I heard about EA maybe a month or two ago, and it sounded like the miracle I've been waiting for my whole life. I don't think I have unrealistic expectations; I know the chances that I'll wind up with NO more period are pretty low, but even a lighter, shorter period would be incredible! I started my period when I was 10 and it's been a nightmare ever since; heavy, heavy bleeding, anemia, horrid cramps, leaks and accidents, aches and pains all over, gross clots, "gushers" when I stand up.
EA sounds a little scary, and frankly some of the stories here are bordering on irresponsible with the way they're trying to freak others out and not consider the procedure at all. As many people point out, you're LESS likely to hear the success stories here, because people are more likely to post when they're having a problem or need to vent about a bad experience. If you're well-informed of the risks and side effects, and you've got a competent doctor, I don't think we should let others scare us away from something that just might provide great relief for a very serious and lifelong problem.
So I just saw my GYN today and asked about EA. She said they offer Thermachoice, and went ahead and drew some blood on the spot to check for anemia and thyroid levels. I have my pelvic ultrasound next Friday, 3/9/12. If all those results come out clear, we'll go forward with the Thermachoice.
The biggest concern for me is the anesthesia; me and general anesthesia do not get along! But nor do I want a narcotics pill and nothing else to help with pain and discomfort. I've had "twilight" anesthesia several times and loved it; quick, easy, felt and remembered nothing, woke up without barfing or feeling loopy like with general. I guess it's up to the doctor in the end (the procedure will be done in the hospital, so it's anyone's guess), but I'll voice my concerns when I see her.
Not really worried about post-op pain, I've had cramps that had me doubled over and ready to vomit, and that's every month for the past 20+ years! A few cramps after the procedure sound like no big deal to me. Heck, the woman who drew my blood this morning hit a nerve in my arm and that HURT like heck and left me with a huge knot of subcutaneous bleeding and a bruise, lol. I've also had natural childbirth, so I KNOW pain!
Anybody who cares to share their experiences, please do! I'm trying to hear as many personal stories as possible. I don't trust all the happy, sunshiney "testimonials" on the procedure's websites. I'd rather hear from real women, whether their stories were good or bad, at least they'll be true!
vfrey77 wrote:
OK, I have to retype my entire post because I was trying to "edit" my last comment to share my story and it timed out... grrr!
I heard about EA maybe a month or two ago, and it sounded like the miracle I've been waiting for my whole life. I don't think I have unrealistic expectations; I know the chances that I'll wind up with NO more period are pretty low, but even a lighter, shorter period would be incredible! I started my period when I was 10 and it's been a nightmare ever since; heavy, heavy bleeding, anemia, horrid cramps, leaks and accidents, aches and pains all over, gross clots, "gushers" when I stand up.
EA sounds a little scary, and frankly some of the stories here are bordering on irresponsible with the way they're trying to freak others out and not consider the procedure at all. As many people point out, you're LESS likely to hear the success stories here, because people are more likely to post when they're having a problem or need to vent about a bad experience. If you're well-informed of the risks and side effects, and you've got a competent doctor, I don't think we should let others scare us away from something that just might provide great relief for a very serious and lifelong problem.
So I just saw my GYN today and asked about EA. She said they offer Thermachoice, and went ahead and drew some blood on the spot to check for anemia and thyroid levels. I have my pelvic ultrasound next Friday, 3/9/12. If all those results come out clear, we'll go forward with the Thermachoice.
The biggest concern for me is the anesthesia; me and general anesthesia do not get along! But nor do I want a narcotics pill and nothing else to help with pain and discomfort. I've had "twilight" anesthesia several times and loved it; quick, easy, felt and remembered nothing, woke up without barfing or feeling loopy like with general. I guess it's up to the doctor in the end (the procedure will be done in the hospital, so it's anyone's guess), but I'll voice my concerns when I see her.
