ablation decision

Hi all,

I am 43 years old and had my tubes and one ovary removed when I was 31. At the time the surgeon also said there were three fibroids in my uterus...one large one at the site of where a blood vessel leads into the uterus. Anyway, I had been in surgery for awhile (I had lots of scar tissue and adhesions that had to be removed) and he left my fibroids. Now, for the last 3 years or so my periods have been a mess. Sometimes two times a month, or I will go for 28 days without having one and then bam I have one for two weeks. There are also times when I spot from one period to another. There are not massive amounts of blood, but lots of clots. I luckily don't have any cramping. My doc has done an edometrial biopsy, an ultrasound, my hormone levels are within normal range. The ultrasound results showed no fibroids...where did they go? Could they have shrunk completely!

Ok, on with my question. He has suggested doing a D&C and then an ablation. He had at one time prescribed Prometrium but after two pills I blew up like a balloon. My family is horrifed to think I may have this ablation. They think I should just have a D&C and see if that helps first. I don't know what to think. The thing is when I have a period it just wipes me out. I feel like I have the flu and am just so tired. Does anyone think an ablation would help alleviate those symptoms?

I would apprecitate any thoughts or insights. I have read most of the posts on abaltion all ready but for some reason I would just like to hear from some of you This is such a cool site...wish I had found it a long time ago.

Thanks,
Karina

Hi Karina,

I'm glad you found us and that you are enjoying the website!

The ablation decision really depends on exactly what is causing the problems. If it's just dysfunctional bleeding (not to minimize that, of course) then an ablation might be a good treatment option. You say you used to have fibroids but don't anymore ... is it possible that you might have adenomyosis? This condition occurs when the uterine lining begins to grow into the uterine muscle. It can cause the clotting that you describe. The problem with adeno is that it is very difficult to diagnose. Sometimes it is diagnosed with an MRI, but not all docs will order this test because it is pretty expensive and still may not be conclusive.

The only real cure for adeno is a hyst. An ablation probably will not help the condition at all (if this is what you have). It might be worth discussing this possibility with your doc to see if he/she thinks this could be the problem.

If you try the D&C and it brings good relief, that would be a less invasive option than the ablation. If the d&c doesn't work, you can always move on to the ablation or whatever other treatment option seems to be the right choice for you.

Whatever you decide, we'll do our best to provide support. Keep us posted on what you find out and what you decide about treatment. Sending hugs your way.

Beth

Thanks for your reply Beth. I have an appointment to discuss things with him on the 17th of this month. I have my surgery set for June 18th. I will ask him about the possibility of andenomyosis. My gyn is very easy to talk to so any other input or ideas you all have that I could bring up to him would be greatly appreciated.

Another kind of question that is kind of yucky...some of the spotting that I have inbetween the regular bleeding is brown and almost kind of stringy. And then sometimes it is bright red and looks like thin pieces of red paper floating in the toilet. I apologize to be so "graphic" but does anyone else have this or know if it is indicative of any other kind of problem?

After my tubes and ovary were removed and the adhesions on my intestines were removed I was in quite a bit of pain for several weeks afterward and I don't take well to anesthesia...so I would prefer that when I go in to have something done again it last me for awhile!

Best wishes to all of you out there. I tell ya, us women have a lot to deal with...it's good we can stick together

Hi Karina,

Yes, it is good to stick together!

Brown blood is indicative of old blood - it has been "lingering" in your uterus for awhile. This can happen when you have conditions like fibroids or adeno. The uterus can't shed it's lining properly. But be sure to ask your gyn about this to be certain. I know it's yucky to talk about some of this stuff, but most docs have heard it all - so don't be shy.

Keep us posted on what you find out.

Beth