Guest guest Posted February 21, 2002 Report Share Posted February 21, 2002 Can everyone on this list who has had an endometrial ablation, tell me of their experience with it? And what kind you had, like a rollerball, or laser. I might be having one next month and would really like to know what to expect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2002 Report Share Posted April 12, 2002 Does anyone in this group have any personal experience w/ endometrial ablation. My doctor has recommended it - in conjunction w/ a D & C to excise a small fibroid in my uterus - in the hope that it'll stop my heavy, persistent bleeding. I've started to do some reading on the subject - it sounds a little gruesome and I wonder about its long term effects. Anyway, if you've had an ablation and can share your experience.... Or if you just have information about it - I'd be grateful. Thanks, Robyn > Had my UAE last October. My uterus was 20-week size with dozens of > fibroids, the largest being 9cm. A sonogram at 3 months after, showed > a 30% reduction overall with the largest fibroid being 6cm. > > I had an immediate difference in the amount of blood loss, level of > pain and problems urinating. The most distressing thing for me prior > to the procedure was the pain, fatigue, problems urinating and lack of > sleep. > > The level of pain has continued to decrease. Now I have, > comparatively, minor discomfort at times. I bleed heavily for two > days during my period now as opposed to four or five with heavy > clotting. They have stayed at the same regularity, every 25 days, as > before the UAE. I can sleep for several hours at a time. I usually > get up and use the bathroom if I happen to wake up because the IR told > me my ureters were grossly enlarged. > > My uterus extended above my belly button six months ago. It is > definitely below there now. However, I was hoping to have lost some > weight and have a flatter tummy by now. The clothes are a little > looser, but I guess I need to work harder in that area. > > However, I have recovered a much better quality of life and for that > reason I am very satisfied with my decision to have the UAE. I cannot > report a single negative effect beyond the initial recovery period of > two weeks. And that was pretty much what I had expected, pain that > was manageable, low-grade fever and exhaustion. It was definitely > worth it. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2002 Report Share Posted April 12, 2002 Does anyone in this group have any personal experience w/ endometrial ablation. My doctor has recommended it - in conjunction w/ a D & C to excise a small fibroid in my uterus - in the hope that it'll stop my heavy, persistent bleeding. I've started to do some reading on the subject - it sounds a little gruesome and I wonder about its long term effects. Anyway, if you've had an ablation and can share your experience.... Or if you just have information about it - I'd be grateful. Thanks, Robyn > Had my UAE last October. My uterus was 20-week size with dozens of > fibroids, the largest being 9cm. A sonogram at 3 months after, showed > a 30% reduction overall with the largest fibroid being 6cm. > > I had an immediate difference in the amount of blood loss, level of > pain and problems urinating. The most distressing thing for me prior > to the procedure was the pain, fatigue, problems urinating and lack of > sleep. > > The level of pain has continued to decrease. Now I have, > comparatively, minor discomfort at times. I bleed heavily for two > days during my period now as opposed to four or five with heavy > clotting. They have stayed at the same regularity, every 25 days, as > before the UAE. I can sleep for several hours at a time. I usually > get up and use the bathroom if I happen to wake up because the IR told > me my ureters were grossly enlarged. > > My uterus extended above my belly button six months ago. It is > definitely below there now. However, I was hoping to have lost some > weight and have a flatter tummy by now. The clothes are a little > looser, but I guess I need to work harder in that area. > > However, I have recovered a much better quality of life and for that > reason I am very satisfied with my decision to have the UAE. I cannot > report a single negative effect beyond the initial recovery period of > two weeks. And that was pretty much what I had expected, pain that > was manageable, low-grade fever and exhaustion. It was definitely > worth it. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2002 Report Share Posted April 12, 2002 Does anyone in this group have any personal experience w/ endometrial ablation. My doctor has recommended it - in conjunction w/ a D & C to excise a small fibroid in my uterus - in the hope that it'll stop my heavy, persistent bleeding. I've started to do some reading on the subject - it sounds a little gruesome and I wonder about its long term effects. Anyway, if you've had an ablation and can share your experience.... Or if you just have information about it - I'd be grateful. Thanks, Robyn > Had my UAE last October. My uterus was 20-week size with dozens of > fibroids, the largest being 9cm. A sonogram at 3 months after, showed > a 30% reduction overall with the largest fibroid being 6cm. > > I had an immediate difference in the amount of blood loss, level of > pain and problems urinating. The most distressing thing for me prior > to the procedure was the pain, fatigue, problems urinating and lack of > sleep. > > The level of pain has continued to decrease. Now I have, > comparatively, minor discomfort at times. I bleed heavily for two > days during my period now as opposed to four or five with heavy > clotting. They have stayed at the same regularity, every 25 days, as > before the UAE. I can sleep for several hours at a time. I usually > get up and use the bathroom if I happen to wake up because the IR told > me my ureters were grossly enlarged. > > My uterus extended above my belly button six months ago. It is > definitely below there now. However, I was hoping to have lost some > weight and have a flatter tummy by now. The clothes are a little > looser, but I guess I need to work harder in that area. > > However, I have recovered a much better quality of life and for that > reason I am very satisfied with my decision to have the UAE. I cannot > report a single negative effect beyond the initial recovery period of > two weeks. And that was pretty much what I had expected, pain that > was manageable, low-grade fever and exhaustion. It was definitely > worth it. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2002 Report Share Posted April 13, 2002 Perhaps Robyn's doctor does not have the trainig and skills to do hysteroscopic procedures and therefore would do the " blind " D & C procedure. If that is the case Robyn should ask to be referred to someone who has the experience and training to do the hysteroscopic resection. > Hi, Robyn, > > We've had other women here to whom it's been recommended that they have both a hysteroscopic resection (removing a submucosal fibroid during a D & C done with minature instruments and a mini-camera that let's the doctor see the inside of the uterus) and an ablation. Personally, I think this is overkill. Even small submucosal fibroids (fibroids on the inner surface of the uterus) can cause heavy bleeding and clotting. Usually removal of these fibroids makes a big difference. My suggestion would be to have the hysteroscopic resection (which is what I think your doctor is talking about) and then wait a few months to see how the bleeding situation is. > > Ablation removes the entire endometrial lining of the uterus. Some recent research has shown that bleeding reoccurs down the road following ablation for some women. > > Since any vaginal bleeding post-menopause is an early warning sign that something such as cancer may be occuring in the uterus, and since ablation may cause the loss of such a warning sign, it can also leave a woman with cancer for a longer period before discovery. > > Just my two cents. > Leonie > > > __________________________________________________________________ > Your favorite stores, helpful shopping tools and great gift ideas. Experience the convenience of buying online with Shop@Netscape! http://shopnow.netscape.com/ > > Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2002 Report Share Posted April 13, 2002 Perhaps Robyn's doctor does not have the trainig and skills to do hysteroscopic procedures and therefore would do the " blind " D & C procedure. If that is the case Robyn should ask to be referred to someone who has the experience and training to do the hysteroscopic resection. > Hi, Robyn, > > We've had other women here to whom it's been recommended that they have both a hysteroscopic resection (removing a submucosal fibroid during a D & C done with minature instruments and a mini-camera that let's the doctor see the inside of the uterus) and an ablation. Personally, I think this is overkill. Even small submucosal fibroids (fibroids on the inner surface of the uterus) can cause heavy bleeding and clotting. Usually removal of these fibroids makes a big difference. My suggestion would be to have the hysteroscopic resection (which is what I think your doctor is talking about) and then wait a few months to see how the bleeding situation is. > > Ablation removes the entire endometrial lining of the uterus. Some recent research has shown that bleeding reoccurs down the road following ablation for some women. > > Since any vaginal bleeding post-menopause is an early warning sign that something such as cancer may be occuring in the uterus, and since ablation may cause the loss of such a warning sign, it can also leave a woman with cancer for a longer period before discovery. > > Just my two cents. > Leonie > > > __________________________________________________________________ > Your favorite stores, helpful shopping tools and great gift ideas. Experience the convenience of buying online with