Endometrial Ablation Update!

[CathrynRose]

A few months ago, I had asked about an ablation - had anyone done it, how'd it go, etc etc etc ....

Then I scheduled it.

Then I cancelled it.

Then I scheduled it again.

Then I cancelled it, again!

Then I scheduled it - March 16. And I went and I did it.

I have to advise everyone that if youre considering it - do it. Im not kidding, this is the best decision Ive ever made. HOLY COW! I was not fotunate enough to not get any periods again, as many women do luck out with. However... I have a NORMAL one.

They said it took about 4 months to realize what the outcome will be. And I couldnt be more pleased.

I only made ONE mistake post OP. I just really wanted to get home - so immediately after the surgery they ask what pain meds I wanted. Something in my IV or some Vicodin. I chose Vicodin...Vicodin always works for me, and because I had just left the O.R. I was still feeling THAT. So, the nurse asked "One or Two" I said one....

Then the pain started kicking in. Nurse comes in, says youre still uncomfortable - and brings me another. Still DYING. Nurse comes back in, I say "Can I have something in my IV now?" And of course, since I'm Vicodin'd up - I cant have jack. So, I highly recomend taking the IV meds.

It hurt pretty bad, and weird twingey pains for a few weeks, actually. But again - I do NOT regret doing it. Best thing I ever did.

ANy questions - ask. And dont hesitate to do it, like I did.

 

[Lanshark]

I had it done with great results but was not really in too much pain. My only problem was coming out of anesthesia but that is always an issue for me.

 

[mommasita]

Glad to hear it was a success. It may be something in my near future as well.

 

[kkmcan]

WOW! I'm having this at the end of the month. They do it in the doctors office with a pain killer and a valium and then more pain killer to take home. I hope that is enough. You all were put out completely huh? You have me a little worried with the pain part.

Also, I'd like to know what "normal" meant for you? I'm not even sure what a normal period would be like anymore. I'm hoping I dont get anymore periods after this procedure.

Thanks for any info.

Kelly

 

[CathrynRose]

WOW! I'm having this at the end of the month. They do it in the doctors office with a pain killer and a valium and then more pain killer to take home. I hope that is enough. You all were put out completely huh? You have me a little worried with the pain part.

Also, I'd like to know what "normal" meant for you? I'm not even sure what a normal period would be like anymore. I'm hoping I dont get anymore periods after this procedure.

Thanks for any info.

Kelly

Well, I assume its normal - I had no idea anymore, either!!!

I dunno - a week or so long. Changing protection every couple/few hours? And it never being 'full' - kwim? I can get through the night without having to get up and run with my knees locked together. I am super greatful for normalcy - I would have loved no more periods, but going through boxes and boxes of tampons and month I cant NOT be happy with what I now deal with.

The one Im had was Novasure.... apparently it 'burns really hot' according to my doctor. Hence the pain for awhile and the 'knocked out' - which they referred to as "Twilight Sedation" It was an IV shot of something that *BAM* hit me like a ton of bricks - INSTANT! *POW* Not a tubing 'knocked out'

 

[ElleBelle]

We routinely perform ablations at our OBGYN office with just some local anesthetics to the cervix. GREAT RESULTS. We instruct our patients to premedicate with Motrin (Valium if needed...) and then send them home with a script for Percocet as needed.
Most of the women come in scared to death--- when they leave however, all they can do is talk about how easy the procedure was--- and how glad they are that they didn't go to the OR!

 

[DebbieB]

Thanks for the info. I am considering it. I was having trouble last fall, I had an edometrial biopsy, which was negative and an ultrasound which showed 2 small fibroids. I was going to ask about the procedure, then I hardly got a period for 4 months so I figured I was starting "the change" (I'm 47) and didn't need to worry about it. Well in May it came back with a vengence, very heavy the last 3 months. I have my annual in early September, I am going to ask about it.

 

[mla2177]

I didn't read the originial post, what is the surgury for? Infertility, or heavy painful periods?

 

[DebbieB]

I didn't read the originial post, what is the surgury for? Infertility, or heavy painful periods?

