Ablation for heavy periods - FEEDBACK
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Anonymous
| Sorry if I'm asking questions that are too personal. My deal is this: I have many and large fibroids that are now starting to interfere with my life. I had a Mirena that kept things under control for several years, but it migrated out of place, and had to be removed via guided ultrasound. It wasn't a pleasant experience AT ALL (took them a few tries), and the doctor almost had to quit and remove it surgically. They don't think they can get another one in due to the position of my fibroids, and then the chances are good that the same thing would happen. After removing the Mirena, the doctor said she thinks I should consider a hysterectomy, since I'm not going to have any more children (I'm 43). I have fairly bad symptoms - lots of pressure in my abdomen, it effects my ability to urinate freely sometimes, I have back pain, cramps, and HEAVY bleeding during my very loooooong periods. I look like I'm 5 months pregnant about 1.5-2 weeks out of each month. My husband of all people wants me to consider a hysterectomy, because then it would be "once and done". I'm worried about early menopause and side effects on sexual enjoyment. Plus just the silly "emotional tears" of knowing my uterus is gone, which is....silly. The doctor said she could try ablation too, but wasn't sure of the effectiveness in my situation. Do you know if there are message boards anywhere for women who have had a hysterectomy and who discuss the recovery, side effects, etc? I know there is medical literature both for and against supra cervical hysterectomy....just might be good to hear from women who have been through it. |
Anonymous
My GYN, who is surgery-happy, did hundreds of ablations over the past 20 years or however long they've been doing them. And she wouldn't do it for me now because of whatever problem it is that people have developed. She recommended a low-hormone IUD for me instead. I decided not to do that, either, because I didn't want to do hormones (I'm 48 and overweight and have blood clot risks in the family). So I did nothing. But I wanted to put the idea of an IUD out there for OP in case it's something she wants to look into. |
Anonymous
You can get rid of the uterus in a hysterectomy without touching the ovaries. So you won't lose the hormones and the protections they afford. |
Anonymous
I'm the PP with the single incision laprascopic hyster. It sounds like you are really suffering. I know you are probably used to all of this since it probably took some time to get to this point. But, as someone who as been through the hyster. -- I think you should give it some very solid consideration. I didn't have as many pains/effects as you -- for me it was just ridiculous heavy bleeding that would come on in a flash at times. Other times it was sustained with a super tampon and super pad getting soaked in an hour or two. Staining my pants, having to rush home from doing errands b/c of a gush. That kind of thing. I was shocked when the gyn suggested hyster -- "isn't there something less serious?" I'm too young! I was only 42. But, I had two consultations with gyn surgeons (not a regular gyn who does the occasional hyster). And over a couple of months (soaking and gushing), I decided to do it. They did not suggestion ablation b/c it would need to be re-done and I'd still have to take BC pills or use some kind of BC. BC pills for 20 yrs. are probably partly to blame for my fibroid in the first place. So, I didn't want to keep taking the pills. They said "hyster is the only 100% solution." So, after I settled with it for awhile, I got the courage to do it. It really wasn't too bad. I had read on the internet of a woman who did outpatient surgery for it and I intended to be like her -- I hate staying in hospitals b/c it is so freaking noisy. I can't get any sleep. Well, I can say that you should plan on staying overnight. The movable propped up bed is kind of important b/c you dont have any abdominal muscles to help you sit up (after the surgery). The surgery itself was no problem. Afterward, I actually felt better than after childbirth (at least in the private parts). But, make no mistake, there will be internal swelling for 7-10 days. Your shoulder blade will hurt b/c of the pressure from the swelling pushing on your organs. It feels like a butcher knife in your back. That was probably the worst pain. I can't take oxycontin or the like b/c it makes me nauseous, so I got by on extra strength Tylenol. You will move slowly for a week. I did slowly walk the kids to school on the 4th day. If you work, you really should take a week off. You might be able to do a little emailing or internet work for two hours a day during that week, but you will still be low energy for 10 days. Honestly, I'm glad I did it and I haven't had one negative effect since! Love not having to mess with any of that for the last (almost) 4 yrs. FREEDOM! |
Anonymous
| Is there anyone here who had uterus + ovaries out at a youngish age (pre-menopause)? I get horrible hormonal migraines every single month, along with hideous periods. I've had a Mirena IUD in for the past year, and it worked initially to control the bleeding but has since stopped and I'm back to soaking through pads and tampons like crazy for 7 days every month. Also, my periods are starting to get irregular and I'm having hot flashes. I'm about to be 38, which seems young to consider such a thing, but I've tried every migraine medication and therapy out there. My mom had the same thing and only saw improvement after a complete hysterectomy when she went thru menopause. I am so ready to be done with this that I'm seriously considering it if the doctor would be game. |
Anonymous
I'm sure the dr. would be willing if you are sure that you are done with kids. |
Anonymous
DH had a vasectomy after the birth of our twins (we also have an older singleton), so yeah, we are definitely done! I'm the PP who had the failed ablation, btw, so that's not an option to make the bleeding stop either. |
Anonymous
Same here, only I was 44. Best thing I ever did!!!! |
Anonymous
Why not a have a myomectomy? I had one 7 years ago and have had two kids and zero symptoms since. I am 37. |
Anonymous
I'm the PP with lapra hyster. I asked about this before I consented to the surgery. They told me that a myomectomy was more complicated or dangerous than the hyster. They only do it when people still want to have kids. |
Anonymous
| Sorry to hijack the OP's thread here! But thank you thank you thank you for the detailed description, for the woman who went through the lapro hyster. Would you mind sharing which doctor you worked with? And just to whine a bit, I'm about 1/2 through my first pack of Lo Loestrin BCPs to see if these will help with bleeding....and I can't believe I'm actually HOPING for my period to get here ASAP. My abdomen is HUGE. Can't believe I'm actually looking forward to a couple of days with my (now routine) super tampon/super bad/change in 1-2 hours routine just to get through it and have my abdomen shrink back down a bit. My GYN told me these pills may not be the answer....may call her tomorrow to ask if I can just stop taking them. |
Anonymous
Dr. Garg. Northern Va Pelvic Surgery Associates. I think they have a couple of offices. The key thing is to avoid the big cut down the abdomen by geting a laprascopic surgery. Robotic surgeries are not all the rage anymore, but laprascopic minimizes pain and infection. It's still gojng to swell and there will be some pain as you heal. That is true with all surgeries....you fell worse before you feel better. |
Anonymous
| Should have said, Dr. Ruchi Garg. |