Not really worried about post-op pain, I've had cramps that had me doubled over and ready to vomit, and that's every month for the past 20+ years! A few cramps after the procedure sound like no big deal to me. Heck, the woman who drew my blood this morning hit a nerve in my arm and that HURT like heck and left me with a huge knot of subcutaneous bleeding and a bruise, lol. I've also had natural childbirth, so I KNOW pain!
Anybody who cares to share their experiences, please do! I'm trying to hear as many personal stories as possible. I don't trust all the happy, sunshiney "testimonials" on the procedure's websites. I'd rather hear from real women, whether their stories were good or bad, at least they'll be true!
I am now 16 days post EA (thermachoice-see my previous post) and I met with the Dr yesterday post-op. I am still having "bursts" of pinkish clear liquid and am still wearing pads. The Dr. said this is normal and said actually that my body is still in the "scarring" process and that the longer this goes on typically means the better outcome for the future as far as lighter or no periods. She said she did have one patient that continued the discharge for 6 weeks and she has not had a period--but everyone is different. I told her that last week my color changed from pinkish/clear to more red and she said that was undoubtedly my normal period since I was due to have it at that time and that is also encouraging that it was so light. She seemed very optomistic and I am too. Good luck in your soul searching but for me I wouldn't change a thing--I would do it again tomorrow.
Whitbl - thanks for your post! Can you tell me what the actual procedure was like for you? Did you experience discomfort or pain during or after?
I'm also concerned with the long-term success rate for these procedures. It seems most women are delighted and thrilled for 1-5 years, and then start having the lining "try" to regrow, resulting in pockets of trapped blood and terrible pain every month when their bodies try to menstruate. I've heard more complaints of this type from people who've had Novasure (maybe because it's a 90 second "searing" instead of the gradual "cooking" of Thermachoice?), so that does comfort me a little. And I HOPE that the statistics are better than they seem, and maybe those who have great long-term success are just not posting on forums and message boards simply because they're so happy with their results and have just gone on with their lives.
I'm nervous, but still hoping to get this done.
whitbl wrote:
vfrey77 wrote:
OK, I have to retype my entire post because I was trying to "edit" my last comment to share my story and it timed out... grrr!
I heard about EA maybe a month or two ago, and it sounded like the miracle I've been waiting for my whole life. I don't think I have unrealistic expectations; I know the chances that I'll wind up with NO more period are pretty low, but even a lighter, shorter period would be incredible! I started my period when I was 10 and it's been a nightmare ever since; heavy, heavy bleeding, anemia, horrid cramps, leaks and accidents, aches and pains all over, gross clots, "gushers" when I stand up.
EA sounds a little scary, and frankly some of the stories here are bordering on irresponsible with the way they're trying to freak others out and not consider the procedure at all. As many people point out, you're LESS likely to hear the success stories here, because people are more likely to post when they're having a problem or need to vent about a bad experience. If you're well-informed of the risks and side effects, and you've got a competent doctor, I don't think we should let others scare us away from something that just might provide great relief for a very serious and lifelong problem.
So I just saw my GYN today and asked about EA. She said they offer Thermachoice, and went ahead and drew some blood on the spot to check for anemia and thyroid levels. I have my pelvic ultrasound next Friday, 3/9/12. If all those results come out clear, we'll go forward with the Thermachoice.
The biggest concern for me is the anesthesia; me and general anesthesia do not get along! But nor do I want a narcotics pill and nothing else to help with pain and discomfort. I've had "twilight" anesthesia several times and loved it; quick, easy, felt and remembered nothing, woke up without barfing or feeling loopy like with general. I guess it's up to the doctor in the end (the procedure will be done in the hospital, so it's anyone's guess), but I'll voice my concerns when I see her.
Not really worried about post-op pain, I've had cramps that had me doubled over and ready to vomit, and that's every month for the past 20+ years! A few cramps after the procedure sound like no big deal to me. Heck, the woman who drew my blood this morning hit a nerve in my arm and that HURT like heck and left me with a huge knot of subcutaneous bleeding and a bruise, lol. I've also had natural childbirth, so I KNOW pain!
