Well, I just saw MY doc today and it looks like I'll have some surgery in my near future too--I feel your pain! I've been doing online research and what I've discovered (duh!) is that a lot of what you read on the internets is people venting about their situations. While that is important to be able to do, and nice to network with other people who have similar complications, these posters are a SUBset of those who've had that kind of surgery. The HAPPY patients go on with their lives and pretty much quit posting to the forums. Take their concerns with a grain of salt :)

In other words, consider the source. That said, once you've had an ablation, there is no goin' back. I might be tempted to do the Mirena and just see how that works. At least it can be removed, right?

I had a friend who had uterine ablation done. She never talked about anything afterwards so I assume there was no downside. She was hesitant to have it done because it was considered a new treatment at the time. In fact, I think she had it done at a school so it may have even been experimental or still in the testing stage.

I an curious as to why your doctor would suggest the Mirena IUD for heavy bleeding symptoms. My understanding of the Mirena IUD is that it is for women who experience heavy bleeding with IUD use not just heavy bleeding.

Here is the FDA press release on the approval for Mirena prescribed for heavy bleeding in women who choose to use an IUD.

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm184747.htm

Would it not be safer to administer the levonorgestrel in pill form rather than through an IUD? I would imagine that the IUD would exacerbate the bleeding symptoms.

List of Brands containing levonorgestrel:

http://www.wdxcyber.com/ncontr13.htm

Here is a link that might be useful: levonorgestrel in pill form

I know it's not quite what you asked, but are you a candidate for Seasonale/Seasonique? I've been on one form or another of the "quarterly format" for almost ten years now, and this last year-plus (at my gyn's suggestion, she loves this method for women who have tough times with their periods) have gone six months at a time without a visit from Aunt Flo. I learned that gynos have actually been doing this on the sly for decades for women with endometriosis, fibroids,or "just plain" heinous periods. I may switch over to the patch for convenience's sake if my gyn can argue the insurance company into covering the extras. [TMI]Without "Better Living Through Chemistry" I was prone to inconsistent and unpredictable cycles, "flooding" (once ended up being taken by ambulance to the ER because campus "health services" thought I was having a miscarriage, and several extremely embarrassing incidents), anemia, excruciating cramps (almost like labor pains to pass large clots), menstrual migraines, flare-ups of everything from IBS to arthritis, and worst of all destabilization of my bipolar disorder. Twice a month for three days at a time (ovulation and surrounding the onset of menstruation) I was completely off my rocker and living on Xanax.[/TMI] I began using Glad Rags and Moon Pads flannel pads because wearing a heavy pantyliner every day was giving me yeast infections (which I'm prone to anyway, grrrrr) and I would go from zero to soaking in a matter of minutes.

I discussed the ablation surgery with my gyn and she isn't a big fan. She said that it can help with extraordinarily heavy flows but if you had any associated issues with your period before the ablation, they don't go away. You still ovulate, your body still thinks it's having normal periods (spotting and light-to-medium periods where the endometrium isn't completely burned away or the endometrium actually heals instead of scarring are common), and you can still get pregnant (ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening) so you have to stay on some kind of reliable contraception - many women opt for a transvaginal tubal ligation or tubal implant like Essure at the same time they get their ablation.

I have the Mirena IUD, and have loved it. No side effects, no thinking about it, and I haven't had a "monthly event" in about 2 years. I didn't have any issues prior to getting it-- my dr. suggested it because I was terrified of getting pg again, and I had been on the pill for years.
I also work with two women who have had the ablation/cauterization, and they both had very good results and no complications. They were back at work within a day or two. Both of them had been bleeding almost all the time and were becoming very anemic.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Had it done 4 years ago for the same reasons you described. Fabulous. Run, don't walk, to the hospital. Not one side effect. Two of my friends have also had it. No side effects for them either and great results for all us. No period afterwards at all.

dilly, the 3rd option she offered me was that pill, but I am awful about taking pills, so we eliminated that option right away. Most things I've read about the IUD say that it can reduce and even eliminate your periods, for the general population, not just women who have had the prior form of IUD. I really just don't like the long list of side effects, which sound very similar to birth control pill side effects, which I've had bad experiences with in the past (long ago).

Mari, if the Seasonale is anything like a birth control pill (I only know about it from commercials), I can't take it because I have somewhat high blood pressure. I have ovarian cysts that another dr. wanted to give me the Nova-ring for last year, but couldn't because of the BP. I do understand that with the ablation, you still ovulate, have pms, and all of that. Getting pregnant is not really an issue... another long story but my youngest child is adopted. Seconday infertility, blah blah blah.

I'm calling the doctor today to say I want the ablation. The IUD just doesn't feel like it's going to be right for me.

bestyears and I are the only ones who have had it done, and so can speak from personal experience, so far.... and I echo the thoughts, "run, don't walk." I'd do it again in a heartbeat. No worries!

I don't think anyone is sharing TMI.. I enjoy these posts because it's nice to see what others are going through and it's nice that everyone is comfortable enough to do so.

When I 1st started reading posts like these over at citydata's health forum, it answered a lot of questions I had but had no one to ask. I don't speak to my "mother" since 2/2006; nor my 2 sisters; so I have no clue what runs in the family and what anyone is having issues with.

I'm not close with any of my SIL's; but now have them as FB friends due to hubby. I started talking (well messaging) to one; I knew she has had these issues.

She's pretty bad. According to her levels she should be in menopause; but she still bleeds heavy. I hope she doesn't mind me putting this; somewhere around a pad every 20 minutes. Hearing her story, I decided I was bad (for me) but no where near as bad as her. As far as I know, I'm not anemic yet.

