Thermal ablation - anyone had this?

[majorcrowdpleaser]

After many years of horrible periods and lots of tests I have opted to have thermal ablation.

However, I am really anxious about having the op and am starting to have wobbles at the thought of it (having it under a local in July).

Has anyone had this procedure done and how did it go? How was the recovery etc - Thanks :)

Do you mean Endometrial ablation? I had it done in July last year (Novasure). I had a general anaesthetic and had an ovarian cyst removed at the same time so my experience may be different to yours. But after years of terrible periods, exhaustion, anaemia etc it has been a godsend! No periods, a new lease of life and the recovery time was minimal. All the pain I had was from the cyst removal rather than the ablation. Of course this is not an option if you would like more children. I found it a godsend and can't think of any reasons for you not to have it!! Best of luck x

Thanks Arabella- yes think it will be the Novasure I am having :)

I also had the novasure ablation in August last year after suffering for years with awful heavy periods. I can't stress enough that it's changed my life. I don't even get bloating now but still get a day or two of pmt but no bleeding to the point of being unable to leave the house, no worrying about AF arriving unnanounced etx etx.
I was quite bloated and sore for a couple of weeks after the op which I didn't expect so look out for that. It just went down on its own after a couple weeks. Good luck, it'll be the best thing you've ever done!

Had it under local. It was hideous (far, far worse than I'd anticipated) BUT it's made a huge difference. Recovery was just a few days and I have virtually no periods at all now, although do still get some minor cramps.

Thanks all - Remus what was the hideous part? The actual procedure or the fact you had it under a local?

The actual procedure - one of the worst days of my life. Sounds melodramatic, I know, but true...

Ultimately worth it, though.

I've just had an ablation (transcervical resection) today, well yesterday now. I can't help much when it comes to the procedure itself as I had mine under general anaesthetic but I can at least share how my recovery has been so far.

When I first woke I was having some fairly painful period-like cramps. At the time I rated them a 5 out of 10 (my "normal" period pains would be a 7 or 8) and I was given a bit more pain relief. That brought them down to about a 2 and they gradually lessened through the afternoon. By the time I went home (early evening) they'd stopped completely and I've not needed any more painkillers since.

I've had some very minor bleeding, just enough to warrant a pad (though could probably have managed with just a liner if I had any) at first but now I'm just getting a tiny bit of pinkish fluid when I wipe.

I'm still getting the odd very mild cramp, so mild that the word "cramp" seems a bit overkill. It's not so much pain or an ache, more like I'm just randomly aware of being able to feel my uterus, if that makes any sense at all!!

I'm amazed at how little it feels like I've had anything done. If it wasn't for needing to recover from the GA I reckon I'd be completely back to normal tomorrow.

My next period is due in around a week or so and I'm stupidly excited to see what happens

Best thing ever!
Was uncomfortable after felt like quite bad period pain and there was a watery discharge for 2-3 weeks
But so so worth it. although I still get all the other pmt symptoms which is odd.

It's life changing - you won't regret it

Thanks everyone this has really put my mind at ease. My procedure is due 5th July and although I am absolutely dreading it, I am so looking forward to not being tied to the house for several days and my bathroom looking like something from a horror movie!!