Shop@Netscape! http://shopnow.netscape.com/ > > Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2002 Report Share Posted April 13, 2002 Perhaps Robyn's doctor does not have the trainig and skills to do hysteroscopic procedures and therefore would do the " blind " D & C procedure. If that is the case Robyn should ask to be referred to someone who has the experience and training to do the hysteroscopic resection. > Hi, Robyn, > > We've had other women here to whom it's been recommended that they have both a hysteroscopic resection (removing a submucosal fibroid during a D & C done with minature instruments and a mini-camera that let's the doctor see the inside of the uterus) and an ablation. Personally, I think this is overkill. Even small submucosal fibroids (fibroids on the inner surface of the uterus) can cause heavy bleeding and clotting. Usually removal of these fibroids makes a big difference. My suggestion would be to have the hysteroscopic resection (which is what I think your doctor is talking about) and then wait a few months to see how the bleeding situation is. > > Ablation removes the entire endometrial lining of the uterus. Some recent research has shown that bleeding reoccurs down the road following ablation for some women. > > Since any vaginal bleeding post-menopause is an early warning sign that something such as cancer may be occuring in the uterus, and since ablation may cause the loss of such a warning sign, it can also leave a woman with cancer for a longer period before discovery. > > Just my two cents. > Leonie > > > __________________________________________________________________ > Your favorite stores, helpful shopping tools and great gift ideas. Experience the convenience of buying online with Shop@Netscape! http://shopnow.netscape.com/ > > Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2002 Report Share Posted April 13, 2002 Hi Robin, I had a rollerblade ablation. It will be 4 years ago this summer. My (former) doctor had basically the same plan as yours. He was going to either remove the fibroid hysteroscopically or scrape it down flat to the uterine wall and then to the ablation. During the surgery, he did not find the fibroids so he just did the ablation. I've had a few bumps along the road but I would do the procedure over again if needed. My bleeding went from 14 to 18 days down to 5 or 6 days. It is VERY light bleeding. You can read more about it on my webpage (thefibroidplace.com) or just post a message. Donna > > > Does anyone in this group have any personal experience w/ endometrial > ablation? My doctor has recommended it - in conjunction w/ a D & C to > excise a small fibroid in my uterus - in the hope that it'll stop my > heavy, persistent bleeding. I've started to do some reading on the > subject - it sounds a little gruesome and I wonder about its long term > effects. > Anyway, if you've had an ablation and can share your experience.... Or > if you just have information about it - I'd be grateful. > Thanks, Robyn\\ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2002 Report Share Posted April 13, 2002 Hi Robin, I had a rollerblade ablation. It will be 4 years ago this summer. My (former) doctor had basically the same plan as yours. He was going to either remove the fibroid hysteroscopically or scrape it down flat to the uterine wall and then to the ablation. During the surgery, he did not find the fibroids so he just did the ablation. I've had a few bumps along the road but I would do the procedure over again if needed. My bleeding went from 14 to 18 days down to 5 or 6 days. It is VERY light bleeding. You can read more about it on my webpage (thefibroidplace.com) or just post a message. Donna > > > Does anyone in this group have any personal experience w/ endometrial > ablation? My doctor has recommended it - in conjunction w/ a D & C to > excise a small fibroid in my uterus - in the hope that it'll stop my > heavy, persistent bleeding. I've started to do some reading on the > subject - it sounds a little gruesome and I wonder about its long term > effects. > Anyway, if you've had an ablation and can share your experience.... Or > if you just have information about it - I'd be grateful. > Thanks, Robyn\\ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2002 Report Share Posted April 13, 2002 Hi Robin, I had a rollerblade ablation. It will be 4 years ago this summer. My (former) doctor had basically the same plan as yours. He was going to either remove the fibroid hysteroscopically or scrape it down flat to the uterine wall and then to the ablation. During the surgery, he did not find the fibroids so he just did the ablation. I've had a few bumps along the road but I would do the procedure over again if needed. My bleeding went from 14 to 18 days down to 5 or 6 days. It is VERY light bleeding. You can read more about it on my webpage (thefibroidplace.com) or just post a message. Donna > > > Does anyone in this group have any personal experience w/ endometrial > ablation? My doctor has recommended