Anybody who cares to share their experiences, please do! I'm trying to hear as many personal stories as possible. I don't trust all the happy, sunshiney "testimonials" on the procedure's websites. I'd rather hear from real women, whether their stories were good or bad, at least they'll be true!
I am now 16 days post EA (thermachoice-see my previous post) and I met with the Dr yesterday post-op. I am still having "bursts" of pinkish clear liquid and am still wearing pads. The Dr. said this is normal and said actually that my body is still in the "scarring" process and that the longer this goes on typically means the better outcome for the future as far as lighter or no periods. She said she did have one patient that continued the discharge for 6 weeks and she has not had a period--but everyone is different. I told her that last week my color changed from pinkish/clear to more red and she said that was undoubtedly my normal period since I was due to have it at that time and that is also encouraging that it was so light. She seemed very optomistic and I am too. Good luck in your soul searching but for me I wouldn't change a thing--I would do it again tomorrow.
Whitbl - thanks for your post! Can you tell me what the actual procedure was like for you? Did you experience discomfort or pain during or after?
I'm also concerned with the long-term success rate for these procedures. It seems most women are delighted and thrilled for 1-5 years, and then start having the lining "try" to regrow, resulting in pockets of trapped blood and terrible pain every month when their bodies try to menstruate. I've heard more complaints of this type from people who've had Novasure (maybe because it's a 90 second "searing" instead of the gradual "cooking" of Thermachoice?), so that does comfort me a little. And I HOPE that the statistics are better than they seem, and maybe those who have great long-term success are just not posting on forums and message boards simply because they're so happy with their results and have just gone on with their lives.
I'm nervous, but still hoping to get this done.
I am attaching my first post--hopefully this helps!
I was scheduled December 14, 2011 to have a Novasure procedure (46 y/o) for all the same aforementioned reasons. I went in to have my ultrasoound and biopsy which is required before any ablation and was found to have a golf ball sized submucosal fibroid. She (my ob)said that had to go. So I replaced the ablation procedure on 12/14 to Hysteroscopy myomectomy. She said the procedure was a success and it may take care of my symptoms. I had 2 very bad periods after the procedure and she and I decided to proceed with the ablation but now I would have the Thermachoice instead of the novasure for two reasons: 1-now that I have had my uterus cut on it is no longer it's normal shape and 2-more than likely there were other smaller fibroids and the Thermachoice balloon has better coverage of the uterus with those conditions. I had the procedure done 2/15/2012 in the hospital under general anesthetic (she didn't give the choice of in office). I have had several other orthopedic procedures so I am aware of post-op pain. I cannot take pain meds so I was pretty uncomfortable for about 8 hours post op. They gave me Toradol in recovery (that was a blur) and when I got to my post op room I had 2 nurses tell me if I can take Percocet that I should take it. I opted for 600mg of Ibuprofen instead but I don't know if the nausea was from the Toradol or the pain but my stomach was very queasy. They gave me zofran to help with nausea but they still thought I should try percocet. I never really complained of pain but either they could tell from my face or from my blood pressure or a combination that I was uncomfortable. They were SO nice and I felt bad for them because they were trying so hard. Anyway, I went home and laid down for the rest of day with a hot pad on my abdomen (that felt good). I had already planned on working from home the next 2 days which was nice but if push came to shove could have gone back to work. I am now 9 days post op and I am still wearing a panti-liner because of the "bursts" of pinkish/clear liquid which i was told to expect. I was due for my period by now so I am not sure if I will get it or not. It is probably too soon to know if this was successful but just the idea of the possibility still excites me. Good Luck.
