Hysterectomy or coil or pill

[Rainagainandagain]

I had to be hospitalised for severe symptomatic anaemia. Had 4 units transfused and iron transfusion. I had tests to find cause of bleeding. Had hysteroscopy that identified thick endometrial lining and polyps. I have always had heavy periods I thought they were normal as friends and colleagues have always said they have peruod trouble but every person's normal is different. Mine have always been heavy since i was 12. I was offered Coil but didn't want something that if I had side effects I can't just stop ot that easy. I don't fancy the mini pill as I heard it can make you bleed . I'm thinking of self funding hysterectomy to prevent anaemia as dread periods each month as I have terrible flooding. NHS won't give me hysterectomy as I don't have children and it can be helped be provera??. Over 45 as well ?!?! Anyone else had this and had hysterectomy?

You're over 45 and they're not giving you a hysterectomy because you may want children?? That can't be serious.

In my case, I'm offered a hysterectomy rather than a more precise treatment for my problem because I'm over 43 and considered beyond children.

I understand your point about not being able to take out a coil in good time if it doesn't suit you, but a hysterectomy is even more permanent. I'd probably try the least permanent option first and then move to the others if necessary.

I had a hysterectomy on the NHS in December, slightly different circumstances but I found I had to show them that I’d tried everything. I didn’t want the coil but trying (it failed to resolve the problem) everything they suggested seemed to move things along. Trying things obviously slows things down but I didn’t have the money to self fund. No regrets, it’s amazing living without constant pain and bleeding. I’ve had a smooth recovery and no ill effects. There is a great FB group ‘hysterectomy sisters uk’ that I’d recommend for insights into other people’s journeys if that is what you are looking for.

Thank you. I am fed up of the pain and bleeding every month. I felt rather fobbed off and was very very shocked when they suggested over 45 pregnancy!! Though a school friend recently had her first baby at 47! IVF I guess. Another lass had her 5th at 45..! So maybe its not as unusual as I thought. But not for me!

The NHS would give you Provera (and why would this work?) but not a hysterectomy?!.

I would see a gynae as a private patient for an initial consultation and from there establish exactly why the bleeding is so heavy. Fibroids and endometriosis to name but two can cause heavy bleeding to arise. You need a diagnosis first and foremost and I certainly understand why you would want a hysterectomy in these circumstances. Women should not have to jump through so many hoops to receive the treatment they need.

@Rainagainandagain Depo didn't work for me, and I still bled constantly. Neither did the Mirena. A particularly large clot pushed it out early one morning. It wasn't in place properly either due to the fibroids and or polyps.
I had a full hysterectomy two years ago aged 52 and it was one of the best things I've ever done. I was very anaemic and had had several iron infusion and one transfusion over about 5 years prior to the operation

Thank you. I am considering self funding for a total hysterectomy as I have a 8cm cyst on ovary too. I have discussed with a private consultant who hopefully agree to performing hysterectomy. I feel silly as I said to him I think my periods are normal but feel stupid as since then I had the nhs hysteroscopy and I was told i would be expected to have heavy periods. I have since read a "normal" flow is 60ml or 4 tablespoons. Gees! I must lose about 5 times more than that and then some!! I have to get the horrible big maxi bodyform ladypads and change evry hour on the first two days amd have to sleep in spare room with bath towels on bed as a just in case. I don't want to try the pill or mirena as I don't want the periods at all as I can't stand the pain in stomach and legs the embarrassment and feeling of flooding and not being able to do things when it's that time if month. Thanks for helping me finalise my decision.

I agree. I've had this for years since I was 14! Male GP when i said periods are heavy he just said its just the way your body is. Another man GP Said its probably PMS. Then the same male GP said it will be vitamin shortage and gave me B6 vitamins. Went to see a female GP and she sent me for ultrasound which didn't show anything. Then she said oh smear is normal and said to me take ibuprofen and it will make period lighter. I had to call the first aider at work several times when in my 30s as near passing out with pain from period. The ladies at work there were older than me and all said oh yes I get that and bad pain so I always thought things were normal. I had a hysteroscopy that took away polyps bit still heard results yet.
I don't know what Provera is it me in pill? its on my discharge letter for GP. It just says "Provera? ".
I wish I had pushed more but back when I was young there was no internet and I was so quiet back then..

I would suggest you see an NHS gynaecologist privately and see if they are willing/able to get the hysterectomy done on the NHS. Do some research to try and find a surgeon who is known to be proactive and has a track record for facilitating this kind of private to NHS transfer.

I'm way into menopause and I had a bleed. Red Flag! Gynae was going to do a hysteroscopy d+c, but on the day changed it to a TCRE which is transcervical resection of endometrium. I had hyperplasia (thickened lining) and polyps which were removed. I'm awaiting pathology now.

TCRE procedure is often done for heavy bleeding and removal of polyps instead of hysterectomy. Maybe check it out. Here's some information on hyperplasia.

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometrial-hyperplasia

Thank i will need to do this as I am living life around periods and it's not good. I need hysterectomy or something because I will be anaemic again in no time.

I think the coil has a bad press generally. But it works well for me and I enjoy not having periods. It’s usually easy enough to get it removed at your local gum clinic if it doesn’t work out. But most people I know who have it, like it.

Thank you. I appreciate your comments thanks. I was told by gynaecology lady to try the coil but thought it might be painful

Ooo! Thank you so much! This sounds what I need!

A decent nurse would stop if you were not happy to go through with the procedure due to pain. I had a couple of good painkillers beforehand and it was fine. I’ve had more uncomfortable smears. I would recommend going to a gum clinic where the staff are really experienced. I think they don’t offer of in GP practice, routinely, anyway.