Do I need a SECOND endrometrial ablation?

[doglover]

I had an E.A. in Dec 2012 - fantastic! After years of horrendously heavy periods lasting over a week, I've had 15 months of 'normality'. The last months, however, have been seen a gradual worsening of both pain and flow. I hoped that the procedure would see me through to the 'change' but I'm 50 now and have started to have menopausal symptons - am so saddened to be having to cope with such heavy periods again.

I will be contacting my GP next week to discuss my options but just wondered if any of you had experienced anything similar?

[VivaLeBeaver]

When I had mine I was warned the effects would probabbly be temporary and wear off gradually. I'm three years on and they're heavier now than a couple of years ago....nowhere near as bad as it was.

[TheFairyCaravan]

I was warned it was a temporary fix too. Over the past year or so my periods are heavier, more painful, more frequent and I'm passing clots again.

I'm thinking of seeing the GP ask for a blood test to check my hormone levels in the hope I'm nearing the menopause.

Mine was 5 years ago.

[doglover]

Thanks for the replies.

It's grim isn't it! I, too, was told that the results may not last until I started the menopause but, ever the optimist, hoped that all would be ok and I'd be one of the lucky ones ...........

[mymummademelistentoshitmusic]

Sorry to hijack. I asked ages ago but nobody replied. Please can those of you who have had EA tell me what to expect? I've finally been referred.

[VivaLeBeaver]

It was done as day surgery. I came round in recovery in a bit of pain. More so than usual. The surgeon was a friend of mine and said he'd argued with the anaesthetist in theatre saying I hadn't been given enough pain relief. So they gave me a pethidine injection and I fell asleep for the afternoon! Woke up and went home.

I had slight tummy cramps for a few days but nothing to bad. Loads of yellowish, watery discharge for over a week. Went through pads and pads and pads!

Then no periods for six months, then very light periods for a year. They're still light, no flooding, no clots. Period pain isn't anywhere near as bad as what it was but I've had a bit the past couple of months.

[mymummademelistentoshitmusic]

Thanks, Viva.

[doglover]

My EA experience was even easier. Had a general anaethestic and woke up with slight cramping. I went home 3 hours after the op and just took it easy for a few days.

It's an amazing procedure - transformed my life for over a year - even if the results appear to be wearing off now!

[janesaysl]

Mine was similar to viva, except I did have quite a bit of pain for about a week afterwards,wasn't good. However, the effects have been great and I no longer have to worry about the flooding I was getting before. I'm 3yrs on and have noticed increased period pain recently but still very light flow, thank goodness!

OP my consultant offered womb removal as an option, maybe worth discussing? Not a full hysterectomy as they'd leave the hormone producing ovaries. Hope you get sorted soon.

[doglover]

Thanks, JSL. Fingers crossed!

[mymummademelistentoshitmusic]

Thanks everyone. I'm a tough old boot so I think I'll be fine.

[mypoosmellsofroses]

Had mine 2012, in for morning surgery, out by lunchtime. Was given painkillers but they weren't touching it, no idea why but I was in agony, DH called hospital and they said to bring me back, cue DH driving 30 odd miles like a loon, got to A&E and they gave me morphine and kept me in overnight. Very minimal bleeding/discharge for about 10 days and then nothing.
Best thing I ever had done, love not having periods:) I had a bit of post coital spotting a couple of months ago and got sent for colonoscopy, my cervix was completely closed, had another op, was supposed to be 20 mins, took an hour as they had to use tear duct dilators to start and then work up...if this has worked, I may have some bleeding now, but so far nothing at all. Colonoscopy to check next month so we will see...
The cervix thing can be caused by EA, but I have also had a loop excision and a cervical polyp removal so it could just be that my cervix is a bit of a scarred battlefield :)
I'm 42 but if the last op hasn't worked, think it may be hysterectomy time as they can't get a proper smear with my cervix the way it was.

[mypoosmellsofroses]

Doh, need more coffee, of course I meant colposcopy. oops!!

[honeysucklejasmine]

I had two, about four years apart. Neither were very successful.