Abolation or hysterectomy

[Happyhippos21]

Over the years iv had heavy periods although they had became steadier before DD came along. Since DD they are very heavy. I cant go on like this. I saw a gynecologist today and discussed abolation or hysterectomy. He was more of an advocate for hysterectomy. He said abolation had a 20% chance of not working and it if it does work, when the lining grows back it can fuse something together?? - cant recall what but it can make it difficult to identify issues in the future and its sort of kicking the can down the road for a hysterectomy likely later. I was worried about risk of prolapse with hysterectomy but he said its very small.

Anyone else had a hysterectomy for periods in their 30's? He said it was keyhold surgery now. How did you feel after? Any problems?

The reason I chose hysterectomy, and point blank refused ablation, was exactly because it isn’t successful for every woman and it frequently grows back.

I had a total hysterectomy, key hole, life changing. I was early 40’s but recovery was very straightforward. I’m not overly concerned about prolapse, I’ve been doing pelvic floor exercises daily for years anyway, I was doing them post surgery even before the spinal block wore off! Tbh my periods were so bad and the pain so excruciating that I was having to miss work each month, and that just couldn’t go on.

@KnockKnockKnockPennyKnockKnockKnockPennyKnock thanks,thats great to hear. Was it your choice to have the full hysterectomy? How long did you take of work after?

My gynae said exactly the opposite. That a hysterectomy was major surgery with more risks. That even if ovaries left behind you’d probably go into the menopause in five years.

I had an ablation, about ten years ago. Was life changing. Still working. Minimal recovery

Guess it’s possible advice has changed in the last decade

I had an ablation with amazing results but I am 49 so maybe less change of it growing back?

I had gone in talking about the ablation (sorry, realised iv been saying and spelling it wrong!!) and he said in about 40% of cases it goes very well and the patient has no periods, 40% has light periods and 20% fails. 20% seems pretty high.

@GatherlyGal that makes sense, im 34, he said if it worked he would expect me to definitely get 10 years and then from there there would be a reasonable chance of needing another thing done - and potentially hysterectomy.

His view seemed to be the hysterectomy would definitely stop my periods and it would save me having it later in life when recovery could be tougher. I was quite surprised as I thought it was only exceptional circumstances you would have it but now im more on the side of hysterectomy for the certainty.

I begged for my hysterectomy. Definitely my choice. I was signed off for 6 weeks but, if it wasn’t for the tiredness, I could have gone back after 2 or 3 weeks because physically I felt fine.

Hi @Happyhippos21 hope you don't mind me resurrecting your thread!! I'm booked in for a vaginal hysterectomy in August and I'm looking for some honest feedback on recovery. I'm due to travel two weeks later (very low active European country, travel insurance will cover) my surgeon (female) says I will be fine to go but I just wondered what others experiences of recovery were like!! Thanks! @KnockKnockKnockPennyKnockKnockKnockPennyKnock

@AnxiousPixie hope it all goes well! I have had my laparoscopic hysterectomy done now. Not sure if thats the same as vaginal - mine was key hole? But mine was absolutely fine, would highly recommend it. Recovery was an absolute breeze. At worst i felt a bit off for a couple of days but to be honest, i think it was all in my head because i expected it to be worse. I could definitely have gone on holiday two weeks later.

Thanks @Happyhippos21 really helpful! Has put mind at ease!!

Glad yours went well! I can't wait TBH, making me miserable!

I had a hysterectomy (kept my ovaries) at 45 due to continuous heavy periods and fibroids

i had a failed ablation first (uterus was a funny shape)

Due to the fibroids I couldn’t have a key hole hysterectomy but the recovery wasn’t too bad. I do have a prolapse now (5+ years later) but am overweight and had large babies.