Best endometrial ablation procedure: Gynecare thermachoice (balloon) versus Novasure

Thank you for the feedback ladies! I really did do my homework and I know it would be unusual to have severe pain weeks after, this was literally for about the first 6-8 hours post-op. Makes sense to me since they are in fact blistering and scaring the lining of your uterus. My doc (30+ years of practice) said it's due to the high level of prostaglandins being released and it can feel akin to labor. Also made sense to me. Now, I have very little to no cramping, just a 'heavy' feeling. My main concern is a total lack of discharge...where is all that stuff??? (I did have a d&c 2 weeks prior to the ablation though) Just curious if anyone else did not have discharge. Thanks again ladies :) It's nice to not feel so alone

Well, I had the ThermaChoice procedure done yesterday in my doctor's office.  I have suffered heavy periods since practically the onset of puberty which have only gotten more irritating after having 2 children...heavy enough flow that pads cannot absorb quick enough and super plus tampons need to be changed about every 15-20 minutes (along with severe abdominal cramping due and clots the size of your thumb).  It's only been 24 hours since I had it done so I can't tell you what my lasting effects will be but I can at least give an idea of what the procedure itself was like for me.

My doc used lidocaine to numb me up, which would have been super effective (that stuff is potent!) but I tend to metabolize narcotics quite fast so by the time the actual procedure started (some 15 or so minutes later by the time they had me dilated enough to insert the balloon catheter and heat the water) I felt a lot of pain and discomfort throughout the 8 minute heat cycle.  My doctor and nurse were extremely comforting and I was able to use breathing methods to work through the pain, but I will tell you that it was AWFUL.

Once all was said and done they got me into a sitting position by raising the table back and had me sit there for several minutes relaxing.  I felt shaky at first but the pain was gone for the moment...I got myself up and dressed about 10 minutes after the procedure ended.  There was a lot of initial discharge and tons of clotting debris where I had sat.

I had my husband come to get me to take me home and by the time I left the office and got into the car the pain was back...I could not get comfortable in the car and I cried the whole way home....awful!  By the time we made the 20 minute drive home I was sick as a dog and threw up in the front yard before making my way into the house, upstairs, and into bed.

The first several hours at home were HORRENDOUS!  The pain was intense...worse that labor and delivery.  I could not stop vomiting either, I was so nauseated.  My hubby called the doctor and he immediately called in 3 meds for me, an anti-nausea, stronger pain meds, and an anti-anxiety to help relax me.  While my hubby and kids ran out to get those I got into the shower to see if the hot water would help me relax...by this point the extreme pain had me hyperventilating which made it all worse.  By the time my hubby got home the shower had helped and I got some meds in me and tucked back into bed.  By dinner time I felt mostly normal.

Now, the next day, I feel okay.  Not too much discharge (yet) and no real pain.  I am still taking my pain meds just to stay on top of things but will probably discontinue that tomorrow.  I'd say my abdomen feels a little hollow and odd but okay.  We'll see what tomorrow brings...

All in all though, if this minimizes or ends my periods I'd do it again.

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And just FYI...the ThermaChoice option is not recommended for those with fibroids/cysts/growths.  My doc was very thorough about testing to be sure I was a good candidate first by performing a pap, a uterine biopsy, a trans-vaginal sonogram, and a sono-histogram before allowing me to have the procedure. 

Also, it is not considered safe to become pregnant afterward.  Pregnancy is dangerous for both mother and child and 2nd trimester pregnancy loss is usually the outcome.  My doc is very adamant that my hubby get a vasectomy in order to prevent the risk of future pregnancy.

I had a thermal ablation in 2005 and had gotten my life back no more torturous periods. By 2009 I had my period back - I had a change of insurances and had to choose new practice. I had a Nova sure procedure that was an epic failure-I'm unemployed at the moment and unable to cover the cost of another shot at a thermal. Nova sure was a complete waste of time or my Dr. Really did a D&C and charged my insurance for a Nova Procedure -because it did Nothing and I'm miserable. 47yrs old. check your doctors success rates.

I went in for the Novasure procedure, they found my uterus was tilted and they were unable to do the Novasure. I had to go back a month later and have the balloon procedure done. So far, my only side effect is the watery discharge which comes in "bursts". Normally the bursts happen when I change positions or get up/down. No period so far :)

covergirl1031 wrote:

Guest wrote:

bbb72 wrote:

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.

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.

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

Everyone is different and experiences differently. I have had csections complications from IVF etc. Today., I had the thermachoice and I am in SO MUCH PAIN. I have been told how high my tolerance tor pain is so don't tell anyone what they should or shouldn't feel.

I had Thermachoice done on 10 August this year as they wanted to avoid doing a hysterectomy because of scare tissue from C sections. I wish I'd put my foot down as I'm now being referred back as an urgent case. I've had nothing but problems: infection, severe cramping and bleeding. I had 4 days without any bleeding, thought I'd turned a corner and had the most horrific weekend.