it - in conjunction w/ a D & C to > excise a small fibroid in my uterus - in the hope that it'll stop my > heavy, persistent bleeding. I've started to do some reading on the > subject - it sounds a little gruesome and I wonder about its long term > effects. > Anyway, if you've had an ablation and can share your experience.... Or > if you just have information about it - I'd be grateful. > Thanks, Robyn\\ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 15, 2002 Report Share Posted April 15, 2002 In a D & C the doctor dilates the cervix so that he/she can insert a curette to scrape the interior of the uterus. This is done without the doctor being able to see the inside of the uterus. In a hysteroscopic procedure the uterus is filled with a liquid to expand it and a tiny camera is inserted inside. This way the doctor is able to see exactly what is in there and can see what they are doing. It does take special skills to do these procedures, and not all gyns are have the training. So basically, the hysteroscopy is a more high tech procedure. > > > Hi, Robyn, > > > > > > We've had other women here to whom it's been recommended that they > > have both a hysteroscopic resection (removing a submucosal fibroid > > during a D & C done with minature instruments and a mini-camera that > > let's the doctor see the inside of the uterus) and an ablation. > > Personally, I think this is overkill. Even small submucosal > > fibroids (fibroids on the inner surface of the uterus) can cause > > heavy bleeding and clotting. Usually removal of these fibroids > > makes a big difference. My suggestion would be to have the > > hysteroscopic resection (which is what I think your doctor is > > talking about) and then wait a few months to see how the bleeding > > situation is. > > > > > > Ablation removes the entire endometrial lining of the uterus. > > Some recent research has shown that bleeding reoccurs down the road > > following ablation for some women. > > > > > > Since any vaginal bleeding post-menopause is an early warning sign > > that something such as cancer may be occuring in the uterus, and > > since ablation may cause the loss of such a warning sign, it can > > also leave a woman with cancer for a longer period before > > discovery. > > > > > > Just my two cents. > > > Leonie > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________________________ > > > Your favorite stores, helpful shopping tools and great gift ideas. > > Experience the convenience of buying online with Shop@Netscape! > > http://shopnow.netscape.com/ > > > > > > Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today at > > http://webmail.netscape.com/ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 15, 2002 Report Share Posted April 15, 2002 In a D & C the doctor dilates the cervix so that he/she can insert a curette to scrape the interior of the uterus. This is done without the doctor being able to see the inside of the uterus. In a hysteroscopic procedure the uterus is filled with a liquid to expand it and a tiny camera is inserted inside. This way the doctor is able to see exactly what is in there and can see what they are doing. It does take special skills to do these procedures, and not all gyns are have the training. So basically, the hysteroscopy is a more high tech procedure. > > > Hi, Robyn, > > > > > > We've had other women here to whom it's been recommended that they > > have both a hysteroscopic resection (removing a submucosal fibroid > > during a D & C done with minature instruments and a mini-camera that > > let's the doctor see the inside of the uterus) and an ablation. > > Personally, I think this is overkill. Even small submucosal > > fibroids (fibroids on the inner surface of the uterus) can cause > > heavy bleeding and clotting. Usually removal of these fibroids > > makes a big difference. My suggestion would be to have the > > hysteroscopic resection (which is what I think your doctor is > > talking about) and then wait a few months to see how the bleeding > > situation is. > > > > > > Ablation removes the entire endometrial lining of the uterus. > > Some recent research has shown that bleeding reoccurs down the road > > following ablation for some women. > > > > > > Since any vaginal bleeding post-menopause is an early warning sign > > that something such as cancer may be occuring in the uterus, and > > since ablation may cause the loss of such a warning sign, it can > > also leave a woman with cancer for a longer period before > > discovery. > > > > > > Just my two cents. > > > Leonie > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________________________ > > > Your favorite stores, helpful shopping tools and great gift ideas. > > Experience the convenience of buying online with Shop@Netscape! > > http://shopnow.netscape.com/ > > > > > > Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today at > > http://webmail.netscape.com/ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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