Endometrial ablation by mistake

[Confounded]

Fibroids and heavy flooding for years so went to Dr. and referred to gyne.

In the meantime the menopause clicked in. Excessive night sweats, flushing and no periods.

Saw a registrar. Who had to keep running off to the consultant for advice. After several changes of plan the registrar did an ultra sound and found thickening of the womb so wanted a biopsy. Couldn’t take this as my cervic was shut. Recommended a merina coil for fibroids and to take the biopsy at the same time as an urgent procedure! Sent home with a leaflet on the biopsy and the marina coil. I then had to wait 7 weeks.

In the meantime the menopause seemed to stabilise night sweats and flushing subsided, still no periods so no need for the marina coil. I kept the appointment because of the urgent need for the biopsy.

Prior to surgery the consultant took a quick look at my notes whilst I explained that I didn’t want the marina coil. She then appeared to crusade for the pill. I explained that I didn’t want the mini pill either, she then recommended another combined pill. I found this all odd as I have been infertile for 14 years and even if I was pregnant would not consider it unwelcome albeit not sought either. She did mention the endometrial ablation but I thought this was a minor procedure merely there to manage the fibroids, similar to a D&C. It was only the next day when I was well enough to check the implications on the web that I found out what had been done.

Without heavy periods any more I question what all this was about. For me I have effectively been sterilised although I concede that the menopause was in swing anyway. Currently I feel maimed. I have also been forced into a situation where I either take a serious risk (possibly pregnancy) or I use birth control. I have not had to do this for decades.

What was going on? Registrar forgot to mention the ablation or the consultant had a brainstorm modified the treatment pathway and failed to inform the patient properly. I cannot help feeling that with informed consent I would not have offered myself up for any of this.

I just want to write that I am so sorry to read this. others will know Better than me what you could do next if you wanted to complain. If you googled NICE HMB guidelines it should lead you to a very long document which sets out In great detail what should have happened with your treatment and what your options should have been (but perhaps you have already seen this document). I know exactly what you mean about the hard sell on hormone treatments though....

I can't believe how this can have happened. How awful for you:-( Usually you fill in a consent form and are talked through all the options at least twice. I think you need to contact PALS for advice and support.

In the meantime you might want to consider getting another referral to a different gynae and or hospital to arrange a sterilisation. This would normally have been offered at the time of the ablation procedure, it would remove the pregnancy worry and you wouldn't have to put more hormones into your body.

Sorry you've had to go through this.