bbb72 wrote:
I assist in both procedures at physician office"s. Please be aware of the different uses for these two products. Thermachoice produces very painful cramping post-procedure. Your physician may not either know this or tell you. If you do not have a large uterine cavity or fibroids, I recommend Novasure.Can you tell me which endometrial ablation procedure is best, meaning most effective and safe. My doc performs the Gynecare thermachoice uterine balloon therapy system, but it seems through my research that Novasure may be best. What do you think? I am looking for an unbiased opinion.
oh bull, why would a doctor not tell you what to expect. Are you in the right exam room when this procedure is being done?? I work in the medical field did my homework and spoke to many patients before I had this procedure done myself. There was a tiny bit of cramping but certainly not anywhere as bad a heavy period cramps. We have babies, we can take this small dose of discomfort. i would highly recommend this procedure!!! Good-Luck
Guest wrote:
bbb72 wrote:
I assist in both procedures at physician office"s. Please be aware of the different uses for these two products. Thermachoice produces very painful cramping post-procedure. Your physician may not either know this or tell you. If you do not have a large uterine cavity or fibroids, I recommend Novasure.Can you tell me which endometrial ablation procedure is best, meaning most effective and safe. My doc performs the Gynecare thermachoice uterine balloon therapy system, but it seems through my research that Novasure may be best. What do you think? I am looking for an unbiased opinion.
oh bull, why would a doctor not tell you what to expect. Are you in the right exam room when this procedure is being done?? I work in the medical field did my homework and spoke to many patients before I had this procedure done myself. There was a tiny bit of cramping but certainly not anywhere as bad a heavy period cramps. We have babies, we can take this small dose of discomfort. i would highly recommend this procedure!!! Good-Luck
Thanks for the reply. I don' t really appreciate the "scare tactic" comments. I went with Thermachoice and had moderate cramps afterward, nothing horrible, and they subsided within a few hours. I'm 3 weeks post op today and very happy with my recovery!
I'm about 7 weeks post-op and feel just fine. My 2nd post-op period consisted of spotting, light-moderate bleeding, and NO cramps, which was the biggest miracle of all!
For those who suffer terrible pain after an ablation - there is a lot of ignorance and misinformation out there. When a woman has gynecological issues (adenymosis, endometriosis, fibroids, etc), an ablation is often NOT the best option, because it can aggravate these conditions and make them worse (hence the terrible post-op pain). It's normal to have mild to moderate cramps after an ablation, but if you're in agony, something is wrong, and you need to either pester your doctor OR get a second opinion until you find some answers. In my humble opinion, using ablation to avoid or postpone hysterectomy is rarely successful. The best results are for women who have a mainly healthy uterus, and are looking to control heavy periods, not for women with serious gynecological issues that cause non-menstrual bleeding. No, I'm not a doctor, but I've spent months reading stories and testimonies from women going through ablations, and again and again, I see women with serious medical problems thinking an ablation will be their "miracle cure" only to wind up in horrific pain, bleeding uncontrollably, and winding up with hysterectomies anyway. I don't think it's the womens' faults, I think a lot of doctors are extremely ignorant and ill-informed about this procedure, and they're way too quick to suggest it. Ablation isn't the "cure-all" for all gynecological problems, it's only meant for specific uses and situations!
Also - Erinclpn - your doctor telling you that "the worse the pain, the higher the success rate"?? That's outrageous and completely irresponsible coming from a medical professional! I would never go back to that ob/gyn if I were you. That's a horrible thing to tell a patient AND it's not true! She probably had no idea what to do and was just trying to put you off and make you go home without questioning what was happening to you. That is inexcusable.
We need to INFORM and EDUCATE ourselves, ladies. Whether it's about a common, over-the-counter drug or a serious medical procedure, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Ask questions, do research, don't be afraid to learn about the negative side of things as well; The pharmaceutical industry is all about the money, and doctors are paid to market drugs and tests and procedures to their patients to get the biggest reimbursements from these drug companies. Don't just accept something because a doctor recommends it to you; go learn about it yourself and THEN make an informed decision.
Sorry for getting so preachy, but as you can tell, I feel pretty strongly about this stuff lol.