Ablation vs hysterectomy. Can someone please help 😢

[NotYourHolidayDick]

I'm absolutely stuck between a rock and hard place.

Horrific periods, bleeding through a super plus tampon plus a pad every hour for 2 days. Painful. Waking 3-4 times a night to change.

Gynae app 2 weeks ago. I've tried transexamic acid or whatever it's called. I've had the mirena and it was horrific and fell out (I'll save the TMI!), every type of pill messes with my head and I have migraines with auras. I asked for an ablation. Gynae said it isn't recommended for me (36) as chances are my periods will come back and I'll end up having a hysterectomy anyway in a few years. So she recommended a hysterectomy and that was sorted.

So today I had an appointment with the surgeon before my pre op assessment next week. And she's offered me a bloody ablation and said I have to make the decision as to which option I want!

Now I utterly thrown. I'm terrified of the major op, but also don't want to just delay the inevitable. I have autism and ADHD and am totally unable to decide.

Can someone decide for me please.
36 year old, healthy weight, finished having kids.

My friend had similar, also given option. Went for ablation and no regrets. She was older than you, about 40 odd.

I'm sorry, I've no real advice, but you had your gynae appointment two weeks ago and you are having your pre op assessment next week. I am very jealous as it took about a year to get to the point that I was offered a hysterectomy and I have been on the waiting list for the op for about a year now.
I was originally going to have an ablation but because it took a year to get to that appointment I'd read a lot more about it and wasn't happy with the potential risks.
In your shoes I would decide if it was worth the risk of going ahead with the ablation and possibly needing a hysterectomy at a later date. A hysterectomy is a big deal and there are lots of things to think about for afterwards with regards to hrt etc depending on what is removed.

I had ablation at about 38 and it was life changing. Haven't used a sanitary pad or tampon since - just need a pantliner for the very light period that I now have. I was told the womb lining might grow back so I might need it done again in 5 years but I'm about 8 years on and still fine. The op itself was under GA so all fine, I was back at work in 2 days. It really worked for me. My mum had a hysterectomy at about 40 due to ovarian cysts bursting, it was a much longer recovery time of course and her hormones went a bit haywire. Worth it though if your situation is very severe.

I had the most awful periods and had an ablation and it's the best decision I've ever made my periods did return but so very light I hardly notice it
Wish I'd done it 10 years ago

I had ablation in my early 40s and never had another period. I'm menopausal now so that's me done. I'd go for the ablation tbh. If you need it redoing, the total recovery time will still be less than a hysterectomy.

I had my womb out last year, kept my ovaries feel amazing! No more periods is priceless.

It was full abdominal, felt great after 3 weeks

I went for an ablation first. Went down for the op and they couldn't do it as I had the wrong size/shape womb. Ended up waiting another year after for the hysterectomy so wish I'd of just gone with that in the first place. I'm 42.

I would say the key is to know what is causing your bleeding in the first place before you consider any of these procedures.

You need proper investigations done first to get a diagnosis.

The cause of my bleeding was only established after a combination of blood tests, pelvic scans and hysteroscopy (small camera that looks into what is going on with your womb/ovaries).

Because you could have fibroids, a hormonal imbalance, cysts, endometriosis or adenomyosis causing your bleedings.

If you have endometriosis or adenomyosis or fibroids, an ablation is going to be of no help whatsoever.

If your consultant has not investigated properly you need to take a step back and request further tests.

It was found that I had endometriosis and adenomyosis and the adeno had created a huge ball of tissues at the top of my womb and turned my womb into a sponge full of blood...

The consultants tried everything first: pill, hormones, coil (like yours it was ''expelled'' and fell off after a couple of days) and then we agreed the only solution was a hysterectomy. I was 45 so very happy to go with it and that really gave me my life back.

Hi Op,

I had a full hysterectomy on Sunday. I was out same day, took ibuprofen for 2 days, no pain relief since, sleeping well and already dh says I look miles better.

Same issues, horrendous periods and irregular bleeding.

I would definitely recommend the hysterectomy.

Any questions feel free to ask!

Had same symptoms here for most of twenties onward, had ablation in my 40s, temporary respite for 2-3 months, rang Surgeon 12 months on and booked in for partial hysterectomy, wish i had done it many years before.

I'd have a hysterectomy in a heartbeat. My Mum had hers as there were cancerous cells, she was soaking through pads after a year of no period. She's had a new lease of life, she's healthier and happy than ever before. She's in her 60s now, having had the full hysterectomy done in her late 50s.

I had an ablation over ten years ago in my mid 30s. Periods did return but never as heavy as before and I’ve always been happy with them.

I actually went asking for a hysterectomy and consultant (who is a friend) said not a good idea. Risks of major surgery and also likely to go into an earlier menopause even if ovaries left behind. He was adamant that a hysterectomy was to be avoided

I had ablation at 37, now 50 only bleeding is very scant "slid marks" just wear black knickers

I had an ablation 7 years ago. I did continue to have periods but I can use a regular tampon for a whole day rather than super plus not lasting an hour.

My youngest child was only 18 months so a full hysterectomy recovery would have been hard.

I agree you need to find the cause. Mine was just due to super thick womb lining, all scans and investigations were clear.

I had an ablation at 36 which was seven years ago. It's has honestly changed my life as I'm not at the mercy of my horrific periods. I haven't had a period since the op.

I had an ablation in my forties for heavy periods- an absolute game changer and no need for a hysterectomy. Easy op , quick recovery, I’d try it first.

To all of you who have had ablations, how difficult was it to get your GP to refer you for it? I've been debating for ages asking my GP for a referral as my periods are awful and I'm constantly anaemic, but thought it would be impossible to get a referral so haven't bothered...

I had BUPA cover through work and my GP referred me to a private consultant. I honestly think if I hadn't had that I might have been refused on the NHS

I was referred after trying medication and the coil.

Flooding at least 7 days out of 21 and constantly anaemic.

Has already had investigations done to establish why my bleeding was so heavy.

I've had a scan and nothing seen.

See, this is why I'm in such turmoil! Everyone has a different experience/result.

It sounds like ablation would be ideal....if it worked. If it doesn't then I'm back to square one and might have a fight getting the hysterectomy. Whereas hysterectomy would just get the job done.

Can I ask those who have had the ablation, do they still say it's not recommended for those who have had c sections?

Sorry to be a bore, but please tell me you don't wear the same tampon ALL day! That is really dangerous.

I had an ablation although a few years older than you, because of the same symptoms
I was anaemic and constantly worried I'd bleed through clothing
It really was life changing in every way
Very light anaesthetic, home a few hours later, and not a drop of bleeding ever since
If you've completed your family, I would definitely go for it

@PoundsoverTitle
I had a EMCS with my DS1 and had a very successful ablation