To Ablate or Not?

[Allies40]

I have a question for those of you who have had Uterine Ablation. I read SandraCT's thread and I have a question.
I'm going to the Gyno on Friday to set up the surgery and I'm unsure of whether or not I should do it.
I'm 41 and I've had heavy periods for 5 years now. It's gotten to the point that I have to wear double protection for the first 2 days of my period. Now my period is coming more frequently, every 25 days. Before I get my period, my IC really hurts. I know that in the next 10 years, I'll be in Menopause and my periods will end.
After reading a lot of your posts, it sounds like Ablation brings on IC flares. How long do these last?
If you all had the choice again, would you do ablation or not?
Thanks for any info you all can give me!
-Allison

[gopher7895]

I had NovaSure in March '06. My periods got progressively lighter after and stopped last September. Although the ablation was a success in ending my periods, my IC symptoms started right after I woke up from it. I developed a severe infection and vaginal abscess which is extremely rare. Somehow this all triggered my IC to begin. My doctor has done the procedure hundreds of times and I'm the only one who ever had a complication or so he says.

I wonder if your hormones are what make your IC worse before you get your period. Even though I don't bleed every month, I still get all the PMS symptoms just as I always did. My hormones haven't changed so I get breast tenderness and bloated still. The only difference is the lining of my uterus is gone so it doesn't build up and shed itself. Since I didn't have IC before I had it done I can't compare symptoms before and after. Hopefully someone else chimes in to fill you in on that.

I wish I never would have had it done. I had no idea I'd be the rare exception who ended up with a problem. Statistically it's a very safe procedure and I researched it well as I'm sure you have too. Good luck and post back what you decide.

[Michelle in KC]

I'm n the same boat and considering it as well. But I don't want to steal your post, so i'm gonna post under another string.

Michelle.

[jen48446]

I had this done in 2005. It threw my hormone more out of whack than they beforehand. If you can, get all your hormone levels checked (3 estrogens, progesterone, dhea & testosterone) & go from there. However if you're "in range" most doctors won't pursue it, I recommend finding someone experienced in this area. I feel this will help most of us more than a surgery will.

I only spot for 2 days now which is nice. If you're unsure, don't do it til you are, that phillsophy has taken me pretty far!

:smile tee:angel::cat:

[calypsogirl]

Hi:
I have had heavy period my whole life been on and off so many pills bcp and other hormones. I am the stage where they don't want to do bcps so i just deal with it. My gyn brings it up every year and I just say no, and he just shakes his head, telling me he is hear to help me and I hire him stuff. I had a hydro with diasterous results several years ago, and haven't had any surgery since (over distended/ bleed). Plus I don't have insurance.