To ask you to share your experiences of endometrial ablation?

[porridgeisbae]

I had an ablation last Jan and was very pleased with the lack of periods, but have now had some seemingly unfortunate effects from it.

I'd be interested to hear other's experiences.

I had one years and years ago. Very straightforward, eased my symptoms and no unfortunate problems afterwards. I was back in work after 4 days although probably should have stayed off a full week. I had it done privately but that shouldn't have made a difference.

What side effects have you had OP? I’m considering it as my periods are horrendous.

I had major problems after my ablation, ended up needing a hysterectomy. I was misdiagnosed.

I got it done about 5yrs ago, I've not had a period since and no side effects. It's been life changing for me .

Mine wasn't straight forward but has helped. I was bleeding so badly my HB was down at 6 (twice) and overall needed 18 blood transfusions.

I'm not a suitable candidate for a hysterectomy or they'd have done that.

It's not supposed to be done twice but due to complications the consultant did say they'd try it again if they needed to.

I'd really rather not go through it again but if needs must then I suppose I will:

Sorry to hear you've had issues Op

@BuddyBuddyBumBum I'd really recommend it, my experience was mostly bad luck and it has been great not to have periods.

It's interesting that you say that. What did you end up being diagnosed with?

They didn't know I had endometriosis but I did (not that it should make a difference as people with endo have this surgery.)

Since the operation I've had my first undeniable signs of endo, at age 47. I have a cyst in the vaginal vault and also a bit slightly blocking my ureter and leading to water on the kidney. They think that bit is probably endo too. I have quite a bit of fatigue due to these issues but am glad the kidney thing was caught early thorough a private abdominal scan.

I got sepsis the next day - couldn’t sit, stand or remember my children’s names.

Once back in the lane of the living, my periods continued, a bit lighter (more like a normal woman, no longer requiring hourly mooncup emptying with back up period pants), but started getting mid cycle bleeding too for six months. I’m hoping that’s now stopped as didn’t happen the last month.

All in, I wouldn’t recommend the experience!!

Basically, it seems to have led to the spread of endo. But this isn't even a side effect I can see mentioned anywhere online. The endometriosis isn't visible in the ovaries on ultrasounds.

@porridgeisbae
Sounds similar, they suspected endo. Did laparoscopic surgery, found endo lesions, treated them, and did ablation. In hindsight I also had adenomyosis. So the ablation made the whole situation much worse.

@Pinkpinkplonk So sorry to hear that. How're you doing now?

I had some tests about 5 years ago as I had raised CA 125 so they sent me to make sure I didn't have ovarian cancer. The consultant said they don't really worry about CA125 unless a woman has stopped having periods. He really convinced me there was nothing wrong (although maybe they discovered the fibroids then IDK) and said 'you can have a laparoscopy if you really want' or something, really making it clear he thought it was unnecessary. Then he wrote on the paperwork that I'd chosen not to have it. Yes, because that was his advice!
I so wish I'd had that laparoscapy now (although it wouldn'tve made any difference maybe)

Everyone, take any investigations you're (even half heartedly) offered.

@porridgeisbae
after the hysterectomy I’m doing great than you.
It was a huge fight to convince them I was worse after the original surgery. It’s important that you are listened to.

I had it twice it worked borh times well for a while but then my periods were extremeöy heavy again.I had fybroids, ended up having a hystorectomy.
I am now very happy, no pain , no bleeding.
I had very little pain pr complicarions after either procedure.