Jan wrote:

taryn54 wrote:

I am writing on every single Novasure sight I can find to warn you guys! I'm 55 yrs old & had the Novasure ablation done about a year ago. Since then, I had serious pelvic pain, yet no bleeding. I assumed everything was fine and that the pain came from something other than the ablation. I went in to my gyno who did a hysteroscopy & She said because it was a radio frequency burn the Novasure had scarred only the bottom half the endometrium and caused it to stick together. She said the top of the uterus was still bleeding heavily & it couldn't get out through the rest of the uterus that was stuck together. She said she was glad to have seen it because now I have to get yearly hysteroscopys to make sure I don't get uterine cancer!!!! Thank God I went and saw her!! I will warn everyone I know NOT to get a Novasure ablation! I don't know anything else about the other types of ablations, but ask your gynos about whether or not it will cause the uterus to stick to itself!!

I had a thermal ablation in 2005 and had gotten my life back no more torturous periods. By 2009 I had my period back - I had a change of insurances and had to choose new practice. I had a Nova sure procedure that was an epic failure-I'm unemployed at the moment and unable to cover the cost of another shot at a thermal. Nova sure was a complete waste of time or my Dr. Really did a D&C and charged my insurance for a Nova Procedure -because it did Nothing and I'm miserable. 47yrs old. check your doctors success rates.

I had Thermachoice done and Im almost 4 week post op so far so good ... I had it done on the 22nd and my cycle was supposed to come on the 24th of that same month and it done .... I'm looking forward to this cycle that comes on the 23rd to see if they are any changes ..Pain immediately after surgery wasnt terribly bad left after about 12 hours and that was it .. water discharge for about 2 weeks the only thing I was concerned with the mucousy discharge and foul smell ... had my post op exam today he stated all looks well and healthy and this (discharge/smell) could possibly last for 6-8 weeks ..but no infections of any kind ...I am concerned about the logevity of the provedure but if it is only five years or so Im ok with it ...because going through a super plus tampon and overnight pad just about every hour and a half was crazy !!!

I read many of these posts and decided I'd add to them.  I am 40 and had the ThermaChoice ablation due to heavy bleeding and a period that lasted too long.  The birth control pills did not work.  I had an ultrasound to determine the thickness of the uterine lining and it showed I had possible fibroids and/or polyps.  My doctor peformed a uterine biopsy next to determine there was no cancer.  Then she let me decide if I wanted the ablation done or an IUD.  I chose the ablation.  My doctor told me ThermaChoice was the safest method and the only one she uses. That might be something to consider for those who are making a choice between it and Novasure. 

I noticed in another post someone said if you have fibroids or other growths ThermaChoice is not recommended.  I'm not sure why that person said that.  My doctor never mentioned that.  My fibroid was small enough to remove and still perform the ablation.

As a side note, I noticed posts where some people said they were sick from the general anesthesia. For those of you going in for your first surgery with general anesthesia, tell the anesthesiologist that you get nauseated from it (even if you aren't sure), and he or she can adjust things to account for this. Also, if you wake feeling nauseated, ask your nurse for anti-nausea meds. They can put that in your IV. And, be very careful when drinking afterwards.  Take small sips of water or ice chips only. Don't rush things.  I got my anti-nausea meds, still felt dizzy and close to puking after a trip to the toilet, but I did not throw up.  Sitting back with your head leaning back is definitely helpful.

Anyway, my doctor removed the fibroid and performed the ablation.  Upon waking, I had cramping, but it was no worse than really bad period cramps.  Probably a 5 on a 1 to 10 pain scale. I read some posts from women who experienced a lot of pain.  I think it is a person to person thing.  Some people just get more pain.  Just make sure to fill your pain killer prescriptions before you get this done. And also make sure to take a stool softener the night before and continue to take it each night after, as instructed on the bottle.   When I got home, as gross as I felt, I forced a plain piece of toast down so I could take my Ibuprofin 600.  The toast actually made the nausea disappear almost instantly.  After one pain pill, the cramps were over for me.  I consider that fact lucky.

That night and the day after, I had some bleeding and one scary blood clot about 1.5 inches in diameter, but by day three (two days after the procedure), it got clearer with a tinge of pink. It has been one week and so far so good.  I still get small bursts of the almost clear discharge. This happens usually when I stand or make quick movements.  I read that was normal for a few weeks.  My follow-up appointment is near.  I hope this information is helpful for those of you considering this procedure. 

Vfrey77, My doctor said ThermaChoice is the safest and I believe her. I just posted my experience if you would like to check it out on page six. Good luck with your decision!

