Sciatica, Bleeding, painful periods, ablation or hyster?

Well... I'm 52 yrs old and thought I wouldn't ever experience labor pains again. NOT. I have options. Thermal ablation or hysterectomy. When they ask me at the Dr ofc the date of my last period I just laugh. So much bleeding who can tell when a "cycle" was or is.

Quit my job 3 yrs ago. Fuzzy thinking, disinterested, and struggled a bit with what I thought might be a bladder prob. Numbness in leg, pain in butt due to sciatica. This was all just the beginning.

Went to a bladder guy... I'm fine there. Had a meeting with God earlier this year.... I am worthy and God still has a plan for me... But I'm at a crossroad now and have to make a decision weather to do a hysterectomy or thermal ablation. Kept waiting for a miraculous "phase" to occur..menopause... no periods... love life, gardening, music... I've got to do something soon. Hubby would like to have me back home again (mentally...

Would love to hear more about those suffering from sciatica. And if your symptoms when away after hysterectomy.
Also positive input on thermal ablation??anyone??

Sorry if this has turned into a novel... Hey.. maybe I should write one... LOL
Mando

What about natural options?....Reflexology? Holistic approach?

Hi mando

I don't have any personal experience w/ ablation, but here is a website with info & message boards about ablation: http://www.endometrialablationdiscussion.com/

I hope you are able to find a good solution for your symptoms. I am sending huge cyberhugs

Hi, I completely understand where you are coming from. I've suffered since the onset of my periods essentially with pain, bleeding and of late endometriosis and fibroids. I'm 39 now and just went through LSH. Had a thermal ablation in Jan 2004 which did work for me for about 3 years. It never stopped my bleeding completely but it did slow it and make it manageable. I was pain free for about 2 1/2 years and then the endo returned, etc. I'm happy I did the ablation as it bought me more time and my personal theory is to do the least invasive things first. The hyster was my last resort which I did decide when the pain became so unbearable and I was offered the lap procedure (kept ovaries and cervix). Recovery has been fine and I've not bled since surgery day! I can also tell that my back pain is better. I hope this helps you! There are many options out there and it is best made with you and your doctor but this is a wonderful site for personal experience and stories from women who have gone through it. Best wishes to you!

Thanks for your story. At my age... I'm not sure if I want to "buy some time" or not... and simply go for the hysterectomy. Your story is encouraging.

Hey there Mando -

I didn't have luck with my ablation, but I had so many things wrong with me that I wasn't a good candidate for it anyway. I don't regret trying it at all, though. It was waaay easier than having my period. My sister had perfect success from hers. She was not a happy camper when her doc insisted on it before hysterectomy. She was sure she'd prove him wrong, but she never had another period and is now menopausal and it was a very happy ending for her indeed.

Again, I don't regret trying the ablation at all. Only when it failed was I sure I really needed a hysterectomy. I didn't want to put my health at risk by having a major surgery with major risks if there was possibly another way to solve my problems.
I don't regret having the hysterectomy - but it has not been the end to my problems either. I developed a rectocele the year after my hyst, then a year after that I developed a cystocele and severe stress incontinence. I am glad I tried the ablation because otherwise I'd probably be kicking myself wondering if any/all of these surgeries might have been able to be avoided.

Although most women do fine with a hysterectomy, there are some who do not. Some have complications and regrets. There's no way of knowing ahead of time who will do well and who won't. Please take your time and explore your options, get a second opinion or two. You are worth it.
Wishing you all the best with this tough decision and finding what is best for (((you))).
May you find the answers you are looking for and the relief you deserve.

Gentle s
Beth