Heavy bleeding

 

[DisneyDotty]

I had this done about two years ago, with most excellent results. Aunt Flo requires very little maintenance--as in I almost forget she's visiting, KWIM? I also had very little pain afterwards--think menstrual cramps. And those went away after a day. And I'm happy to say the results have been consistent--which I know isn't true for everyone.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to get her life back. Before the procedure, I had to check the calendar before I scheduled any outings--I was a slave to those monthly visits. Ablation has been a godsend.

 

[PattnFmly]

Interesting reading all. Thank you. I had been considering this also, but my Dr. and I decided to try The Pill for awhile first. But you never know what's in the future. I'm doing great right now, and I hope never to go back to those heavy months when I was afraid of my commute to work! Blecch!

 

[PartyOf5]

Ahh, this must be the post others mentioned when I posted a question about Novasure. I think I read another one detailing the pain, etc. although others posted saying there was no pain.

I have some tests scheduled on 8/13...if all goes well, I think I'm going with Novasure. If all is clear, my GYN said she could do it in the office. Would love to hear from more who went this route vs. the OR. I did have an emergency D&C in the office about 16 years ago...didn't have time to do go the hospital which was next door. I think if I lived through that, I can live through Novasure...but I'm "Notasure."

 

[Poohnatic]

I had the Novasure in March 06. I got my life back. Instead of running to the bathroom every two hours because of the monthlies, I spot for two or three days every three to four months. I used to buy the jumbo boxes of Tampax and pads at costco every other month-not anymore.

Glad it improved things. As the '2% girl"*, I knew that I'd still get my period, but I was willing to give this a try. I am soooo glad I did.

Suzanne

2% girl refers to any medical issue or complication that happens to 2% or less of the population WILL happen to me.

 

[FreshTressa]

I had this done last october. My periods have been great...however I got an infection last March. Once that was gone, I've been fine.

 

[bettyann29]

Glad to hear all is well.. I was supposed to have one in June but found out that the lining of my uterus is thickened and I cant have the ablation.. my only 2 options is a hysterectomy or trying to control the bleeding with medication.. I opted for the medication because Im not at a point financially that I can take 6 weeks off work.. so far so good.. I took the pills for 10 days and within 5 days as the doc said my cycle started.. it was quite heavy but only last for one week.. Im now waiting to see if my cycles hold off till next month.. I dont take the pills again until Aug 1st and then I take them 10 days.. and then my cycle should start within 5 days after.. my fingers are crossed that all goes well..

I will be soooooo glad to have a "normal one"..

 

[wdwmom2]

WOW! I'm having this at the end of the month. They do it in the doctors office with a pain killer and a valium and then more pain killer to take home. I hope that is enough.

I had the HerOption ablation done in June of '06. It was done in the GYN office, 1 Valium, no sedation, and several numbing shots to the cervix. The numbing part was the worst, but definitely bearable. Instead of burning the endometrium like the Novasure, HerOption freezes it. Very little d/c and cramping later. Yes, I still get my period, but it is VERY managable. What a Godsend!!!!

 

[kellydizfan]

I had it done in the hospital in November 05. I went in to have some polups removed and my GYN asked if I wanted it done while he was in there. I said yes and they are lighter (was hoping not to get anymore), no pain and lasts about 6 days which stinks. I used to be only 3-4 days but heavier but not running every 2 hours like alot of people. I know of one person who had it done and they stopped but she was extremely miserable prior so I am so glad that it worked for her. I didn't have any pain after, I was just deathly sick from the anesthsia for about 24 hours after. It was a long couple of days. The other funny thing was my DM was in the bed next to me as she was having surgery on her knee - it was a family event.

 

[heart4pooh]

I heard about the Novasure ablation here on the Dis. I had it done this past March in the hospital outpatient with an IV. I didn't feel a thing! Couldn't believe it was over. I had a bit of a reactin to the anesthesia but within a couple of hours I had no pain. Didn't even need motrin! I haven't had my period since and only a touch of PMS. The weird thing is a couple of months afterwards I always felt tired and my hair was falling out!! I thought my thyroid meds needed to be tweeked but it ended up my iron is low. I'm still working on that part. My doc said it probably was low before with my heavy periods Don't quite understand why it would get lower since... I highly recommend it. I feel like I have a life for the first time in 30 years!!!