My doctor provided me with photos of my uterus with the fibroid, after she removed the fibroid, and after she performed the ablation. For those of you going in, tell your doctors you want before and after photos, if possible. This way you do not wonder, like taryn54, if your doctor was shady.

i am not sure if severe medical complications show up anywhere but i ended up in ICU after having an endometrial balloon ablation in Vancouver,BC on feb 29,2008. my uterus was pierced during the D&C prior to the ablation and when the probe was inserted into my uterus, the OB went into my abdominal cavity and proceeded to inflate the thermal balloon. you can guess the damage that was done from that. it perforated my bowel which caused septicemia as well as burned other organs which had to be removed in 4 operations 1 week after my "so called" day surgery. PLEASE think twice before doing any of these procedures and really weigh all the risks and benefits. my chances turned out to be 1 out of 3500 for something horrific to happen. i lived but now have many more problems to live with. good luck

I just had the Thermachoice endometrial ablation performed on November 1. I decided on the treatment because after my last pregnancy in 2010, I found my periods becoming unbearable. I have fibroids (I had them removed via d/c in 2009--thus my getting pregnant) and was bleeding through ultra tampons and overnight pads within an hour. I was feeling light headed and worried that one day I would pass out from lack of blood. The final straw was when I started experiencing breakthrough bleeding a week and a half before my period was to come. Huge clots and just tons of blood. I knew it was time to take action. I'm 39 and I knew we would not have any more kids (we have three already--via c-section) so it seemed like Thermachoice was right for me.

I had it done by my doctor in a hospital setting. I was under twilight sleep and had informed the doctor that had a history of getting nauseated from anesthesia.  They treated that well with an anti-nausea patch as well as drugs through my IV.

However.

The cramping afterward was like nothing I had ever experienced before, and trust me, I'm no wimp! I have a rather high pain tolerance. It was seriously awful. I received two inter-muscular injections. I know one was Demerol. After the second injection and the cramping increasing I began vomiting. I was then given two Vicodin by oral route. Still the pain was incredible. Finally I received Morphine via my IV and I was knocked out. When I woke up an hour later, I was "on top" of the pain and was given another Vicodin. After a half hour I was released.  I was instructed to take prescribed Vicodin one every two hours even to the point of getting up at night so I wouldn't fall behind and experience the cramping again. (Just so you have an idea of how long this went on my surgery was over by Noon. I was not sent home until 5pm due to the pain management issue.)I ended up taking Vicodin for about 24 hours just in case the pain came back. It never did.

I can't imagine being able to go to work the next day. Yesterday I spent sleeping on and off and just sitting. My doctor instructed my husband to give me the "Princess Treatment" for 48 hours. I'm lucky to have him balancing out everything with the kids. I also was told I could not lift anything or drive for four days.

It's been 48 hours since my procedure. I feel a little sick to my stomach but I assume that's from the large amount of pain medication I ingested.  I am also really out of it. I still have twinges of pain in my uterus, nothing horrible though. Just kind of an, "Oh! What's that?" feeling. Just a bit sore or off.

I have the yellowish discharge others have mentioned. It's not gushing out constantly, just trickling out here or there. I did NOT ask for stool softeners, which was a HUGE mistake on my part. If you're taking pain medication afterward, please do yourself a favor and ask for that. It will make a difference for you.

We are supposed to go to Disney World in six days and my doc says I should be just fine. I'm hopeful that will be the case. I will update here if things change. Good luck to everyone who is undergoing this procedure. If this works out for me, then all that pain will have been worth it.

***My sister had this procedure and never experienced the cramping as I did. I'm wondering if it had to do with the fact that I had three prior c-sections? Going to ask my doctor what she thinks when I see her in two weeks.

 

I had a D&C last year due to fibroids and painful sex and some heavy bleeding but only my regular period cycle of 5 to 7 days. After the D&C the pain subsided a little for a few months. The painfuls sex is back. Dr. is saying I need (if I want) to get the endrometrial ablations. What I am really worried about is libido afterwards. Has anyone had low libido (long term) after healing and the okay from the dr. Has your sex drive changed? Have you experienced pain or dryness, etc.?

I had my thermachoice ablation 2 weeks ago today and I started spotting and was pretty heavy overnight. I, as you are, am concerned. I have been cramping also, not really bad but cramping just the same. I tried to call my doctor today but she is out for the Thanksgiving holiday till Monday. I hope that this hasn't been something I have done for nothing.

Hi Angie, I know how you feel and believe me when I say, it is too soon to tell. I had mine done on the 16th of October. The leaking got light week two, then it was back to a pink and heavier week three. Then, it was light again. Week five my period came and only lasted three days and was super light compared to what I endured before the ablation. I still have light yellow discharge going on week six (after the period). My doctor told me to be patient. The uterus is still healing. I also had light cramping on and off like you are describing. Hope that eases your mind. Try to be patient. I know it isn't easy.