She had Ablation in the spring; and while it's worked, her monthly is now back in full force. I asked if she could have it again, she said no. That would be a question I asked my Dr. If it fails, then what? They want to do a hysterectomy on her; she doesn't want to go that route.

When you consider hysterectomy, you then have to make the decision on what they are taking. I've read posts from women that have had good luck leaving their ovaries in so that they get the hormones naturally. Those that had them taken, regret doing so.

My Dr also discussed Mirena; she said that the hormones in it were enough to stop the heavy bleeding for some. I've had an IUD before and would consider the Mirena before having ablation. I'm 44; probably have another 10 years so I would try to do the least invasive 1st.

I had an endometrial ablation done around 17 years ago. My very cautious and conservative doctor recommended it due to all the problems I was having. He did counsel me beforehand and said that there were three possible outcomes: 1) My periods would end, 2) They would lighten and/or regulate, 3) No change if other problems/causes were present. I did it after careful consideration. I was fortunate to be in the #1 category. I went through menopause with some "ordinary" symptoms, like night sweats and irritability, but my periods ended. I don't think it was a very common procedure back then, or not one that was regularly recommended.

I just did a little research and see that there are different procedures for endometrial ablation with slightly different success rates. I know that my friend had the balloon version done. Research the options and the success rates along with side effect for the different procedures. It is very likely though that your doctor only learned one procedure and that is the only one they perform.

"I really just don't like the long list of side effects, which sound very similar to birth control pill side effects, which I've had bad experiences with in the past (long ago)."

The Mirena IS birth control, so the side effects and risks are going to be the same as using both an IUD AND hormonal methods of birth control. If you've had problems with hormonal BC I would not risk Merena. You need to discuss this further with your doctor.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ablation

I am 46, and had it done 4 years ago when I was 42. Definitely one of the best things I have ever done! It was outpatient, and I had some minor cramping that evening and that was it! My periods did not stop, but they lightenened significantly. This year, they have stopped altogether although I had my hormone levels checked and I am not in menopause yet. I highly recommend the surgery. It definitely improved my quality of life, and insurance paid for it.

I had an endometrial ablation several years ago after suffering from a lifetime of horrendous periods (age 43). After the ablation, my periods were significantly lighter for a year. Unfortunately, they came back just as heavy as before. I then opted for a hysterectomy (age 45; kept ovaries). It's been 2yrs since the hysto and so glad to have left that all behind. I believe an ablation; although successful for some, is just delaying the inevitable.

In my early 40s (I just turned 60)I was fighting being anemic to the point of having a blood transfusion and iron shots. I was thrilled when my doctor suggested an ablation. Every thing went fine except my periods did come back after a few months. So I had another ablation!!! That's how much I wanted to end that 'monthly visit'. 2nd surgery went fine. Not a sign of a period since. Life is great. I would do it all over again.

Linda, how long between the 2 surgeries?
My SIL said they won't do another for her.
It was a 1 time thing.

I had an ablation about 6 years ago. I had previously had surgery to remove a couple of fibroids and that helped considerably, but a year later I was still having bleeding issues and I had the ablation. (my doctor had suggested it at the time of the fibroid removal, but I didn't want to do them both at the same time). My periods didn't stop, but I discovered Light tampons, and only needed about 5 of them a month. I haven't heard of women having hormonal problems after ablation. I certainly didn't have any problems with my procedure, which was done with the balloon method. I had cramping for less than 12 hours, then felt fine. You do need to use birth control, because you can conceive, but there is no where for the embryo to implant without the lining, so a pregnancy could be dangerous. I think that it's important to know why you are having bleeding problems. For example,if you have fibroids like I did, an ablation isn't going to remove the underlying problem.

My second ablation was less than a year from the first one. Maybe around 4-6 months even. There was never any question that they would do it again. The second one was actually easier, they struggled getting an IV going with the first one and I became very upset with them. The second time I'm not sure what they did (and I never asked) but I don't even remember getting an IV!!! So they were prepared to knock me out quick. Not having any more periods was worth it. Why, oh why suffer with periods if you are through having children? I haven't been anemic since either. Can you tell I'm happy I had it done?

Thank you Linda. I'm gonna pass that on to my SIL.
Maybe she needs a different Dr.

Of course talk to your doctor about what you have to go through. My mother has bleeding problems and has been severely anemic (hemoglobin as low as 7). They wanted to scope her first and then have her come back at a later time for the ablation. She still has not paid off the 30% co-pay for the scoping. I do not think this is standard though.

Since dh has been fixed, I would jump at the chance of having an ablation. I type reports of them all the time and when I compare that simple procedure to the monthly visitor for the next 20 years, I would jump at the chance for an ablation.

They wanted to scope her first and then have her come back at a later time for the ablation.

I think that this is important. They need to know the cause of the bleeding. Ablation does not fix all bleeding problems.

yes, it is very important to rule out all other problems that could cause bleeding/anemia. I remember having tons of tests done, I had hoses coming at me from all directions :) Once everything else is ruled out then is the time to discuss ablation.

Had lots of blood tests, a pelvic ultrasound, etc. Everything was normal (well, except for the anemia). The dr. also said they would probably do an endometrial biopsy prior to the ablation. Ick, I had an endometrial biopsy many years ago and nearly passed out from the pain. Not looking forward to any of this! But in the end, I do think it will be worth it.

My SIL was over a week ago for our Thanksgiving. We talked some about her ablation; she said so far the bleeding is gone again.

The Dr said the bleeding she had could be a one time thing; and so far, that's what it looks like it was.