Ablation or hysterectomy. Can I choose my treatment if going private?

[doglover]

I have a second consultant appopintment in a couple of weeks (very heavy periods due to fibroids) and wondered how much 'say' the patient has when selecting treatment? My preference at the moment - after extensive research on the NICE and British Fibroid Association website - is for the finality of the hysterectomy but can I state this directly? I'm au fait with the pitfalls of both procedures but am at the end of my tether with 'flooding' and its impact on my / family life. My reading about the ablation suggests that it isn't always successful and if I'm going to have something 'done', let's just have a permanent solution!

[VivaLeBeaver]

I don't know if you'd get more of a say if you went private.

I had an ablation done and dr said he'd rather try that first. He pointed out that most people who have a hysterectomy start the menopause within 5 years even if their ovaries are left in. I didn't want to be taking hrt, putting weight on, etc in my 30s.

But I think ablation isn't always suitable depending on the size of your fibroids.

[coffeeinbed]

Size and position of fibroids cane be of consideration.
Have you tried the Mirena?
That's usually suggested as well, as first option.

[doglover]

Thanks, VLB. I'm 48 so the menopause is lurking .................. no symptons yet, though!!

[VivaLeBeaver]

If I was 48 then yes I'd be asking for a hysterectomy. I suppose the drs only thought may be that it's a more serious operation.

[doglover]

He did suggest but this isn't something that I would wish to have. x