thermal ablation

Hi. I hope that someone has experience with this. I have been rethinking the hysto for many reasons and the thermal ablation is one other procedure. The doc I have threw me a curve ball tonight. Just when I thought I was ready for the hysto (and I agonized over this) he asked me why I had concern over the hysto. We (the doc and I) talked many times about this and I wasn't comfortable with this procedure because of the Lupron shots that are needed prior to this. I asked him (for one last shot of a question) if he would do the thermal ablation without the Lupron and he said "yes". Now, it is whether or not to do it, or just try to get used to the hysto??? I'm sad and confused. Please comment if you can.
Thank you.
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43 yrs old, no hysto yet, talked about partial hysto, have adenomyosis and endo but not much pain

kb

I had the thermal ablation Jan 2003. I had the Lupron shots before, my dr said that gave me a better chance of not bleeding after the ablation. I didn't bleed for a year. I still had my severe cramps though. My dr said it has helped a lot of people, she has only had to then do a hyst on one other person.

It really is a decision to make with your dr. I don't regret trying the ablation first. I know now I had tried the least invasive things possible.

Good luck and take care.

Hi!

I didn't do an ablation for many years because my doctor also wanted me to use Lupron. During a D&C/hysteroscopy, he found my lining was thin enough to do the ablation (I had been bleeding for months). Anyway, because I didn't sign a consent before that surgery, I had the ablation done about a month later.

The bleeding greatly lessened once I stopped using BCPs which were causing me additional problems and my cycles were much better for about 8 months. Then I started having lots of pain and additional spotting/bleeding again...still MUCH lighter than before. Thus the reason for the hysterectomy.

Personally, I have no regrets about doing the ablation. If I had skipped that step, I would have always wondered if it would have been the answer for me. I have friends that have had ablations and never even spotted since...I only wish.

It is a very personal decision though. Keep researching and asking questions until you feel comfortable with your decision.

All the best to you!

Glenda

Hi ((KB)),
I really think what ((Glenda)) stated:

	Quote:
Personally, I have no regrets about doing the ablation. If I had skipped that step, I would have always wondered if it would have been the answer for me. I have friends that have had ablations and never even spotted since...

can be a big factor for questions & concerns about the if-only or what-if's for many of us Exp if we hold doubts & are 2nd guessing our decision.....IMO, if there is a viable option available, one that is less risky & not as invasive, I would attempt that 1st If it works, that is awesome...if it doesnt the Hyst can always be rescheduled. That way you know you had it done w/o success & your other option, the Hysterectomy, is now your only choice. It could really help resolve some of your concerns!?!
In the end tho, the decision is yours. one that should be made only after research into all the possible risks & outcomes this surgery may carry. This is your body, the only one you have & only *YOU* have to live with the outcome...good or bad!
Have you considered getting a 2nd opinion? If not, it could add some valuable insight & a new perpective on your situation...one that could ultimately assist you in your decision....

I did want to share a couple links, they contain some info on these 2 procedures! It also compares the success rates & factors to consider when deciding which treatment to proceed with:

Why do women choose endometrial ablation rather than hysterectomy?
http://www.2womenshealth.co.uk/24-29-2203.htm

	Quote:
Ablation has a speedier recovery. For those women who feel that they need surgical treatment for their heavy periods but who are reluctant to lose their uterus, the ablation is attractive. It has become apparent that a significant number of patients undergoing ablation require further surgery. The overall difference between admission times between ablation and hysterectomy may be less. The risks of surgery in general, and hysterectomy in particular have been presented. Complications can occur with ablation particularly if the uterus is inadvertently punctured. How do hysterectomy and endometrial ablation compare?

Ablation Discussion Group:
http://pub76.ezboard.com/bendometrialablationboard

Good Luck! Pls keep us posted on how things are going...whatever decision you make, we will be here to support you! May it finally bring you some resolve to all you suffer