
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Post by mcscrapper on Feb 13, 2018 16:13:10 GMT
I havne't read all of the replies but...
I had an ablation in 4/2011 and haven't had a period since. There are two techniques: one is a steam method and the other is cautery. I really cannot remember which one I had but you can do some google searching and probably find which one has a higher success rate. From there, talk to your MD about his/her preferred method. I do know that my procedure took less than 2 minutes to do. My MD did a general anesthesia because you cannot really anesthetize the area being burned.
My recovery was a total breeze too. I was training for a triathlon at the time. Had the procedure on Wednesday, was back at work on Friday and running again on Saturday with no issues. I had some cramping like a period but nothing a little Advil couldn't handle.
I also had some discharge that was some tissue sloughing but I know to expect that too. All in all, it was a piece of cake. The worst part was the IV.
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blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,984
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Post by blue tulip on Feb 13, 2018 16:31:58 GMT
I had one in February 2017. I had been having very heavy, erratic and long lasting periods for about 4 years. it had gotten to the point where I was bleeding for 2-3 weeks out of every 4. played around with thyroid meds (i have hashi's) with no results. I had to try an IUD first, which regulated my periods to a normal schedule, but didn't relieve the longevity and only slightly decreased the heaviness. Next step on the way to a hysterectomy was ablation.
the ablation has been a god-send. I didn't expect it to work frankly, since nothing else had. i did bleed lightly for about 8+ weeks, and the no-tampon thing was awful. my doc eventually let me go back to tampons a little early. The 8 weeks was the longest period of people i know who've had it done, they were all more like 4-6. i had a couple very light periods after that and then.. nothing! nothing! i haven't had to deal with a period now in over 6 months. sometimes on "that day" i get the slightest pink showing when i use the bathroom. but nothing even requiring a liner.
The procedure itself was very easy. i was put completely out, and when i awoke there was only a slight crampy feeling. took 2 days off of work, but i probably didn't really have to. i went back to work after the weekend (so 4 days at home total) and was completely fine. My mom had been very scared for me, she is of the age of boiling water balloon ablations or something horrible like that! and her friend had one and it was very painful.. again, 25+ years ago. for me and a couple friends i know who've had it done, it was pretty much nothing.
i DO have 1 fairly bad day of cramping now, whereas cramps were not an issue before. i guess it makes sense considering what your uterus has gone thru. but i will 100% take that over what my issues were before. very, very happy with the results.
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