Endometrial Ablation

I am new to the site. Wish I was a lady-in-waiting, but my GYN insists that the subject procedure has such a high rate of success that we cant' skip it and just put my uterus out of my misery. Anyone had any experience? The procedure he describes involves scraping of the uterine lining, and then the filling of a balloon-type device that is filled with hot water to further destroy tissues. Sounds fun, huh? I've tried birth control pills of varying strengths with no success. Lucky me started my 3rd cycle of this month on the 19th! No wonder I'm so tired! Anyway, any first-hand info that can be passed on would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Linda

((Linda)),
I have no personal experience with an ablation but here is a site with some info about it:
http://www.endometrialablation.com/

There are several Ladies here that have had this procedure so I'm sure some will be along shortly to share their experiences...
hopefully for you this procedure wll be successful Good Luck and please keep us posted

Well, I'm looking at maybe having one too (without the scraping beforehand, just the hot water balloon). Spent all of today running back and forth to the bathroom to change my tampon/pad combo every 1/2 hour or so; it should be better by tomorrow but I'm getting a little lightheaded. Luckily I have built my hemoglobin back up enough over the last 6 months so I can afford to lose a bit.

What I'm wondering is: is there any reason for me NOT to have an ablation, i.e. what are the potential negative effects? I did read a post from one person who said that after her ablation she went straight into menopause (must've fried her ovaries along with the uterine lining!?!?) but I don't know if that is rare or not. I need to do something. My HMO has not done many UAEs, so I don't want one of those (for a few other reasons too).

If there aren't any real risks from the ablation procedure, I am leaning towards doing that and dealing with the fibroids later if they raise their ugly little heads and cause other problems.

I am ready to be fixed - I just don't know yet how I want them to fix me!!!!

Debbie

I had an ablation this past Feb. I too experience heavy bleeding and long periods 8-10 days, super-plus tampon with a maxi pad back up.

As far as the procedure goes it was a same day surgery with general anethesia. I had the dnc (scraping) and then the balloon. I can honestly say I came out of this wondering if my doctor actually did anything, I had no pain. Had it done on a Friday, went home the same day and returned to work on Monday.

I was hoping to be one of those that had spotting to nothing for a period. I ended up having a moderate period. Over the course of time though, (since June) my periods came closer together, flowing 7 - 10 days. I'm now at where I have 14 days from the end of one period until the start of the next.

I just saw my Dr. today and we decided to go with a hysterectomy (LAVH). We just think this will be best for me, because every month I am like a week earlier and sometimes spotting in between. Enough is enough.

SO, I am just waiting to be scheduled for surgery. Good luck with your ablation, hope you will have better luck than I did.

I had Uterine Balloon Ablation last Wed. My Gyn. suggested it to lessen the severity of my horrendous periods. She told me that it works 75% of the time. You end up with normal or no periods at all because it cauterizes your uterus. I figured it would be the answer to my prayers! Unfortunately, in my case it didn't work. I have a fibroid that is the size of my uterus. My Gyn. tried to remove the fibroid but couldn't find the end of it. She said I need a hyst to remove the fibroid and end my periods. (along with the heavy bleeding, total exhaustion and anemia from losing so much blood!) I meet with her next week to move on with this. If you have any more questions let me know!

I had the ablation done in 1999. My fibroids had grown into the wall of the uterus so I knew going in that there was a possibility I may need a hyst down the road. The ablation procedure went very well. Minimal discomfort and quick recovery. I had no bleeding for over a year after the procedure. But, unfortunately, I did begin to bleed again and it got progressively worse and I did have a LAVH 8 months ago. (Uterus and cervix removed, kept both ovaries.) I am feeling great since my hyst but I have no regrets about trying the ablation first. The results can vary depending on the reason for the ablation and the size/location of the fibroids.


s

last summer. She only gets a little spotting and a mild headache once a month now. Nothing like the total Psychosis and flooding she used to experience. It was so bad she once considered suicide.

I had the endometrial ablation done a month ago.
Mine did not work. But i have heard that alot of women that have one , it works for them.
I started my period two days after the surgery. With the same amount of bleeding.My Endometriosis was much worse than the doctor thought after he went in vaginally. So i only had a one percent chance that it would work. Now i need a Hysterectomy.

I'm not trying to scare you. Because we are all different. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.
But as far as surgeries go, it really was a breeze. I was up moving around , the next morning. I had had a laproscopy done in April of this year and it was much more uncomfortable.
Hope this helps some.
LitleBitty

Hi Linda and Debbie -

Just to let you know, I had an endometrial ablation 3 years ago and it worked beautifully for me. I went from having heavy heavy periods (going through a super-plus tampon and a pad just about every hour for the first couple of days of my period!) to just enough to require wearing a minipad at that time of the month, basically a little spotting. I had been anemic due to the blood loss and that improved immediately. I had it done at the time of my first laparoscopy and had an endometrioma removed from my left ovary as well as endo and adhesions removed from other areas. I recovered fairly quickly - was back at work in about a week. No more staying home and missing out on life because I was afraid of having an accident on the first day of my period!!!

I don't believe I had any problems with my ovaries or premature menopause or anything. I still have the usual "two weeks before" signs of getting my period, although much milder now than before. My problem now is that the endo has advanced (Stage IV) and have to undergo a hysto for that!

If you are a good candidate for it.....it would spare you from having major surgery and a lengthy recovery time - you'd be back on your feet quickly. But these are just my opinions and experiences - be sure to check with your s on what would be best for you.

Hope this helps - good luck!

TerrieI

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