Endometrial Ablation or Hysterectomy?

[MouseClubMom]

Sorry for the icky topic but I have an appointment with my Ob/Gyn tomorrow to discuss my options. I have tried everything else to treat my endometriosis and abnormal female issues (I'll spare the men the details!) and the meds I am on now are no longer doing what they are supposed to do.

My choices are either the Endometrial Ablation or a partial or complete hysterectomy. Has anyone had any experience with either procedure? Can you tell me the plusses and minuses to either one?

I know that either choice means the end of my child-bearing years and even though I KNOW I am done (I am blessed with 2 beautiful girls) it still makes me a bit sad to think about the finality of it all.

Thanks!

 

[slmjam]

I just had Endometrial Ablation about 8 weeks ago. It was done as day surgery. I was in the hospital maybe a grand total of about 4 hours. I did have some pretty severe cramping the first evening, but after that it was ok. I haven't had a period (can I say that here on the DIS??) since the procedure, so who knows. I feel great now and that was the goal anyway!

 

[Dopey Sharon]

I had a hysterectomy almost two years ago and I haven't regretted it once.

I had problems with my period for over five years and, after my last ultrasound which showed one huge fibroid and several others, my doctor finally told me that it was up to me if I wanted the surgery or not. It took me all of two seconds to think about it (but I called her back the next day to tell her ok LOL!).

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy and was out of work for seven weeks. The only thing I regret was that my doctor waited so long to do it.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[FreshTressa]

The nice thing about the ablation is that if it does not work, you can still do the hysterectomy. I would rather try the easier method first.

 

[jajuan]

I had albation in January. It is so nice to hear someone hating the finality of it. I have 4 beautiful children but it was hard to know that there wouldn't be a chance of having more if I desired. My friends just don't understand that feeling. Anyway...first period was great. Minimal cramping and fairly light flow. This month, it was light flow for 2 weeks then a normal type TOM and then light flow for a week. I didn't like how long it lasted. I was ready to call my ob when it stopped. I will call next month if it is like that again...although, the pain was not anything compared to what I experienced before the surgery. The recovery for me was tought...but they did some exploring through 3 incisions in my belly....I felt NO pain in my uterus area. I would probably do it all over again. I don't think that I could go through with the full hysterectomy at my age (35)...I have plenty of time to deal with hormones. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

I worship the doctor who removed my uterus. I love not having periods or cramps. I love feeling better and more healthy.

I could have had ablation but decided against it because my doctor told me that the scar tissue left from an ablation makes it difficult to detect uterine cancer. Since uterine cancer runs in my family, I chose the hysterectomy and I'm glad glad glad!

The surgery was easy. Recovery was quick and easy. I don't have to worry about uterine or cervical cancer. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

 

[Shugardrawers]

I had ablation twice back in 93. It didn't work for me, the endo kept coming back. I finally begged my gyno for a hysterectomy. He was reluctant since I was 29 and childless. I knew by that time that I wouldn't be terribly disappointed if I didn't have children. Sometimes I am and I've seriously considered my sisters offer to have a baby for us but the time has past for me. I had the hyst and it was the best thing to ever happen to me. I'm not in bed crying 4 days a month anymore. I was out of work for about 6 weeks after my hyst but all things considered it was the best decision for me.

 

[jonestavern]

My heart goes out to you-
I had a partial hysterectomy 6 yrs ago.
Yes, the sadness over the finality of losing yr ability to bear more children is par for the course. Even tho I was older it was a sad change to weather.
All my years I had been irregular, had awful cramps,very heavy flow & often anemic, so you'd think I'd be grateful!

HOWEVER, I felt terrific after the first few weeks.
Much easier than a 'C' section, at least for me. If I hadn't wanted children, I would've skipped all the way to the OR in my twenties! I am the poster girl for
'happy hysterectomy"! I love being able to go wherever whenever--I love being free!

You'll do fine & Hugs & Best of Luck-
Jean

 

[rubyslipperlover]

you can get more information and support at www.hystersisters.com

 

[Miss Park Avenue]

I'm sitting here with these two ablation flyers by my side, trying to decide which method to choose, and decided to do a quick search here on the DIS. I cannot believe you posted this thread just yesterday! I too, am blessed with two girls and am done having babies. I'm 38 and I got my tubes tied five years ago. It was a little sad, knowing that my baby was my last. But not sad enough to risk having another.

I guess the scary thing is that even the potential to get pregnant is so low with tied tubes (actually burned), there's always that chance. And if I got the ablation, a pregnancy could be dangerous. But I've had them tied for over five years without even the hint of an accidental pregnancy. So I guess my chances of that happening are slim.

I guess it's time to muster up the courage and call the DR. Thanks for the tread.

 

[MouseClubMom]

Just a quick update, I had a long discussion with my doctor today and unfortunately for me the ablation isnt really going to be an option. The root cause of my problems wouldnt be helped by the procedure so it looks like a partial hysterectomy is my only real option at this point. I do have an appt in 2 weeks with another doctor for a 2nd opinion but I really doubt there is anything else to do.

The good news (I guess it is good news) is that my Gyn said I can have my surgery at the same time as my ankle surgery so I only have to go in the hospital ONCE! Funny thing was that my Gyn also goes to my Orthopaedic Surgeon as a patient so he is actually looking forward to working with him on me. LOL

Thanks so much for all of the suggestions and advice!

 

[Caropooh]

you can get more information and support at www.hystersisters.com

I was going to suggest them also! They are all a wealth of info! I'm having a complete hysterectomy next Wednesday. They are taking everything down there. I'll be 44 in June so I know I'm all done having kids. I'm nervous about the surgery, but not sad.
Good Luck!

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Does the ablation burn off tissue inside the uterus? I have endo and a fibroid on the outside, and my GYN did not even tell me there was an option other than a hysterectomy, and I did not get a good vibe that she felt comfortable performing surgery (and no other doctor choices are available on our health plan). 43 and no kids, someday I may give up all hope and just have it done.

 

[MouseClubMom]

Does the ablation burn off tissue inside the uterus? I have endo and a fibroid on the outside, and my GYN did not even tell me there was an option other than a hysterectomy, and I did not get a good vibe that she felt comfortable performing surgery (and no other doctor choices are available on our health plan). 43 and no kids, someday I may give up all hope and just have it done.

You can get alot of info at www.webmd.com. If your problems are not with the lining of the uterus then the ablation wont work for you.